Khunjerab Pass stands at 4,733 metres above sea level — the world's highest paved international border crossing, marking the boundary between Pakistan and China's Xinjiang province. The drive north from Hunza to Khunjerab is one of the great road journeys of Asia, following the ancient Silk Road through gorges and over glaciated passes before emerging onto the barren, wind-swept plateau where Pakistan ends and China begins.
Best Time to Visit
May 1 to October 31 — the official opening period. July and August offer the most stable weather and best chance of crossing into China (if you have a Chinese visa). The pass is closed to all visitors November through April.
Top Highlights
- The border gateway at 4,733m — a photo opportunity like nowhere else
- Marco Polo sheep sightings on the high plateau
- Khunjerab National Park — home to snow leopards, ibex and Himalayan wolves
- The drive from Sost through the dramatic Khunjerab River gorge
- Daman-e-Koh viewpoint before the final ascent to the pass
Essential Tips
- Pakistani nationals can visit the pass without a visa; foreigners need a Chinese visa to cross into China but can visit the Pakistan side without one
- The altitude (4,733m) causes acute mountain sickness in some visitors — ascend from Hunza over 2 days
- Fuel up in Sost — there are no fuel stations above Sost on the way to the pass
- Khunjerab National Park entry fees apply — paid at the Sost checkpoint
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners visit Khunjerab Pass?
Yes — foreigners can visit the Pakistan side of Khunjerab Pass (up to the border gate) without any special permit beyond their normal Pakistan visa. To cross into China, you need a valid Chinese visa and the pass must be open for border crossing (this requires advance coordination with tour operators).
How far is Khunjerab Pass from Hunza?
Khunjerab Pass is approximately 150km from Karimabad (Hunza), a drive of about 3–4 hours via Sost. The route follows the Karakoram Highway northward along the Hunza River then the Khunjerab River, with dramatic scenery throughout.
What is the altitude sickness risk at Khunjerab Pass?
At 4,733m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Common symptoms include headache, nausea and dizziness. Spend at least one night in Hunza (2,400m) and one in Sost (2,900m) before ascending to the pass. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
Is there anything to see at Khunjerab Pass besides the border gate?
The plateau around Khunjerab Pass is part of Khunjerab National Park — a protected wilderness where Marco Polo sheep, ibex, snow leopards and Himalayan wolves live. In summer, the plateau is carpeted with wildflowers and wildlife is often spotted near the road. The landscape itself — treeless, vast and wind-swept — is extraordinary.