Karakoram Highway Road Trip
From the plains of Punjab to the roof of the world on the China border. Our guide to one of the greatest drives on the planet.
A Karakoram Highway road trip is one of the great journeys of the world. The KKH climbs from the green hills north of Islamabad, through the gorges of the Indus, past Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi and into Hunza, before ending at the Khunjerab Pass, 4,693 m up on the border with China. It follows one branch of the ancient Silk Road, and every bend brings a new view.
Our team is based in Gilgit, right on the highway, and we drive it in every season. This guide covers the route, the best stops, how many days you need, when to go and how to do it safely.
The Karakoram Highway in Brief
The KKH (also called the N-35 in Pakistan) was built by Pakistan and China between the late 1950s and the late 1970s, through some of the most unstable mountain terrain on earth. Hundreds of workers lost their lives during construction, and memorials along the road remember them. Today the highway connects Hasan Abdal near Islamabad with Kashgar in China, and the Pakistani section to the Khunjerab Pass is roughly 800 km long. You can read more about its history on Wikipedia.
Islamabad to the Khunjerab Pass can be driven in two long days, but that misses the point. We recommend at least 8–10 days for a Karakoram Highway road trip, with time in Hunza, and 12–14 days if you add Skardu or Fairy Meadows.
Karakoram Highway Road Trip Route and Stops
Islamabad to Besham (about 6–7 hours)
Leave Islamabad early and head north via Hasan Abdal or the Hazara Motorway to Abbottabad and Mansehra. Beyond Thakot, the road meets the Indus River, which it will follow for much of the next two days. Many travellers spend the first night in Besham. If you have time, stop at Taxila on the way out of Islamabad.
Besham to Chilas (about 7–8 hours)
This is the wildest section of the road, through the deep, dry Indus gorge of Kohistan, past Dasu. Around Chilas, look out for the famous rock carvings beside the road: thousands of petroglyphs and inscriptions left by travellers, pilgrims and traders over many centuries.
Chilas to Gilgit (about 4 hours)
Past Raikot Bridge (the turn-off for Fairy Meadows), the road opens up with views of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m). Near Jaglot, stop at the junction of three mountain ranges, the only place on earth where the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush meet, beside the meeting of the Indus and Gilgit rivers. Spend a night in Gilgit, the regional capital.
Gilgit to Hunza (about 2–3 hours)
North of Gilgit, the KKH enters the Hunza and Nagar valleys. Stop at the Rakaposhi viewpoint for tea under the 7,788 m peak, then continue to Karimabad. Plan at least two or three nights in Hunza to see Baltit and Altit forts and Eagle's Nest. Our 7-day Hunza Valley itinerary has every detail.
Hunza to Passu (about 1.5 hours)
The highway runs through tunnels beside Attabad Lake, formed by a landslide in 2010, and on into Gojal (Upper Hunza). Stop in Gulmit and Passu for the Passu Cones, the Hussaini Suspension Bridge and short walks to glaciers.
Passu to the Khunjerab Pass (about 2.5–3 hours)
From Sost, the last town in Pakistan, the road climbs through Khunjerab National Park to the Khunjerab Pass at 4,693 m, one of the highest paved border crossings in the world. Most travellers drive up for the day and return to Passu, but with a Chinese visa you can cross into Xinjiang on our Pakistan & China Overland Tour.
Sample 10-Day Karakoram Highway Road Trip
| Day | Route | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Islamabad → Besham | Besham |
| 2 | Besham → Chilas | Chilas |
| 3 | Chilas → Gilgit, junction of three ranges | Gilgit |
| 4 | Gilgit → Karimabad, Rakaposhi viewpoint | Karimabad |
| 5 | Baltit & Altit forts, Eagle's Nest | Karimabad |
| 6 | Attabad Lake, Gulmit, Passu | Passu |
| 7 | Khunjerab Pass day trip | Passu |
| 8 | Passu → Gilgit | Gilgit |
| 9 | Gilgit → Chilas or Naran (summer) | Chilas / Naran |
| 10 | Back to Islamabad | Islamabad |
Short on time? Fly from Islamabad to Gilgit and drive only the northern half of the KKH, which holds most of the highlights. Want more? Add Skardu (see how to get to Skardu) or Fairy Meadows, as in our 2-week Pakistan itinerary.
Best Time for a Karakoram Highway Road Trip
- April: blossom season in Hunza, cool and clear, with snow on the peaks.
- May to September: warm, everything open, and the return via the Babusar Pass is possible. Monsoon rain in July and August can cause landslides in the lower Indus gorge.
- October to early November: our favourite. Golden poplars, clear skies and fewer crowds.
- Winter: possible with care, but very cold, many hotels in Hunza close and snow can block the upper road.
Car, Driver, Motorbike or Bicycle?
Most travellers do their Karakoram Highway road trip in a private car or 4x4 with a local driver. Drivers from Gilgit-Baltistan know the road, the checkpoints and the safe places to stop, and you can concentrate on the views. You can rent a car with a driver from us.
The KKH is also a legendary motorbike route: see our Karakoram Highway Motorbike Tour or rent a bike in Pakistan. Strong cyclists can ride it too on our Karakoram Highway Cycling Tour.
Safety and Checkpoints
The northern KKH through Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the most travelled routes for foreign visitors in Pakistan. Foreigners register at several police checkpoints, so carry passport and visa copies. In some sections of Kohistan, authorities may assign a police escort to foreign travellers, which is normal and free. The real risks are landslides, falling rocks and tiredness on long driving days, so drive in daylight and do not rush. Read our honest guide: Is Pakistan safe?
Practical Tips for the KKH
- Carry cash. ATMs are in Besham, Chilas, Gilgit, Karimabad and Sost, but they can be offline.
- Get a local SIM before leaving Islamabad. Some networks work better in Gilgit-Baltistan than others.
- Pack layers. It can be over 35°C in the Indus gorge and near freezing at Khunjerab on the same trip.
- Acclimatise. Do not drive straight from Islamabad to Khunjerab. Spend nights in Gilgit and Hunza first.
- Visa: most nationalities need an e-visa. When you book with us, we provide your Letter of Invitation for free. See our Pakistan visa guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Karakoram Highway?
The full highway from Hasan Abdal to Kashgar is about 1,300 km. The Pakistani section from the Islamabad area to the Khunjerab Pass is roughly 800 km.
How many days do you need for a Karakoram Highway road trip?
At least 8–10 days to drive from Islamabad to the Khunjerab Pass and back with time in Hunza. Two weeks lets you add Skardu or Fairy Meadows.
Is the Karakoram Highway dangerous?
It is a mountain road with landslides and steep drops, so drive in daylight with an experienced local driver. The northern section through Gilgit-Baltistan is popular with foreign travellers.
Can I drive the Karakoram Highway myself?
Yes, foreigners can drive or ride it, but most hire a car with a local driver for comfort, safety and easier checkpoints.
When is the best time to drive the KKH?
April to early November. Our favourite months are April for blossom and October for autumn colours.
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A DTS-licensed Pakistan tour operator (DTS-GB-094) based in Gilgit, running treks, expeditions and culture tours since 2022.
