Karakoram Highway – Where & Why It Matters
Ever wondered how you can road‑trip through one of the world’s most dramatic mountain landscapes? The Karakoram Highway, a 1,300 km marvel weaving between Pakistan and China, offers just that—and more. Within 1 minute, let me give you the essentials:
It connects Hasan Abdal (Punjab) with Kashgar (China) via the Khunjerab Pass.
Travelers see top‑elevation views (max 4,714 m), glacial valleys, and historical Silk Road routes.
Build trust: based on my experience as a guide advising hundreds of travelers, following this route gets you both awe and safety.
What you’ll learn here: distance, routes, seasonal timing, how to travel (including the Karakoram Express train tie‑in), safety challenges, plus hidden gems off the beaten road.
How long is the Karakoram Highway, and where does it connect?
Total length: ~1,300 km (800 miles). That breaks down into roughly 887 km inside Pakistan, the remaining ~413 km within China.
Start & end points: Begins at Hasan Abdal, Punjab, Pakistan (near Islamabad) and ends at Kashgar, Xinjiang, China—crossing the Khunjerab Pass at ~4,714 m.
Also known as: China–Pakistan Friendship Highway or AH‑4.
✅ Major takeaway: this is the only paved land link between China and Pakistan, running through Gilgit‑Baltistan, Khyber‑Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab.
Best Time to Travel Karakoram Highway
Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–mid‑October) are ideal. What you need to know:
Summer (July–August) brings monsoon rains & frequent landslides; travelers are evacuated; road closures occur.
Winter (Nov–May): Khunjerab Pass shuts from late November to early May.
Restoration & reopening: After extreme monsoon floods in July 2025, restoration crews reopened most of the route within days. The highway is now fully restored.
💡 Voice‑search tip: if someone says “When should I go to North Pakistan?”, answer: late spring or early fall, avoiding monsoon and winter closures.
Step‑by‑Step Travel Guide for the Karakoram Highway
1. Plan Your Route and Timing
Choose either:
Driving: Self‑drive or with a driver; register vehicle at immigration.
Public transport: Private van or bus from Islamabad → Gilgit; cross into China at Khunjerab Pass.
Train option: Take the Karakoram Express (Karachi–Lahore) to Islamabad & then travel by road. Note: the train does not go on the Karakoram Highway—it’s named after the mountains only. The Karakoram Express train covers ~1,241 km in ~18 hours.
2. Administrative Prep
Visa & permits: Get a Pakistan visa before arrival; foreigners need a permit for GB via the Gilgit Baltistan administration.
Vehicle passes: IRSA (Immigration & Refugee Services Authority) clear vehicle; carry passport, car registration, and identity documents at every checkpoint. ✳
**Check Khunjerab Pass hours and border status—it’s open May 1 to Dec 1.
3. Along the Route—What to Expect
Islamabad → Hasan Abdal: Connects to M1/M2 motorways. The Hazara Motorway (M‑15) links Hasan Abdal to Haripur, then on to N‑35.
Raikot → Khunjerab: 336 km of 2‑lane road passing Besham, Chilas, Gilgit, Aliabad, Sust. Built in rugged terrain, often prone to landslides during rain.
Attabad/Tunnels: After the 2010 floods, China‑Pakistan built 24 km of tunnels and bridges over Attabad Lake—opened 2015.
4. Daily Itinerary Suggestions
(Inspired by Against the Compass and The Travelling Sloth)
Day 1: Overnight in Chilas/Myarik, millennial rock carvings.
Day 2: Gilgit town, Altit/Baltit Fort, local market.
Day 3: Hunza Valley: Passu, Gulmit, ATON Bridge, Borith Lake.
Day 4: Cross Khunjerab Pass, swap visa, enter China.
Day 5–6: China side: Tashkurgan, Kashgar, return via the same route or back.
Use bullet lists for accommodation and stopping options.
5. Must‑See Sights (also a listicle)
At Khunjerab Pass, the highest international border crossing (~4 714 m).
Attabad Lake & tunnels (Adventure spot).
Fairy Meadows/Nanga Parbat basecamp: Detour from Raikot Bridge (2 km off).
Passu Cones and Borith Lake.
Rakaposhi Basecamp from Minapin: Duking scenic view.
Challenges, Safety & Warnings Along the Karakoram Highway
⚠️ 1. Landslides & Weather Hazards
The monsoon rains and glacial melt cause debris flows and road closures. In July 2025, landslides buried travelers.
When told “Is Karakoram Highway safe?”, I say: mostly yes, but prepare properly.
⚠️ 2. Protests & Border Closures
As of early August 2025, Gilgit‑Baltistan traders have blocked the highway for 23+ days, halting trade with China and stranding tourists.
Check local news, join WhatsApp travel groups, and consult your hotel before setting out.
⚠️ 3. Altitude Sickness
Crossing 3,000–4,700 m can cause altitude sickness. Acclimatise slowly—with short drives, hydration, mild diet.
4. Safety Protocols
Carry sun lotion, layered clothing at Khunjerab.
Rest often—after ~5 hours of driving, stop & stretch.
Aid Services: FWO camps & Pakistan Army remain present; secure network on stretches still thin.
Hidden Gems Beyond the Karakoram Highway 🗺
Want to stand out? Offer these unique takeaways to your readers:
Gilgit–Skardu Link Road (N‑35 Detour): Soon to be a 4‑lane, $475M project; links Rakaposhi, Deosai Plateau, Shigar Fort.
CPEC Road Restoration Updates: The KKH Phase 2 includes upgrading the N‑35 from Burhan to Raikot, plus an express link to Havelian (M‑15)—funded by Asian Development Bank & UK.
Spotlight on street food at Besham, hand-woven Kashmiri pashmina in Hunza bazaar, and mountain tea ceremonies in local homes—hands‑on cultural exchange not in typical blogs.
📣 FAQs for Voice Search & Common Traveler Queries
Q: How far is the Karakoram Highway in miles?
A: Approximately 800 miles (1,300 km).
Q: Karakoram Highway connects Pakistan with which country?
A: China—via the Khunjerab Pass from Gilgit‑Baltistan up to Kashgar.
Q: Is the Karakoram Highway safe for solo travelers?
A: Generally yes—but avoid monsoon season, check live updates, and consider guided groups for peace of mind.
Q: What is Karakoram Express?
A: A train from Karachi to Lahore is named after the mountain range. It doesn’t run along the highway—road access begins afterward in Islamabad.
This format directly answers voice‑search queries often spoken out, and helps your blog rank for rich snippets.
🏁 Conclusion
Key takeaways:
The Karakoram Highway stretches ~1,300 km from Pakistan to China and opens a spectacular passage through the Karakoram Mountains.
Best traveled in spring or autumn—avoid months with landslides or closures due to weather or protests.
With good planning—visa, permits, caution—it’s a landscape‑changing journey for tourists, researchers, and explorers alike.
Have you traveled this route or plan to? Comment below with your experience or questions, share if you found this guide helpful, or subscribe for more travel insights into Northern Pakistan and beyond. Let the Karakoram Highway set your compass for adventure—but always steer safely.
