karakoram highway trip

How To Travel The Karakoram Highway (Backpacker’s Guide)

April 7, 2020.

Everything you need to know about travelling the Karakoram Highway. Covers transportation, accommodation, safety, visas, and anything else that you’ll need. Includes a detailed 2-week itinerary!

Stretching over 1,300 kilometers between Pakistan and China and topping out at 4,693 meters above sea level, the Karakoram Highway is the highest paved road in the world and a once in a lifetime road trip for adventure lovers.

The Karakoram Highway was one of my favourite parts of my month-long journey backpacking around Pakistan – along the highway, you get to see massive 7,000+ meter peaks, beautiful blue lakes, and meet some of the most hospitable people on our planet.

This detailed guide will explain everything you need to know to plan your Karakoram Highway trip. Let’s get right into it!

• 1 What is the Karakoram Highway?
• 2.1 Is it safe?
• 2.2 When to travel the Karakoram Highway
• 2.3 Travel Costs for the Karakoram Highway
• 2.4 Other Things to Know
• 3.1 Islamabad (2 nights)
• 3.2 Bus to Gilgit (1 night)
• 3.3 Fairy Meadows (2 nights)
• 3.4 Gilgit (1 night)
• 3.5 Minapin & Rakaposhi Base Camp (2 nights)
• 3.6 Karimabad (2 nights)
• 3.7 Attabad Lake (quick stop)
• 3.8 Passu (1 night)
• 3.9 Sost (1 night)
• 3.10 Tashkurgan, China(1 night)
• 3.11 Kashgar (2 nights)
• 4.1 Public Transport
• 4.2 Hitchhiking
• 4.3 Cycling
• 4.4 Hiring a Driver
• 5 Karakoram Highway Wrap-Up

What is the Karakoram Highway?

While there has been trade between Pakistan and China through the Karakoram mountains for centuries, construction of the modern-day Karakoram Highway wasn’t completed until 1979, and the highway wasn’t opened to the public until 1985.

The highway begins in Islamabad, Pakistan and travels 1,300 kilometers through the Karakoram to the Chinese city of Kashgar. It’s highest point is the Khunjerab Pass , which also happens to be the international border crossing between Pakistan and China.

As a marvel of civil engineering, the Karakoram Highway is often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World – I’d definitely nominate it as a contender!

Practical Info

Here’s some practical info that you should know before you travel the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

Is it safe?

Safety is a big question that comes up whenever I suggest the Karakoram Highway to other travellers I meet, and I understand why.

Pakistan is certainly not the most well-known travel destination, and much of our exposure to it is via western media that portrays it quite negatively.

However, after a lot of research and a month of travelling in the country, I’m happy to say that Pakistan isn’t nearly as dangerous as you might think.

While I can’t claim that all of Pakistan is safe, the provinces of Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan (where the Karakoram Highway travels through) are extremely safe. The Karakoram Highway doesn’t go anywhere near the dangerous areas of Pakistan – you don’t need to worry.

On the other end of the Karakoram Highway, we have China’s Xinjiang province. I’m sure you’ve already heard a bit about what is going on there. At the moment, Xinjiang is still safe for travellers, although it is basically a police state – it’s not very fun to travel in. I suggest that you spend most of your time in Pakistan, and only a little bit in Xinjiang to finish up the KKH journey.

Travel Insurance

No matter where you go, you should always have travel insurance – Pakistan and China are no exception.

I personally use and recommend World Nomads. It’s designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities (important if you plan on doing any hikes while you’re in the Karakoram!).

GET YOUR FREE QUOTE FROM WORLD NOMADS HERE

When to travel the Karakoram Highway

Don’t plan a Karakoram Highway trip in the winter – it won’t be possible! The Khunjerab Pass section is completely closed to all traffic between November and March of every year due to snow accumulation.

While you could still technically visit just the Pakistan side of the highway in the winter, it will be pretty cold and travelling might be difficult if there’s bad weather.

Spring and Fall are the perfect times to travel the Karakoram Highway – temperatures at lower elevations aren’t too hot, in the mountains it won’t be too cold. In the Spring, you’ll get to see a ton of cherry blossom trees in Northern Pakistan, and in Fall the entire trip will be through beautiful golden-coloured trees.

Summer is also a good time to travel the KKH, although it’ll be a bit busier with Pakistanis trying to escape the summer heat by heading to the mountains.

Travel Costs for the Karakoram Highway

Travelling the Karakoram Highway is very cheap. On a backpacker’s budget, costs should average out to around $30 per day . In Pakistan, you can get by with $20 per day, and China will cost you around $40 a day. This is if you’re using public transportation or hitchhiking. Hiring a private driver will cost substantially more.

Overall, it’s the KKH is a very affordable trip – especially if you’re already in that part of the world.

Based on my $30 per day average, a 2-week Karakoram Highway trip can be done for as little as $400 (excluding visas and international flights). Not bad!

Other Things to Know

Internet access isn’t great  – Staying connected along the KKH is a bit of a challenge. SIM Cards that can be purchased in Islamabad don’t work in the mountains (you’ll need a SCOM SIM for that, which you can purchase in Gilgit – but it’s still very slow). Very few guesthouses offer WiFi in Northern Pakistan, so don’t count on being able to do much other than sending the odd WhatsApp message.

In China, there is cell reception everywhere – but you won’t be able to purchase a SIM card in Xinjiang as a foreigner, so you’ll need to rely on the WiFi at your accommodation. Remember that the internet in China is behind the Great Firewall, so purchase a VPN  before your trip!

Be aware of the high altitude  – Due to the extreme altitudes along the Karakoram Highway, developing acute mountain sickness (AMS) is possible if you travel too quickly. My itinerary will take things slow enough to allow you to acclimatize properly, so don’t worry about this too much. Just stay hydrated and get plenty of rest during your trip!

How long does it take?  While you could technically travel the Karakoram Highway in just a couple of days, you wouldn’t get to see much along the way. I’d say that a minimum of 10 days is required for an enjoyable trip, but I’d recommend 14 days to make the best of this bucket-list destination.

Plan your visas in advance – You’ll likely need a visa for both Pakistan and China – be sure to sort those out ahead of time. Pakistan now has an e-visa system making things a lot easier than they used to be, and the Chinese visa process is pretty well-documented elsewhere on the internet.

ATMs are not always available – I recommend withdrawing as much cash as you think you’ll need in Islamabad (and a bit extra, to be safe). It’s not easy to find functional ATM machines in Northern Pakistan, and running out of cash would be a real bummer.

In Tashkurgan and Kashgar, there are plenty of ATM machines. You can also carry some backup USD, as it is exchangeable almost everywhere.

2-Week Karakoram Highway Itinerary

Here’s a sample 2-week itinerary to help you plan your Karakoram Highway trip!

Islamabad (2 nights)

Start off your Karakoram Highway adventure in Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad. There isn’t a ton to do in Islamabad, but it’s a good place to get situated in.

When you’re in Islamabad, be sure to pay a visit to the incredible Faisal Mosque (at sunset for the best views!) and take a trip over to neighbouring Rawalpindi .

Where to stay in Islamabad

Budget: Islamabad is home to one of the few backpacker style hostels in Pakistan. It’s called Backpackers Hostel and Guesthouse and is run by Haris, a very friendly dude who knows a lot about travel in Pakistan.

Check the latest Backpackers Hostel and Guesthouse prices here

Mid-range:  Shelton’s Rezidor Islamabad is a great mid-range hotel in a good location. It includes a nice breakfast buffet as well!

Check the latest Shelton’s Rezidor Islamabad prices here

Luxury: If budget isn’t of much concern, treat yourself to a stay at the fancy Islamabad Marriot.

Check the latest Islamabad Marriot prices here

Bus to Gilgit (1 night)

It’s best to fast-track the first portion of the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad to Gilgit. The real beauty of this road trip lies in Gilgit-Baltistan, so we shouldn’t waste much time getting there.

There are overnight buses operated by NATCO that run directly from Islamabad to Gilgit. They’re actually pretty comfortable, and the best way to travel between the two cities when you’re short on time.

In the transportation section further down I’ll give you more info on pricing and schedules for this bus.

Fairy Meadows (2 nights)

Fairy Meadows is certainly one of the must-see sights in Pakistan. It’s a stunning alpine meadow located at the base of Nanga Parbat , the world’s 9th highest peak (8,126 m).

I actually didn’t get a chance to visit Fairy Meadows on my first trip to Pakistan, as my visa was running out and unfortunately I didn’t have enough time. It’s at the very top of my list for next time, though!

It’s easy to get to Fairy Meadows from Gilgit, and with two nights there you’ll be able to catch some awesome views of Nanga Parbat and enjoy the crisp mountain air.

Where to stay in Fairy Meadows

I’ve heard great things about Fairy Meadows Greenland Resorts . They have proper cottages and also an area that you can pitch tents.

Gilgit (1 night)

After taking in the mountains at Fairy Meadows, it’s back down to Gilgit to rest for a night before heading further up the Karakoram Highway.

In Gilgit, you can use some slow WiFi to upload some photos and have your last decent shower in Pakistan.

Where to stay in Gilgit

The most popular backpacker place in Gilgit is the Medina 2 Hotel . It costs Rs. 1500 for a double room, and has a cheap restaurant attached to it. Very friendly and helpful staff – I highly recommend staying here when you’re in Gilgit!

Minapin & Rakaposhi Base Camp (2 nights)

Minapin is a quaint little town located at the base of Rakaposhi (7,788 m).

The main reason to visit Minapin is to embark on the awesome day-hike to Rakaposhi Base Camp . Start early on your second day in town and you’ll be up at base camp by lunch. This is one of my favourite day hikes I’ve ever done – you start in a leafy town and are surrounded by massive glaciers in just a few hours.

Check out my detailed Rakaposhi Base Camp hiking guide for more info on the hike.

Where to stay in Minapin

I highly recommend you stay at the  Osho Thang Hotel . It’s run by some lovely people and can help you organize a guide for the Rakaposhi BC trek if you’re interested.

For Rs. 2000 per night, you’ll get a room and delicious dinner and breakfast (veggies right from their garden!).

Karimabad (2 nights)

Karimabad is the most popular town to visit in Hunza Valley. Once upon a time, Hunza was an independent kingdom, and there are still some ancient mountain fortresses in Karimabad from that time.

Everywhere onwards along the Karakoram Highway until you reach the Khunjerab Pass can be considered part of Hunza Valley. Karimabad is in what is referred to as Lower Hunza, and the town of Passu (the next stop on this itinerary) is part of Gojal (or Upper Hunza).

The people who inhabit Hunza Valley are almost all Ismaili Muslims . They tend to be much more liberal than people elsewhere in Pakistan, and you’ll even see people drinking home-made wine here. Women in Hunza don’t usually wear a hijab, and it’s rare that people strictly observe Ramadan.

Karimabad offers some of the most beautiful views you’ll ever see – I always think back to the sunsets I got to see when I was there.

Where to stay in Karimabad

Budget: I recommend Old Hunza Inn – it’s a ‘popular’ place for foreign backpackers. Rs. 1500 for a double room

Luxury:  The Hunza Serena Inn is the best place to stay in Karimabad if you’re looking to treat yourself. This fantastic hotel has great facilities considering its location and even has fast WiFi available.

Check the latest Hunza Serena Inn prices here

Attabad Lake (quick stop)

During your trip from Karimabad to Passu, you should stop off at Attabad Lake for a little while. It’s a beautiful blue lake located directly on the Karakoram Highway.

Despite its beauty, the story of how Attabad Lake came to be is quite sad.⁣ In 2010, a massive landslide fell onto Attabad Village, killing 20 people and completely blocking the Hunza River.⁣ Over the next few months, the lake began to form. The flooding displaced over 6000 people and stranded many more (the Karakorum Highway was cut off by the landslide).⁣ ⁣ Nowadays, the situation is stable. The Karakorum Highway was re-routed around the lake using a series of tunnels, and locals offer boat rides to tourists on the water that covers their former homes.⁣ However, when you’re standing at the shores of Attabad Lake, it’s hard not to think about the 20 souls that lie beneath it.⁣

Passu (1 night)

Passu is one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been to. It’s a tiny town located directly on the Karakoram Highway and is surrounded by some of the most unique mountains in the world.

The star of the show is the Passu Cathedral Range. It’s a massive collection of jagged peaks topping out at 6,106 meters above sea level. It looks absolutely unreal at sunset.

There are quite a few day hikes that are possible from Passu, such as the one to the Passu Glacier or to the Passu and Hussaini bridges. I’d recommend doing the Passu to Hussaini bridge hike, it takes about three hours and isn’t too difficult (except for the scary bridge crossings).

Where to stay in Passu

In Passu, you can stay at the Passu Inn located right on the KKH. It’s a bit pricey for Pakistan standards at Rs. 2000 for a double, but it does have functional WiFi and a restaurant. The owner can also help provide you with info and/or a guide to go on the day hikes.

Passu Peak Inn is a slightly cheaper option but has more basic facilities.

Sost (1 night)

Sost is a small town a little further up the KKH from Passu. It’s got a pretty unique frontier feel to it, as it’s full of colourful trucks heading to/from China.

Sost is the final town on the Pakistani section of the Karakoram Highway. After Sost, the road winds up the Khunjerab Pass and then descends into China.

Where to stay in Sost

I highly recommend the Asia Star Hotel in Sost. For a double room, I paid Rs. 1000 . It’s run by the very friendly Liaquat Khan, and he cooks some delicious Chinese food (he worked as a chef in China for a few years). Surprisingly, this hotel even has functional WiFi!

Tashkurgan, China(1 night)

Tashkurgan is an interesting place to spend a night. It’s a small city by Chinese standards but will be the largest town you’ve been in since you left Gilgit. Most of Tashkurgan’s population is actually ethnically Tajik (Pamiri and Wakhi), which makes sense when you look where it’s located on a map.

Where to stay in Tashkurgan

In Tashkurgan, you should stay at the  K2 International Youth Hostel . It’s a large hostel with WiFi, hot showers, and even a bar – perfect place to have a beer after being in dry Pakistan!

Dorm rates were ¥49 for a 12-bed or ¥59 for a six-bed.

Kashgar (2 nights)

Kashgar was once upon a time one of the most important cities along the Silk Road . Nowadays, few of its historical sights remain. However, it’s still an interesting city for a couple of days to mark the end of your Karakoram Highway journey.

In Kashgar, be sure to check out the Id Kah Mosque and wander around it’s recently ‘restored’ old town. If you’re there on a Sunday, you can visit the famous Kashgar Sunday livestock market.

Where to stay in Kashgar

One of the few places that will accept foreigners in Kashgar is the Old Town Youth Hostel. It’s a decent hostel, and you’ll likely meet the few other foreigner backpackers who are in the city at the time.

Check the latest Old Town Youth Hostel prices here

Transporation along the Karakoram Highway

You’ve got a couple of different transportation options available to take along the Karakoram Highway, depending on your personal travel style and budget. Personally, I used a mix of public transportation and hitchhiking during my trip.

Public Transport

Public transportation can take you all the way along the Karakoram Highway for very cheap. Here are the details for each stage of the trip:

Islamabad to Gilgit

There are a number of overnight buses running from Islamabad to Gilgit. NATCO operates busses that depart Islamabad at 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm, although it’s been reported that foreigners are only allowed to take the 9 pm bus.

The ride should take about 18 hours and cost you Rs. 2500.

If you’re really short on time, it’s also possible to fly from Islamabad to Gilgit, but it will cost more. Flights in Northern Pakistan are frequently cancelled, so always have a backup plan.

Gilgit to Fairy Meadows

To get to Fairy Meadows, you first need to get to Raikot Bridge, which is located an hour backwards along the Karakoram Highway. You can asked to be dropped there when you’re on your overnight bus to Gilgit, or you can take any minivan that is heading towards Chilas from Gilgit.

From Raikot Bridge, you must pay for a jeep to take you along the rough road to Fairy Meadows. This costs about Rs. 8000 for the entire jeep (round-trip), so try to split it with other travellers if you can.

To get back to Gilgit from Fairy Meadows, it’s easy to hitch a ride with any vehicle travelling along the KKH towards Gilgit.

Gilgit to Minapin

From Gilgit, infrequent minivans depart to Minapin. The drive takes about 1.5 hours and shouldn’t cost more than Rs. 200.

I recommend hitchhiking along this route, it’ll be more comfortable and faster.

Minapin to Karimabad

You’ll need to walk back to the main Karakoram Highway from Minapin (about 30 minutes), and then you can take any minivan that passes by. Most minivans will drop you in the town of Aliabad, and from there you can take a 15-minute local van to Karimabad for Rs. 20.

This is also an easy route to hitchhike on.

Karimabad to Passu

There are minivans from Karimabad to Aliabad. It takes about 1.5 hours and costs Rs. 100.

I recommend that you get out of the minivan when you pass Attabad Lake, so you can spend some time taking in the views there. When you’re done, hitch a ride on the next minivan that passes by and continue on to Passu.

Passu to Sost

There are minivans that head to Sost from Passu – the short drive takes just 1 hour and costs Rs. 70.

Sost to Tashkurgan

From Sost to Tashkurgan, you need to cross the Khunjerab Pass into China. It isn’t possible to travel this route any other way other than via public transport.

There are a number of daily busses that make the long journey. My hotel arranged a ticket for me for  Rs. 3300. This is a fairly complicated border crossing, so be sure to check out my Khunjerab Pass guide for more info.

Buses between Sost and Tashkurgan only run on weekdays.

Tashkurgan to Kashgar

While there are a number of beautiful sights along the Karakoram Highway between Tashkugran and Kashgar, foreigners are not allowed to stop at them unless they’re on a tour with a Chinese company.

So, to get from Tashkurgan to Kashgar you must take a direct bus.

There is a bus that departs from the Tashkurgan Bus Station at 10 am (Beijing time). The station opens at 9 am, so get there around that time to purchase your ticket.

The 6 to 8-hour journey will cost ¥65. Try to get a window seat, as the views along the drive are absolutely stunning!

Hitchhiking

Certain parts of the Karakoram Highway are perfect for hitchhiking.

The stretch of the highway between Gilgit and Sost has frequent traffic, and people were always eager to help out a hitchhiker. I met some super friendly people while hitchhiking along the KKH, and I recommend you try it out when you’re there! It is often faster and more comfortable than the cramped public transport that exists along that stretch of the highway.

While it is possible to hitchhike from Islamabad to Gilgit, this could take multiple days and would be pretty tiring. I’d advise taking the bus for this section, and then hitchhiking onwards from Gilgit.

You are not allowed to hitchhike over the Khunjerab Pass, and I wouldn’t try hitchhiking anywhere else in Xinjiang – you’ll most definitely be stopped by the police.

Cycling the Karakoram Highway is a dream trip for cyclists all over the world. Road conditions are pretty good due to Chinese investment, and with a bicycle, you’ll be able to stop whenever you want for photos – sounds perfect to me!

You aren’t allowed to cycle into Xinjiang unless you spend a lot of money on a Chinese vehicle escort, so consider sticking to just Pakistan if you want to cycle.

Hiring a Driver

The most expensive way to travel the KKH would be to hire a driver. There are quite a few travel agencies out there that could arrange this for you, and I’m sure it would be easy to do on the ground in Islamabad.

With a private driver, you’ll be able to go wherever you want and stop whenever you want, so this could be a good option if you’re not on a tight budget!

Karakoram Highway Wrap-Up

I hope this post has helped you plan your Karakoram Highway adventure. The road really is one of the most stunning in the world, and you won’t regret choosing it as your next destination.

If you have any questions about travelling the highway, feel free to ask me in the comments below!

In the meantime, check out some of my other posts about this beautiful part of the world:

• 65 Useful Tips for Travelling in China – Everything you need to know about backpacking in China! Check it out to figure out what to do after your Karakoram Highway trip.
• Backpacking Pakistan: The Ultimate Travel Guide & Itinerary – More info on travelling in Pakistan.
• Khunjerab Pass Guide: Border Crossing from Pakistan to China – Complete guide to the border crossing along the Karakoram Highway
• 10-Day Pamir Highway Itinerary: A Backpacker’s Guide – Another one of the world’s most epic road trips – check out my guide if you’re interested in Central Asia!
• How to Hike to Rakaposhi Base Camp – Complete Guide – You should check out Rakaposhi Base Camp if you head to Pakistan, so here’s my complete guide to the day hike!

Safe travels!

Yay transparency!  There are affiliate links in this guide. If you book or buy something using my links, I’ll make a bit of money  at no extra cost to you.

21-year old Canadian dude who loves to visit off-the-beaten-path places, climb tall mountains, and try delicious foods.

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A guide to the Karakoram Highway – From Pakistan to China

By Joan Torres 31 Comments Last updated on April 29, 2024

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The following article is the most comprehensive travel guide to the Karakoram Highway available on the internet. 

Completed in 1979 and opened to the public in 1985, the Karakoram Highway, formally known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, is a 1,300km road which links Hasan Abdal (located a few kilometers beyond Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan) with Kashgar, the second most important city in Xinjiang province, China.

What was once an important ”Silk Road” route which used to link the Indian sub-continent with China, is today considered the 8th wonder of the world, since the altitude and the hard conditions in which it was built made it become an architectonic masterpiece.

Therefore, the Karakorum Highway has attracted travelers from all over the world for decades; not only because it is the highest paved road in the world (4,800m at Khunjerab Pass ) but also because it goes through the three greatest mountain ranges on Earth:

the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush. The Karakoram Highway is, perhaps, one of the only places in the world where you can admire a mountain 8,000 meters high, like Nanga Parbat , from the window of your car.

The Karakoram Road is, definitely, the most epic road trip ever.

Moreover, these colossal mountains and the huge contrasting landscapes are not the only reason for going on such a journey.

Along the way, you will pass through an endless number of regions, where a large number of ethnic and religious groups live: from the Punjabis in the center of Pakistan to the Ismailis in Hunza, the Tajiks in Tashgurkan and, of course, the Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

Traveling along the Karakoram Highway is like going on a journey through several tiny countries, whose inhabitants will bless you with their hospitality.

After spending no less than 40 days hitchhiking my way from village to village and experiencing quite a few adventures, I have compiled all the necessary information that will help you travel along the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

Read: The ultimate travel itinerary to Pakistan

In this Karakoram Highway travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Tips for planning your trip
• Karakoram Highway Itinerary

Khunjerab Pass

• Transportation along the KKH
• More Information

our recommended travel insurance for Pakistan

With its Backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Pakistan.

Things you need to know before traveling the Karakorum Highway, the 8th wonder in the world

Want to learn more about Pakistan? Check here the best books on Pakistan classified into history, travelogues and novels

Due to the snow and the low temperatures, the side valleys are not accessible in winter. The road itself remains passable all year long, but you should be aware that, from October to November, the temperatures drop drastically.

Nevertheless, if you plan to cross from Pakistan to China, or vice-versa, you should know that, because of the snow, the Khunjerab Pass remains closed from November to March. For more information, read: How to cross from Pakistan to China .

You must arrange your visas in advance

You should have a valid visa for entering both China and Pakistan.

How many days are needed?

It depends on how many side valleys you would like to visit, as well as your method of transportation. As an example, if you wanted to do the whole journey from Islamabad to Kashgar, traveling in your own vehicle and stopping overnight in 4 or 5 key places, I think that you would need a minimum of 10 days to complete it.

If you wanted to explore some side valleys, you should add 2 or 3 additional days for each valley you visit. I spent 40 days along the road and was not able to see everything I wanted!

On the Chinese site, the internet works relatively well in the different towns and cities, especially in Tashkurgan and Kashgar. On the other hand, forget about connecting in Pakistan, as the connection is practically non-existent.

However, I heard that the Chinese are about to introduce Wi-Fi in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Is it safe to travel the Karakoram Highway?

If you are worried about Pakistan, you should know that the KKH goes through the safest region in the country.

Are you free to move around?

On the Pakistani side, after the city of Gilgit, there are no police checkpoints, which means that you can go wherever you want. On the other hand, on the Chinese side, you will be in the sensitive Xinjiang province, where you will find endless restrictions imposed by the Chinese authorities.

For example, during the 130km from the Pakistani border to Tashgurkan, taking pictures is not allowed. In addition, you can’t travel that section independently but you must go by public transport or with a Chinese local guide.

The highest point on the Karakoram Road is 4,800m at Khunjerab Pas s and, throughout, a significant part of it is above 3,500m. Since the ascent is quite gradual, most travelers don’t show any symptoms of altitude sickness. However, try to drink loads of liquids and, just in case, bring Diamox with you.

Read: 70 Things you should know before traveling to Pakistan

Itinerary – Highlights of the Karakoram Highway, the highest paved road in the world

Please note that the road goes through the middle of a vast region, which means that there is an endless number of side valleys to explore, especially in Pakistan.

The following itinerary shows those places which are accessible from the road. If you wish to know more about the region, I will post the travel guide very soon.

Karakoram Highway map

The first 300km until Gilgit go through a small part of  Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

Officially, the N-35 starts in Hasan Abdal, a city located 50km from Islamabad. However, Islamabad is the starting point for most travelers, a city which is often overlooked by people, although in my opinion, if you have plenty of time, it’s worth sparing a few days to visit it.

Islamabad was built in 1960 with the sole objective of becoming the capital.

Composed of wide and extremely clean streets, Islamabad might differ a bit from the image you have of Pakistan.

Here is where the Pakistani elite lives and where you find the best restaurants in the country. If you decide to spend one or two days here, I recommend you visit the Faisal Mosque (the largest in the country) and go for dinner and see the sunset at Monal , located at the highest point of a hill from where you get magnificent views of the city.

Where to stay in Islamabad

Budget Guest House – Nexus Grace – Islamabad doesn’t really have budget options and Nexus Grace is one of the very few. Recently listed in Hostelworld, this guest house has very comfy and tidy rooms, run by some very helpful staff.

Budget Hotel –  Royal Galaxy Guest House Islamabad – This guest house is very highly rated by most travelers and offers pretty good rates as per Islamabad standards. People claim that it has very comfortable and clean rooms, so you can get some good sleep before heading to the mountains.

The 300km between Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan

Read: ultimate guide to solo female travel in Pakistan

Unless you are traveling in your own vehicle, most travelers tend to skip this part as, everybody will agree that the highlight of the journey is Gilgit-Baltistan.

However, this area is green and beautiful and even if you see it through a dusty window, the journey is totally worth it. I did it by bus, so this is the only area I didn’t actually explore.

Nevertheless, the places where you could stop are Abbotabad (the town where Bin Laden was supposedly killed) and Beshaam (located half way and from where you can go on several treks).

Fairy Meadows

This part already belongs to the province of Gilgit-Baltistan. The inhabitants of Gilgit-Baltistan tend to say that they live in heaven and they are right indeed! With its gorgeous mountains, Gilgit-Baltistan is a real wonder of our mother nature, composed of an endless number of dreamy valleys, so different from each other.

By the way, Gilgit-Baltistan is a semi-autonomous province, whose inhabitants are close to  Central Asian culture and where ten of languages are spoken, besides having a great cultural and ethnical diversity. According to some of my local friends, most of the population would like Gilgit-Baltistan to become an independent state.

When you arrive at Raikot bridge, you will see a detour that takes you to Fairy Meadows, a stunning, green meadow, which is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Pakistan. From here you get stunning views of Nanga Parbat, a striking peak 8,125 meters high, which belongs to the Himalayas.

If you wish to know further details, read this article: Fairy Meadows trek and Nanga Parbat base camp .

Gilgit City

Gilgit is nothing less than the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan, a city of a Shia majority which is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding valleys since it offers a wide range of hotels and restaurants, as well as a few bazaars and touristic sites, that may keep you busy for a couple of days.

Given its strategic location which, for years, linked China with the Indian sub-continent, Gilgit became a proper city. Besides the bazaars and a few pretty bridges, I recommend you visit the Kargah Buddha, which is a Buddha statue carved in a cliff during the 7th century.

Where to stay in Gilgit City

Budget Hotel –   Madina Hotel II – Most backpackers come here. It’s a simple but a great place, with awesome staff!

A bit nicer – Cozy Lodge Gilgit – This hotel is quite budget but it is better than the previous one, with very accommodating staff and tasty breakfast included. If you are not a backpacker, you may prefer to stay here.

Top-end –  Serena Hotel  – If you want some semi-luxury and comfort Serena Hotels is a pretty popular hotel chain in Pakistan.

Rakaposhi Viewpoint

Following the road, 70km after Gilgit, you will find the Rakaposhi Viewpoint, which is a restaurant with stunning views of Rakaposhi, a peak 7,788 meters high from the Karakoram mountains. I recommend you stop here for lunch.

A few kilometers after the Rakaposhi Viewpoint, you will find a detour that leads to Minapin, a small, lovely village with awesome views of the mountains and from where you can organize a trek to the Rakaposhi base camp.

Minapin also has what is the best guest house in Gilgit-Baltistan (Osho Thang), run by Israr, a very kind man who has been dealing with foreigners for many years.

Where to stay in Minapin

Hotel Osho Thang – Awesome food, friendly owner, cherry trees I  Location: 36.252065, 74.530937

Karimabad (Lower Hunza)

After Karimabad, you are in Hunza, which is a sub-province of Gilgit-Baltistan. Hunza is, by definition, the most touristic spot in all Pakistan and where, most likely, you will decide to spend most of your time.

The people in Hunza are Ismaili, a branch of Shiism which is considered to be the most moderate branch of Islam.

Most Ismailis drink, women don’t wear the  hijab and they barely observe Ramadan. Perhaps, this is the reason why Hunza is the most visited part of Pakistan, as the lower number of cultural restrictions, plus the higher stability, make it easier to travel.

Karimabad is the ancient capital of Hunza and the postcard picture of Pakistan. Wandering through its narrow alleys filled with souvenir shops it’s quite a different experience from the rest of the country.

Karimabad is surrounded by striking mountains over 7,000 meters, as well as home to two UNESCO World Heritage forts. It’s easy to spend 4 or 5 days in Karimabad but, if you don’t have much time, you must visit Baltit and Altit forts and go to Eagle’s Nest , a 360º viewpoint, from where you get clear views of Rakaposhi, Diran, and Lady Finger.

Where to stay in Karimabad

Backpacker hostel –   Old Hunza Inn – is the most budget choice.

Nicer –  Hunza Lounge  – A slightly better option, this hotel has pretty decent prices and good reviews.

Top-end – Hunza Serena Inn – If you are looking for the best hotel in Karimabad, Hunza Serena Inn is an awesome hotel. I used to go there to have tea, enjoy the views and connect to the internet 🙂

A few kilometers after Karimabad, you find Ganish, the oldest settlement in Hunza, home to an old city which has been restored according to the ancient and traditional architecture of Hunza.

Besides, it also has a small alley that leads to a building which used to be a lodge frequented by ”Silk Road” traders. Ganish can be visited in 1 or 2 hours.

Lake Attabad

On January 4th, 2010, a massive landslide fell into the river creating what is known as Attabad Lake. The relatively recent accident killed twenty people and forced the displacement of thousands of others. However, today it is a beautiful lake which, according to locals, it’s the bluest lake in the world.

Husseini Bridge

The Husseini bridge is one of the most emblematic icons in all Gilgit-Baltistan, and for good reason. This bridge is not only in the most epic location ever but also it is considered one of the most dangerous bridges in the world. Why is that?

To be honest, the bridge has been repaired in the past few years but still, each wooden step is separated by 20cm at the very least.

Besides that, the river flows so fast and, given the fact that you need to keep on looking down continuously, you get a strange dizzy feeling. Add to all this the extreme, constant wind and you will realize that crossing it is a real adventure!

The Passu Range is one of the most iconic ranges in Hunza, since the mountains are so thin and sharp that they look almost impossible to climb. Passu is a peaceful village that doesn’t receive as many tourists as its neighbor Karimabad.

Nevertheless, it has a few nice guest houses and it’s the perfect base from where to do some trekking. You must visit Passu and Batura glaciers , the latter being one of the largest glaciers in the world, outside the polar regions (56km).

Where to stay in Passu

Passu Peak Inn –  Friendly owner, best view, super clean I  Location: 36.48278, 74.882476

Sost is the last village before the Chinese border and where the immigration process takes place. Honestly, there’s not much to do here besides observing the dozens of psychedelic trucks going from China to Pakistan by road and vice-versa.

But anyway, if you are going to cross the border, you might have to spend the night here.

Where to stay in Sost

Pamir Serai –  Knowledgeable owner, cheap I  Location: 36.68746, 74.821106

At 4,800 meters high, Khunjerab Pass is the highest border in the world, to the extent that it has become a major tourist attraction, where you can go and take as many pictures as you want!

The way there is also spectacular. For further information, read: How to cross from Pakistan to China at Khunjerab Pass .

After wandering around the wild, but also fantastic, Pakistan, you are going to love Tashgurkan, with its exquisite Chinese cuisine, hot showers, beer and high-speed Wi-Fi.

In Tashgurkan, perhaps, the most curious and interesting fact is that most of the population are Tajiks, which should not be surprising at all, given the fact that this city is so close to Tajikistan .

Here you will also find a gorgeous fortress with striking mountain views.

Where to stay in Tashgurkan

Budget – K2 Hostel  – Good atmosphere and one of the very few options in the city. It’s a cool place to meet travelers overlanding to or from Pakistan.

Lake Karakol

Following the KKH, you find a pretty, photogenic lake called Karakol, located at 3,600m above sea level, which makes it one of the highest lakes in the region.

By, there are a few Kyrgyz settlements where you can spend the night in a yurt. You will also find herds of two-humped, hairy camels around the shore.

Read:  10 Reason to visit Kyrgyzstan

Lake Bulunkou

After Karakol, you find Lake Bulunkou, another pretty lake around from which awesome sand dunes stick out from the background. It’s a nice place to stop for 15 or 20 minutes but I don’t recall seeing any kind of accommodation.

Kashgar is the second most important city in Xinjiang province and the only one which has an Uyghur majority, an ethnic Central Asian Muslim group. Whatever you think you know about China, it isn’t true in Kashgar.

Uyghurs practice Islam, don’t have Chinese eyes and speak a Turkic language. In food markets, they don’t serve steamed rice but  plov , a Central Asian dish that consists of rice, carrots and raisins fried in lamb fat.

You won’t find fried pork but plenty of mutton and, unlike the lactose intolerant cities of China, yogurt and milk products are a big deal. 

Are you traveling to Central Asia? Read my ultimate guide to Central Asia

Where to stay in Kashgar

Budget Hostel –  Kashgar Pamir Youth Hostel – Located very close to the previous hostel. People say that the only difference from the previous one is that the hanging out area is a rooftop, whereas in the Old Town Hostel it’s a garden.

Mid-range –  Xinjiang Nuerlan Hotel – Many people claim that this is one of the best hotels they ever stayed in China, as everything is just pretty neat and it is not that expensive compared to other places within the same range. The best option for mid-range travelers in Kashgar.

Top-end – Radisson Hotel Kashgar – If you want comfort, the Radisson in Kashgar is one of the most popular luxury hotels in the city.

Transportation along the Karakorum Highway

Hitchhiking.

If you are backpacking, hitchhiking is, by far, the best option for going from Pakistan to China by road. Here’s some personal advice on each road section:

From Islamabad to Gilgit –  During the first 300km previously mentioned, you will go through a minimum of 10 police checkpoints. The policemen will give you a lot of trouble if they see you hitchhiking and, probably, they will make you get into the next bus.

Hitchhiking on this section is not very recommendable, but you can try!

Gilgit-Baltistan –  Extremely easy. The KKH is relatively busy and most Pakistanis will be more than happy to pick you up. Definitely, much faster than going by public transportation.

From the border to Tashgurkan –  It’s not allowed to cross the border hitchhiking. You must go by public transport or with a Chinese local guide.

From Tashgurkan to Kashgar –  Even though it is not as easy as it is in Pakistan, in this area, it is possible to hitchhike. We managed to arrive in Kashgar in only one day, and we even stopped at Karakol Lake to hang out for a bit and wait for a second ride.

Public transportation

From Islamabad to Gilgit –  There are 4 or 5 daily buses (from 6pm to 9pm, approximately) that depart from Islamabad. NATCO is the best company out there and the one that the Pakistani middle class uses.

The VIP bus, which is the only one with AC, costs 2,000PKR ($20). Theoretically, the journey takes 15 hours but, due to the constant landslides and the endless breakdowns, mine took more than 21 hours. By the way, I recommend buying your ticket at the bus station in the morning of the day of departure.

Try to book a first-row seat. Location of the station: 33.638026, 73.025308 .

Gilgit-Baltistan –  There are Suzuki micro-vans connecting all towns and villages mentioned previously. Ticket prices are ridiculously cheap. However, it’s much easier and faster to hitchhike plus, you won’t be able to see much of the landscape from the micro-van’s dusty window

From the border to Tashgurkan – Buses leave from Sost every morning, from Monday to Friday. For more information, read: How to cross from China to Pakistan .

From Tashgurkan to Kashgar  –  There is a daily bus connecting Tashgurkan with Kashgar but there is no bus to both Lakes Karakol and Bulunkou. The bus costs around $10. Ask K2 Hostel for schedules.

Bicycle or self-driving

I met a couple of cyclists, as well as some people traveling in their own vehicle.

From Islamabad to Gilgit  – As in many parts of Pakistan, cyclists must be escorted by the police during the first 300km. However, as far as I understood, security is not always necessary if you travel by car or motorbike. By the way, the road is in very bad condition and landslides occur constantly.

Gilgit-Baltistan –  A dreamy road section for both drivers and cyclists. The road has been recently paved and landslides don’t occur that often.

From the border to Tashgurkan – You must be accompanied by a local Chinese guide which, apparently, is quite expensive.

From Tashgurkan to Kashgar – You can drive freely but, most of the road is surrounded by a fence which makes impossible for you to stop, except in specific places.

If you don’t have much time, it is possible to fly by plane from Islamabad to Gilgit, although, due to the bad weather, many flights get canceled. By the way, you should book pretty much in advance because they fill up quite early. Check prices and schedules at Pakistani International Airlines .

Keep reading:  Kinnaur Road – Wickedly Sensational Himalayan Roadtrip

More information for visiting Karokam Highway

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Don’t forget to check our travel guide to Pakistan .

As well as all our Pakistan articles:

• Travel Guide to Fairy Meadows
• Astore Valley Travel Guide
• Pakistan-China border crossing
• Travel Guide to Rakaposhi Base Camp
• Travel Guide to Afghan Village in Pakistan
• Travel Insurance in Pakistan
• Pakistan Itinerary
• Photos of Pakistan
• Travel Books about Pakistan
• Solo Female Travel Guide in Pakistan
• Is Pakistan Safe?

31 comments

Fantastic resource! Thanks for sharing.

Do you know if hitchhiking from Gilgit to Islamabad is difficult the other way around?

Hi, Tim! I am not entirely sure because I haven’t done it the other way around… But one of the problems is that, in some checkpoints, since you are a foreigner, you might stay up to 15 minutes so some drivers might not be willing to take you… But there is nothing wrong with trying it. In Pakistan you never know, everybody gets different experiences continuously 😉

Truly amazing Joan!! So many stunning places, OMG… Great post. Congrats!!

Gracias, un abrazo!

Thank you for this detailed post! The Karakoram highway has been on my mind for quite some time now. I’m sure this article will come in handy when the day comes 🙂

Having a trip of this road can be the most awesome time of the life, as it offers the most amazing and picturesque view of the mountains .Thanks for sharing this post and photographs.

It’s, definitely, the road trip to go on!

It is a great solution. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the development we are following the development. Best regards.

Okay, this post was beyond helpful. As it happens, I just had a desire to travel to China from Pakistan through Karakorum Highway and I was surfing the internet for information. Being the spontaneous person that I am, I wanted to make this trip in December but sadly, it is too late for now. I just wanted to inquire whether there are other requirements for travelling across the border except for visa and travel insurance (official requirements, that is)? Also, roughly what should be an individual’s budget if they are interested in making the trip from Islamabad all the way to China, taking into account travel, food and accommodation? Thank you and Cheers!

Hi Aliya! Glad you find it useful 🙂 There are not really other requirements apart from the visa. As per insurance, I don’t think so it’s a requirement, as far as I know… But anyways, I always travel with insurance. As per the budget, it really depends on how you travel. Are you going by car, hitchhiking or public transportation? Food is no problem. you can get a meal for as little as 1 or 2 USD. Hotels it also depends. I always take the budget option and never paid more than 10USD for a private room. However, along the road, you’ll find plenty of expensive hotels as well. Overall, if you travel the KKH on a backpacking budget, 20USD a day is more than enough

Thank you! That helps greatly with my planning! Another thing that I would like to know is if you have any robust information on when the KKH will close this year and reopen the next year. You have mentioned the time period of November-March for its closure whereas some sites give it as December-May. I have not yet found any official site or number to confirm it from. Would greatly appreciate insight. Thank you! 🙂

Hi Aliya, the KKH never closes. What closes is the Khunjerab Pass, so the border between China and Pakistan. It closes during winter due to the snow, which tends to be from November till March, approximately. In May it can’t be closed. I suggest you ask for this in the Karakoram Club Facebook group as you will get the answer from people who are actually living there because the weather changes every year. Cheers,

Thanks a lot. I will surely contact the group then for further updates. Cheers! 🙂

i m from lahore i want to china from road on my bike . i need information about it

your answers: https://againstthecompass.com/en/khunjerab-pas-pakistan-china-border-crossing/

Hi, want to travel from Islamabad to Kashghar on my own car, i am Pakistani national, any idea about the requirements to pass your car from pakistan to china border? any permit or such thing, and other requirements particularly travelling via your own car. TIA

Hi Atid, you will need to pay for an official Chinese guide, who will be with you all the way to Tashgurkan, which I have been told costs a lot of money. You can’t cross that border on your own, with your own vehicle

Hi, I want to ask from what items are coming from China to Pakistan through Karakoram highway. Please guide

rgds Hasnain

I’m interested in going from Islamabad to Kashgar via the new public bus that has been mentioned in a lot of articles online in the last few months. I could point to a lot of articles but I’m linking to one here below for your reference.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2018-11/05/content_37198269.htm

There are a dozen or more other such articles from newspapers published in China, south Asia and even countries further afield.

According to those sources the bus from Lahore to Kashgar takes 30 hours. But the bus also picks up passengers in Islamabad and that’s where I’m interested in boarding. I imagine that means it must be about 25 or so hours from Islamabad to Kashgar. However reading the very informative post above it seems that 25 hours from Islamabad to Kashgar is unrealistic. Does anyone have any information about how long that bus actually takes? save from Islamabad all the way through to cash car without stop other than the mandatory overnight that is part of the scheduled route.

That is great piece of work

Hi Joan. I enjoy your posts and some great info, thanks. Providing covid allows it I want to go to the parts of C Asia that I haven’t already been, in Sept/Oct. Perhaps fly to Bishkek and then into Kashgar for the KKH. Simple question: In your experience is it possible to catch a glimpse of K2 anywhere along the route Kashgar-Sost-Gilgit-Skardu? I always do some hiking when I travel but do not want to do any serious trekking on this one. I don’t really have enough time. Would just love to spy K2, even from a major distance. Appreciate your insight. James

Hi James! From Kashar to Gilgit, meaning along the KKH, you can’t see K2. Skardu is another region from Gilgit, and the base for K2 expeditions. I don’t know if you can see K2 from Skardu town, but I am pretty sure you can get a glimpse of it by no going very far by car!

Hi Joan. Thank you for taking out the time to write out all this information! I’m considering a solo backpacking trip around northern Pakistan this July and this has been very helpful. Was Minapin the only place you visited between Gilgit and and Karimabad or were there other places as well? Also how do you get from the KKH to a small town like Minapin if you’ve been hitch hiking along the highway? Do people stop when you say you’d like to get off and you would then trek to the town? Thanks again! Musa

Hi Musa, I remember I just stopped for lunch at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint before going to Minapin. I don’t remember how I got to Minapin but i guess I just got off on the main road and walked from there

Just tripped across your post, while searching for Xinjiang details—reminiscing a long ago slow-mo trip through northern Pakistan….Gilgit, Skardu, Khaplu, Hunza (long walks through vineyards and hills of Karimabad and surrounding villages and peaks above the Hunza River, in gorgeous Autumn….Ganesh, nothing but a crossroads and a single sling bed at the Yadgar ‘Guest House’….), and on into Xinjiang and the jewel destination: Kashgar.

In 1987, only two years after the road opened to tourists….it took us a full 3 days to get from Sust to Kashgar, in a broken-windowed bus on a gravel/dirt road, over-nighting in the middle of ? at a cold outpost where we all slept in one room on a hard floor, second night in Tashkurgan where a pump-pot thermos of hot water in our own room was like a luxury!! Once in Kashgar, it was all donkey carts and a sprawling old city that looked like it hadn’t change much in centuries. We stayed at the Chini Bagh, which was still just the beautiful old sprawl of the original British Consulate, before the white tacky tower was built and turned it into a hotel. Early in the mornings, young Uighur women would sell warm ceramic bowls of fresh-made yogurt at the gate out front, for breakfast. I got sick, a sore throat, and let an old medicine man at the market with a table full of withered animal parts, strange dried plants and ground seashells treat me….he rolled up a small piece of newsprint into a funnel, poured in some pink coral (and ?), and with one powerful & fast blow, sent it spraying into the back of my throat. Incredibly, I let him do this more than once…. For a song, we bought vibrant red Kashgar rugs and black velvet/red fox fur hats (I cringe to think now), Chinese rice pattern tea sets and outrageously beautiful cloth from the best Sunday market anywhere, ever, in the world…..and sent them home from the post office. (I think we spent an entire day just packaging, sewing up, and mailing those boxes through the byzantine formal process they made us follow). We considered buying camels at the animal market and trying to ride into Tibet (it was closed to us at that point…but that had been our destination originally)….I think they were around $75.

What a trip….the amazing treat that eating french fries could be, while watching Top Gun at the Serena hotel in Gilgit (we of course were staying at a sweet dive down in town), the grand and stark beauty–but basically inhospitable anti-western sentiment–of Skardu (graffiti all over the walls: “With Down USA”, “Death to Israel”, etc.), lounging the banks of lovely Satpara Lake, riding stand-up in the back of a jeep, along the Indus River valley up to Khaplu–towering Karakorum all around….finally being allowed after two+ weeks stuck in Skardu, out on the first bus through after a major landslide, watching the unbelievable hand labor rebuilding the road from the river up as we went through. Being taken under wing by the generous but arrogant Major Javid in the Pakistan army, he deeming himself our unofficial guide to the region…. Burying the pot a fellow traveler had shared in Gilgit, under a rock in Sust, before going over the 15K+ Khunjerab Pass border station where the Chinese outpost extorted a dollar each from us to pass thru….our bus getting stuck there (local travelers literally spending the night on cots in tents in very sub-freezing temps….but being entitled westerners we could buy our way down the road on a $15 jeep).

Experiences part of a time and place now gone, swept into the future by inevitable ‘progress’. I have the desire to go back and take that route to see how it’s changed, though it would also break my heart. How difficult to know there are massive internment facilities, ‘re-education camps’ for persecuted Uighur people, knowing how once they lived freely in their own lives, in their own unpolluted lands, in an amazing crossroads of stunning beauty.

Thanks for the post, thanks for helping me wander back through those memories~

Truly captivating! Enjoyed reading through your blog. 40 days of hitchhiking covering 1300 kms, awesome. Wish I could plan a trip like you did along the majestic KK highway.

Thank you, Suneel 🙂

I just received a short video about the highway that sometimes showed vehicles driving on the right side of the road, sometimes on the left. In checking, I learned that people drive on the right in China, but on the left in Pakistan. Does one have to change sides at the border?

Joan, I shared quite a few details and memories from my time there long ago, and was hoping for at least a comment or response….nothing to add? Thanks for your article~

Great blog. What is the best vehicle for touring the KKH? Corola or perhaps a larger vehicle, like Innova or SUV? Thanks!

All kind of cars go through the KKH

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An Epic Road Trip: Exploring the Karakoram Highway, the Highest Paved International Highway in China and Pakistan

When planning your  Pakistan tours , one destination that should undoubtedly be on your list is the legendary Karakoram Highway. Renowned as the highest paved international roadway, this awe-inspiring highway connects the nations of China and Pakistan, offering an unparalleled adventure for avid travelers. 

With its breathtaking landscapes, this road trip promises a remarkable journey through some of the most stunning terrains in the world. 

This article will guide you through the remarkable sights and experiences along the Karakoram Highway, showcasing why this route is a must-visit for any adventurous soul seeking to unravel the beauty of the region.

What is the history of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), connecting Pakistan and China, and how has it influenced regional connectivity and trade over the years?

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship highway is one of the highest-paved roads in the world, connecting the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China with Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region. The history of the KKH dates back to the 1960s when it was constructed as a result of a collaboration between the governments of Pakistan and China. The road was officially opened in 1979, after approximately 20 years of construction.

The construction of the KKH was a remarkable engineering feat, as it involved the labor of thousands of workers and engineers who had to overcome numerous challenges posed by the harsh mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and difficult geological features. Despite these challenges, the completion of the KKH was a significant milestone, as it provided an essential overland route between the two countries, enhancing connectivity and trade between South Asia and East Asia.

The KKH has played a crucial role in promoting regional connectivity and trade between Pakistan and China. It has facilitated the movement of goods and people between the two countries, thereby boosting bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Additionally, the KKH has also enhanced the socio-cultural exchange between the people of Pakistan and China, fostering closer ties and promoting mutual understanding between the two nations.

Over the years, the KKH has undergone several upgrades and improvements, including the expansion of the road and the construction of bridges and tunnels to make it more resilient and accessible. These developments have further strengthened the KKH's role as a vital trade route, not only between Pakistan and China but also for other countries in the region. The highway has also contributed to the development of remote and underdeveloped areas along its route, promoting tourism and improving the livelihoods of the local communities.

Furthermore, the KKH has become a significant component of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to enhance connectivity and promote economic development across Asia, Europe, and Africa. As part of the BRI, the Karakoram Highway has strategic and military importance, serving as a key link in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which encompasses various infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and fostering economic cooperation between the two countries.

Overall, the history of the Karakoram Highway highlights its vital role in fostering regional connectivity and trade, promoting cultural exchange, and contributing to the socio-economic development of the areas it traverses.

What is the importance of the Karakoram Highway?

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) holds significant importance on various fronts, serving as a crucial strategic and economic corridor and fostering cultural and diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China. Some of its key importance includes:

Strategic Significance:  The KKH serves as a vital strategic route, linking Pakistan and China through a high-altitude roadway that facilitates connectivity between the two countries. It plays a crucial role in enhancing regional security and promoting bilateral cooperation.

Economic Connectivity:  The Karakoram Highway is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It promotes trade and economic integration between the two countries and opens up opportunities for cross-border commerce and investment, leading to the development of infrastructure and the growth of trade along the route.

Cultural Exchange:  The KKH promotes cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity between Pakistan and China, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. It allows for the exchange of ideas, traditions, and customs between the diverse communities residing along the highway, contributing to a deeper appreciation of each other's cultures and values.

Tourism and Development:  The Karakoram Highway has become a popular tourist destination, attracting adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs from around the world. The development of tourism infrastructure along the route has led to the growth of local economies and the improvement of livelihoods for communities residing in the vicinity of the highway.

Diplomatic Relations:  The construction and maintenance of the Karakoram Highway symbolize the strong diplomatic relations and cooperation between Pakistan and China. It represents a testament to the enduring friendship and collaboration between the two countries, fostering a sense of goodwill and solidarity in the region.

Overall, the Karakoram Highway holds immense significance in promoting regional connectivity, trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic relations, contributing to the socio-economic development and prosperity of the areas it traverses.

How long is the Karakoram Highway?

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) is approximately 1,300 km ( 810 miles) long, making it one of the world's highest paved international roads. It extends from the town of Hasan Abdal in the Punjab province of Pakistan to the city of Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. The construction of the KKH was a remarkable engineering feat, considering the challenging terrain and harsh environmental conditions it traverses, including the formidable Karakoram mountain range, which is known for its steep slopes and unpredictable weather. This iconic roadway has become a popular destination for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists seeking to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Karakoram region and the cultural diversity of the communities residing along the highway.

Where is the Karakoram Highway located, and which significant towns or landmarks does it pass through, such as Gilgit, Hunza Valley, and Abbottabad?

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) is located in the northern areas of Pakistan and the western regions of China. It begins from the town of Hasan Abdal in the Punjab province of Pakistan and extends through the rugged terrain of the Karakoram mountain range, ultimately reaching the Chinese city of Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Along its route, the KKH passes through several significant towns, landmarks, and scenic valleys, including:

Hasan Abdal: This town marks the starting point of the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan.

Abbottabad: Although the Karakoram Highway does not directly pass through Abbottabad, it is a significant city located not far from Hasan Abdal and serves as a gateway to the KKH.

Mansehra: This town lies en route to the Karakoram Highway and serves as a gateway to the Kaghan Valley, which is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty.

Besham: Located in the Shangla District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Besham is a town situated along the KKH, serving as a major stopover for travelers.

Gilgit: This city, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, is one of the major hubs along the Karakoram Highway. It serves as a central point for travelers and serves as a gateway to various tourist destinations in the region.

Hunza Valley: Situated along the KKH, the Hunza Valley is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, including the stunning Rakaposhi mountain and the ancient Altit and Baltit forts.

Sost: This is a major town and the last settlement in Pakistan along the KKH before the border crossing into China at the Khunjerab Pass.

After crossing the Khunjerab Pass, the Karakoram Highway enters China and continues through the western regions of the country, eventually leading to the city of Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Throughout its route, the Karakoram Highway offers breathtaking views of some of the world's highest and most majestic mountain peaks, making it a popular destination for adventurers and tourists alike.

Where does the Karakoram Highway start, and what are the significant landmarks or points of interest marking the beginning of this iconic roadway?

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) starts at two distinct points, marking the beginning of this iconic roadway in both China and Pakistan.

Chinese Starting Point:  In China, the Karakoram Highway begins in the city of Kashgar, which is located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Kashgar is a historically significant city and serves as a cultural and economic hub in western China. It is known for its rich history, traditional architecture, and vibrant local culture, making it a popular tourist destination in the region.

Pakistani Starting Point:  In Pakistan, the Karakoram Highway starts from the town of Hasan Abdal, which is situated in the Punjab province. Hasan Abdal serves as the starting point for the KKH in Pakistan, from where the highway extends northward, traversing the challenging and stunning terrain of the Karakoram mountain range.

These starting points in both China and Pakistan serve as significant landmarks for the beginning of the Karakoram Highway, which then winds through some of the most breathtaking and challenging landscapes in the world, showcasing the remarkable engineering feat that connects these two countries.

How to get to the Karakoram Highway from major Pakistani cities like Rawalpindi, and what are the transportation options available for an adventurous road trip?

To get to the Karakoram Highway (KKH) from major Pakistani cities like Rawalpindi, several transportation options are available for an adventurous road trip. Here's a general guide on how to reach the Karakoram Highway from Rawalpindi:

By Road (Self-Driving or Rental Car):  One of the most popular ways to embark on an adventurous road trip to the Karakoram Highway is by driving. From Rawalpindi, you can rent a car or use your own vehicle to reach Hasan Abdal, the starting point of the KKH. The journey from Rawalpindi to Hasan Abdal takes approximately one to two hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.

By Bus:  Several bus services operate from Rawalpindi to various towns along the Karakoram Highway, including Hasan Abdal. You can find both public and private bus services that provide transportation to these destinations. Traveling by bus is a more affordable option, although the journey might take longer compared to driving.

By Private Tour or Guided Trip:  If you prefer a more organized and guided experience, you can opt for private tours or guided trips offered by various travel agencies and tour operators in Rawalpindi. These tours often include transportation, accommodations, and guided sightseeing along the Karakoram Highway, providing a hassle-free and informative journey.

Before embarking on the trip, it is essential to ensure that your vehicle is in good condition, especially if you plan to self-drive. Additionally, it is advisable to check the weather and road conditions beforehand, as the terrain can be challenging, particularly in the mountainous regions. Taking necessary precautions, such as carrying extra supplies, warm clothing, and emergency equipment, is crucial for a safe and enjoyable road trip along the Karakoram Highway.

When is the best time to visit the Karakoram Highway?

The best time to visit the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and witness its breathtaking landscapes while avoiding weather-related challenges along the route is during the late spring and summer months, typically from May to September. During this period, the weather is relatively more stable, and the road conditions are generally more favorable, making it easier for travelers to navigate and enjoy the stunning scenery along the highway.

Visiting during these months allows you to experience the majestic beauty of the Karakoram mountain range, including its snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and crystal-clear rivers, without being impeded by extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall or landslides, which can occur during the winter and monsoon seasons.

Additionally, traveling during the late spring and summer months provides better accessibility to various attractions and landmarks along the KKH, such as the Hunza Valley, Attabad Lake, and the Khunjerab Pass, as many of these places may be inaccessible or difficult to reach during other times of the year due to harsh weather conditions and road closures.

However, it's important to note that even during the recommended months, weather conditions in the mountainous regions can be unpredictable, and it's advisable to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before embarking on your journey. Additionally, be prepared for sudden changes in temperature, and make sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for varying weather conditions, including warm clothing for cooler nights and high-altitude areas.

Is Karakoram Highway safe for tourists?

The safety of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) for tourists can vary depending on various factors, including the current geopolitical situation, local conditions, and natural hazards. While the KKH is generally considered safe for tourists, there are certain considerations that travelers should keep in mind:

Security Situation:  It is advisable to stay informed about the current security situation in the region before planning a trip along the Karakoram Highway. Travelers should stay updated on any travel advisories or warnings issued by relevant authorities regarding specific areas along the route.

Road Conditions:  The KKH passes through challenging terrain, including high-altitude areas, narrow roads, and steep inclines. Travelers should be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, landslides, or snowfall, which can affect road conditions and accessibility.

Altitude Sickness:  Traveling along the Karakoram Highway involves navigating through high-altitude regions, which may pose a risk of altitude sickness for some individuals. It is essential for tourists to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Local Guidelines:  It is important for tourists to respect local customs, traditions, and guidelines while traveling along the KKH. This includes being mindful of cultural sensitivities, following local rules and regulations, and showing respect for the natural environment and local communities.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience along the Karakoram Highway, tourists are advised to plan their trip meticulously, adhere to safety guidelines, and consider traveling with reputable tour operators or local guides who have experience navigating the region. Additionally, staying updated with the latest travel information and seeking advice from local authorities or travel experts can help tourists make informed decisions and ensure a safe and memorable journey along this iconic roadway.

Who should visit the Karakoram Highway?

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) offers a diverse range of experiences for a variety of travelers, including nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and history buffs. Here's what each type of visitor can expect to encounter along this iconic roadway:

Nature Enthusiasts:

• Breathtaking Scenery: Nature enthusiasts can revel in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Karakoram mountain range, characterized by its majestic peaks, dramatic valleys, and pristine glacial rivers.
• Flora and Fauna: The region boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with opportunities to spot unique plant species and observe indigenous wildlife, including various bird species and rare mountain animals.
• Glacial Wonders: Travelers can witness stunning glacial formations, such as the Baltoro Glacier, and experience the beauty of natural ice formations in the region.

Adventure Seekers:

• Trekking and Mountaineering: Adventure seekers can engage in thrilling trekking and mountaineering activities, with the KKH serving as a gateway to some of the world's highest and most challenging peaks, including K2 and Nanga Parbat.
• River Rafting: The KKH offers opportunities for exciting river rafting adventures along the Indus River and its tributaries, providing an adrenaline-filled experience amidst the striking natural surroundings.
• Off-Roading and Cycling: Adventurers can embark on off-road expeditions or cycling journeys along the rugged terrain of the Karakoram Highway, taking in the raw beauty of the landscape up close.

History Buffs:

• Cultural Heritage: History buffs can explore the rich cultural heritage of the region, including the unique traditions, customs, and lifestyles of the local communities residing along the KKH.
• Ancient Sites: The KKH is home to several ancient sites and landmarks, such as the Altit and Baltit forts, which offer insights into the region's historical significance and architectural marvels.
• Silk Road Legacy: Visitors can discover the remnants of the ancient Silk Road and learn about the historical trade and cultural exchanges that once took place along this iconic trade route.

Overall, the Karakoram Highway offers an unforgettable journey filled with natural wonders, adventure, and a rich cultural legacy, making it an ideal destination for a wide range of travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of this legendary roadway and the surrounding mountainous terrain.

Why should travelers embark on a journey along the Karakoram Highway?

Embarking on a journey along the Karakoram Highway (KKH) offers travelers a unique and unforgettable experience, encompassing a blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Some of the key reasons to explore the KKH include:

Scenic Beauty:  The Karakorum Highway is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring majestic snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and glacial rivers. Travelers can immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring landscapes, capturing stunning vistas and enjoying panoramic views of some of the world's highest mountains.

Cultural Diversity:  Along the KKH, travelers have the opportunity to engage with diverse local cultures and communities, each with its unique traditions, customs, and ways of life. Exploring the local villages and towns allows for an authentic cultural experience, offering insights into the rich heritage and hospitality of the people residing along the highway.

Historical Landmarks:  The KKH is dotted with historical landmarks and ancient sites that bear witness to the region's rich historical legacy. From ancient forts, such as the Altit and Baltit forts in Hunza Valley, to the remnants of the ancient Silk Road, travelers can delve into the region's historical significance and explore its fascinating past.

Natural Wonders:  The Karakoram Highway offers access to several natural wonders, including the mesmerizing Attabad Lake, known for its stunning turquoise blue waters surrounded by towering mountains. Travelers can also visit the captivating Hunza Valley, famous for its picturesque landscapes, traditional villages, and the majestic Rakaposhi mountain.

Adventure Opportunities:  The KKH provides ample opportunities for adventure enthusiasts, including trekking, mountaineering, and river rafting, allowing travelers to indulge in thrilling outdoor activities amidst the stunning natural surroundings and challenging terrain.

Embarking on a journey along the Karakoram Highway offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and adventure, providing an enriching and memorable experience that captures the essence of the majestic Karakoram mountain range and the diverse communities that call this region home.

What are the must-see attractions along Karakoram Highway such as the Attabad Lake and the Hunza Valley?

When traveling along the Karakoram Highway, be sure not to miss these mesmerizing attractions, each offering a unique glimpse of the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region:

Attabad Lake: With its striking blue-green waters nestled amidst the Karakoram Mountains, Attabad Lake provides a picturesque setting that is perfect for boating and photography, offering a serene escape for travelers.

Hunza Valley: Renowned for its stunning landscapes, terraced fields, and traditional local culture, the Hunza Valley captivates visitors with its breathtaking views of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar peaks, providing an enchanting experience that highlights the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Khunjerab Pass: Situated at a breathtaking elevation of 4,693 meters (15,397 feet), Khunjerab Pass serves as one of the highest paved international border crossings globally, showcasing awe-inspiring views and connecting Pakistan with China.

Fairy Meadows: Offering panoramic views of the Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain globally, Fairy Meadows presents a picturesque grassland that is ideal for trekking and camping, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of the Karakoram Range.

Rakaposhi View Point: Providing a stunning panoramic vista of Rakaposhi, one of the most beautiful peaks in the Karakoram Range, this viewpoint offers a glimpse of the majestic mountain standing tall at 7,788 meters (25,551 feet) and beckoning adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Gilgit and Shangrila Resort: Exploring the cultural and economic hub of Gilgit, with its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, combined with a visit to the serene Shangrila Resort in Skardu district, ensures a holistic experience along the Karakoram Highway, showcasing the region's unique blend of natural splendor and cultural richness.

These attractions along the Karakoram Highway provide travelers with a glimpse of the diverse natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region, making the journey an unforgettable experience.

How much does it cost to travel along the Karakoram Highway?

The cost of traveling along the Karakoram Highway (KKH) can vary depending on various factors, including the traveler's preferences, the duration of the trip, the mode of transportation, accommodation choices, and additional activities. Here's a general breakdown of potential expenditures along the KKH:

Transportation:  The cost of transportation can vary depending on whether you choose to travel by public bus, private car, or hire a local driver. Bus fares can be relatively affordable, while renting a private car or hiring a driver may incur higher costs, especially for longer journeys.

Accommodation:  Accommodation options along the KKH range from budget guesthouses and hostels to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts in some areas. The cost of accommodation varies based on the type of lodging chosen, with budget options being more economical and luxury accommodations commanding higher prices.

Food and Dining:  The cost of food and dining along the KKH can be relatively affordable, especially when opting for local eateries and street food. However, prices may vary depending on the location and type of cuisine. It's advisable to budget for meals at local restaurants or to purchase groceries for self-catering if necessary.

Additional Expenses:  Travelers should also budget for additional expenses, such as entry fees to tourist attractions, costs for guided tours or activities, shopping for souvenirs, and miscellaneous expenditures for emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

Guided Tours or Packages:  Opting for guided tours or travel packages offered by various tour operators may provide a more comprehensive estimate of expenses, as these packages often include transportation, accommodation, meals, and guided activities within a specified cost range.

It's essential for travelers to plan their budget in advance and consider the various components of the trip to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey along the Karakoram Highway. Researching average costs, comparing prices, and setting aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses can help travelers manage their budget effectively and make the most of their experience along this iconic roadway.

What are the usual opening hours for key stops or attractions along the Karakoram Highway?

While the Karakoram Highway (KKH) offers stunning natural beauty and historical landmarks, the operating hours of specific stops, attractions, and local establishments along the route may vary. Here are general guidelines regarding the usual opening hours for key stops and attractions along the Karakoram Highway:

Viewpoints and Scenic Stops:  Viewpoints and scenic stops along the KKH typically do not have strict opening hours as they are accessible throughout the day. Travelers can enjoy these locations at their convenience, although visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best views and photo opportunities.

Historical Sites and Landmarks:  Historical sites and landmarks, such as the Altit and Baltit forts, may have specific operating hours for visitors. These hours can vary depending on the season, so it is advisable to inquire about the opening hours of each site in advance to plan your visit accordingly.

Local Eateries and Restaurants:  Local eateries and restaurants along the KKH often have flexible opening hours, with some establishments open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while others may have more limited operating hours. It's recommended to check with specific eateries for their opening hours, particularly if you have specific dining preferences or dietary requirements.

Considering the remote and mountainous nature of the region, it is essential to plan your itinerary along the Karakoram Highway while keeping in mind the varying operating hours of different stops and attractions. Additionally, being flexible with your schedule and confirming the opening hours in advance can help you make the most of your journey and ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience along this iconic roadway.

How does the Karakoram Highway intertwine with the Kashmir Road and Valley Road?

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) intersects with various other roads and routes, including the Kashmir Road and Valley Road, connecting different regions and providing access to significant points of interest along the way. Here's a general overview of how these routes intertwine and the notable transitions and points of interest that travelers can anticipate:

Kashmir Road Connection:

• The KKH intersects with the Kashmir Road, which serves as a crucial link between the Karakoram region and the broader Kashmir Valley.
• Travelers can expect to transition from the mountainous terrain of the Karakoram range to the picturesque landscapes and valleys of the Kashmir region, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
• Notable points of interest along this transition may include the Muzaffarabad area in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, known for its scenic beauty and access to various natural attractions such as rivers, forests, and parks.

Valley Road Intersections:

• The KKH also intersects with several valley roads that provide access to different valleys and regions along its route, including the Hunza Valley, Gilgit Valley, and Indus Valley, among others.
• Travelers can anticipate transitioning from one breathtaking valley to another, each offering unique cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and natural wonders.
• Notable points of interest along these intersecting routes may include the mesmerizing Hunza Valley, home to stunning mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and historic forts, as well as the vibrant Gilgit town, serving as a cultural and commercial hub in the region.

These intersections and transitions along the Karakoram Highway, Kashmir Road, and Valley Road offer travelers the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, cultures, and attractions, providing a comprehensive and enriching journey through some of the most stunning regions in Pakistan.

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Karakoram Highway Tour: The World’s Best Road Trip

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: September 15, 2020  - Last updated: February 18, 2022

Categories Adventures , Asia , Karakoram Highway , Pakistan , Popular Posts

The Karakoram Highway, often just called KKH, is a highway that runs about 1,300km (800 miles) from Abbottabad in Pakistan to Kashgar in the province of Xinjiang in western China.

The Karakoram Highway was one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century.

Today it’s the world’s highest international border at 4800m (1,600 feet) at Khunjerab Pass between Pakistan and China. It is an unforgettable experience that will have you passing through surreal natural landscapes with the help of the eager locals.

In this guide, you’re going to discover everything you need to make the most out of your Karakoram highway tour. So, without further ado, let’s begin our journey!

The Karakoram Highway Starts From Abbottabad, Pakistan

The Karakoram tour officially starts from Abbottabad in Pakistan, a city that is famous for anything but the KKH in recent years.

You will, however, most likely start your vacation to Pakistan from Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi is located 14km south of the capital of Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.

Important: All long-distance buses from the capital to around the country leave from Rawalpindi, not Islamabad itself.

Travel Tip: If you want to discover more of what Pakistan has to offer, check out this guide of Places To Visit In Pakistan.

KKH Road from Rawalpindi

The bus station in Rawalpindi is huge, chaotic, and dodgy. I got pulled aside by the security guards and hidden away in the backroom – for my own safety, they claimed.

That was fine for me since I had more than 4 hours to wait for the bus north after I arrived from Lahore. I also was offered unlimited tea and food from the security guards while I was waiting for my bus north.

There are at least 2 “VIP” buses and a minibus leaving north a day, they all start from Rawalpindi around 16:00 and arrive in Gilgit around 18:00 the next day.

I made the mistake of taking the minibus. While it was comfy enough, the “VIP” buses were much faster and offered a lot more legroom.

It will be dark outside before you are out of the city, so you are not going to see anything before the next morning.

The first part of the journey is on proper tarmac, so it’s no problem to get some hours of sleep. We stopped at least three times for toilet breaks during the night and once for food. Somewhere along with the beginning of the Karakoram Highway. The place we stopped for breakfast not a bad morning view.

Unfortunately, it is pretty hard to take good photos through the window of the minibus, the roads are bumpy, and the windows are dirty. So, instead of wasting battery, it is better just to enjoy the view.

There are a few military checkpoints on the way where you need to go out and register and provide them with a copy of your passport and visa. It’s really no hassle.

But then, at the checkpoint just before the town of Chillas, you will need to go through a proper security check. You will be taken to the side where portrait photos of you will be taken along with fingerprints.

You will then even get assigned a personal armed guard with an AK47 (strictly, no photos of my guard were allowed). The guard will accompany you on the bus for the next few hours.

It was just ridiculous. First, I was sitting anonymously in one of the backseats of the minibus and then got moved to the front seat next to the driver, together with my guard. If there were any bad guys in the area, they could have easily have spotted me a mile away in the front seat.

The armed guard will accompany you to just before Gilgit.

Gilgit, KKH Pakistan

Gilgit is by far the biggest town in northern Pakistan, and you are guaranteed to stop by here for at least one night. It is also the transportation hub on the Karakoram Highway.

From Gilgit, you will have to arrange transportation to head east towards Skardu, west to Chitral, or north towards China. The Karakoram Highway, often just called KKH, is a highway that runs about 1.300km (800 miles) from Abbottabad in Pakistan to Kashgar in the province of Xinjiang in western China. Gilgit is also the ONLY place in Northern Pakistan with ATMs that work with western bank cards. But they were out of money while I was there – so it’s best to come prepared.

The town itself is not much to brag about. You will most likely arrive in Gilgit just after dark (I did), so it’s a good idea to have an idea of where you want to stay when you arrive.

The bus station is located on the southern edge of the town, and it’s a 10-minute taxi ride to the center of town where most guesthouses are.

I stayed in Medina Guest House, which is popular with travelers. A small double room with a squat toilet and cold shower was 300PKR – less than 3 USD.

Other accommodation options include: Citi Hotel Gilgit Naveed Tourist Inn Riverdale Resort

There is no reason to spend much time in Gilgit; it’s better to move on to Skardu or Hunza Valley .

There is a jeep/minibus station where you can get transport to Hunza Valley. It is less than 10 minutes walk from where I stayed.

Hunza Valley Road Trip Pakistan

The road from Gilgit to Hunza Valley is nice and smooth, with great mountain views all the time. The jeep will most likely drop you off in Aliabad, the main town in Hunza Valley, but this is not where you want to stay.

You’ll want to catch another jeep going to Karimabad. It’s another 15-20min drive, so it’s too far to walk.

Karimabad is overlooking Aliabad and the whole valley and offers one of the best views in the world. Here you can easily understand why Hunza Valley is named the last Shangrila. I could happily retire and live here.

Karimabad is just amazing. It offers a 360-degree view of mountains, two Unesco Heritage sites, extremely friendly and welcoming people, and the best walnut cake anywhere in the world. If you’re interested, they even make decent moonshine.

Things to Do in Hunza Valley

One of the best things to do in Hunza is to climb some of the hills surrounding the valley, meet the locals, and hike up to the Eagle Nest restaurant and hotel.

The Eagle Nest is located on a high hill overlooking the valley. The locals claim they can walk up there in less than 1 hour, but it took me almost 3 hours. It’s steep (very steep), but it offers a million-dollar view.

Attabad Lake Crossing

When you’re ready to leave “Shangrila” and continue your journey along the Karakoram Highway, the next stop is Attabad Lake. It is located just about one hour north of Karimabad.

Attabad Lake was formed just back in 2010 when a massive landslide buried a 19 km (12 miles) stretch of the Karakoram Highway. About 6,000 people got displaced.

Today the lake is about 21 km (13 miles) long and more than 100 meters (330 feet) deep.

The only way to cross it is with small boats that shuttle across the lake – a unique part of the journey.

The ride across the lake takes about 40 minutes, and it’s absolutely freezing cold. Luckily the Chinese are blasting their way through the Karakoram mountain range these days, so you will not need to take the boat in the future while you travel along the Karakoram Highway.

There are plenty of jeeps and minivans waiting on the other side of the lake, some go all the way to Sost, but the next obvious stop on the Karakoram Highway is the tiny village of Passu.

Last Stretch of the Pakistan Road Trip

Passu offers world-class hiking around The Cathedral Ridge. I was, however, unfortunately there too late in the season, so all guides had ventured south for seasonal work in southern Pakistan.

Passu has a few guesthouses, and the locals are very welcoming. I got invited for Chai (Tea) everywhere I walked in the village.

The next and last stop on the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan is the sleepy town, Sost. Sost is a typical border town, with traders from both China and Pakistan. Typical Chinese merchandise and even Tsingtao (Chinese beer) are easily available here.

Chapursan Valley Side Trip

If you have some extra time on your visa and want to spend some extra days in Pakistan, you can do an easy side trip to Chapursan valley .

Chapursan valley is located less than 10 km (6 miles) from the Afghanistan border; it offers volunteer work and a homestay.

There is amazing hiking available around Chapursan valley, but I was running out of time, both on my visa and because the Pakistan/China border was closing down for the season.

The last village in the valley is Zood Khun. You can find a homestay run by the redoubtable Alam Jan Dario – horseman, musician, and ambassador of Wakhi Tajik culture. He runs cultural and adventurous treks on foot or horseback into the valleys and over the passes of his spectacular homeland.

Chapursan valley is mentioned in the book “Stones into School”. The book is the sequel to the award-winning book Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson’s humanitarian efforts to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

You will actually stay in one of the houses and with the family of one of the main characters in the book.

Karakoram Highway: Pakistan to China

There is one daily bus from Sost to Tashkurgan in China. You will do all your customs and paperwork with Pakistani immigration in Sost, which will take a few hours. Important: Make sure to have your yellow vaccination book ready; they will check that you have a Polio vaccination.

The road from Sost to the border goes through Khunjerab National Park . You will still have to pay the entrance ticket of 10 USD – even if you are just passing through on your way to China.

The border crossing between Pakistan and China is on Khunjerab Pass at 4,800m (1,600feet), officially the world’s highest border crossing.

Immigration and customs on the Pakistani side are straightforward and easy but very slow. The Chinese side, on the other hand, is extremely strict.

I have crossed into China overland before from Kyrgyzstan , Kazakhstan , Russia, Mongolia, Laos , Vietnam , Hong Kong , and North Korea . And the Pakistan – China border crossing is nothing like any of those.

You will have to empty all your luggage twice with sniffer dogs around, x-ray your luggage, and then customs will go through your camera and check EVERY SINGLE photo on both your camera and phone.

They will also go through your tablet/laptop, and they will do this for everyone on the bus. It takes time, a lot of time. My bus was on the border for about 6 hours.

Since I was the only tourist on the bus, I was the first person they checked and let through. They will not stamp your passport on the Pakistani – China border.

When everyone is done with immigration and back on the bus, two Chinese military guards will accompany the bus till it reaches the immigration point in Tashkurgan.

The bus will not stop between Khunjerab Pass and Tashkurgan. So, be prepared for no toilet break.

After about four hours, you will reach Tashkurgan. Here you will have to clear customs and immigration again.

You will start the day at Sost at about 9 am, and you will be done with Chinese immigration around 1 am the next day.

There is actually an International Youth hostel in Tashkurgan, but it’s far from the immigration house. It’s better for you to follow most of the Pakistanis on the bus to a hotel that is called “Pakistani House” – it’s less than 10 minutes walk from immigration and offers a single room (wi-fi available) and the best hot shower you have had since Islamabad for 30 RMB.

Travel Tip If you want to continue your journey on the Chinese side, my Tashkurgan guide is the perfect place to start.

The Karakoram Highway, often just called KKH, is a highway that runs about 1.300km (800 miles) from Abbottabad in Pakistan to Kashgar in the province of Xinjiang in western China.

Additional Info About the Karakoram Highway Tour

Apart from all the Karakoram Highway major cities that you have learned about so far, here is some more information that is important to know before leaving.

Border closing Pakistan / China

The border closes down between 1 December to around 1 May every year. During this time, more or less everything from shops, guesthouses, and transportation shut down. Some times earlier, some times a bit later.

I did this trip from the 10th to the 30th of November, and most of the guesthouses started to close down around the 15th of November.

I met a few tourists that were traveling southbound up until 27 November, but I didn’t meet a single tourist that was traveling north towards China after the 20th of November.

Safety in Northern Pakistan

Northern Pakistan is extremely safe. It is even safer than most of Europe these days. The locals are very welcoming and open-minded. I was invited for food, tea, and even the local moonshine everywhere I walked.

Money & Price

The only ATMs in northern Pakistan are in Gilgit, but they are often empty. You are better off bringing enough cash for southern Pakistan. You can find money exchanges in both Karimabad and Sost.

Try to exchange your Pakistani Rupee into Chinese RMB in Sost – most shops can exchange your money.

The bus from Rawalpindi to Gilgit was 1,400 Rupees (8 USD) with a student discount. Most guesthouses are 300 – 500 Rupee (2 USD) for your own room with a bathroom.

Northern Pakistan offers unlimited, world-class hiking and mountaineering. The best place to find a local guide is in Karimabad, Skardu, or Passu. Paragliding is also offered in Karimabad.

It is possible to teach English in some of the villages in the north. In fact, a few of the families who invited me in for a cup of tea and dinner wanted me to practice English with their kids – both with their daughters and sons.

KKH Highway Experience

The Karakoram Highway is, without a doubt, one of the most unique tours I’ve been on. While you are definitely heading off the beaten track, the views and cultural experiences are straight out of a travel novel.

With China upgrading the route as part of their belt and road initiative , your experience might be a bit different to my own. If you notice anything that is different from my time here, I’d love to hear about it in the comments section below. Have a safe trip!

Friday 5th of January 2024

Hi Christian, Thank you very much for this useful blog. You wrote the border crossing will be closed till 1st May but some say they have changed and will open on 1st April, have you heard anything about it? Hope someone can reply.

Ahmed Bilal

Sunday 19th of April 2020

karakoram highway is one of the most adventure road trip in the world. i m Pakistani and i was visit last december . its too amazing... Thanks for sharing admin.

George C. Silides

Wednesday 10th of June 2020

My wife and I travelled on the Karakorum Highway, in September. October 1994, from Kahsgar to Rawalpindi, after crossing China, from the Head Of the Dragon to its tail, was out west, past the Tamaklatan desert. In 1994, the "Highway" was still being cut out of the mountain, following the Indus River. Land slides were frequent, and maintenance crews lived in ramshackle tents along the route. The scenery was as now. Stupendous. We visited Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat Mounyains. Unforgetable.

We still have pictures from that trip, and my wife, Dot, prepared a travel log of the adventure. If you are interested in seeing them, let me know

Sunday 26th of January 2020

Hello! I am heading to Pakistan in June, and this is the exact information I need. Is there any updates about the trip procedure, since this in 2020 now? And by polio vaccination, do you mean I should get it in my home country or I can do it in Islamabad or Lahore? Many thanks.

Christian L.

Monday 27th of January 2020

Hello Ririe. As far as I know, is the information here still up to date. You should get the Polio vaccination in your home country if possible.

The World's Most Dangerous Roads – Big 7 Travel

Saturday 5th of October 2019

[…] 7. Karakoram Highway – Pakistan and China […]

Aryaan Asad

Thursday 12th of September 2019

nice article

Karakoram Highway travel guide- Eighth Wonder of the world

Posted on Last updated: November 12, 2023

Categories Pakistan

It’s day three of our trip to Pakistan, and we will travel on the highest paved road, also referred to as the eighth wonder of the world- the Karakoram Highway in Northern Pakistan.

We had the opportunity to witness some amazing sights, which we would like to share with you. This post will narrate our journey and experience while traveling north and returning to Islamabad. Additionally, we will provide more details about the Karakoram Highway towards the end of this article.

1. Travel from Besham to Gilgit on the Karakoram Highway (Day 3 of our trip to Pakistan)

We woke up early today, and the Besham Hilton Hotel kitchen staff were still preparing breakfast.

Our plan for today is to travel on the famous Karakoram Highway. The journey will take a whole day, but we are excited because we have heard that the scenery along the way is jaw-dropping. The highway was built chiefly along the Indus River.

The highway winds through towering mountains with no vegetation in sight. At other times, we have found ourselves surrounded by low-altitude mountains covered in trees, with a river and mountains in the background that make us feel like we are in Switzerland. Another stretch leads to snow-capped mountains.

Despite being called a “highway,” it often hugged cliffs with deep ravines below. Some stretches were so narrow that our driver had to stop and let oncoming cars pass before continuing. We even experienced rockfalls that blocked half of the road.

The drive along the Karakoram Highway was one of the main reasons for visiting this part of Pakistan, and it did not disappoint me.

On the way to Gilgit

We spent most of our day driving on a long highway to reach Gilgit. Though the Karakoram mountain ranges were mostly bare of trees and grass, they had a unique shape and beauty that made them incredibly attractive. If you believe a mountain can only be considered beautiful if covered in pine trees and snow, the stunning images we captured along the way will change your mind. The scenery was so magnificent that we had our driver stop multiple times to take photographs. 

Watch the video we shot while we traveled along the Karakoram Highway at the end of this article 👇👇.

No wonder the Karakoram Highway is named the 8th wonder of the world.

We also saw animals like cows and yaks on our journey.

The journey was difficult, and some of us were not accustomed to it, resulting in travel sickness.

As we travel along the highway, we come across a junction that leads to Fairy Meadows. Unfortunately, our trip does not include visiting Fairy Meadows, but I understand why. The road leading to Fairy Meadows is considered one of the world’s top 10 most dangerous roads, with sharp turns and uneven road conditions. 

Elaborately decorated trucks at Dassu

We also encountered some areas where construction work and blasting were carried out, leading to temporary road closures for over an hour. While waiting for the highway to reopen, we took the opportunity to explore the surroundings and came across some exquisitely decorated trucks that captured our attention. The drivers were gracious enough to let us take some photos with them.

Some vendors are selling sand-roasted corn, which reminded me of a similar delicacy we had tried on our journey from Katmandu to Pokhara in Nepal years ago.

Several stores also sell snacks and milk tea, although we didn’t try them.

The Karakoram Highway is rightfully named as one of the 8 Wonders of the World. During our journey, we captured numerous photographs and video clips, and I have selected the best ones to showcase the breathtaking beauty of the highway.

Rock Carving

We stopped by the Thalpan Das Rock Carving, which the people of Ghandaran carved during the second century.

This site is located near Chilās and has thousands of rock carvings. We chose to view the ones that are easily accessible from the highway, many of which are related to Buddhism and feature images of Buddha.

After that, we stopped at checkpoints during our trip, where the police allowed us to take photos. 

We had our lunch at Chilās Shangrila Hotel, where we will spend a night during our return trip. Then, we were greeted by the breathtaking view of the Karakoram mountains during the golden hour. 

We were thrilled to view Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest mountain on earth, from the Karakoram Highway. 

Later in the night, we checked in to the Gilgit Serena Hotel, where our room had a king-size double bed and all the necessary facilities. 

Our tour organizer arranged for us a delicious buffet, and we were well-fed. 

The hotel’s garden was beautiful, illuminated with lights at night. We took the opportunity to take some beautiful photographs after dinner.

2. Travel from Chilās to Abottabbad on Karakoram Highway (Day 10 of our Pakistan trip)

We returned to Abottabbad from Chilās along the Karakoram Highway on the tenth day.  Putting everything we saw on these two days into one video is more appropriate. Let’s continue this video on day 10 of our return trip on the Karakoram Highway. We spent a night on day 10 at Chilās Shangrila Hotel.

After visiting Gilgit, Hunza, and Skardu, we were returning using the same highway to Chilās.

We spent the night at the Chilās Shangrila Hotel, located on the edge of the Indus River. The hotel’s beautiful garden caught our attention, but what we found most impressive was its typical Pakistani village-style decoration. 

I particularly liked the lock and the latch on our room’s door.

We started our journey very early, at around 4:15 AM the following day. The early start is to avoid the road closure at Dassu. 

Shatial Rock Carving

We followed the Karakoram Highway and soon arrived at Shatial. Our local guide, Ali, informed us that a dam is under construction here, which would eventually result in the riverbank being submerged in water.

Many houses were built along the river, but most were unoccupied. He explained that the owners had built them intentionally and would receive compensation from the government once the houses were submerged. Although it seemed like a questionable way to make money, it is the reality of the situation.

At Shatial, rock carvings are a significant archaeological site and a heritage of the Silk Road. Over 1,000 inscriptions and 700 petroglyphs can be found at the Shatial Bridge on the Indus River. More than 550 inscriptions dating from the 3rd to the 7th centuries can be identified, which were left by Iranian merchants in the Sogdian language. The rocks at Shatial also contain ancient Brahmi and Kharosthi language scripts and graffiti, indicating that the site also served as a Buddhist shrine.

Unfortunately, the Indus River dam will soon submerge the rock carvings of Shatial.

We stopped at Sumer Nala for a quick break during our trip. A few of us grabbed a cup of milk tea at the nearby store while our travel companion, Lily, took the opportunity to meditate facing the waterfall. The rest of us went for a stroll, enjoying the stunning waterfall and the gorgeous nature.

We finally arrived at Dassu, but unfortunately, the road was still closed due to construction and explosions. It was still early, so Lily took the lead and started picking up as much trash as possible along the roadside, and soon Mary, Michelle, and we joined in. 

A local gentleman with kids thanked us for our effort and helped us collect more rubbish. After we finished, he agreed to dispose of it in an appropriate place. We hope our small act of being environmentally friendly will inspire others to do the same.

Once the highway opened again, we continued our journey to Abbottabad.

Karakoram Highway Monument

We arrived at the Karakoram Highway Monument. This marks the original starting point of the 868 km-long Pakistan Section of the Karakoram Highway, which the Frontier Work Organisation built. 

The monument is located near the Indus River, providing a stunning river view. It’s also where three major mountain ranges meet – the Hindu Kush, the Himalayas, and the Karakoram mountain range.

We pass through Thakot, where the locals purchase necessary items for their families. The small town was bustling with activity, and we even experienced traffic jams.

Many shops lacked windows and walls and sold only a few items. Seeing this, it was clear that poverty was a real issue for these people, and we sympathized with their difficult living conditions.

We arrived at Hotel One Abbottabad after our tiring journey.

We spend a night and will return to Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, the following day.

Here’s our story of the Karakoram Highway. We hope you enjoy this video. We will upload the next story, covering our experiences in Gilgit, Hunza, and Skardu. Stay tuned!

3. Additional information: Facts about the Karakoram Highway

• The Pakistani section of the Karakoram Highway starts at Hasan Abdal, approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Rawalpindi. The highway goes through the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan and ends at the Khunjerab Pass, which is situated on the Pakistan and Chinese border. The highway’s highest point is at Khunjerab Pass, which is 4,714 meters (15,466 feet) above sea level, which can cause discomfort in some people due to the high altitude.
• The Karakoram Highway is also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway. It was jointly built by the Pakistani and Chinese governments, starting in 1962 and completing in 1978. The highway extends from Hassan Abdal in the Punjab province of Pakistan to the Khunjerab Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, crossing into western China and ending in China’s Xinjiang province. In Pakistan, the highway is officially known as N-35, while in China, it is called China National Highway 314 (G314).
• The Khunjerab Pass is the highest border crossing in the world. According to Britannica and Wikipedia, the total length of the Pakistan section of the Karakoram Highway is approximately 887 kilometers (551 miles). The highway is famous for some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2 and Nanga Parbat1, and offers breathtaking views of these peaks and other stunning landscapes, such as the Hunza Valley and Karakul Lake. The highway passes through many small towns and villages with unique cultures and traditions. The upcoming articles will provide more information on our interaction with the locals. 
• The Karakoram Highway is also home to diverse wildlife, including snow leopards, ibex, and Marco Polo sheep. Although we did not see the leopards and sheep, some of us managed to take a photograph of the ibex.
• We will cover other historical places and viewpoints along this highway in published articles. These places include Baltit Fort, the nomads at Hunza River, and Attabad Lake.

Watch the video we shot while we traveled along the Karakoram Highway 👇👇.

Note : I have written several articles about our trip to Northern Pakistan. To read our stories, please click here.

Our trip was organized by Go Holiday 360 Sdn Bhd . Please contact them for further inquiries.

Far West China

Traveling China’s Karakoram Highway | Traveler’s Guide

February 3 | No Comments

If you are traveling to Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang region, the Karakoram Highway is a must-see destination! Often regarded as the “Eight Wonder of the World”, this long stretch of highway links China with Pakistan, cuts through snow-capped mountains and features diverse cultures along the way. It’s a trip that you’ll never forget.

For travelers looking to adventure up the Karakoram Highway, look no further than this guide for some initial tips to start planning your travel itinerary.

In order to help you plan, I’ve organized the information below into sections you can skip to as well as a video to provide some good inspiration.

As you go through this guide, keep in mind that all of this information – and  so much more – is included in the FarWestChina Xinjiang Travel Guide . It’s the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide on China’s western region. I’m so confident you’ll love it that I guarantee your money back if you’re not satisfied :)

This table of contents shows you how I’ve broken down this travel guide. Continue to scroll or click on the links to jump to a specific section.

• Where should I stop along the Karakoram Highway?
• How much time should I budget on the Karakoram Highway?
• How can I travel up the Karakoram Highway?
• Where can I sleep along the Karakoram Highway?

Security on the Karakoram Highway

• Is it safe to travel up the Karakoram Highway?
• When should I plan my trip up the Karakoram Highway?

Let’s get going!

Karakoram Highway Points of Interest

To begin, I welcome you to join me on my cycling trip along the Karakoram Highway, during which time I did the research for this travel guide. To make this kind of trip, I assume that you’ve already applied for a China visa and received all the proper paperwork to enter China.

While driving or biking along the Karakoram Highway, there are a number of different places to stop.

Some are worth a long visit while others aren’t.

The map you see below details the most popular destinations along the Chinese side of the Karakoram Highway.

Below, I’d like to detail these points of interest, providing pictures and information you might need as you travel.

1. Opal or 乌帕尔 (Uyghur Village)

Opal is a small village you will reach a little over an hour after leaving Kashgar . In terms of kilometers it’s not that far, but because they’ve imposed these ridiculously slow speed limits, it seems to take forever!

Think of Opal as your run of the mill rest stop where you can stretch your legs, use the bathroom and restock on snacks and fruit.

If you are hungry, there are a number of restaurants in town where you can chow down on Uyghur polo or Laghman .

Opal is also home to the Mahmud al-Kashgari tomb , a revered Uyghur scholar from the 11th century.

The tomb and mausoleum aren’t incredibly impressive in my opinion, but it the eyes of Uyghur history and culture, it is important.

2. Red Mountain or “Oytagh Canyon”

Not far from Opal are the red mountains of Oytagh Canyon, the first major scenic spot along the Karakoram Highway.

The surrounding mountains in this area all display a red tint and are great for taking photos. If you were to head west into the valley, you would eventually hit the Oytagh Glacier Park (奥依塔格冰川公园) that boasts more incredible scenery.

Unfortunately this place has been closed since 2014 (stupid political reasons).

Until it reopens, you can budget a good fifteen minutes here for pictures and another bathroom break, then move on.

3. White Sand Lake or 白沙湖

White Sand Lake, known as 白沙湖 in Chinese, is a massive water reservoir surrounded by sand dune mountains. The juxtaposition of sand dunes and a beautiful, blue lake make for some fun pictures to show people back at home.

Stopping here for a decent amount of time is well worth it to take in the beauty of the teal colored water and dunes in the distance.

White Sand Lake is also a good spot for souvenir shopping as Kyrgyz traders sell local trinkets – mostly stones – to travelers.

* Note* : Many travelers have reported that they’ve been able to stay in a yurt near White Sands Lake (it’s currently forbidden at Karakul Lake). If this is possible, it’s one of the few stops between Kasghar and Tashkorgan where travelers can stay the night.

4. Karakul Lake or 卡拉库里湖

Surrounded on all sides by snowcapped mountains, Karakul Lake is the crown jewel of sights to see on the Karakoram Highway. Towering above the lake is Muztagh Mountain, which translates from Uyghur as “Father of Ice Mountains”.

The best time to experience the scenery of Karakul Lake is at sunset and sunrise as the sun reflects off the glacier topping Muztagh Mountain.

It used to be possible to stay the night in the Kyrgyz yurts on the west side of the lake, but since 2017 that has no longer been allowed.

You can arrange for a meal in a local yurt but for the time being that’s all that’s allowed.

5. Subash Pass or 苏巴什

At an elevation of 13,400 feet, Subash Pass is the highest point in elevation on the Chinese side of the Karakoram Highway. The pass is marked by signs and has a platform built for taking photos.

At this point you might be starting to feel a bit of a headache or nausea, so be careful about altitude sickness

Take a few minutes to stop here and enjoy feelings of having conquered the altitude of the Karakoram Highway while enjoying some additional views of Muztagh Mountain and the valley below.

There’s a security checkpoint at this pass where you’ll need to show your passport. In addition, you’ll see a massive structure that looks like some sort of monument.

It’s actually a gate that’s been under construction for years and the path behind it leads toward the mountain to one of the massive glaciers. If you have an off-road vehicle, it’s possible to drive right up to the glacier!

6. Taheman Grasslands or 塔合曼

About an hour up the highway from Karakul Lake are the peaceful Taheman Grasslands, known for its mountain scenery and winding river.

Although at this point you may start feeling antsy to get to Tashkurgan, be sure to have your driver stop at this location. The view of the rivers sprawling across the green grassland valley is nothing short of mesmerizing and a top highlight on the Karakoram Highway.

Side Note : There’s a dirt path that curves along the north and east sides of the grasslands (the road follows the west side). This is a great place to cycle if you have the time!

7. Tashkurgan or 塔什库尔干

Despite being a small town, there is plenty to enjoy in Tashkurgan. Most alluring to tourists is the Stone Fortress, which protected passing caravans on the ancient Silk Road as far back as 2,000 years ago.

Apart from the Stone Fortress, the Golden Grasslands are a must see in Tashkurgan as well. If you’re lucky, you might even run across a traditional game of Buzkashi .

Wooden pathways have also been put in place allowing you to walk above the marshy landscape.

8. Khunjerab Pass (border with Pakistan)

The Khunjerab Pass is the last stop on the Chinese side of the Karakoram Highway before you enter into Pakistan.

While you will not be able to journey up to the actual border between China and Pakistan unless you have a valid Pakistani visa, making it all the way to the border checkpoint provides great views into Pakistan.

There’s also a sense of gratification having made it to the edge of China!

How Much Time Should I Budget to Travel China’s Karakoram Highway?

You should budget at least three days if you want to thoroughly see everything along the Chinese side of the Karakoram Highway.

Anything over five days may be over stretching your trip unless you plan on trekking around Muztaghata Mountain (which requires a special permit in Kashgar) or cycling up the highway.

It’s also fun to spend at least half a day wandering around Tashkorgan.

If time is a limiting factor for you, you can arrange for a one to two day trip up to Karakul Lake.

While your experience will be brief, you will still find the trip very rewarding and worthwhile.

How Can I Travel the Karakoram Highway?

There are a number of different ways that you can organize your trip up and down the Chinese side of the Karakoram Highway.

I’m going to cover the three most common here.

Travel with a Travel Agency

Booking with a travel agency like Old Road Tours is the easiest way to travel the Karakoram Highway. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your entire itinerary will be arranged for you and all permits arranged in advance.

Using a travel agency gives you the option to customize your trip well beyond simply traveling up and down the Karakoram Highway by car.

Old Road Tours, for example, can arrange for you to trek from Karakul Lake to various Kyrgyz villages along the slopes of Muztag Mountain. In addition, a travel agency can arrange local activities for you that are generally unavailable to independent travelers. Depending on the tour, many of your meals may also be included within the fee.

Yet all this comes at a hefty price.

While prices depend on your itinerary and number of travelers in your group, you can anticipate paying several thousand RMB at a minimum. While expensive, you pay for both a premium service and experience with this option.

Hire a Private Driver

While you will not have all the conveniences and services of a travel agency, hiring your own private driver is another great and more affordable way to travel up the Karakoram Highway.

Like traveling with a travel agency, hiring your own driver gives you plenty of flexibility in your trip. You can choose how many days you would like to budget for your trip as well as choose when to stop along the way.

You can also have your hostel do all the heavy legwork for you in scheduling a driver for the journey. Simply let them know in-advance the days you would like to travel up the Karakoram Highway and they will not only find you a driver but also pair you up with other travelers with similar travel plans.

Alternatively you can go to the city bus station (ke yun zhan / 客运站) where there are drivers that can drive you to Tashkurgan . If you are a skilled negotiator, you should be able to agree on a fair price for your trip at the bus station.

Cost of the entire trip depends on how many people will be traveling with you and the length of your trip. The more passengers that sign up for each trip will reduce the price you pay.

Generally for this option, you can plan on budgeting 400 RMB to 800 RMB. This may or may not include housing and some meals. Before agreeing on a price make sure you are fully aware of what is and is not included in the fee.

Take the Public Bus to Tashkorgan

If you want to experience the Karakoram Highway but are under a tight budget, taking the bus from Kashgar to Tashkorgan is a good option. It’s also a good choice if you want to get to Tashkurgan and back within two days.

The bus leaves the Kashgar city bus station (ke yun zhan / 客运站) at 9:30 am and arrives at Tashkurgan six hours later depending on traffic and road conditions. From Tashkurgan a bus leaves at 8:00 am and again at 3:00 pm. Tickets are 51 RMB one way.

While you save money and can experience the Karakoram Highway and see Tashkurgan on a rushed timeframe by taking the bus, there are also some downsides to consider.

With the bus you lack the flexibility to stop at scenic areas. There is also no guarantee that the bus will stop at Karakul Lake and may end up driving past it. If you want to take the gamble it’s best to stop at Karakul on your way back to Kashgar from Tashkurgan.

When taking the 8am bus, you can anticipate arriving at Karakul around 11am. From there you can try your luck and try to catch the 3pm bus on its way to Kashgar.

What Lodging is Available along the Karakoram Highway?

If you plan to spend the night along the Karakoram Highway in China, the only hotels you’ll find that accept foreigners are located in the town of Tashkorgan.

Tashkurgan Accommodations

Most travelers find themselves stopping in the quaint town of Tashkorgan for a night or two. If this is you, there are two options that I recommend:

• K2 Youth Hostel – Located within walking distance of the Stone Town and the Golden Marsh, this comfortable hostel has 4 bed and 8 bed dorms along with private twin rooms available. It also features a large communal area with a pool table and bar.

• Crown Inn Hotel : At one point this used to be one of the “expensive” hotels in Tashkorgan, but with the rise in competition, the rates are now quite good. The rooms are comfortable and the breakfast (with real coffee!) is exceptional.

Camping Along the Karakoram Highway?

While camping in China is technically illegal for foreigners, it’s a generally accepted practice as long as you’re staying out of sight.

If you pitch a tent next to Karakul Lake, chances are the locals or police will drop by to let you know that you must leave. In some cases, such as in the photo you see below, travelers have been able to secure permissions beforehand to camp at the lake, but these permissions are hard to get and can sometimes be expensive.

Unfortunately, aside from the lake, there aren’t that many great places to pitch a tent along the Chinese side of the Karakoram Highway.

You’ll probably have to hike in a good ways and even then there aren’t that many flat, grassy areas.

Local police occasionally require foreigners traveling up the Karakoram to acquire a permit. If you plan on doing any trekking at Muztagata Mountain, there’s also an additional payment for an environmental protection fee.

Over the past few years, a permit from a travel agency has been required of some travelers to Tashkorgan.

As the law can easily and quickly change, it is recommended that you double-check before your trip whether you need a permit or not.

In the event that you do need to apply for a permit, you can work with a travel agency or hostel to do so. Be sure to also keep your passport on you during your trip as you will need to use it to register with the authorities at a police checkpoint along the way. Registering takes as little as five minutes.

Is it Safe to Travel the Karakoram Highway?

You can rest easy knowing that traveling on the Chinese side of the Karakoram Highway from Kashgar to Tashkurgan is quite safe. However there is potential for small dangers on the road such as falling rocks, mudslides, and low visibility in the event of heavy rain.

In 2017, a newly-constructed highway was opened that raises above many of the problems that once plagued the highway. That doesn’t mean you won’t run into delays, but they will (hopefully) be less often.

Fortunately the Chinese government is quick to respond to poor road conditions and deploys construction personnel and hazard markers to alert drivers in the event of any adverse road conditions.

With that said, it is best to discuss with whomever will be leading your trip on how they will prioritize your safety in the event of inclement weather.

When Should I Plan my Trip?

The Karakoram Highway is officially open to traffic from May 1st to December 31st giving you a broad timeframe to plan your trip.

Not being a fan of the cold, I recommend traveling in the warmer summer months of June through early September as temperatures along the highway can get pretty low in the evening.

Yet the rain season is another factor to consider as it hits its peak in July and August. Heavy rains can lead to considerable delays in your trip through slower traffic, lorries getting stuck in mud or even sections of the highway being washed away.

No matter what time of year you plan to travel up the Karakoram Highway, budgeting flexibility into your itinerary to account for abrupt changes in weather is recommended.

Final Thoughts on China’s Karakoram Highway

The bottom line is this: if you’re in Kashgar and you have the extra time available, a trip up China’s side of the Karakoram Highway is an absolute must.

The scenery is unbelievable and the various ethnic groups (Kyrgyz, Uyghur and Tajik) keep things quite interesting all along the way. It’s a trip you won’t ever regret making!

DON’T FORGET:  Grab a copy of the FarWestChina Xinjiang Travel Guide for your journey in and around Xinjiang. It’s an amazing resource that goes far beyond what you’ll find in Lonely Planet or other travel guides.

How was your trip up the Karakoram Highway? Do you have any additional thoughts on anything else that should be covered here? If so, please leave a comment below.

• About the Author

About Josh Summers

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Karakoram Highway

• 1.1 History
• 2.1 Road condition
• 4.1.1 Taxila
• 4.1.2 Haripur
• 4.1.3 Havelian
• 4.2 Abbotabad
• 4.3 Mansehra
• 4.4 Kaghan Valley (alternative)
• 4.5 Batagram
• 4.8 35.92083374.308333 1 Gilgit
• 4.10 Aliabad
• 4.11 36.33374.666 2 Karimabad
• 4.12 36.3893174.86496 3 Gulmit
• 4.13 36.33694474.8675 4 Attabad Lake
• 4.14 36.4603274.893766 5 Passu
• 4.15 36.68930274.821647 6 Sost
• 4.16 36.8575.427778 7 Khunjerab Pass
• 4.17 Tashkurgan
• 4.18 Karakol Lake
• 4.19 Kashgar
• 5 Stay safe

The Karakoram Highway (often abbreviated to KKH and sometimes transliterated as Karakorum) is the highest paved international road in the world; it connects Western China and Pakistan . It is one of the very few routes that cross the Himalayas and the most westerly of them. Historically, this was a caravan trail, one branch of the ancient Silk Road . From 1959 to 1979, the Chinese and Pakistani governments built a highway.

The name is derived from the Mongolian for Black Range, when the Mongols had their great empire , and was adopted later by their descendants, the Mughal Empire , who ruled India for many centuries.

The highway has become an adventure tourism destination and ranked as the third best tourist destination in Pakistan by The Guardian newspaper. It is the highest border crossing in the world , at an elevation of over 4,800 metres (roughly 16,000 feet) in the Khunjerab Pass at the border. For comparison, Mont Blanc , the tallest mountain in Western Europe, is 4810 m and Mount Whitney , the highest point in the 48 contiguous US states , is 4421 m.

It may be the ultimate challenge for the devoted cyclist . There are organised bicycle tours, and several books about bicycling this route. Although as travel to Pakistan has declined because of terrorist attacks, the number of tours has fallen. It is a trip that is possible to undertake independently, although consideration should be given to the heat and altitude if travelling unsupported.

The border is not open for cyclists. Instead, you can board the bus in either Tashkurgan (China) or Sost (Pakistan). From the Pakistani side you can cycle up to the pass, but not over it. You will have to return to Sost to take the bus!

Understand [ edit ]

The highway runs roughly north-south across the Karakoram mountain range and through the Khunjerab Pass at the border. In Pakistan, it runs from Abbottabad to the border through the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan . After the border, it runs across part of China's Xinjiang province to Kashgar .

Its construction was started as a joint project of the two governments in 1959 and completed in 1979; the highway was opened to the general public in 1986. About 800 Pakistanis and 200 Chinese workers lost their lives, mostly in landslides and falls, while building the highway.

In China, the KKH is known as the "Friendship Highway". Due to its high elevation and the difficult conditions in which it was constructed, it has also been called the "Eighth Wonder of the World".

History [ edit ]

Prepare [ edit ].

The Karakorum Highway or KKH is a two-way all-weather road in Pakistan, except for the Khunjerab Pass which is closed from January through to April due to heavy snow. Landslides that can block the road for hours or more are common at some places during the monsoon season (Jul-Sep).

Some parts of the highway, e.g. the areas between Besham and Chilas in Pakistan and the desert areas on the Chinese side, are very hot during summer; the temperature can reach 45°C (113°F).

Taken together, these factors mean that the KKH is best travelled in the spring or early autumn.

You can travel by simply any means, cycle, buses, bike, car but the most used method is hopping on to vans which is affordable as well convenient. Some say it is one of the scariest roads in the world because of the potential steep falls of hundreds of metres off the unprotected road edge on one side with unstable mountains on the other side that are likely to cause landslides during harsh weather. Sometimes the road gets so narrow in some places that only one vehicle can pass at a time, while the other waits on the very narrow edge of the road. You'll see lots of wrecked heavy vehicles. Most of the treks are located on the Pakistani side.

If you wish to use the highway to cross borders, get the visa of the other country beforehand; otherwise, entry at the border will not be granted. Entry will not be granted to those on cycles. You must be transported on a motorised vehicle, so take a bus from a nearby town to cross this frontier.

Road condition [ edit ]

The state of the highway itself varies considerably over its 1300 km length. The road from Hassan Abdal starts off in good condition, however by the time the highway starts to climb in to the Kohistan district it deteriorates significantly. From roughly Besham to Chilas the road hugs the side of the river valley, with the raging Indus river below. The road is narrow and bumpy and is being actively worked on in places, with large and high consequence drops just off the edge of the road. Traffic travels at high speed, and accidents are common. Care should be taken on this section if you are driving or cycling. Work is being done as part of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor to upgrade this section of the KKH, so the quality and width of the road should improve in the coming years.

After Chilas, the road surface dramatically improves and is mostly smooth asphalt or concrete all the way until the China border.

The highway on the Chinese side is generally good, although as of 2019 there are frequent and irritating road excavations to contend with after Tashkurgan. The landscape is also more plateau like on the Chinese side, so you mostly lack the perilous cliff edge situations you find on the Pakistani section.

Get in [ edit ]

The Pakistani section of the highway officially starts from Hasan Abdal, 50 km northwest of Rawalpindi , while the Chinese section starts from Kashgar , a major city in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The Karakoram Highway is officially known as the N-35 in Pakistan; and China National Highway 314 (G314) in China.

Although the highway starts in Hasan Abdal, the usual jumping off point is Gilgit . In fact you can jump in from anywhere between. If you want to start from Gilgit, you can take a PIA flight from Islamabad , the capital of Pakistan to Gilgit , the flight is simply unforgettable as the plane flies around Nanga Parbat as well as around K2, and you can see 82 peaks of Pakistan that are over 7,000 m.

For those wishing to start the journey from Hasan Abdal, take Pakistan's longest highway N-5 — which runs between the southern city of Karachi and the northwestern city of Peshawar — or the Grand Trunk Road ; both pass through Hasan Abdal. The nearby major city is Rawalpindi. Air-conditioned buses bound for major cities such as Peshawar or northern cities of Abbotabad, and Mansehra are plentiful and can drop you at Hasan Abdal but charge full fare, whereas non-aircondioned buses and vans leave at intervals of no more than an hour from Rawalpindi. Some may not be very comfortable. A bus journey from Rawalpindi may take not more than 1 hr.

Go [ edit ]

The itinerary is presented here from south to north because the majority of KKH falls in the south.

Hasan Abdal [ edit ]

The historical town of Hasan Abdal is the starting point of KKH and the only town of the Punjab that is on the highway. It is where the two famous historical roads, Grand Trunk Road and KKH meet each other.

The town has Gurdwara Panja Sahib, one of the holiest places in Sikhism and a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs who visit the town from all over the world especially during the Besakhi season.

Taxila [ edit ]

20 km to the east of Hasan Abdal is the fascinating ancient settlement of Taxila . It is one of the most important archaeological sites of South Asia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taxila is on the Grand Trunk Road and is worth visiting. It makes a great side trip with plenty of accommodation and eating options available as well having a direct road connected to Haripur.

Haripur [ edit ]

The land of Pashtun, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, starts here as well the ascending to hilly area. Haripur is some 30 km north of Hasan Abdal and 40 km north of its nearby town of Taxila. The town can be reached either from Hasan Abdal or Taxila but of the two routes to Haripur, the one from Hasan Abdal is mostly used by buses due to its wideness and is more convenient.

Havelian [ edit ]

Some 25 km north of Haripur is the town of Havelian , the original starting point of KKH. Other than road, Havelian is the only place on the KKH inside Pakistan served by train station as well. A non-air-conditioned train Hazara Express calls daily. Train originates from Karachi and through various major cities in Punjab reaches Havelian.

Abbotabad [ edit ]

Abbottabad is a city in the Hazara region of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, in northeastern Pakistan

Mansehra [ edit ]

Kaghan valley (alternative) [ edit ].

Balakot > Kawai - Shogran > Paras - Sharan > Khanian - Kaghan > Naran > Babusar Pass >

Batagram [ edit ]

Besham [ edit ], chilas [ edit ], 35.920833 74.308333 1 gilgit [ edit ].

Major town on the highway that was a historically important stop on the Silk Road, and nowadays serves as the administrative capital of Gilgit-Baltistan. This is a good place to stock up on supplies and get some rest. It is well connected with its airport and has bus connections to most places in Gilgit-Balitistan, as well as further afield such as Islamabad and Kashgar.

Nagar [ edit ]

Aliabad [ edit ], 36.333 74.666 2 karimabad [ edit ].

Capital of Hunza, with many accommodation options and the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative list site of Baltit fort.

36.38931 74.86496 3 Gulmit [ edit ]

The ancient capital of Upper Hunza (Gojal) is a fairly small town on the KKH. Some historic buildings can be seen in the old town, and the backdrop of large mountains is impressive (especially the views of Tupopdan). There are several hiking options here, including to the Gulmit and Ghulkin glaciers.

36.336944 74.8675 4 Attabad Lake [ edit ]

Formed by a landslide in 2010, this 21 kilometre lake submerge a section of the KKH for 5 years. Now a series of tunnels have been build adjacent to the flooded valley bottom. Caution should be taken as although the road is in good condition, the tunnels are sometime unlit. The longest is 3.3 kilometers, so cyclists should be especially careful. The lake itself has a striking turquoise colour and there are tourist attractions on the northern shore.

36.46032 74.893766 5 Passu [ edit ]

A small village at the foot of a huge glacier. With the best views of the iconic Mount Tupopdan, Passu is certainly worth a visit. The famous Glacier Breeze cafe and the Paasu suspension bridge are also worthy attractions.

36.689302 74.821647 6 Sost [ edit ]

The final town on the Pakistani stretch of the KKH. Here you will need to get your exit stamp and organise transport in to China.

36.85 75.427778 7 Khunjerab Pass [ edit ]

Here lies the Pakistan - China border at an altitude of 4693m. The scenery along the KKH between here and Sost, through the Khunjerab National Park, is incredibly dramatic, although the pass itself can be a little underwhelming. It is not possible to cross the border here if you are on foot or bicycle, you must return to Sost and get a bus.

Tashkurgan [ edit ]

Karakol lake [ edit ], kashgar [ edit ], stay safe [ edit ].

The Karakoram Highway lies in one of the safer parts of Pakistan, but expect inhospitable terrain. The more you go north, the safer it becomes, especially between Gilgit and the border pass. South of Gilgit, the population becomes increasingly Pushtun-dominated and is likewise influenced by the situation in the rest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in particular the area around Abbotabad. If you're very much concerned about your safety, it is advisable to directly fly from Islamabad to Gilgit or Skardu and focus on the upper reaches of the KKH.

General unrest, displeasure with the local police, government or local politics can sometimes create localised issues and difficulties below Gilgit. Watch everyone else, see how they are reacting. With care and common sense, the valley and area is stunning visually, has friendly locals who are relaxed and are keen to interact with you. Near Karimabad there are troops stationed and visible, whilst further up the valley, there appears to be just local police.

Mind altitude sickness . Many people get symptoms already if sleeping at 2,500 m without acclimatization, while 3,500 m is regarded very high altitude in this context, carry an oxygen mask if you have chronic respiratory conditions or when you feel unwell.

Beware of Avalanches and landslides. Before thinking of going on the trip, check local reports and avoid adventuring if it rains or snows heavily. Extra caution is required in the winter. Carry a first aid kit just in case of an accident and obey suggested speed limits, which change with the season or weather events. Winds can be very strong and frigid, so carry a lot of warm clothing.

In Pakistan, they drive on the left, but in China on the right.

Go next [ edit ]

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How to: Drive Pakistan's Karakoram Highway

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) officially starts just north of Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad , an uninspiring, planned concrete city.

The best thing to see here is on the outskirts — the Indo-Greek ruins of Taxila , the easternmost conquest of Alexander the Great. Much of the site has been excavated, and it makes for a good mid-morning break on your way to the KKH.

You know you’re on the right road when you see this sign: “Turn right for China; Straight on for the Khyber Pass .” The KKH winds through the corridor between Afghanistan and Kashmir but, fortunately, doesn’t suffer from the same security problems as its neighbors.

The Northern Areas state, which comprises most of the region, is semi-autonomous and the governor, though democratically elected, comes from a royal family that’s ruled here for the past 800 years.

Over 20,000 petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings) have been found in the Karakoram mountains, and the best examples are near the town of Chilas .

The oldest, showing human figures, animals, and religious symbols, date from 3,000 years ago and are a short scramble from the road.

They were left by Buddhist pilgrims, traders, and travelers, a reminder that although the KKH is a 1970s construction, the road from China down to the Indian subcontinent was an important offshoot of the ancient Silk Road .

Gilgit , the Northern Areas’ provincial capital, is the place to watch horse sports. Gilgit’s polo team is famous nationwide, and matches against arch-rivals Chittral at Shandur Pass , the world’s highest polo ground, draw spectators from around the world.

Just out of town, a 7th-century standing Buddha is carved into a sheer rock face.

In northernmost Pakistan is the former Kingdom of Hunza , where people purportedly maintained a life expectancy of 130 years throughout the 20th century. They credit strong genes (inherited from Alexander the Great’s troops) and a lack of spices in their diet for their longevity.

The kingdom’s old capital, Baltit , has a fort that saw visits from major players in the Great Game , including the legendary British spy Francis Younghusband .

Last stop on the KKH before the Chinese border is Khunjerab National Park, one of the few places in the world where snow leopards still run wild.

Khunjerab Pass , at 4,690m (15,400ft), is the highest international border crossing in the world. Whether you’re continuing on or turning back, take time to survey the incredible landscape, the absolute quiet, and the blissful isolation — you are, quite literally, on top of the world.

How to travel

This will be largely dependent on your budget.

The Northern Areas Transport Company (NATCO) operates a regular bus service up and down the KKH, but the buses are uncomfortable and, judging from the way they drive, this is probably your least safe option.

One step up is a private bus or small minibus: they don’t run as frequently and generally leave town only when they’re full, but your chance of reaching journey’s end in one piece is much better.

The best method, if you can afford it, is to go by car. Karakoram Jeep Treks International (a UK company) can provide a 4×4 and a driver-cum-guide, or you can always hire a car in Islamabad. Four-wheel drive makes the journey more pleasant but is not 100% essential.

Things to watch out for while driving are rock falls, which can take out large sections of road, the dramatic but deadly hairpin bends, and, of course, other drivers.

As stated, NATCO bus drivers have homicidal tendencies, as do some of the truckers, and many locals (two-legged and four-legged) wander along the KKH at dusk, seemingly oblivious to the presence of vehicles.

Where to stay

The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation runs a chain of rest houses with good quality, reasonably priced accommodation in many of the towns along the KKH.

The houses usually have an attached restaurant and are good places to meet other travelers and NGO and government workers who can tell you what to expect ahead.

The Aga Khan, leader of the Ismaili Muslims who dominate the Northern Areas, owns the up-market Serena Hotel chain, which has 4-star pads in Gilgit and Hunza. Both have English-speaking staff.

In Hunza, the Darbar Hotel , owned by the Emir (king) of Hunza, is another good option and has a view across town and up towards the fort.

Keeping safe

Before traveling to Pakistan, get the latest travel advice from the embassies in Islamabad. The U.S. embassy (+92-51-208-0000) has a tendency to exaggerate security concerns , so compare their assessment with those of the British (+92-51-201-2000) or Canadian embassies to get a balanced view.

Inform your embassy’s consular department of your planned itinerary and contact details on arrival, and keep them updated of any changes so they can find you in an emergency.

Once in Pakistan, common sense and cultural sensitivity are the best protection. Avoid large crowds, particularly religious celebrations and political demonstrations, as these events are most likely to be the targets of terrorist attacks.

Keep your distance from uniformed officials, notably the police and army, as they too may be targeted by militants.

Although you don’t need to wear Pakistani dress, be aware of cultural norms and adhere to them to avoid drawing unwanted attention to yourself. Both men and women should wear long, loose trousers and long-sleeved shirts, and women should cover their heads with scarves when visiting religious sites .

You may also feel more comfortable covering your head when traveling through traditional areas. The best advice is to observe those around you and do as they do.

Women should not worry about traveling alone in Pakistan. Crime is relatively low and a bigger problem than sexual harassment is simply being ignored.

Although not widely spoken in rural areas, many educated Pakistanis and those who have regular dealings with tourists do speak a little English. Culturally ingrained hospitality means that people always do their utmost to help a visitor, and friendly advice is usually accompanied by an invitation to tea.

Other considerations

• You will need to get a tourist visa before traveling to Pakistan. Apply to the Pakistani embassy in your home country at least one month before you want to go. For U.S. nationals, the cost of a single-entry Pakistani visa is $120, obtainable through the offices in D.C.
• If you plan to bring your own car to Pakistan, it will need to be imported on a carnet issued by your country’s automobile club. This will ensure you don’t have to pay import duty.
• Pakistanis theoretically drive on the left side of the road, but this is treated more as a suggestion than a rule.
• If you want to drive the full length of the KKH, which finishes in Kashgar, you’ll need a Chinese visa too. You can apply for this in your home country or from the very efficient Chinese embassy in Islamabad.
• The Khunjerab Pass closes Dec 31st – May 1st. These dates can be extended depending on snowfall, so plan your trip accordingly.

Community Connection

For more on-the-ground stories from Pakistan, check out Tales From The Frontier Of Expat Life: A Memsahib In Pakistan . Or, another mountain road trip guide is Himalayan Motorcycle Diaries: Guide to the Road from Manali to Leh .

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Karakoram Highway

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Uprising Memorial

The Uprising Memorial, is a memorial to those who rose against the Maharaja in 1947. It includes the graves of the local heroes, Mohammed Babar Khan and…

Baltit Fort

The oldest parts of Baltit Fort date from the 13th century. Over the years more houses and towers were added, and it was fortified. To cement an alliance…

Ganish Village

The restoration of Ganish Village is particularly good and won a Unesco Asia Pacific Heritage Award. While Baltit Fort shows how the cream of society…

Petroglyphs

Chilas is surrounded by wonderful Petroglyphs, which are easy to access, though be prepared for high temperatures and take plenty of water. There is a…

Channel Walk

A three- or four-hour walk along the main water channels from Ultar Nala is a good way to see Hunza at its best. Try to avoid the delicate side channels.

Ali Sher Khan probably built the fort on the east end of this rock in the 17th century, but the Dogras trashed and rebuilt it. It's a half-hour climb to…

Ashoka Rocks

On the north side of town is Mansehra's tourist attraction, three granite boulders on which 14 edicts were engraved by order of the Mauryan king Ashoka in…

Queen Victoria Monument

The Queen Victoria Monument at the top of the rock face behind Karimabad can be reached in an hour from Baltit. Take the channel path above the polo…

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Wildlife & Nature

Dec 17, 2019 • 6 min read

As Pakistan relaxes its visa rules, motorcycle enthusiasts are flocking to mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan, a region that’s ideal for exploring on two wheels.

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Karakoram Highway and beyond

Tourism in Pakistan

Discover the Beauty of Pakistan

A guide to the Karakoram Highway – From Pakistan to China

The Karakoram Highway, often abbreviated as KKH, is more than a mere road. It’s a marvel of engineering, a bridge between cultures, and a journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Spanning from Pakistan to China , the KKH is a testament to human tenacity and nature’s grandeur. In this guide, we’ll explore this unique route, offering insights and tips for travelers looking to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Understanding the Karakoram Highway

The Karakoram Highway, also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, is one of the highest paved roads in the world. It stretches approximately 1,300 kilometers, connecting Hasan Abdal (located near Islamabad, Pakistan) with Kashgar in the Xinjiang region of China. This highway traverses through the majestic Karakoram mountain range, which boasts some of the highest peaks in the world, including K2.

Historical Significance

Constructed between 1959 and 1979, the KKH is an embodiment of Pakistan-China friendship. It was built amidst challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions, making it a symbol of human resilience and cooperation.

Scenic Beauty

The highway offers an unparalleled view of some of the most stunning landscapes. You will encounter towering mountains, serene lakes, and unique cultural experiences as you travel along this route.

Traveling the Karakoram Highway

Preparing for the journey.

Before embarking on your trip, it’s crucial to plan thoroughly. The best time to travel is between May and October, as winters can be extremely harsh and unpredictable.

Necessary Documents

Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including visas for both Pakistan and China, travel insurance, and any required permits.

Key Stops and Attractions

Pakistan side.

• Hunza Valley : Known for its breathtaking beauty and hospitable people.
• Passu Cones : Unique natural formations that are a sight to behold.
• Attabad Lake : A stunning lake formed after a landslide in 2010.
• Tashkurgan : A quaint town rich in history and culture.
• Karakul Lake : Set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
• Kashgar : An ancient city that blends cultures and histories.

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations range from luxury hotels to modest guesthouses. Local cuisine is a mix of Pakistani and Chinese flavors, offering something for every palate.

Safety and Challenges

The KKH, while beautiful, comes with its set of challenges. Landslides and road blockages are common. Always stay updated on the local conditions and travel advisories.

Table: Key Details of the Karakoram Highway

Faqs about the karakoram highway, what is the best time to travel the karakoram highway.

The ideal months are between May and October. During this period, the weather is more stable, making travel safer and more enjoyable.

How can I prepare for the altitude?

The high altitude can be challenging. It’s advisable to acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated. Consult your doctor before the trip, especially if you have health concerns.

Is it safe to travel on the KKH?

While there are risks, proper planning and staying informed about the current conditions can ensure a safe journey. Always follow local travel advisories.

Can I travel the KKH by public transport?

Yes, there are bus services available. However, for flexibility and a more comprehensive experience, renting a car or joining a guided tour is recommended.

The Karakoram Highway is a journey like no other, offering an amalgamation of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. It’s a pathway that not only connects two countries but also bridges diverse landscapes and traditions. This guide aims to prepare you for an unforgettable adventure, rich in experiences and memories. As you plan your journey, remember to respect local customs, be prepared for the challenges, and most importantly, soak in the beauty of one of the world’s most extraordinary highways.

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DRIVE THE KARAKORAM HIGHWAY: A Road Trip Through The Eighth Wonder of the World.

• By Daniel Brett
• September 4, 2021

WHAT: Driving The Karakoram Highway

Driving The Karakoram Highway is a road trip along one of the greatest engineering feats of our age. It began in 1966 when the Chinese and Pakistani governments teamed up to create a land bridge between the two nations.  Two decades, thousands of deaths,  and countless tons of dynamite later, the Karakoram Highway opened for business. At the rooftop of the world, they had created what would later be dubbed its eighth wonder . A 1200 km single road weaving through the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges. Essentially, the highest, most rugged, and inhospitable region on earth.

As part of the Ancient Silk Road, driving the Karakoram Highway is to follow the ancient footsteps of merchants, murderers, princes, paupers, pilgrims, and traders who shaped the trajectories of east and west civilization. Driving the Karakoram Highway incorporates glaciers, the stunning Kashmir valley, and the Pamir, Hindu Kush, and Himalayan mountain ranges.

On the China-Pakistan border, you’ll pass the Karakoram mountain range , home to the planet’s highest peaks, including ‘Karakoram 2’ or K2, which kills around one in five of those who try climbing it.  

A Karakoram Highway road trip has humbled the egos of countless travelers. Even when the going is good, there are narrow roads, endless hairpin turns, barrier-free sections overlooking sheer rock walls, and countless natural hazards. Consequently, the Karakoram Highway is a true test of one’s vehicle, driving abilities,   stamina, and nerves. Despite the hazards, driving the Karakoram Highway is now an established rite of passage for hikers, bikers, drivers, and dedicated adventure travelers. You’ll need a plane ticket, a reliable vehicle, and a toasty jacket to understand why.

The Karakoram highway connects Islamabad in Pakistan and Kashgar in China. You’ll need to prepare, whichever start point you choose. If hitchhiking or taking a bus, pray your driver has done their homework and has real-time information on road and weather conditions.   If you’re driving the Karakoram Highway in your own vehicle, check your tires, fluids, hoses. belts, and fill up on extra gas and groceries.

The most extensive preparations may all be for nothing if you fail to check weather conditions in advance. These range between sublime clear days and feeling like you’re caught in a cyclone on Jupiter. Even if things look good, prepare for anything. Remember that the higher you get, the colder and thinner the air becomes.

The asphalt makes for a generally smooth ride. However, avalanches, landslides, heavy snowfalls, or flash floods from prolonged monsoon rains often wipe out bridges and road sections, particularly around July and August.   Conditions change quickly, and temporary road closures due to damage or repairs can be frequent. Driving the Karakoram Highway is best attempted during the milder weather of spring, summer, or early autumn.

While driving the Karakoram Highway, you’ll eventually hit The Khunjerab Pass . Deep within the Karakoram mountain range, this is the highest-paved international border crossing in the world. Owing to India and Pakistan’s ongoing beef over the Kashmir region, it’s also an area of massive strategic importance. Although an active conflict zone, the fact that more soldiers have perished from exposure than combat should tell you all you need to know about the weather.   Depending on traffic, expect to stay near the Khunjerab Pass overnight. Accommodation should be arranged in advance. 

The KKH connects Kashgar , in the Xinjiang region of far west China, to Abbottabad ,  in the Hazara region Pakistan.

• Altitude sickness, extreme weather, landslides, natural hazards, dilapidated lorries piloted by drunk drivers, and hairpin curves.
• Driving the Karakoram Highway incorporates scenery that is truly the stuff of dreams. However, don’t allow the views to distract your eyes from the road. Vehicles can and do veer off the edge. Fortunately, there’s plenty of time to die of a heart attack before you touch down in a Himalayan gorge thousands of feet below.

• More than just a viewing platform for nature, this route is a somber, spectacular salute to humankind’s battle to conquer it. After driving the Karakoram Highway, many claim it to be  the undefeated world champion of road trips . Considering the Karakoram Highway is the only Wonder of the World you can drive on, these claims may be worth considering.
• As well as the mountains, driving the Karakoram Highway passes more than 50,000 rock art petroglyphs , carved as far back as 10,000 BC by neolithic tribes. They include scenes of mountain life, and men hunting beasts many times their size. Modern pilgrims needn’t fear getting stomped by a mammoth or savaged by a Saber-toothed tiger. However, there’s still as much adventure as you can handle.

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Tashikuergan Kashgar in 5 Days: A Journey Through Time and Nature

April 17, 2024 · 3 min read

Embark on a 5-day journey through the enchanting Tashikuergan Kashgar region, where history and nature intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Begin your adventure at the Pamirs Plateau, a majestic natural wonder that will set the tone for your trip. Spend your first day immersed in the beauty of the high mountains before exploring the Ancient Stone Town of Kashgar, a historic site that whispers tales of the past. On day two, marvel at the Khunjerab Pass, the pinnacle of the Karakoram Highway, where the road weaves through the mountains offering unparalleled views. Day three takes you to the quaint Waqia Township, a small town that showcases local life, followed by a brief visit to the Panlong Ancient Path, a historic route that once connected empires. The fourth day is dedicated to the cultural heart of the region with visits to the Id Kah Mosque, the vibrant Kashgar Old Town, and the bustling Kashgar Grand Bazaar, where the scents and sounds will captivate your senses. Conclude your journey with a reflective visit to the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine and the serene Sanxiandong Scenic Area, where the natural beauty of the region will leave a lasting impression. This 5-day itinerary promises a blend of cultural discovery and scenic exploration, curated to create memories that will last a lifetime.

• Day 1: Majestic Mountains and Echoes of the Past

Pamirs Plateau

Begin your journey with the breathtaking expanse of the Pamirs Plateau, where the rugged beauty of nature unfolds in a dramatic display of mountainous grandeur. As the first stop on our itinerary, this vast highland sets the tone for an adventure that's as much about the landscapes as it is about the journey. Spend your day immersed in the serene wilderness, where the whispers of the wind and the majesty of the peaks will be your companions. The Pamirs Plateau, often referred to as the 'Roof of the World', offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the raw, untamed beauty of China's mountainous regions.

Attraction Info

• Pamir Mountains, China
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 days
• Open from 8:30am-8:30pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

The Ancient Stone Town of Kashgar

After a day in the embrace of the Pamirs, step back in time at The Ancient Stone Town of Kashgar. This historic site, nestled within Tashkurgan Autonomous County, is a testament to the region's rich tapestry of history and culture. With just an hour to explore, you'll be captivated by the echoes of ancient civilizations that resonate through the old stone walls and narrow lanes. The Stone Town, a silent guardian of the past, invites you to wander and wonder at the stories etched into its very foundations, providing a profound contrast to the natural splendor of the day's earlier exploration.

• Tashkurgan Road, Tashkurgan Autonomous County, Kashgar Region
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open from 10:30am-7:00pm

Where to Stay Tonight

Hotel roof view, shanghai, panorama starry sky hotel.

• Day 2: Conquering the Khunjerab Pass and Cruising the Karakoram Highway

Khunjerab Pass

Begin your second day with an exhilarating journey to the Khunjerab Pass, the pinnacle of high-altitude travel in the Tashkurgan region. Nestled at the China-Pakistan border, this majestic pass is not just a gateway between nations but a breathtaking spectacle of nature. Allow yourself around three hours to fully embrace the awe-inspiring views and crisp mountain air at Kunjirap Daban. As the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway, the Khunjerab Pass offers an unforgettable experience for adventurous souls seeking to stand atop the roof of the world.

• Kunjirap Daban, Tashkurgan, Kashgar, China
• Suggested tour duration: 3-4 hour

Karakoram Highway

After the thrilling heights of the Khunjerab Pass, continue your Day 2 adventure along the legendary Karakoram Highway. This remarkable road stretches before you like a ribbon through some of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes on the planet. Spend the day traversing this engineering marvel, often referred to as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World,' as it snakes through the rugged terrain, connecting China with Pakistan. The highway is not just a route but a destination in itself, featuring stunning vistas at every turn and a unique opportunity to witness the confluence of the world's greatest mountain ranges: the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush.

• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
• Day 3: Exploring the Heart of Tashikuergan's Hidden Gems

Waqia Township

Begin your third day with an immersive cultural experience at Waqia Township, a small town nestled within the Kashgar region's Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County. Spend a full day here, where the simplicity of life and the warmth of the local community provide a refreshing contrast to the bustling city life. Waqia Township is not just a place; it's a journey back in time, where every street corner tells a story, and the traditional ways are preserved with pride. Engage with the locals, sample authentic cuisine, and let the town's serene atmosphere envelop you in its charm.

• Kashgar region Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County
• Open 24 hours

Panlong Ancient Path

After soaking in the tranquility of Waqia Township, take a short yet scenic drive to the Panlong Ancient Path. This historic highway road, located in Wache Township of Tashkurgan, is a testament to the region's rich past and strategic importance. Allocate about half an hour to traverse this ancient path, where each step echoes the footsteps of countless travelers who have journeyed along this route through the ages. The Panlong Ancient Path is more than a road; it's a living museum, displaying the natural beauty and historical significance of Tashikuergan.

• Wache Township, Tashkurgan, Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Region
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour

Shandao Jiyue Tajik Culture Homestay

Tashkurgan yunqian mountain residence.

• Day 4: Exploring the Heart of Kashgar's Heritage

Id Kah Mosque

Begin your fourth day with a spiritual visit to the Id Kah Mosque, an emblem of Islamic architecture nestled in the bustling streets of Kashgar. As the largest mosque in China, it stands as a serene oasis amidst the city's vibrancy. Spend a couple of hours soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and admiring the intricate designs that adorn this sacred space, located on North Jiefang Road.

• North Jiefang Road, Kaxgar, Kashgar
• Suggested tour duration: 2 hour
• Open from 10:30am-7:30pm

Kashgar Old Town

After a peaceful morning, step back in time at the Kashgar Old Town. Just a short stroll from the mosque, this ancient town is a labyrinth of history waiting to be discovered. Dedicate about four hours to meander through the narrow alleys, marvel at the traditional mudbrick houses, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry that has been woven over centuries. Find this hidden gem on Yawage Road, where stories of the past come alive.

• No.10, Yawage Road, Kashgar City, Kashgar Region
• Suggested tour duration: 4 hour

Kashgar Grand Bazaar

Conclude your day's journey at the vibrant Kashgar Grand Bazaar. A mere whisper away from the old town, this bustling market is the perfect place to spend the late afternoon and early evening. With three hours at your disposal, dive into the colorful chaos of commerce, where the scent of spices fills the air and the sound of haggling echoes through the corridors. Located near Aizirete Road, the bazaar is a treasure trove of local crafts, textiles, and flavors that encapsulate the spirit of Kashgar.

• Near No. 218, Aizirete Road, Kashgar City
• Open from 11:00am-8:00pm

Moshang Qingju Hotel (Kashgar Ancient City Scenic Area)

Ge'erya homestay (kashgar ancient city scenic area).

• Day 5: Unveiling History and Scenic Splendors in Kashgar

Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine

As the sun rises on the final day of our journey, we begin with a visit to the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine, a place shrouded in legend and beauty. Nestled on Ayutthaya Road in Kashi City, this cemetery is not just a resting place but a cultural emblem. Spend a contemplative two hours exploring the intricate carvings and architecture that tell tales of love, loyalty, and mystery. The tomb's serene ambiance and historical significance make it a poignant start to your day.

• Ayutthaya Road, Kashi City, Kashgar
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open from 9:30am-8:30pm

Sanxiandong Scenic Area

Following the whispers of history, we'll transition from the solemn echoes of the past to the breathtaking vistas of the Sanxiandong Scenic Area. Located a mere 18 km north of the cliff on the south bank of the Boshkangmu River, this natural wonder is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the panoramic beauty that Kashgar has to offer. Let the scenic area's tranquil environment and stunning geological formations be the grand finale to your unforgettable 5-day adventure.

• 18 km north of the cliff on the south bank of the Boshkangmu River, Kashgar City

Kashgar Fuju Smart Hotel

Starway hotel (kashgar airport).

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Pakistan's Karakoram Highway

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This overland adventure carves through lush valleys, snakes across high mountain passes and travels alongside creaking glaciers. With show-stopping scenery and plenty of walking included, prepare to be inspired by the Karakoram's warm, welcoming people and its rich tapestry of history.

• Hunza Valley - Explore the forts, castles and bazaars of the ancient Kingdom of Hunza
• Nanga Parbat - See this 8,000m+ peak up close on a walk to the base camp
• Karakoram Range - Travel from Islamabad into the mountains along the iconic Karakoram Highway

Included meals

Breakfast: 13

Explore Tour Leader

Local Guide(s)

Accommodation

2 nights simple guesthouse

11 nights comfortable hotel

Group Size:

Trip maximum 16 Explore average 11

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Our trip starts today in Islamabad, the cultural and financial centre of Pakistan and the nation's capital. A relatively new city - Islamabad was constructed in the 1960's to replace the former coastal capital of Karachi.

Islamabad's wide, leafy boulevards and backdrop of the rolling Margalla Hills give it the feel of a colonial city, but more recently, the city has seen a considerable injection of wealth, resulting in a curious blend of old and new. Glass-fronted buildings and modern shopping malls now stand side by side with its traditional mosques and markets.

For those arriving on time today our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 1pm for the welcome meeting and to take us on the afternoon tour.

We will start with a visit to the contemporary Faisal Mosque. Its striking architecture is inspired by a Bedouin style tent, and its triangular worship hall houses 10,000 worshippers, making it the largest mosque in South Asia. Continuing on the theme of striking architecture, we next take in the Pakistan monument - with its petal shaped structure taking its cues from Mughal architecture. The monument is dedicated to the people of Pakistan, with each petal representing the different individual cultures that make up the melting-pot that is modern-day Pakistan. We finish our tour at the Heritage Museum, offering a fascinating insight into the ethnology and heritage of the country.

Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information by note left at the front desk.

Many international flights arrive into Islamabad early this morning. Because of this, we have pre-booked rooms for all customers (including land-only) to be available to check straight into regardless of your arrival time. Those booking flights that arrive late in the evening should arrange to arrive the night before to make use of this pre-booked room.

Accommodation:

Hotel Hillview (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals provided: lunch and dinner.

We set off for the mountains today as we drive to the town of Naran, nestled in the Khagan Valley. As we leave the city and join the main highway, we will likely see a wide variety of colourful trucks transporting goods along the Friendship Highway between Pakistan and China. We quickly gain altitude as we ascend through the valley, surrounded on all sides by the forested peaks of the lesser Himalaya Range. There will be plenty of time to stop for photos and to take in the scenery, before we reach Naran in the afternoon, after a six hour drive. The remainder of the day has been left free to relax and enjoy the surroundings or explore this small, river-side town.

Royal Hotel (or similar)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Leaving Naran behind this morning, we continue north through the high altitude lakes of the Lulusar National Park, before turning onto the Karakoram Highway at Talichi. Officially known as the N35 but often called the 'Friendship Highway', or more simply 'KKH', this ambitious road took 20 years to construct as a joint project funded by the governments of Pakistan and China. The highway stretches some 1,300 kilometres from Abbottabad in Pakistan, snaking its way through the mountainous Karakoram range and crossing into China at the Khunjerab Pass, where it continues on to the ancient Silk Road city of Kashgar. The Karakoram Highway is regarded as the 'highest highway in the world'.

We cross the Babussar Pass (4,173m) before dropping down into Tarashing our base for the next two nights. The accommodation is a simple guesthouse with twin bedrooms and outside bathrooms, complete with bucket showers. All bedding and blankets are provided.

The total drive is around five to six hours, with plenty of time built in for scenic stops.

Tarashing Guest House (or similar)

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

We start this morning with a drive to the Upper Rupal Valley, where we continue on foot for the five kilometre walk up to Herligkoffer Base Camp, the eastern-facing base camp on the lower slopes of the towering Nanga Parbat. The walk takes us through a lush meadow as we follow the Bazhin Glacier up to a natural spring, which marks the start of the camp. So-named after Dr Karl Herrligkoffer, the leader of first expedition to successfully scale the world's 9th highest mountain, the camp offers incredible close-up views of Nanga Parbat and the surrounding western-Himalayan range. The total walk is approximately ten kilometres in length, with around 400 metres of ascent/descent, taking approximately three to four hours. For those not wishing to do today's walk, there is the option to take a 4WD tour of the Upper Rupal Valley, stopping at a scenic viewpoint and taking a short walk through the village.

After the walk we drive onto Tarashing town, our base for the night. The accommodation tonight is a simple guesthouse with twin bedrooms and outside bathrooms, complete with bucket showers. All bedding and blankets are provided.

Today we have a full but rewarding day of driving ahead as we ascend out of the Astore Valley and up to the Deosai Plateau, which stands at an altitude of 4,100 metres. The plateau was awarded national park status in 1993 to aid protection of a key habitat of the Himalayan Brown Bear, and is one of the world's highest alpine plains. The Bara Pani river winds its way through the national park, feeding several high-altitude lakes and providing the perfect environment for wildflowers to flourish. We will stop at Satpura Lake where its water appears a shimmering turquoise colour, due to it being fed predominately from the melting ice of the plateau. We will then disembark to stretch our legs for a short two kilometre walk around the dark-blue, reflective waters of Sheosar lake. Continuing on by 4WD, we reach Skardu in the early evening.

Concordia Motel (or similar)

It's an early start this morning as we set off in our 4WD vehicles, first travelling to Shigar village to explore Shigar Fort and the 400 year old Amboriq Mosque. This incredible and unusual piece of Islamic architecture is constructed entirely from wood and has been awarded UNESCO status.

We will break for lunch in Shigar and try some traditional Balti dishes. Look out for 'Chapsuro' - a calzone-like bread stuffed with lightly-spiced mince and vegetables, 'Gittey' - a type of sausage prepared with chilli and coriander, and 'Mamtu' - delicious stuffed dumplings which are ubiquitous to the Himalayan regions.

After enjoying a hearty lunch we will continue to the Katpana Desert - a high-altitude desert filled with rolling sand dunes that can sometimes be found covered in snow during the winter months.

On our way back to Skardu we will stop for a short walk up to the 16th Century Kharpocho Fort. The Fort appears as if it is precariously perched on the cliff side, but the location affords strategic views over the confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers. The walk will take approximately two hours including the visit to the Fort.

We set off this morning in our familiar 4WD vehicles, driving along the northern loop out of the Skardu Valley, re-joining the Karakoram Highway at Jaglot, before continuing on to Gilgit, a drive of approximately five hours.

We arrive in Gilgit for lunchtime, and in the afternoon, we set off for a tour of this bustling town. Lying at the heart of the Gilgit-Baltistan region, the town is a haven for trekkers, cyclists, mountaineers and adventurers, not to mention the traders passing through. It is a hubbub of activity that is somewhat juxtaposed by the serene snow-capped mountains it is surrounded by. We will take a walk through Gilgit's bazaar and stop at the Gilgit Bridge. At 158 metres long, this bridge spans the width of the fast-flowing Gilgit River and is the oldest suspension bridge in the region, dating back to the Raja period. We will also visit the old British Cemetery, and the Kargah Buddha, a 7th century rock carving that points. back to the town's significance in spreading Buddhism across the Silk Road and throughout the region.

Riveria Hotel (or similar)

Continuing along the KKH, we drive on to the more peaceful town of Karimabad. We stop en-route at a view point that offers a panoramic vista of Rakaposhi, a peak of 7,778 metres which juts out of the landscape and towers over other nearby mountains. Upon reaching Karimabad, we explore the 700 year old Baltit Fort, which was the former seat of the Kingdom of Hunza. The architecture of the fort is quite striking and very much Tibetan in feel, in fact many remark on its similarities to the iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa.

We finish the day by travelling out to Duikar Village, another viewpoint with glorious long-ranging views, to watch the sun dip into the Hunza Valley below. With the view in front of us, it is easy to see why this valley is widely believed to be the inspiration in James Hilton's iconic novel for the mythical utopia 'Shangri-La'.

This evening we join a local Huzakut family for an evening meal in their home, in a small village outside Karimabad. Here we get a fascinating insight into the way of life for many villagers in the region, and we try and array of local dishes such as 'Buttering Daudo' - a traditional apricot soup, 'Chap Churo' - a delicious pie stuffed with mincemeat between two pan-fried flatbreads, and 'Burish Chapik' - cheese chapattis with crushed almonds.

Roomy Daastaan (or similar)

Setting off early this morning, we head out by four-wheel drive to the Hoper Valley which contains three mighty glaciers - Hoper, Barpu and Mier. We leave behind our vehicles and continue on foot, walking for around an one and a half hours with a stop for a picnic lunch in front of this incredible glacier. Please note this walk is steep in places with some exposed sections.

In the afternoon, we continue on to Passu to see (but not cross!) the Hussaini suspension bridge. Spanning 64 metres across the Hunza river, this rudimentary piece of engineering is no more than a collection of generously-spaced, rotting wooden planks bound together with several pieces of steel cable. Built by the locals, it is the lifeline that helps them transport goods and agriculture across the fast-flowing river below. After some time to watch the comings and goings on the bridge, we will continue on towards Passu, stopping at Borith for incredible views of the Passu Glacier.

Leaving Karimabad behind today, we travel along the Karakoram Highway before turning off and joining the main highway linking Chitral and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the west with Gilgit Baltistan in the east. The drive itself is very scenic, full of wide open landscapes framed by snow-capped peaks. We make several stops along the way, including a picnic lunch in the picturesque village Gahkuch which is set on a wide sweeping bend of the Gilgit River. After a drive of approximately six hours, we reach the small river-side town of Gupis, our rest stop for the next two nights.

Ghizer Blossom Inn (or similar)

Today we spend a full day exploring the Yasin Valley. This historic area is linked to a network of valleys that stretch across the north-west frontier of Pakistan and into the Wakhan Corridor region of Afghanistan/Tajikistan. Control of this region has been fought over for centuries, from Central Asians vying for the silk trade to more recently the British colonial powers. This high altitude valley sits amongst the Hindu Raj Mountain Range, with a glacial river carving its way through the valley floor and is set to a backdrop of towering 6,000m+ mountains.

This morning we set off from Gupis by 4WD and drive to the village of Darkot, where we get to see what daily life is like for the few locals that live in this sparse, remote mountain area. We then drive onto Ghasum where the road ends and we leave the jeeps behind, continuing on foot for the 45 minute walk to the snout of the Ghamubar glacier. We break for lunch here in a spot overlooking the glacier, before continuing onto the picturesque Ghamubar Lake. We return to Gupis later in the afternoon. The total walk time is around 1 hour 30 minutes with an altitude gain of approximately 200 metres.

Leaving the remote valley area behind today, we head east and join the main highway once again, first crossing Babusar Pass (4,100 metres) and stopping at Lulusar Lake before we descend back down the Kaghan Valley to Naran. After checking into the hotel, there will be time for a short orientation tour of the town and its bustling main bazaar.

Continuing to lose altitude, we drop back down to the foothills this morning, travelling through the towns of Mansehra and Abbotabad. Along the way back to the capital we will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Taxila, an ancient city dating back to 3500 BC, and fought over throughout the centuries by the many civilisations that inhabited this area. Next we visit the old city of Rawalpindi. Known as the 'Twin City' and forming part of the greater urban conurbation of Islamabad, this densely packed and sprawling city offers a stark contrast to the wide leafy streets of Islamabad. We plan to explore the narrow lanes on foot, stopping to barter in the bustling Raja Bazaar before returning to hotel.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Islamabad.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Islamabad at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Islamabad International Airport (ISB), which is 30-40 minutes from the hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information.

There is large variation between regions in Pakistan, but in general the climate is semi-arid with hot summers and cold winters. Pakistan has three distinct seasons with a cool, dry winter from December to February, a hot dry spring from March to May and the monsoon season running from June to October. In contrast to most of the country, the northern, mountainous region remains frozen during winter, and in the summer the mountains are mostly spared from the monsoon rains, whilst experiencing pleasant day-time temperatures. At night it can get very cold, especially at altitude. The capital Islamabad however can get very hot in the summer, whilst also experiencing considerably heavy rainfall.

Time difference to GMT

3 Pin Round

Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto and English

Lightweight cottons are most suitable for the hot summers of Pakistan, with warmer clothing including a waterproof/windproof jacket needed for the time spent in the mountains. At any time of the year a good fleece or down jacket plus gloves and hat are recommended for nights spent at higher altitudes. A pair of thermals are good as an extra layer, or even for keeping you warm in bed. The region is traditionally Muslim so brief shorts and skirts, or clothes that are revealing or tight-fitting can offend local sensibilities. Women should bring a headscarf as this is necessary for some mosque visits

A pair of comfortable walking shoes or boots will be very useful during the walks as the trails can sometimes be uneven. Sandles will be useful for lakes and rivers, and comfotable trainers should suffice for everything else.

Luggage: On tour

Due to the variety of transport and terrain on this trip, soft-sided holdalls are recommended for your main luggage. In addition to this, you will also need a good-sized day pack for carrying your water, suncream, fleece/waterproof and snacks.

Bring a small torch, a water bottle, insect repellent and suncream. A portable powerbank will be useful to recharge phones and camera batteries as the electricity supply is not always reliable. All bedding is provided on the trip, but you may wish to bring a sleeping sheet or sleeping bag for your own comfort. Please note it is prohibited to bring alcohol into Pakistan and any brought in will be confiscated on arrival. Alcohol in Pakistan is very limited and only available to purchase in selected hotels in Islamabad.

Food and drink The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Foreign exchange, transport information.

Bus, 4WD, On Foot

Accommodation notes

We use a variety of locally run hotels and guesthouses on this trip. Most hotels will be of a comfortable standard with twin rooms, en-suite facilities, Wi-Fi and other such conveniences, but for two night stops we classify our accommodation as simple -in Tarashing. The accommodation offers a warm welcome, and comprises of simple twin-bedded rooms with outside toilet and bucket showers, Electricity can be variable and there will be no availability for Wi-Fi here.

Food and drink

Can you drink the water?  The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

Government Travel Safety Advice

Under 18 immigration guidance.

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information. Booking Conditions  

Visa and Passport Information

Pakistan: Visas are required for citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, US and Canada and can be obtained in the form of an e-visa. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. Explore will need a copy of your passport no later than 8 weeks before your trip as we'll need to request an invitation letter on your behalf. This letter will be sent to you around a month before departure. The e-visa can then be applied for through the official Pakistan government visa website only https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ You'll need to upload a scan of your passport, a passport photo and a copy of an invitation letter which Explore will send to you14 . Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in Pakistan. Visa applications will take approximately 10 working days to process. All visa related issues including information for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846 . It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.  

Booking conditions

Minimum age restrictions, your safety and enjoyment on tour, your tour leader, find out more about trip transfer terms and conditions before you book. booking a land only package with explore.

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.  You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.   For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Flight information.

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Altitude information

This trip goes to an altitude where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), a common and usually harmless condition caused by reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen. Whilst the itinerary has been specifically designed to allow your body to acclimatise gradually, the speed of onset and severity - as well as the height at which AMS develops can vary greatly between individuals; being physically fit affords no special protection. If symptoms occur while on tour you must let your tour leader know immediately. For further advice when travelling at altitude we recommend visiting the medical advice website of Medex and download their information booklet: http://medex.org.uk/medex_book/english_version.php Travellers with heart or lung conditions, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure, or taking the contraceptive pill must seek the advice of their GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trip reaches (noted in the day to day text). Please take these to your medical appointment so that your doctor has the full details of your trip. You must have adequate travel insurance for your trip. Please ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the maximum altitude indicated above

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus and Typhoid. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling

Dates, prices and booking

Add a flight with explore.

• Full Explore refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
• Carbon neutral flights – Gold Standard offsetting included
• Rearranged flights and transfers in the event of delays, missed connections, or cancellations (including accommodation overseas)
• ATOL protected
• No surcharge guarantee

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Untamed travel on asia's hidden roads, essential guide to touring the karakoram highway by motorbike.

If you are reading this travel guide to the fabled Hunza Valley, you may already know what the Karakoram Highway is. One of the highest paved roads in the world, the Karakoram Highway was completed in 1979, and opened to the public in 1985 as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway. We think is one of the main reasons to visit Pakistan , and it’s one of the best Pakistan tours you can ever take.

The Karakoram Highway is a 1300km road connecting Hasan Abdal, just beyond Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, to Kashgar, China’s Xinjiang Province second biggest city. As it’s one of the planet’s highest motorable roads, many people call the Karakoram Highway the “8th Wonder of the World”. It has stunning mountainous scenery, boasting peaks that are rarely smaller than 7,000mt; mind-boggling high-altitude desert scenery; and some of the friendliest people found in Pakistan. Did we say that at the time of writing, the Karakoram Highway also has excellent asphalt, and is one of Pakistan’s best roads?

We have completed our first Pakistan tour in May 2018, and of course, made the Karakoram Highway and a Hunza Valley tour a priority. Given the great road conditions, to make it even more special and enjoy the freedom of movement we always love — did you know we cycled 200km around Indonesia’s Lake Poso? — we decided to tour the Karakoram Highway on a motorbike .

As we expected, riding on the highest highway in the world was one of the best adventure tours we could take in Pakistan. This post is the ultimate source of first-hand information on how to plan a motorbike tour of the Pakistani section of the Karakoram Highway, from Gilgit to the Khunjerab Pass.

Read on for a wealth of good advice, an itinerary of the best spots to plan your Karakoram Highway adventure, and some practical information on getting visas and other required documents and get started on your Pakistan tour by motorbike.

Article Contents

How to prepare for a Pakistan Tour on the Karakoram Highway

When to Go on a Karakoram Highway Tour

As the Hunza Valley experiences sub-zero temperatures in the winter (even locals move from Hunza to Islamabad), the best time to go is from May to September. Days are longer, giving you more riding time and sunlight, the villages are full of people, and unfortunately, the place gets crammed with local holidaymakers.

We started our tour of Pakistan in the holy month of Ramadan. Touring the Hunza Valley during Ramadan is actually a great idea because prices are at the lowest, local holidaymakers stay back in their cities, and since Hunza is inhabited by moderate Ismaili Muslims, you’ll never go hungry.

September is also a good shoulder month, but consider it starts to get pretty cold the closer you get to the Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest border at 4,800mt.

Is Pakistan safe for travelers?

Pakistan’s security situation improved tremendously in recent years, and even if getting visas is still quite a paranoid process, Pakistan announced that in 2019 a free visa on arrival scheme will be granted to 55 nationalities , provided they buy their Pakistan tours through a company registered with the Pakistani government.

The Hunza Valley, in particular, is possibly the most relaxed, problem-free area to visit in Pakistan at the moment. People are extremely hospitable, speak decent English, and still love to see foreigners coming through. This may change with the rising number of backpackers traveling to the country, but let’s hope for the best.

The thing with security and Pakistan is, it pays to trust the police and the military, and accept an escort if they say so. You will NOT be allowed to travel in regions they consider unsafe, or to sensitive border zones. Check-posts will stop you and turn you back. But for the rest, we found Pakistan to be much safer and less chaotic than neighboring India. Under a married couple-perspective, and in such a male-centered society, Kit felt much more at ease here than in other male-dominated, Islamic societies – like, for example, Bangladesh.

How to get a Pakistani Visa

You can apply for a Pakistan Tourist visa only in your country of birth or residence. This is how we applied for our Pakistani visas in Kuala Lumpur .

By law, to apply for a tourist visa to Pakistan most independent travelers need a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a Pakistani-based tour operator. Like many other overland travelers, we used Karakoram Bikers , and had no problem throughout the whole process.

They provided an LOI, completed with copies of their business registration, and the ID of a person of reference in Pakistan. The best thing was, we had the choice to set on our Karakoram Highway tour by ourselves, or join one of their guided motorbike tours .

Can I get a Pakistani visa while traveling?

As a rule of thumb, no, you cannot apply for a Pakistan visa while traveling — but as everything Pakistan, it all depends on where, when, and how you apply. Throughout 2018, many overland travelers coming from Iran into Pakistan reported that the Pakistani embassy in Tehran could issue 15-days transit visas at a cost of USD50. These visas could then be extended once in Pakistan, either in Islamabad or Lahore.

But at the time of writing this article, it seems that obtaining a Pakistani transit visa in Tehran is no longer a possibility. Your best bet is to contact a tour operator and inquire them directly. Which is another reason to give the Karakoram Bikers people a go, because they deal with visas all the time, have experience and contacts in dealing with most Pakistani embassies around the globe, and are able to assist you with the most current information. Another good place to ask is the Backpacking Pakistan Facebook Group .

Driving License and Red Tape

UK or international driving licenses are valid for driving in Pakistan up to 6 months from your date of arrival. In practice, however, as long as you have a bike with valid road tax and ownership documents in order, nobody will care if you have a valid license.

Hold your horses: a tour of the Karakoram Highway is subjected to passing A LOT of check-posts where the military or the police will need to register your arrival and pass this information onto the next checkpoint. The best way to speed through these forced halts is to prepare plenty of photocopies of your passport’s detail page and Pakistan visa. Hand it to the officials and you’ll be both happy to save time filling up their paper registers. Call it a boring safety measure, but registering you is for YOUR OWN SAFETY, not theirs.

Gilgit-Baltistan Entry Card

Whether you start your Karakoram Highway tour in Islamabad or Gilgit, you’ll probably enter the region from the Chilas check-post. Make sure the immigration police hands you a copy of the Gilgit-Baltistan Entry Card. It’s a cardboard document reporting your name, passport details, date of entry and expected period of stay in Gilgit-Baltistan. It’s safer to ask for a longer amount of time rather than your expected departure date to accommodate for any eventual delays — you may end up staying longer, as Upper Hunza is really an awesome place on earth.

Hold onto this paper at all times, even if it’s seldom checked at check-posts. It’s very important because you will have to surrender it once you exit the Gilgit-Baltistan region. We ourselves had to submit it to immigration officers when we left Gilgit-Baltistan by bus, going towards Chitral. The card was required to exit the Shandur Pass check-post.

We’ve heard of cases this wasn’t required, but like everything in Pakistan, it’s hard to confirm a precise rule. For sure, we know that travelers were sent back from Gilgit to Chilas because they didn’t pick the entry card up, or because the officers on duty forgot to write one up for them. Just be mindful and save your time.

Also, make sure that all the places you’d like to visit are written on the card. For example, if you plan to go to Skardu after your Hunza Valley Tour, and the officers only write “Hunza” you may be refused entry at Skardu’s military checkpoint. It certainly happened in the past.

Where to rent a good motorbike to tour the Karakoram Highway

Once again, the answer is Karakoram Bikers . You may wonder why I keep plugging these guys, but man, their service is excellent. They are a small tour operator based in Melbourne, Australia, and Lahore/Gilgit, and probably because they are a grassroots and dedicated team, and experienced travelers themselves, they have zero attitude, low-impact ego, and top-notch level of professionalism.

You can rent a bike from them for PKR2000/day. They have a fleet of sleek Suzuki GS150 which perform extremely well both on the perfectly paved asphalt of the Karakoram Highway and also off-road. We used it and think it’s one the best bikes in Pakistan. For sure, we wouldn’t tour the Karakoram Highway with anything smaller than 150cc.

Getting Fuel on the Karakoram Highway

Don’t worry too much because petrol stations are located in most towns along the Karakoram Highway. If starting your ride in Gilgit, you can fill up your tank on the highway near the bridge to Daniyor/Upper Hunza and that will last for about 350km. You can easily top up again in Aliabad. Make sure you leave to Khunjerab with a full tank for your return journey to Sost as to avoid getting stuck where it’s coldest.

Karakoram Highway Tour Itinerary

You can complete a motorbike tour of the Karakoram Highway from Gilgit to the Khunjerab Pass in 5 to 7 days, depending on your speed, and how long you stop at each point of interest. Why not start in Islamabad? Well, there’s not so much to see on the way, and especially if you have only a week, it’s better to concentrate where the real mountains are.

The following are the places we recommend you include in your Karakoram Highway tour, whether you travel by motorbike (freedom) or public transport (a pain in the neck).

Best stops along the Karakoram Highway

The himalaya, the karakoram, and the hindukush mountain ranges meeting point.

This viewpoint is just along the Karakoram Highway, only about 20 minutes south of Gilgit Town. It’s a narrow gorge where you can see the Gilgit River flow under the flanks of three of the world’s highest mountain ranges. The convergence is just off the highway, and yet so unreal. A five minute stop would be more than enough to take pictures, but we bet you’ll end up spending more time here, pondering how insignificant your existence is when standing before these pointy giants.

Gilgit-Baltistan’s main city may need a bit of time to warm up to — but it’s a popular pit-stop, and a friendly, yet spread-out place. This is probably where you’ll rent your motorbike, too. The market area, with its mosques and endless avenues filled with all kinds of cheap goods, is the place to be. Don’t miss the Kargah Buddha, one archaeological evidence of how Buddhism traveled from South Asia into Central Asia and China. It’s carved into a cliff-face near the ravine of Kargah Nillah, about 10km from Gilgit Town.

Few people care about this one-horse town, literally strewn on the two sides of the Karakoram Highway, but we stayed here for a couple nights and loved it. There’s frankly nothing much to do in town beside soaking some of the best views of 7,788mt-high Rakaposhi. But locals are friendly, there are a small Couchsurfing community and plenty of modestly priced accommodation.

Karimabad (Lower Hunza)

The Thailand of Hunza Valley didn’t bode well with us, I’m afraid. The home of UNESCO Heritage Sites Altit and Baltit Fort is also Pakistan’s most touristy village, choked-full of guesthouses, souvenir shops, Western food joints, and all the bells and whistles that international tourists on a Karakoram Highway tour love and expect.

If coming on a motorbike, you can easily visit the forts and soak the sunset at Eagle’s Nest — a majestic viewpoint that takes in a 360-degree view of Rakaposhi, Diran, and Lady Finger mountains.

Attabad Lake

On January 4th, 2010, a landslide created one of Hunza Valley’s most striking sights: the deep blue Attabad Lake. What was born out of tragedy became one of Gilgit-Baltistan main tourist draw-cards, a place that helps locals make a living off the thousands of local and international tourists who come visiting. You can ride your motorbike next to Attabad Lake’s shore by following the Karakoram Highway, as the Chinese have built a series of tunnels to bypass the flood area.

Husseini Bridge

This hanging bridge is considered one of the most dangerous in the world. Indeed, its rickety wooden steps have 20cm gaps, suspended over crashing waters. It’s definitely not for those with a fear of heights — I for one didn’t manage to complete the crossing, but Kit did. Local guides can organize treks connecting Husseini Bridge with another bridge, Passu Bridge, which is supposedly even scarier than the former. You can park your bike and at the side of the Karakoram Highway, and walk down to Husseini Bridge. We’ve heard that locals are now charging a few hundred rupees to walk across Husseini Bridge — a certain sign of worst times to come.

Passu Cones and the Batura glacier

Often considered the real highlight of any Karakoram Highway tour, the rock formations known to the world as “the Cones” or “the Cathedrals” are a series of huge, massive boulders that soar like a line of ethereal fangs against the deep blue sky. They are just outside the village of Passu, a quiet, interesting hamlet with a few decent accommodation options. It’s much more rewarding to stay here than Karimabad, nonetheless for a chance to hike to the base of the Batura glacier, at 56km long, one of the biggest in the world outside of the polar region.

Sost is North Pakistan’s frontier town to China, and has frankly not much to do. It will possibly be a night stop on your Karakoram Highway tour, because, given the Khunjerab’s unpredictable weather conditions, you may want to sleep here and hit the road to the border in the early morning the next day.

Khunjerab Pass

At 4,800mt of height, The Khunjerab pass is the planet’s highest international border and connects Pakistan to the People’s Republic of China. Their border gate, like a medieval castle’s door, stands in the middle of nowhere to sanction the start of the Middle Kingdom. This is where you will pass if you are bound for China, and of course, only if you already have a Chinese visa in your passport.

The Khunjerab pass also marks the end of the line of most independent motorbike tours in the Hunza valley. To be able to cross into China and travel up to Tashkurgan, the closest town to the Pakistan-China border, you must use the services of a Chinese tour guide, which is very expensive.

Before you set off, make sure to check Khunjerab’s weather, as it often experiences snows, and it’s freezing most of the times. When riding a motorbike along Upper Hunza, the last thing you want is minus zero temperatures and winds that can literally knock you off the bike.

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About Marco Ferrarese

10 thoughts on “ essential guide to touring the karakoram highway by motorbike ”.

Great article, very insightful! After Khunjerab pass, is it easy to head back towards Islamabad, or do you need to double back on yourself the whole way? Also, you think the itinerary outlined above from Islamabad & back is doable in 7-8 days, without being too rushed?

Howard, the road is one, so yep, you have to do it the whole way. I wouldn’t motorbike from Islamabad as the first section is quite boring. Best to start in Gilit, and make a side-trip to Skardu. 7-8 days from Gilgit to Gilgit touching the main spots along the Karakoram Highway is enough, but you won’t have too much time to do any side trips, such as Passu’s glaciers, or Shimshal valley.

Thank you for publishing and showing Pakistan Positive image to Western world Pakistan is peaceful and attractive and safe tourist place Nice to spend some days with you people ,,,and also thanks to share my brother Arslan pic on it…i m happy if u come again to my home town hunza……Advocate Mir Alam Hunzai.

Dear Mir Alam Khan, we hope to be able to see you again, with Arslan, and all the family. Thanks so much for your warm hospitality we’ll never forget.

Great article Marco. The first thing I thought when I saw the title was “ooh, great, but would it be safe?”, so it’s good that you address that early in the article! Fantastic pictures too.

Thanks a lot David… and yes, it’s so safe we are going back again this year… Pakistan is opening up… it was about time for it’s an amazing country to visit. And yes, I am a proud ambassador.

Great write-up! I appreciate the info. A few follow-up questions:

1. How was the accommodation along the way? Cost and comfort?

2. Spot much vegetarian food? We’re okay with rice and veggies/dal.

3. Think those 150cc bikes could do two-up on the KKH?

David, in order:

1. How was the accommodation along the way? Cost and comfort? Pretty good. Fewer dorms and more traditional hotel rooms cost between 1500/4000 PKR per double room on average. You can also camp in the hotels’ grounds for less, up to your bargaining skills. Wild camping is possible but not always allowed, so ask before you pitch a tent.

2. Spot much vegetarian food? We’re okay with rice and veggies/dal. No problem, order what you want. Pakistanis love meat and every biriyani has chicken in it, but you can certainly ask for dal and roti/rice.

3. Think those 150cc bikes could do two-up on the KKH? KKH is possibly the easiest road I have driven in my life. Super easy, the bikes will do perfectly fine and are the biggest type of bike you can get in Pakistan unless you import your own. It’s once you get off-road to the side valleys that the fun starts. Still, Suzuki GS150 is a very good bike for this tour. You don’t need anything bigger, or you’ll risk moving a clunky vehicle on very bad roads.

One other question!

4. Any wifi/SIM service along the route? Can foreigners get local SIM cards?

Thanks again.

Hi David, yes you can buy local sim cards, either in Lahore/Islamabad or in Hunza in Gilgit or Aliabad. Karimabad has everything you need – good wifi in most hotels and good cellular 4G reception (with SCO provider only, which works best in the Northern regions. Telenor is a close second, but only in major towns). Beyond Karimabad, the internet is good only at main villages like Passu, Sost and of course Gilgit. Still, don’t expect lightning fast speeds, but it’s certainly better in 2019 than last year when I wrote this post.

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Pakistan – Karakoram Highway Tour

Take a tour on the mighty karakoram highway in northern pakistan.

This is the road trip of all road trips. Join our small group tour of the highest highway in the world. The famous Karakoram Highway has an illustrious past. Nowadays the road is mainly seen as the ‘friendship highway’ between Pakistan and China. We start this tour in the capital of Pakistan: Islamabad. From there, the tour takes us north past deep valleys, deserted plains and snowy peaks. Along the way we stop at the famous Fairy Meadows and Hunza Valley . Then we cross the famous Pakistan/China border at Khunjerab National Park . From here we enter the Chinese province of Xinjiang. At this point you’re closer to Tehran than to Beijing! We will drive through this province towards Kashgar, one of the famous stops along the Silk Road, to finish our big road trip.

General info

Sunday 1 September – Rawalpindi

• Airport pick up at Islamabad International Airport.
• For those who arrive early we’ll head for diner together at 18.00
• Overnight stay in Rawalpindi.

Monday 2 September – Rawalpindi /Islamabad

• At 8.00am we head on a city tour of Islamabad & Rawalpindi.
• Highlight : Truck painting, see how they paint the beautiful trucks.
• We visit the Faisal Mosque, the biggest mosque in Pakistan and an architectural highlight.
• Check out the Pakistan Monument, which symbolises the unity of the Pakistani people.
• For sunset we head to Daman e-koh, here you’ll have an incredible view over Islamabad.

 Tuesday 3 September – Rawalpindi – Abottabad – Naran

• Start on the Karakoram Highway heading into Northern Pakistan. Along the way we pass by Abottabad, the place where Osama bin Laden was killed.
• Highlight : We take a side road of the Karakoram Highway for even more beautiful scenery.
• Several times we will stop for pictures and to enjoy the view.
• Overnight stay in Naran.

Wednesday 4 September – Naran – Fairy Meadows

• Today we will continue along the Kunhar River in the direction of Lulusar Lake.
• Babusar Pass (4173m).
• We reconnect to the Karakoram Highway as far as Raikot Bridge.
• Highlight : Change to 4×4 and drive to Jhel.
• 3 hour hike upwards to Fairy Meadows , an area next to the Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest mountain in the world. If you don’t want to walk you can also come along on horseback.
• Overnight stay in a hut in Fairy Meadows.

Thursday 5 September – Fairy Meadows

• Highlight : Full day around Fairy Meadows. You can rest, walk towards the Raikot glacier or go to the Nanga Parbat base camp.

Friday 6 September – Fairy Meadows – Hunza

• We hike down back to the jeeps and take the jeep back to our minivan.
• We continue in the direction of the Hunza Valley .
• If time permits we visit a girl’s school in Gilgit for a spectacular lunch.
• Highlight : Crossing the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and the Himalayan Mountains.
• Arrival in the Hunza Valley.
• Overnight stay in the Hunza Valley.

 Saturday 7 September – Hunza

• We stay all day around the Hunza Valley.
• Highlight : Visit the old forts of Baltit and Altit .
• Walk along the high irrigation canals, from where you have an incredibly beautiful view.
• Get to know the local Hunza culture.

 Sunday 8 September – Hunza – Passu – Sost

• Continue along the Karakoram Highway, crossing the newly formed Attabad Lake to Passu.
• Highlight : Stop at Passu where you can cross the famous rope bridges near the village of Husseini.
• Short walk to the Passu glacier while passing by Borit Lake on our way out of the Karakoram Highway.
• Overnight in Sost. Sost is the last town of Pakistan before moving to China.

Monday 9 September – Sost – Tashkurgan (China)

• Highlight : We’ll drive through the Khunjerab National Park, if we’re lucky we might even spot an ibex or a snow leopard.
• Border crossing into China via the famous Khunjerab Pass. We’re entering the Chinese Uyghur autonomous region of Xinjiang. Here we’re entering one of the most remote areas of China, and the home of its sizable Muslim minority.
• Arrival in the Chinese border town Tashkurgan. Night stroll through the city and some well-deserved barbecue and cold beer, or if you’re daring then Chinese baijiu!
• Overnight in Tashkurgan.

 Tuesday 10 September – Tashkurgan – Karakul Lake – Kashgar

• Short sightseeing around Tashkurgan, also known as Stone City.
• Set off on the scenic drive towards Karakul Lake. As always we’ll stop for photos and rest breaks along the way!
• Highlight : Stroll around the lake, relax, take in the incredible surroundings. The lake is famous for its colourful ranges from a dark green to azure and light blue.
• Then it’s time for the final stretch of our amazing Karakoram Highway Tour. We’re ending in Kashgar, modern China’s most western city. An ancient city which was a major hub along the Silk Road.
• Overnight in Kashgar

Wednesday 11 September – Kashgar

• Highlight : We head out to the famous livestock market where the local Uygurs are trading goats, camels, horses and anything else with four legs.
• Head out of town to the beautiful tomb of Afaq Khoja: a 17th-century mausoleum of this important Uyghur figure.
• Stop by People’s Square and the largest statue of Chairman Mao in China!
• We drive to the Three Immortal Buddhist Caves, North of Kashgar. They are said to be one of the oldest Buddhist caves in Western China.
• Overnight in Kashgar.

Thursday 12 September – Kashgar

• Highlight : Check out Kashgar’s old town, or what’s left of it, to get a glimpse into what life in the area used to be like before heading out to the very lively night markets with a great array of street food.
• Walking tour through the windy lanes of the center and the Id Kah Mosque.
• Browse the bustling Grand Bazaar, which depending on how you measure it, is the biggest in Asia.
• Streetfood, including the option of Uyghur fried rice and mutton.

 Friday 13 September – Kashgar – Irkeshtam Pass – Sary-Tash (Kyrgyzstan)

• End of the tour for the Karakoram Highway Tour. Departure at your own convenience.
• Those on the Pamir Highway Tour continue towards Sary Tash, Kyrgyzstan.

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Bucket List: The 12 Best Road Trip Routes In The World

• Road trips offer freedom and flexibility, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace and stop as long as they want. No schedules or time constraints to worry about.
• The world is full of incredible road trip routes, from scenic coastal drives to traversing challenging mountain passes. There are options for every type of traveler.
• Some of the top road trip routes include Route 66 in the US, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Ocean Road in Australia, Trollstigen in Norway, and the Ring Road in Iceland. These routes offer amazing views and unforgettable experiences.

Traveling by train, like enjoying an adventure on Amtrak's epic sleeper train routes around the world , can be a comfortable way to explore a destination (and multiple, at that!). However, there's far less freedom when traveling by rail because passengers are limited to the time constraints and stops on the journey. What's better than rail travel for folks with wanderlust hoping to be free from the clutches of time limits? Road trips, of course!

Going on a road trip is an amazing way for travelers to discover the world at their own pace; explorers can go wherever their hearts desire and stop for as long as they wish without having to worry about schedules. Moreover, there are countless options for road trip routes that range from scenic coastal drives to traversing rugged mountain passes and immersing oneself in the culture and history of an area (or an entire country, in many cases).

For aspiring roadtrippers looking to see the world, here are the top ten best road trip routes around the globe to add to the bucket list. From the breathtaking vistas of Scotland's North Coast 500 to the remote and challenging terrain of Pakistan's Karakoram Highway, these amazing bucket list road trips offer unforgettable experiences and awe-inspiring views for those who crave adventure on the open road.

UPDATE: 2023/11/30 12:40 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Who's Up For A Drive? These Are Some Of The Most Beautiful Routes To Take

This list covers a number of the most beautiful road trips in the world (in other words, the best!). However, there's always room for more! As such, this article has been updated with two new bucket list road trip routes, both in the US and the most beautiful to embark on ASAP. From Route 66 across the Western United States to the Blue Ridge Mountain Drive, there are endless places to travel by vehicle. Have fun!

Related: Road Trip Bucket List: 12 Major Cities To Stop At Along Route 66

Route 66, United States

Welcome to the wild west: route 66 is the perfect desert adventure.

One of the most famous road trips in the world is Route 66 in the United States. Not only has this iconic road-inspired movie like Cars , but it also boasts endless scenery, history, and communities worth stopping in for the night. Most notably, Route 66 offers tons of epic stops and spans over 2,400 miles across states like Arizona, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico and ends in Los Angeles, California.

This is undeniably one of the best driving ideas for a road trip itinerary and should keep everyone occupied from mile one to 2,488. Moreover, Route 66 boasts an eight-state coverage, with something to see and do at nearly every turn. However, much of this route goes through desert landscape, so make sure and bring plenty of water!

• Distance : 2,448 miles
• Time to Drive: 10 days (minimum) , but 2 weeks is an ideal timeframe

The Blue Ridge Parkway, United States

This road trip route is known to be the most scenic drive in the united states.

Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most stunning drives in the United States and arguably North America. Here, people can embark on a 469-mile adventure through this famous mountain range, traveling through states like Virginia and North Carolina. Moreover, the Blue Ridge Parkway detours into places like Shenandoah National Park and the Smoky Mountains National Park system. This makes it a perfect choice for mountain lovers and hikers, plus it is a pretty scenic route from start to finish.

It's also worth noting that while on this road trip route, you will drive through countless towns, including Linville Falls, Blowing Rock, Boone, Sparta, Roanoke, Virginia, Bryson City, Mouth of Wilson (Grayson Highlands State Park), West Jefferson, and so on.

• Distance: 469 miles
• Time to Drive: ~9-10 hours

The Blue Ridge Scenic Highway through North Carolina is another epic US road trip route in this region!

Great Ocean Road, Australia

Coastal views and cliffside driving make the great ocean road a top road trip.

Covering a distance of 413 miles, The Great Ocean Road is a picturesque coastal route that starts from Torquay and ends in Allansford, near Warrnambool, located on the southeastern coast of Australia.

Constructed by Australian soldiers in remembrance of their fallen colleagues, the road is renowned for its scenic beauty, with stunning oceanic views, cliffs, and rainforests. Exploring this road with its gorgeous scenery is one of the best things to do in Australia.

• Distance: 413 miles
• Time to Drive: ~9.5 hours

Trollstigen, Norway

Get ready to turn (a lot) in norway while driving trollstigen.

Trollstigen, which translates to the "Troll's Path" or the "Troll's Road", is a mountainous road located in western Norway, running from south to north from Sylte in Fjord Municipality to Åndalsnes in Rauma Municipality. It is approximately 20 kilometers long and contains 11 hairpin turns that ascend the steep mountainside, with gradients as steep as 10%.

The road was built between 1925 and 1936 and has since become a popular tourist attraction due to its breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, earning a spot on many lists of the world's most scenic drives. Even though it is not included as one of the things travelers should not miss out on in Norway because it's a bit off the beaten path (and tourists without a car will have to rent one), it provides a breathtaking experience for road trip fans.

• Distance: 31 miles
• Time to Drive: ~1-2 hours

Ring Road, Iceland

Also called route 1, this route offers glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and falls.

The Iceland Ring Road, also referred to as Route 1 or simply the Ring Road, is an 828-mile-long highway encircling the entire island country of Iceland. The road provides access to some of Iceland's most popular tourist spots, such as volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls.

Completed in 1974, the Ring Road has emerged as a major tourist attraction in Iceland, offering visitors stunning vistas of the country's diverse landscapes and unique geological formations. Several charming towns and villages in Iceland (other than Reykjavik) dot the road, providing essential services and accommodations to travelers. From Icelandic culinary adventures to marveling at Iceland's unique beaches , Iceland's Ring Road is worth the bucket list because it promises a deep exploration of the entire country.

• Distance: 828 miles
• Time to Drive: Approximately 6 days in summer and 12 days in winter , at a minimum

The Garden Route, South Africa

190 miles of beaches, mountains, lagoons, and forests.

Located on the south-western coast of South Africa, The Garden Route is easily one of the most scenic drives in the world; it's a 190-mile-long scenic route between Mossel Bay and Storms River, passing through a range of breathtaking landscapes such as lush forests, pristine beaches, towering mountains, and tranquil lagoons.

As a popular tourist spot, The Garden Route offers visitors an array of attractions and activities throughout the journey, making it an ideal road trip destination. Drive down this road and discover what South Africa is really like .

• Distance: 190 miles
• Time to Drive: 2-3 hours (but it's recommended to take a few days to complete it and appreciate the sights along the way)

Amalfi Coast, Italy

High-class living and mediterranean views make the amalfi coast an upscale road trip choice.

The stunning Amalfi Coast is a 31-mile road that winds along the southern coast of Italy, connecting the cities of Sorrento and Salerno. The road passes through a series of charming coastal towns, such as Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, each with its own unique character and attractions.

The narrow, winding road features hairpin turns and steep drops, providing breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and cliffs. Travelers can stop at scenic overlooks, indulge in local cuisine, and explore historical sites and cultural attractions.

• Time to Drive: ~2 hours

A82, Scotland

Catch a glimpse of the lochness monster on scotland's a82 route.

In Scotland, the A82 is a major road that spans approximately 167 miles from Glasgow to Inverness, passing through some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes, such as Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and Loch Ness.

Initially constructed in the 18th century as a military route to the Highlands, it has become a vital transport link and popular tourist route. The A82 goes through several towns and villages, including Fort William, the gateway to Ben Nevis, which is the highest mountain in the UK.

• Distance: 167 miles
• Time to Drive: ~3 hours (but it's better to take one's time to enjoy the stops and views along the way)

Related: Discovering The Beauty Of The Palisades Parkway: A Road Trip Adventure In Northern New Jersey

The Karakoram Highway, China/Pakistan

Peaks, glaciers, and valleys from kashgar, china to islamabad, pakistan.

The Karakoram Highway, also known as the Friendship Highway, is one of the best travel routes for road trippers on this list for those who crave adventurous terrain. The route spans over 1,300 kilometers from Kashgar in China to Islamabad in Pakistan. The road traverses through some of the most remote and rugged terrain on earth, including the Karakoram mountain range, which houses some of the world's highest peaks, such as K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.

The construction of the Karakoram Highway was completed in 1986, and it is recognized as a remarkable engineering feat involving the construction of numerous bridges and tunnels through some of the planet's most challenging terrain. The highway provides breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys while also providing an opportunity to experience the culture and history of the region.

• Distance: 810 miles
• Time to Drive: ~4-5 days (but travelers can spend longer if they wish to take their time)

Related: From Canyons To Wildflowers: Discovering Anza Borrego On A Scenic Road Trip

The North Coast 500, Scotland

Castles, cliffs, pubs, and water views in the scottish highlands.

The Scottish Highlands is a picturesque region in Scotland that boasts natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and historical landmarks. Many scenic routes and roads are scattered throughout the area, offering visitors breathtaking views of the region's unique culture and history. However, none are quite as enchanting as the North Coast 500 drive, which easily earns its place among the world's best road trips for its scenery alone (and the quintessential Scottish pubs en route!).

One of the best road trips in Scotland (or indeed the UK overall) is the North Coast 500, a 516-mile road trip showcasing some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. The journey begins and ends in Inverness, taking travelers through small villages, historic towns, dramatic mountain ranges, and rugged coastlines. There are plenty of ancient castles, scenic overlooks, and traditional Scottish pubs to stop and enjoy along the way.

• Distance: 516 miles
• Time to Drive: ~ 8 hours 30 minutes

The Overseas Highway, Florida Keys, USA

This is the drive between the florida keys and miami beach.

The Overseas Highway , located in the Florida Keys of the USA, is a 113-mile-long road that connects Miami to Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States. The highway spans a series of islands, providing awe-inspiring views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Originally built as a railroad track in the early 20th century, it was later converted to a highway to connect the Keys' islands. Today, the highway is one of the best road trips in the world for coastal scenery, passing through several towns and villages, including Islamorada and Marathon, each with its own unique attractions and activities.

• Distance: 113 miles
• Time to Drive: ~4 hours one-way

Related: From Waterfalls To Wildlife: Exploring The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway On A Road Trip Adventure

The Atlantic Road, Norway

This route in norway makes its way to the little island of averøy.

The Atlantic Road in Norway is a 5.2-mile road that runs along Norway's coast, connecting the mainland to the island of Averøy with eight bridges. It passes through some of Norway's most stunning coastal landscapes, offering views of the open sea, rugged cliffs, and tiny islands.

This road is an engineering marvel, completed in 1989, as it required the construction of several bridges and causeways in one of the most challenging marine environments in the world. The Atlantic Road is a popular tourist attraction that offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery to those visiting Norway.

• Distance : 5.2 miles
• Time to Drive: ~10 minutes

This road is short but sweet; however, if travelers want to extend it, they can drive the whole of the super scenic Route 64 ( Route 64 includes the Atlantic Road ). Doing so will add around an hour and 15 minutes to the journey.