Karakoram Highway (Pakistan)
Karakoram Highway 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).
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).
Things you need to know before planning your trip
When to go? – 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!
Internet – 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? – 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.
Altitude – The highest point on the Karakoram Road is 4,800m at Khunjerab Pass 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.
When to go? – 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!
Internet – 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? – 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.
Altitude – The highest point on the Karakoram Road is 4,800m at Khunjerab Pass 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.
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