Karakoram Highway
Pakistan, asia
1,300 km
4,693 m
extreme
May to October
The Karakoram Highway (KKH) is one of the highest paved international roads in the world, connecting Hasan Abdal in Pakistan's Punjab province with Kashgar in China's Xinjiang region. The highway stretches over 1,300 kilometers and reaches its highest point at the Khunjerab Pass at 4,693 meters on the Pakistan-China border. Often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the KKH took 20 years to build (1959-1979) and cost the lives of approximately 810 Pakistani and 82 Chinese workers, roughly one life for every kilometer of road.
The highway follows the ancient Silk Road route through some of the most extreme mountain terrain on Earth. It passes through the Karakoram, Himalayan, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, running alongside deep gorges, past glaciers, and beneath peaks exceeding 7,000 and 8,000 meters. The section through the Hunza Valley is considered one of the most beautiful stretches of road anywhere, with views of Rakaposhi (7,788 m), Ultar Sar (7,388 m), and the ancient Baltit Fort perched above the valley floor.
The road is subject to frequent landslides, rockfalls, and washouts, particularly during the monsoon season and spring snowmelt. The Attabad Lake section, created by a massive landslide in 2010, requires drivers to use a tunnel system completed in 2015 to bypass the blocked valley. Despite the hazards, the KKH offers access to some of the world's most extraordinary mountain scenery and culturally rich communities, including the Hunza people, known for their legendary longevity and hospitality.
Where is it?
Karakoram Highway is located in Karakoram Range, Pakistan (asia). Coordinates: 36.8500, 75.4167
Driving Tips
The Khunjerab Pass border crossing is open May to November. Landslides are common; check road conditions before traveling. Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,000m. Hunza Valley is the highlight.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt (deteriorated in sections)
Road Details
- Country
- Pakistan
- Continent
- asia
- Region
- Karakoram Range
- Length
- 1,300 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,693 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Surface
- Paved asphalt (deteriorated in sections)
- Best Season
- May to October
- Coordinates
- 36.8500, 75.4167
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