Karakoram Highway

The Karakoram Highway is the road that made northern Pakistan accessible. It runs roughly 1,300 km from Hasan Abdal near Islamabad up to the Khunjerab Pass on the Chinese border, at 4,693 m the highest paved border crossing in the world. It was built jointly by Pakistan and China over two decades and is often called the eighth wonder of the world.

For travellers, the KKH is both a route and a destination. It follows the Indus, then the Hunza River, past Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi, and the Passu Cones. You pass the point near Jaglot where the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush ranges meet, one of the great geographical crossroads on the planet.

The most spectacular section runs through Hunza and beyond, taking in Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones, and the villages of the upper valley. From Sost, the last Pakistani town, the road climbs to Khunjerab Pass and the Khunjerab National Park, home to marmots and, if you are very lucky, snow leopards.

Driving conditions vary. Much of the highway is smooth, but sections can be affected by landslides or roadwork, especially in spring. The upper pass is only open in the warmer months, roughly May to November. Winter travel is possible to Hunza but the border pass closes.

You can travel the KKH by private vehicle at your own pace, which is how we prefer to run it. We provide a driver and guide, plan the stops around the best light and viewpoints, and build in nights in Hunza and Passu so the road trip never feels rushed.