Renting a motorbike for the northern areas is straightforward: several established operators in Islamabad and within Gilgit-Baltistan itself hire out bikes suited to mountain roads, usually with a refundable deposit and basic insurance included. This guide covers where to rent, what a rental typically costs, what to check before you ride off, and one-way options if you don't want to return to your starting point.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where to hire | Islamabad (before you travel) or Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu (once there) |
| Typical bikes | Honda CG 125, Suzuki GS 150, Yamaha YBR 125 |
| Deposit | A refundable security bond, commonly a few thousand rupees |
| Insurance | Comprehensive cover on the bike is standard with established operators; personal injury and travel insurance is usually on you |
| Fuel policy | Bikes are usually handed over full and expected back full |
Renting in Islamabad or once you arrive
Both options work. Renting in Islamabad, through operators such as Pakistan Bikers, means you start the trip on your bike straight away and can build in a day to get used to it on flatter roads first. Renting once you're in Gilgit-Baltistan, through local operators in Gilgit, Hunza or Skardu (Karakoram Bikers and North on Wheels are two that operate in the region), means you skip the two-day road trip north on a rented bike and start closer to the mountain riding itself, which suits anyone flying in.
Some operators offer one-way rental, letting you pick up in one town and drop off in another for an extra fee, which is worth asking about if your route doesn't loop back to where you started.
What a rental costs
As one Gilgit-Baltistan operator's published 2026 rates show, a Honda CG 125 runs at around PKR 3,500 a day for the first two weeks, dropping for longer hires, and a Suzuki GS 150 at around PKR 5,000 a day on the same sliding scale, plus roughly PKR 1,000 a day extra for carrying a pillion. Rates vary between operators and change over time, so treat this as an example rather than a quote, and confirm the current price and what it includes before you book.
Most established operators ask for a refundable security bond, commonly in the low thousands of rupees, taken at pickup and returned (minus any damage beyond normal wear) when you bring the bike back.
Insurance: what's covered and what isn't
Reputable rental operators carry comprehensive insurance on the bike itself, covering loss, damage and third-party liability, so a genuine accident or theft doesn't leave you facing the full cost of the machine. That cover does not extend to you: personal injury and medical costs are your own responsibility, so bring your own travel insurance, and check specifically that it covers motorcycling, since some general travel policies exclude it. Our travel insurance guide covers what to look for in a policy for this kind of trip.
Checking the bike before you ride off
A proper operator will do a pre-hire condition check with you, noting existing scratches and damage so you're not blamed for them later; insist on this if it isn't offered. Before you leave the yard:
- Test both brakes, front and back, at low speed before you're on the open road.
- Check tyre tread and pressure, particularly if you're heading for gravel or a jeep track.
- Confirm the fuel level in writing or a photo, since most operators deduct from your deposit if the tank isn't full on return.
- Ask what happens if the bike breaks down on the road: whether the operator sends help, and what you're liable for versus normal wear.
- Take your own photos of the bike from all sides before you leave, as a record independent of the operator's paperwork.
Matching the bike to your route
A 125cc bike is fine for the paved Karakoram Highway and shorter local rides, but struggles more on steep climbs like Babusar Pass; see our 125cc bike touring guide for what a small engine can and can't manage. A 150cc bike such as the Suzuki GS 150 copes better with altitude, a pillion rider or a loaded pannier, and is worth the extra daily cost if your route includes a high pass or a long day in the saddle.
Is renting better than bringing your own bike?
For most visitors flying into Gilgit or Skardu, yes: renting locally avoids transporting a bike and puts you on a machine already set up for the terrain and altitude. If you're already riding north from Islamabad or Lahore on your own bike, there's little reason to swap it for a rental unless yours isn't suited to the climbs. Either way, get whatever bike you're using properly checked over before you start.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to rent in Islamabad or in Gilgit-Baltistan?
Rates are broadly similar, so the bigger factor is convenience: renting locally in Gilgit or Skardu saves riding a rental for two days each way on the road north.
Do I need a motorcycle licence to rent a bike in Pakistan?
Yes, a valid motorcycle licence is expected by legitimate rental operators, and Pakistani riders should carry their CNIC and licence together when hiring.
What happens if the rented bike is damaged or stolen?
With an operator that carries comprehensive insurance, loss and damage beyond normal wear is generally covered, though you may still lose some or all of your deposit depending on the circumstances. Confirm this in writing before you take the bike.
Can I do a one-way rental instead of returning to where I started?
Some operators allow it for an extra fee, useful if your trip runs Islamabad to Gilgit, for example, rather than looping back. Ask specifically when you book, since not every operator offers it.
What size bike should I rent for Babusar Pass or the Karakoram Highway?
A 150cc bike such as the Suzuki GS 150 handles the climbs and altitude more comfortably than a 125, especially with a pillion rider or luggage. A 125 can manage it too, but with more effort and a lighter load.
