Khunjerab Pass
Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan
Quick Info
Attraction Type
Monument
Location
, Pakistan
Timings
Tickets / Entry
Recommended Duration
2 to 3 Hours
Visa / NOC Info
Standard Tourist Visa for Pakistan.
Wheelchair Support
Not Accessible
Description
Khunjerab Pass is the highest paved international border crossing in the world. It connects Pakistan and China. The pass sits high in the Karakoram Mountains. This place marks the friendship between the two countries. Travelers come here to see the amazing mountain views and the unique border monument. It is also part of the Khunjerab National Park, which works to protect local wildlife.
What To Do
- See the Khunjerab Pass border monument and its signboards.
- Take photos with the 'Highest Paved International Border' marker.
- Look for wildlife like Marco Polo sheep and Himalayan ibex in Khunjerab National Park.
- Enjoy the wide mountain scenery and glaciers around the pass.
- Visit the ATM at Khunjerab Pass, which is known as the highest ATM in the world.
- Experience the cold and thin air at this very high altitude.
What To Buy
- Pashmina Shawls: Made from local wool, these are warm and soft. Available at Karimabad Bazaar, Hunza. Get Directions
- Handicrafts: Locally made wooden items, pottery, and traditional jewelry. Available at Karimabad Bazaar, Hunza. Get Directions
- Dry Fruits: Apricots, almonds, walnuts, and mulberries are famous from Hunza. Available at local shops in Karimabad, Hunza. Get Directions
- Gemstones: Especially rubies and other local stones from Hunza mines. Available at specialized shops in Karimabad, Hunza. Get Directions
- Local Honey: Pure and natural honey from the Hunza Valley. Available at local grocery stores in Karimabad, Hunza. Get Directions
Policies & Info
- Please respect local culture and traditions. Modest clothing is suggested.
- You can take photos, but be mindful of locals and areas near the border that might be sensitive.
- Littering is not allowed in Khunjerab National Park.
- Always follow instructions from border security and park staff.
Health & Safety
- The high altitude can cause altitude sickness. Spend a day or two in lower Hunza to get used to the height before visiting the pass.
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
- Dress in warm layers, even in summer, as the weather can change very quickly.
- Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medicines you need.
- Travel with a reliable vehicle and an experienced driver, as the roads can be challenging.
Best Season to Visit
Spring: (April-May): Cold but pleasant. Snow melts and roads begin to open. Valleys start to become green. Good time to see nature waking up.
Summer: (June-August): Mild and cool. Clear skies are common. This is the best time for travel as roads are usually fully open. Perfect for sightseeing.
Monsoon/Rainy: /Rainy (July-August): Less direct rain at the high pass. Roads in lower Gilgit-Baltistan might have risks from landslides. Views can be cloudy sometimes.
Autumn: (September-October): Cool and dry. Trees in the valleys turn golden. Weather is clear and stable. Good for photography and comfortable travel.
Winter: (November-March): Very cold with heavy snow. The pass often closes completely due to deep snow. It is usually not possible to visit during this time.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest active airport is Gilgit Airport (GIL). It is about 250-300 km from Khunjerab Pass, which takes around 6-8 hours to drive by road.
- By Road: Access is through the Karakoram Highway (KKH). From Karimabad in Hunza Valley, it is approximately a 4-5 hour drive north to the pass.
- By Train: Pakistan does not have train lines in Gilgit-Baltistan. The nearest major active railway station is Rawalpindi Railway Station (RWP), over 600 km away. A multi-day road trip is needed from there.
- By Public Transport: Shared jeeps or vans travel from Sost (the last town before the pass) and from Karimabad or Gilgit towards Khunjerab during the open season. These often require booking the whole vehicle for a trip to the pass.
Where to Eat / Stay
- Where to Eat:
- Hidden Paradise Restaurant: Karimabad, Hunza. Phone: +92 346 5900016. Get Directions
- Cafe de Hunza: Karimabad, Hunza. Phone: +92 346 9511516. Get Directions
- Where to Stay:
- Hunza Darbar Hotel: Karimabad, Hunza. Phone: +92 5813 457037. Website: N/A. Get Directions
- Eagle's Nest Hotel: Duikar, Hunza. Phone: +92 346 9511516. Website: Eagle's Nest Hotel. Get Directions
Emergency Contacts
- DHQ Hospital Gilgit (District Headquarters Hospital Gilgit). Gilgit. Phone: +92 5811 920516. Get Directions
- Ambulances: 1122 (Rescue 1122, Pakistan's universal emergency number)
- Police Station: Karimabad Police Station. Karimabad, Hunza. Phone: +92 5813 920216. Get Directions
