Pakistan — Gilgit
Traverse Pakistan's Karakoram Highway, a 1300km high-altitude odyssey through the world's most concentrated peaks. This demanding 15-20 day route follows ancient Silk Road paths, carving through dramatic mountain ranges and offering unparalleled alpine panoramas. Expect a rugged, historic traverse of immense scale.
Distance: 1300.0 km
Elevation Gain: 4700 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 15-20 days
The Karakoram Highway (KKH) is not merely a road; it is a monumental feat of engineering and a 1,300-kilometre journey through the most concentrated collection of high peaks on Earth. Stretching from Hassan Abdal in Pakistan to Kashgar in China, this legendary route traverses the ancient Silk Road's footsteps, carving a path through the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. For trekkers, cyclists, and overlanders, the KKH represents the ultimate high-altitude odyssey, offering access to the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges. This is a landscape of extremes, where the Indus River roars through deep, arid canyons and granite spires like Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat pierce the sky at over 7,000 and 8,000 metres respectively. To travel the KKH is to witness the raw power of geological forces and the enduring resilience of the mountain cultures that call these vertical worlds home.
Often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the Karakoram Highway is the highest paved international road on the planet. It serves as the primary artery connecting Pakistan with China, but for the intrepid traveller, it is a gateway to some of the most spectacular and remote wilderness areas in Asia. The journey begins in the humid plains of Punjab and the foothills of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, before entering the rugged, rain-shadowed gorges of the Indus River. As the road winds north, the landscape transforms from subtropical greenery to a high-altitude desert of staggering proportions. The sheer scale of the mountains here is difficult to comprehend; the KKH passes within sight of several peaks over 7,000 metres, and the views of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) from the roadside are among the most humbling sights in the world of mountaineering.
The route is defined by its dramatic geography. It follows the Indus River for hundreds of kilometres, passing through the "Three Mountain Junction" near Jaglot, where the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges meet. This is the only place on Earth where three of the world's highest mountain systems converge. Beyond Gilgit, the highway enters the Hunza Valley, a region legendary for its longevity, terraced apricot orchards, and the soaring peaks of the Rakaposhi-Haramosh Range. The final stretch in Pakistan climbs through the Gojal region, passing the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake and the iconic Passu Cones, before reaching the desolate, windswept plateau of the Khunjerab Pass at nearly 4,700 metres.
Travelling the KKH is as much a cultural experience as it is a physical one. The route passes through diverse linguistic and ethnic territories, from the Shina-speaking regions of Kohistan and Gilgit to the Burushaski and Wakhi heartlands of Hunza and Gojal. The hospitality of the local people is world-renowned, providing a warm contrast to the harsh, vertical landscape. However, the KKH is also a place of constant change; landslides, glacial surges, and seasonal floods are a reality of life here, making every journey a unique and unpredictable adventure. Whether you are trekking to base camps, cycling the steep gradients, or exploring the ancient forts of the Silk Road, the Karakoram Highway demands patience, respect, and a spirit of discovery.
The history of the Karakoram Highway is a saga of human ambition and sacrifice. For millennia, various branches of the Silk Road wound through these valleys, carrying pilgrims, traders, and armies between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia. Famous travellers like Xuanzang and Marco Polo navigated these treacherous passes, which were then nothing more than narrow footpaths clinging to cliff faces. The modern highway was conceived in the 1960s as a joint project between Pakistan and China, aimed at creating a strategic and commercial link through the mountains. Construction began in 1966 and was completed in 1978, though it was not opened to the public until 1986.
The human cost of building the road was immense. It is estimated that over 810 Pakistani and 200 Chinese workers lost their lives during construction, primarily due to landslides, falls, and premature explosions while blasting through the granite walls of the Karakoram. The saying "one life for every kilometre" is often cited by locals to describe the sacrifice required to tame this landscape. The engineering challenges were unprecedented, requiring the construction of hundreds of bridges and the carving of a stable roadbed into some of the most unstable geological terrain on Earth. Today, the highway is a symbol of the "all-weather friendship" between Pakistan and China, and it continues to be upgraded as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Culturally, the KKH acts as a bridge between the Islamic traditions of the south and the Central Asian influences of the north. In the Hunza Valley, the Ismaili community—a progressive branch of Shia Islam—has fostered a culture of high literacy and social development, making it one of the most welcoming regions for international visitors. The ancient forts of Baltit and Altit stand as sentinels of a time when local Mirs (kings) controlled the trade routes, levying taxes on caravans passing through their mountain strongholds. The petroglyphs found at various sites along the highway, such as those at Shatial and Chilas, date back thousands of years, depicting Buddhist stupas, ibex, and ancient inscriptions that testify to the road's enduring importance as a corridor of human movement.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The Karakoram Highway is a seasonal route, with the high-altitude sections dictated by snow and ice. The best time to travel is from May to September, when the weather is most stable and the passes are clear. However, each month within this window offers a different experience.
Spring (May to June): This is perhaps the most beautiful time in the valleys. The apricot and cherry blossoms of Hunza and Gilgit are in full bloom, creating a sea of pink and white against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The weather is crisp and clear, though the higher passes like Khunjerab may still experience sub-zero temperatures and occasional snow showers. This is an excellent time for photography and lower-altitude trekking.
Summer (July to August): This is the peak season for mountaineering and high-altitude trekking. The weather is warm in the valleys (sometimes reaching 35°C in Gilgit), and the snow has receded from the higher trails. However, this is also the monsoon season in the southern sections of the KKH (near Besham and Kohistan). While the Karakoram is largely in a rain shadow, the southern approach can be prone to heavy rain and landslides, which can block the road for days. Glacial melt is at its peak, making river crossings more challenging and turning the Indus into a raging torrent.
Autumn (September to October): As the heat of summer fades, the valleys turn into a riot of gold and orange as the poplar and fruit trees change colour. The air is exceptionally clear, providing the best views of the high peaks. By late October, the first winter snows begin to fall on the passes, and the Khunjerab border typically closes by the end of November. This is a quiet, contemplative time to visit, with fewer tourists and cool, pleasant daytime temperatures.
Winter (November to April): The KKH becomes a formidable environment in winter. The Khunjerab Pass is closed, and many of the higher valleys are cut off by snow. While the road to Gilgit and Karimabad usually remains open, travel is slow and hazardous due to ice and the constant threat of avalanches. Most guesthouses close, and the extreme cold (dropping to -20°C in Hunza) makes it unsuitable for most travellers unless they are specifically equipped for winter mountaineering.
Day 1–2: Islamabad to Besham
Day 3–4: Besham to Chilas and Raikot Bridge
Day 5–7: Fairy Meadows to Gilgit and Naltar Valley
Day 8–11: Gilgit to Karimabad (Hunza Valley)
Day 12–15: Karimabad to Passu and Upper Hunza (Gojal)
Day 16–18: Passu to Sost and Khunjerab Pass
Day 19–20: Return Journey to Gilgit and Islamabad
Important Notes:
Planning a journey along the Karakoram Highway requires more logistical foresight than a standard trek. The primary considerations are transport, permits, and health. Most travellers begin their journey in Islamabad, where they can arrange for a private vehicle, driver, and guide. While it is possible to use public buses (NATCO), a private 4WD offers the flexibility to stop at viewpoints and navigate the rough side roads leading to trailheads like Fairy Meadows or Naltar.
Fitness is crucial, not just for the trekking components but for the physical toll of long days on mountain roads. Altitude acclimatisation should be built into your itinerary; jumping from Islamabad (500 m) to Khunjerab (4,693 m) too quickly is a recipe for altitude sickness. Gilgit and Karimabad serve as excellent bases for acclimatisation. Additionally, ensure you have a reliable way to communicate; while major towns have mobile signals (SCOM is the most reliable provider in the north), remote valleys do not. Satellite phones or GPS messengers are recommended for those heading deep into the mountains.
Accommodation along the KKH ranges from basic roadside "truck stop" hotels to high-end boutique resorts in Hunza. In remote trekking areas, camping is the only option.
Accommodation Types:
Facilities Provided:
What's NOT Provided:
Navigating the permit requirements for the Karakoram Highway and its surrounding valleys is a critical part of your preparation. Requirements can change based on the current security situation and your nationality.
Visa Requirements:
No Objection Certificates (NOCs):
Registration:
Khunjerab Pass and China Border:
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Karakoram Highway (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Karakoram Highway, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The KKH is a corridor to a vast array of adventures. If you have extra time, consider these world-class experiences:
Road Hazards: The KKH is one of the most spectacular roads in the world, but also one of the most dangerous. Landslides are common, especially during the monsoon (July–August) and spring melt. Always check the road status with local drivers or the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO). Avoid travelling at night, as the risk of falling rocks and unlit vehicles is high.
Altitude Sickness: The climb from the Indus Valley to the Khunjerab Pass is significant. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect anyone regardless of fitness. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and dizziness. The best prevention is a gradual ascent and staying hydrated. If symptoms persist, the only cure is to descend immediately.
Health and Hygiene: "Delhi Belly" (or its local equivalent) is a common ailment. Stick to cooked food, peel your own fruit, and never drink untreated water. In the north, the water often contains high levels of glacial silt, which can be hard on the stomach even if purified; use a filter that can handle fine sediment.
Political and Social Sensitivity: While Gilgit-Baltistan is generally very safe for tourists, the southern sections of the KKH (Kohistan) are more conservative. Dress modestly, avoid discussing sensitive political or religious topics, and always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially women. Check your government's travel advisory before departure, as the security situation in Pakistan can be fluid.
Emergency Services: There is no formal mountain rescue service in Pakistan like those in the Alps. In an emergency, the Pakistan Army often conducts helicopter evacuations, but these are extremely expensive (US$15,000+) and require a cash deposit or a guaranteed insurance policy. Ensure your travel insurance specifically covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation.
Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat: A legendary side trip. From Raikot Bridge, a jeep track leads to the start of a trek that opens up to a lush alpine meadow directly beneath the 8,126 m Nanga Parbat. Watching the sunset turn the "Killer Mountain" into a glowing ember is a spiritual experience for many travellers.
The Passu Cones: Also known as Tupopdan, these jagged granite peaks rise sharply above the village of Passu. They are perhaps the most photographed mountains along the KKH. The nearby Passu and Batur glaciers offer accessible day hikes for those wanting to experience the "frozen sea" of the Karakoram.
Hussaini Suspension Bridge: Often cited as one of the most dangerous bridges in the world, this rope and plank structure crosses the Hunza River. While a newer bridge exists, the old one remains a popular (and terrifying) challenge for visitors. It offers a visceral sense of how local people have navigated these rivers for centuries.
Baltit Fort: Perched above Karimabad, this Tibetan-style fort was the seat of the Mirs of Hunza. Restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, it is now a museum that provides deep insight into the history, architecture, and daily life of the Hunza Valley. The views from the roof across the valley to Rakaposhi are unparalleled.
The Three Mountain Junction: Located near the village of Jaglot, this is a unique geographical point where the Indus and Gilgit rivers meet, and the three greatest mountain ranges on Earth—the Himalaya, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush—converge. A small monument marks the spot, offering a rare perspective on the planet's tectonic history.
The Karakoram is a fragile high-altitude desert ecosystem. With the increase in tourism along the KKH, the pressure on local resources and waste management systems has reached a critical point. As a visitor, you have a responsibility to minimise your impact on this pristine environment.
Your responsibility as a traveller:
The people of the Karakoram have lived in harmony with these mountains for generations. By following Leave No Trace principles, you help ensure that the "Eighth Wonder" remains a wonder for those who follow.
