Khunjerab Pass

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AttractionType

National Park, Other

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District

Hunza

City

Gojal

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   Photo Credit:
    Muhammad Ibrahim

Attraction Type

National Park
Other

Description

Khunjerab Pass, at 4,693 meters in the Karakoram Mountains, is the world’s highest paved international border crossing, connecting Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan with China’s Xinjiang region via the Karakoram Highway (KKH), dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” A key part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it facilitates trade and tourism while offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and Khunjerab National Park’s wildlife, including snow leopards and Marco Polo sheep. Formed in 1982 and historically part of the Silk Road, the pass—meaning “Valley of Blood” in Wakhi—combines adventure, history, and natural beauty, though over-tourism and altitude risks require careful planning. Its monumental gate and year-round snow make it a bucket-list destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.

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What To Do

  • Photography of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and the iconic Pak-China border gate
  • Wildlife watching, spotting Himalayan ibex, Marco Polo sheep, and elusive snow leopards
  • Scenic drives through Khunjerab National Park along the Karakoram Highway
  • Trekking on nearby trails, such as those in Shimshal Valley
  • Cycling along the high-altitude Karakoram Highway for adventure enthusiasts
  • Visiting the world’s highest ATM and border checkpoint at 4,693m
  • Cultural exploration of Wakhi communities in nearby Sost or Passu
  • Short walks to viewpoints for panoramic vistas of the Karakoram Range
  • Observing cross-border trade activities during operational hours
  • Snow activities like snowball fights in summer due to year-round snow

What To Buy

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What is Around

  • Iconic Pak-China border gate marking the highest paved crossing at 4,693m
  • Khunjerab National Park (2,269 sq km), home to snow leopards, ibex, and yaks
  • Karakoram Highway, offering scenic views of rugged peaks and glaciers
  • World’s highest ATM on the Pakistani side, a unique photo opportunity
  • Snow-covered plateau and alpine meadows, ideal for photography
  • Police and customs checkpoints for border security and park entry
  • Limited facilities with basic rest areas but no food stalls at the pass
  • Nearby Wakhi villages like Sost with small markets for handicrafts
  • Crystal-clear streams and distant views of Muztagh Ata peak
  • Remnants of the ancient Silk Road visible along the KKH

Nearby Tourist

  • Attabad Lake (147 km): A turquoise lake ideal for boating and photography.
  • Hussaini Suspension Bridge (133 km): A thrilling crossing over the Hunza River.
  • Passu Cones (119 km): Iconic jagged peaks for trekking and vistas.
  • Borith Lake (133 km): A serene alpine lake with hiking trails.
  • Baltit Fort (181 km): A 700-year-old fort in Karimabad with valley views.
  • Rakaposhi View Point (197 km): Offers vistas of the 7,788m Rakaposhi Peak.
  • Shimshal Valley (171 km): A remote trekking destination with cultural heritage.
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Best Season to visit

April
August
July
June
May
October
September

Spring (April - June)

  • Spring offers mild temperatures (0-10°C) and melting snow, making the pass accessible from April. Ideal for photography and wildlife watching, but roads may be slippery from snowmelt. Carry rain gear and check road conditions.

Summer (July - August)

  • Summer brings warmer weather (5-15°C) and clear skies, perfect for scenic drives and cycling. It’s peak season with more tourists, but landslides are possible during rains. Book early and monitor weather updates.

Autumn (September - October)

  • Autumn provides crisp air (0-10°C), vibrant landscapes, and fewer crowds, ideal for trekking and border visits. Snow may appear late in the season, enhancing scenery but requiring warm clothing.

Winter (November - March)

  • Winter is harsh (-10 to 0°C) with heavy snowfall, historically closing the pass from December to March. Year-round operations began in 2024, but tourist access is limited; only recommended for snow enthusiasts with 4x4 vehicles.
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How to Reach


  • By Air: Fly into Gilgit Airport (GIL), 267 km from Khunjerab Pass, from Islamabad (1-hour flight, weather-dependent). From Gilgit, hire a 4x4 taxi or van to the pass via the Karakoram Highway through Hunza and Sost (5-6 hours). Use “Khunjerab Pass” as the destination. Flights are unreliable; confirm with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
  • By Road from Major Cities:
    • From Islamabad: Drive via the KKH through Naran and Babusar Pass (763 km, 16-18 hours, open May-October) or via Chilas (855 km, 17-20 hours) in winter. A 4x4 is recommended for rough sections.
    • From Lahore: Take the M-2 to Islamabad, then KKH (1096 km, 22-25 hours).
    • From Karachi: Use the M-9 and N-25 to Islamabad, then KKH (2133 km, 30-35 hours).
  • By Train: No direct rail access. Travel to Rawalpindi Railway Station (from Lahore or Karachi) via trains like the Khyber Mail, then take a bus or taxi to Islamabad (30 minutes). From Islamabad, follow the road route to Khunjerab (16-20 hours). Check Pakistan Railways’ schedules for availability.
  • By Public Transport: From Islamabad, take a NATCO bus to Sost (15-20 hours May-October via Babusar Pass) from Pir Wadhai or Faizabad terminals. From Sost, hire a van or NATCO shuttle to the pass (2-2.5 hours). For border crossing, NATCO vans to Tashkurgan (China) one-way; book in advance. Carry cash, avoid weekends, and confirm border hours.
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Where to Eat / Stay

Where to Eat:

  • No food stalls exist at the pass due to security and altitude; bring your own snacks and water. Nearby Sost (85 km) has small eateries serving traditional Hunza dishes like chapattis and apricot-based meals. Gulmit and Karimabad offer more dining options with Pakistani cuisine like biryani.

Where to Stay:

  • No accommodations are available at the pass due to extreme weather and security restrictions. Sost and Gulmit offer budget guesthouses, homestays, and mid-range hotels, while Karimabad and Gilgit provide luxury options. For bookings, explore luxury, budget hotels, and guest houses through the booking section of the National Tourism Portal.
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Emergency Contact Numbers


  • Hospitals:
    • District Headquarters Hospital Gilgit:  (268 km away)
    • Aga Khan Health Service (Sost):  (85 km away)
  • Ambulances:
    • Rescue 1122: 1122 (Gilgit-Baltistan)
    • Edhi Ambulance Service: 115 or
  • Police Station:
    • Sost Police Station:  (85 km away)
    • Emergency Police Helpline: 15

Note: Verify contact numbers before visiting, as connectivity is limited in remote areas.

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Location on Google Map

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