The Karakoram Highway — China National Highway 314 on the Chinese side, and National Highway N-35 on the Pakistan side — is one of the greatest feats of road engineering in history. Built between 1959 and 1979 by 15,000 Pakistani and Chinese workers (810 of whom are buried along the route), the KKH runs 1,300km from Hasan Abdal near Islamabad to Kashgar in China's Xinjiang province, crossing four great mountain ranges and the highest paved international border in the world at Khunjerab Pass (4,733m).
Best Time to Visit
May to September for the complete route including Khunjerab Pass. April and October for the lower sections. The road south of Gilgit is accessible year-round; the Khunjerab section is open May 1 to October 31 only.
Top Highlights
- Attabad Lake — the dramatic turquoise lake formed by a 2010 landslide
- Rakaposhi viewpoint at Minapin — 7,788m peak at arm's length from the road
- Khunjerab Pass (4,733m) — the roof of the highway, Pakistan-China border
- Besham and the Indus gorge — where the KKH squeezes between cliff walls above the raging Indus
- Ancient petroglyphs near Chilas — thousands of rock carvings from the Silk Road era
- Gilgit city — the historic capital of the mountain north
Essential Tips
- Islamabad to Gilgit (500km) is best driven in 2 days with an overnight in Besham or Chilas
- Always check road conditions before departing — landslides can close sections without warning
- Keep your fuel tank full — petrol stations are infrequent north of Chilas
- Download offline maps (Maps.me or OsmAnd) — mobile signal is patchy throughout
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive the Karakoram Highway?
Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass is approximately 600km — realistically a 3–4 day journey with stops, not a single drive. Islamabad to Gilgit is 500km (one long day or split over 2). Gilgit to Khunjerab is 220km (one day via Hunza). Allow more days if you want to explore the villages and attractions along the way.
Is the Karakoram Highway safe to drive?
Yes, the KKH is safe under normal conditions and driven by thousands of vehicles daily. The main risks are landslides (common after heavy rain) and steep mountain roads requiring attentive driving. Always travel with an experienced local driver if you're unfamiliar with mountain driving.
What car do I need for the Karakoram Highway?
The main KKH between Islamabad and Gilgit is paved and manageable in a regular car. For side roads to Fairy Meadows, Deosai, Naltar and other attractions, a 4WD is essential. Most travellers hire a car and driver in Islamabad or Gilgit — this is the safest and most practical option.
Can I travel the KKH independently without a guide?
Yes, independent travel on the KKH is possible and increasingly common. There are guesthouses and hotels along the entire route. However, a local guide or driver adds significant value for navigation, local knowledge, language support, and safety — especially for first-time visitors to the region.