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Khunjerab Pass, Pakistan

Pakistan

Khunjerab Pass

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Pakistan › Where the Highway Meets the Sky

Khunjerab Pass

At 4,693 meters, Khunjerab Pass is the world's highest paved international border crossing—the dramatic culmination of the Karakoram Highway where Pakistan meets China. Built at the cost of over 1,000 workers' lives, this engineering marvel traces ancient Silk Road routes through terrain that's earned its title as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.' EcoVoyager's journey here passes through Khunjerab National Park, home to Marco Polo sheep, snow leopards, and Siberian ibex—and from the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake to the cathedral spires of Passu, the journey rivals the destination itself.
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Where the Highway Meets the Sky

Stories from Khunjerab Pass

The Eighth Wonder of the World

The Karakoram Highway stretches 1,300 kilometers from Hasan Abdal in Pakistan to Kashgar in China, tracing ancient Silk Road routes through some of Earth’s most formidable terrain. Construction began in 1966 as a joint Chinese-Pakistani project; when it was completed in 1979 and opened to the public in 1986, approximately 810 Pakistani and 200 Chinese workers had perished—mostly in landslides and falls—to carve this passage through the Karakoram Range. The Chinese workers who died are buried in a memorial cemetery in Gilgit.

At its highest point, the highway reaches 4,693 meters at Khunjerab Pass—the world’s highest paved international border crossing. The name comes from the Wakhi language: ‘khun’ meaning house, and ‘jerab’ referring to a spring-fed creek or waterfall. Before the highway’s completion, only the rough Mintaka and Kilik passes connected these regions. Today, the pass marks not just a political boundary but a transition between left-hand traffic in Pakistan and right-hand traffic in China—and hosts the world’s highest ATM, operated by the National Bank of Pakistan.

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Getting to Khunjerab Pass

From Hunza Valley

3.5-4 hours one-way Day trip from $80-120 USD
The 175-kilometer journey from Karimabad to Khunjerab Pass follows the Karakoram Highway through some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery. The road passes Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, Gulmit, and Sost before climbing through Khunjerab National Park to the border. Most visitors make this a full-day excursion, departing early morning and returning by evening.
Insider Tip
Depart by 6-7am to maximize time at the pass and allow stops at viewpoints. The altitude jump from Hunza (2,400m) to Khunjerab (4,693m) is significant—drink water and move slowly. Bring warm layers even in summer; temperatures at the pass can drop below freezing. Park entry fee required.

Karakoram Highway from Islamabad

2-3 days driving Tours from $400-600 USD
The complete Karakoram Highway journey from Islamabad covers approximately 600 kilometers through the Himalayan foothills, along the Indus River gorge, past Nanga Parbat, through Gilgit, and into Hunza Valley before reaching Khunjerab. This is one of the world's great road trips, typically broken into two or three driving days with overnight stops in Chilas and Karimabad.
Insider Tip
The journey is half the experience—don't rush it. Key stops include Fairy Meadows turnoff, the confluence of three mountain ranges at Jaglot, Rakaposhi viewpoint, and the entire Hunza Valley. May-October offers best conditions; winter travel now possible year-round but requires 4x4 vehicles and advance weather planning.

Fly to Gilgit + Drive

1-hour flight + 5-6 hours drive Flights from $50-100 USD
PIA operates flights from Islamabad to Gilgit (weather permitting), dramatically shortening the journey. From Gilgit, it's approximately 180 kilometers to Khunjerab Pass via the KKH through Hunza Valley. This option allows more time to explore Hunza and reach the pass while minimizing total travel days.
Insider Tip
Gilgit flights cancel frequently due to weather—build flexibility into your itinerary. The mountain views from the right side of the aircraft are spectacular. Combining the flight one direction with the highway drive the other gives you the best of both experiences.
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Travel with EcoVoyager

Reaching Khunjerab Pass requires traveling the legendary Karakoram Highway—one of the world's most spectacular road journeys. EcoVoyager coordinates the complete experience: comfortable vehicles with experienced high-altitude drivers, strategic overnight stops in Hunza Valley's best accommodations, early departures to maximize time at the pass, and local guides who know the optimal viewpoints for wildlife, photography, and cultural encounters along the way. The border is now open year-round following a 2024 China-Pakistan agreement, though winter travel requires advance planning.

Expert high-altitude drivers familiar with KKH conditions
Strategic stops at key viewpoints and wildlife areas
Comfortable Hunza Valley accommodations with mountain views
National park permits and border documentation coordination
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Other Pakistan Destinations

Return to Pakistan All Destinations
Destinations: Deosai National Park Makli Necropolis Harappa Peshawar Karachi Mohenjo-daro Taxila Islamabad Passu Nanga Parbat K2 Base Camp Karakoram Highway Swat Valley Fairy Meadows Lahore Skardu Hunza Valley

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