Mountain biking in Pakistan centres on two places. Near Islamabad, the jeep tracks and trails of the Margalla Hills are ridden for most of the year outside the summer heat, and Islamabad hosts the national mountain bike races. In the north, the gravel roads of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Deosai Plains at about 4,114 metres are a summer adventure from June to September. Bike rental is scarce, so most riders bring their own bike.
This guide covers the main riding areas, the race calendar, clubs and what to bring. Road touring on the paved Karakoram Highway has its own guide, linked below.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Nearest trails to a city | Margalla Hills, Islamabad |
| Margalla season | October to April; early mornings only in summer |
| Northern season | June to September |
| Deosai season | Summer only, roughly July to September |
| Altitude on Deosai | Average about 4,114 m |
| National races | Islamabad MTB Cup (December), Naran MTB Race (June) |
| Rentals | Very limited; bring your own bike |
Where can you go mountain biking near Islamabad?
The Margalla Hills, the national park on Islamabad's northern edge, are where most Pakistani mountain bikers learn. The unpaved tracks around the hills give real off-road riding within a few minutes of the city sectors.
The best known off-road route among local riders crosses the range through a gap at Kot Jandaan, reached from the E-9 and E-10 side of the city, and returns by way of Shah Allah Ditta. It is steep, rocky and much harder than the paved climb up to Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa. For a bigger day, the Margalla Ridge Trail runs about 44 km along the ridgeline from Shah Allah Ditta to Summa in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It opened in November 2018 and mixes jeep tracks, technical trail and short paved stretches.
A few ground rules apply:
- The numbered hiking trails are for walkers. The popular numbered trails are crowded at weekends, and riding fast through families on foot is unsafe and unwelcome. Stick to jeep tracks and the less-used routes.
- The park closes trails after heavy rain and sometimes in the fire season. Check notices from the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board before you go.
- Ride in a group. Phone signal is patchy behind the first ridge, and a broken chain far from a road is a long walk.
If you ride road or gravel rather than true trails, our guide to cycling in Islamabad covers Margalla Road, the city tracks and the lake loops. For the walking routes and how busy each one gets, see our Margalla Hills trails guide.
Can you mountain bike on the Deosai Plains?
Yes, and it is the most memorable ride in the country. Deosai is a high plateau about 30 km from Skardu with an average altitude of about 4,114 metres, crossed by a gravel track with stream crossings, open grassland and wildflowers in summer. It is only passable in the warm months, because snow covers it for most of the year.
The obvious route climbs from Skardu past Sadpara, crosses the plateau to Sheosar Lake and descends towards Astore. Riders who don't want to arrange a pick-up at the far end camp on the plateau and ride out and back. In August 2025 the Skardu-based Baltistan Cycling Club reported riding a new route from Deosai down to the Kharmang valley, over ground as high as 4,565 metres.
Things to plan for on Deosai:
- Altitude. You start breathless before you start pedalling. Spend a night or two in Skardu first, and turn back if anyone gets a bad headache or nausea.
- Weather. Afternoon storms bring hail and cold even in August. Carry a waterproof and a warm layer.
- Bears. Deosai is home to the Himalayan brown bear, with about 78 counted in 2022. Never leave food in or near your tent.
- Support. A jeep from Skardu carrying water, food and spares makes the ride much safer. The Deosai National Park guide covers the park fee and the jeep tracks.
What about the Karakoram Highway and northern jeep roads?
The KKH itself is paved through Gilgit and Hunza, which makes it a road touring route rather than a mountain biking one. Our guide to cycling the Karakoram Highway covers stages, climbs and resupply.
The mountain biking is up the side valleys. Jeep roads climb off the KKH into valleys such as Naltar above Gilgit and Shimshal above Passu, with steep gravel, glacial streams and big drops to the river. These are serious rides: no shops, little traffic and long distances between villages. Ask in the nearest village about the state of the road, because floods and landslides change these tracks from one summer to the next.
Are there mountain bike races in Pakistan?
Yes. The Pakistan Cycling Federation's calendar for 2026 to 2027 lists:
| Event | Month | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad MTB Cup | December 2026 | Islamabad |
| MTB Championships | January 2027 | Islamabad |
| Tour de Galyat | April 2027 | Abbottabad |
| Tour de Khunjrab | May 2027 | Gilgit |
| Naran MTB Race | June 2027 | Naran |
The Tour de Galyat and Tour de Khunjrab are road events, but they draw the same riders. Dates on the federation's calendar can shift, so confirm with the federation or your club before you plan travel around a race.
Can you rent a mountain bike in Pakistan?
Not easily. We could not find a reliable mountain bike rental service in Islamabad or in Gilgit-Baltistan. Most riders own their bikes, buy from the bike shops of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore, or borrow through a club. The best way in for a beginner is to join a club ride and ask whether someone can lend you a bike for the first outing.
If you are flying north with your own bike, pack it in a box or bag and check the airline's baggage rules before you book. Bring spares for anything unusual: tubeless sealant, the right brake pads, a derailleur hanger and spare tubes, because mountain towns stock parts for basic bikes only.
Which clubs run mountain bike rides?
In Islamabad, groups such as MTB Islamabad focus on trail riding, and the city's general cycling clubs organise weekend rides of different levels. In Skardu, the Baltistan Cycling Club, founded in 2022, runs rides around Baltistan and onto Deosai. Clubs mostly organise through social media, so search for their pages and ask about the next beginners' ride.
Is mountain biking in Pakistan for you?
If you live in Islamabad, it is easy to start: the Margallas give you proper trail riding before breakfast. Riders from Lahore and Karachi have less on their doorstep and usually save it for a trip to Islamabad or the north.
A Deosai or side-valley ride suits fit, experienced riders who can fix their own bike and cope with cold and altitude. It is a poor choice for a first ever off-road ride. If you want the mountains without the effort, our Skardu and Deosai tour crosses the plateau by jeep, and our experiences page lists other ways to spend time outdoors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best mountain biking in Pakistan?
The Margalla Hills near Islamabad for regular trail riding, and the Deosai Plains above Skardu for a summer high-altitude ride. The jeep roads up northern side valleys such as Naltar and Shimshal suit experienced riders.
Can you ride mountain bikes on the Margalla trails?
Riders use the jeep tracks and quieter routes, including the Margalla Ridge Trail. Avoid the busy numbered hiking trails at weekends, and check for closures by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board.
When is the best time for mountain biking in Pakistan?
October to April around Islamabad, and June to September in the north. Deosai is only open in summer, roughly July to September.
Can I rent a mountain bike in Islamabad?
There is no established rental service we could confirm. Most riders own a bike or borrow one through a club.
Is there a mountain bike race in Pakistan?
Yes. The Pakistan Cycling Federation lists an Islamabad MTB Cup in December 2026, national MTB championships in January 2027 and a Naran MTB Race in June 2027.
