How long is the Karakoram Highway?

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) runs approximately 1,300 km from Islamabad, Pakistan to Kashgar, China. The Pakistan section from Islamabad to the Khunjerab Pass (Chinese border) is about 887 km. The drive from Islamabad to the border takes 2-3 days with stops.

Is the Karakoram Highway safe?

The KKH is generally safe for tourists. The road is well-maintained and regularly patrolled. The main risks are natural - landslides during monsoon (July-August) and snow closure in winter. Sections near Chilas and through the Indus gorge can be narrow. Hiring an experienced local driver is strongly recommended.

When is the best time to drive the Karakoram Highway?

May to October. The Khunjerab Pass is officially open April to November but best crossed June-September. The Babusar Pass shortcut is open June-October. Avoid monsoon season (late July-August) when landslides are common. Winter driving is possible on the main KKH but conditions can be challenging.

Can I cross into China via the Karakoram Highway?

Yes, the Khunjerab Pass border crossing is open to international travellers. You need a valid Chinese visa obtained in advance (not available at the border). The border is open April-November, typically 9:30 AM-12:30 PM. Cross into Tashkurgan on the Chinese side and continue to Kashgar.

Do I need a permit for the Karakoram Highway?

No permit is needed to drive the KKH itself. However, to visit Khunjerab Pass you need a permit obtained at the Sost checkpoint (PKR 2,000, bring passport). Crossing into China requires a Chinese visa. Some trekking areas off the KKH require separate permits.

Karakoram Highway (KKH) Guide 2026

The Karakoram Highway is the highest paved international road in the world, connecting Pakistan and China across the Karakoram mountain range. Running approximately 1,300 km from Islamabad to Kashgar, it follows ancient Silk Road trade routes through some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet. Built jointly by Pakistan and China between 1959 and 1979, the highway cost over 800 lives during construction — roughly one life per kilometre. Today it is one of the world's great road journeys, climbing from the plains of Punjab to the roof of the world at Khunjerab Pass (4,693m).

The Route: Key Stops

Stop	KM from ISB	Altitude	Highlights	Stay?
Islamabad	0	507m	Starting point, stock up on supplies	Night 1
Abbottabad	120	1,260m	Military town, Ilyasi Mosque	Optional
Mansehra	165	1,070m	Ashoka Rock Edicts (3rd century BC)	Pass through
Besham	280	650m	Indus River junction, lunch stop	Optional
Chilas	480	1,250m	Petroglyphs, Nanga Parbat viewpoint	Night 2
Gilgit	600	1,500m	Regional capital, Kargah Buddha	Night 3 or pass through
Karimabad (Hunza)	700	2,438m	Baltit Fort, Eagle's Nest, orchards	Nights 3-5
Attabad Lake	730	2,500m	Turquoise lake, boat rides	Day trip from Hunza
Passu	750	2,800m	Cathedral Peaks, suspension bridge	Day trip or overnight
Sost	800	2,800m	Last town before China, border checkpoint	If crossing to China
Khunjerab Pass	887	4,693m	China-Pakistan border, highest paved crossing	Day trip from Hunza

Section by Section

Section 1: Islamabad to Chilas (480 km, 10-12 hours)

The highway leaves Islamabad's modern suburbs and climbs through Abbottabad and Mansehra into the mountains. At Thakot, you join the Indus River and follow it through increasingly dramatic gorges. The road narrows to single-lane in places, carved into sheer cliff faces hundreds of metres above the river. Besham is a good lunch stop. Beyond Besham, the road enters the Kohistan region — keep to the highway and don't stop unnecessarily (this is the least tourist-friendly section). At Chilas, you are in Gilgit-Baltistan and the atmosphere changes completely.

Section 2: Chilas to Gilgit (120 km, 3-4 hours)

The KKH follows the Indus through the most dramatic section of the highway. Near Raikot Bridge, Nanga Parbat (8,126m) looms above — the view from the road of 4,600m of vertical rock and ice is staggering. The side road to Fairy Meadows branches off here. The Chilas petroglyphs (rock carvings dating back 10,000 years) line the highway near town. At Gilgit (1,500m), the landscape softens slightly with irrigated fields and orchards.

Section 3: Gilgit to Karimabad/Hunza (100 km, 2-3 hours)

North of Gilgit, the KKH enters the Hunza Valley. Rakaposhi viewpoint (7,788m) is a famous stop where you can have chai while gazing at one of the most beautiful mountains on earth. The road climbs to Karimabad, the tourism hub of Hunza, with its ancient forts and terraced villages.

Section 4: Karimabad to Khunjerab Pass (187 km, 4-5 hours)

Beyond Hunza, the landscape becomes increasingly austere and high-altitude. Pass through Attabad Lake (formed 2010), the dramatic Passu Cones, and the small town of Sost (last settlement, border checkpoint). The road climbs steadily through barren valleys to Khunjerab Pass at 4,693m — the highest paved border crossing in the world. Yaks graze alongside the road and the Pamir mountains stretch into China.

Transport Options

Option	Cost	Duration (ISB-Hunza)	Pros	Cons
Private Jeep + Driver	$50-80/day	2-3 days	Flexible, stops anywhere, driver knows the road	Most expensive
NATCO Bus	PKR 2,500-3,500	14-18 hours	Cheapest, runs daily	Uncomfortable, no stops for photos
Shared Jeep	PKR 3,000-5,000	12-16 hours	More flexible than bus	Crowded, departure depends on filling seats
Rented Car	$40-60/day + fuel	2-3 days	Independence	Challenging driving, no local knowledge

Recommendation: Hire a private jeep with an experienced local driver. The road requires confident mountain driving, and a local driver knows the conditions, best stops and can handle checkpoints. Budget $400-600 for a full week including driver's food and accommodation.

Safety & Road Conditions

Landslides: Common during monsoon (July-August) and after heavy rain. Sections near Chilas and Gilgit are most vulnerable. Road crews clear slides quickly, but delays of 1-6 hours can occur.
Road quality: Generally good tarmac but sections deteriorate due to weather and rock falls. New tunnels and bypasses are being built under CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) and will significantly improve the route.
Night driving: Avoid at all costs. The road is narrow with sheer drops, no guardrails in many sections, and local trucks drive without lights.
Fuel: Available in major towns (Mansehra, Chilas, Gilgit, Karimabad, Sost). Carry extra fuel for side trips.
Checkpoints: Military checkpoints are common, especially in Kohistan and near the Chinese border. Keep your passport accessible. Foreigners are registered at each checkpoint — this is for your safety, not a hassle.

Crossing into China

The Khunjerab Pass border crossing connects Pakistan to China's Xinjiang region. Key information:

Chinese visa: Required in advance. Not available at the border. Apply at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad or your home country.
Border hours: Open April–November, typically 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Chinese holidays.
Sost checkpoint: Get your exit stamp and Khunjerab permit (PKR 2,000) in Sost before driving to the pass.
Chinese side: After crossing, you descend to Tashkurgan (Chinese immigration) and continue to Kashgar (another 5-6 hours). The Chinese side is well-paved.
Time zone change: Pakistan is UTC+5, China is UTC+8. You lose 3 hours crossing into China.

Quick Facts

Length: ~1,300 km (ISB-Kashgar)
Highest point: 4,693m (Khunjerab)
Built: 1959-1979
Route: Follows ancient Silk Road
Best time: May–October
Driving time: 2-3 days ISB to border