One of the most gorgeous, demanding, and historically significant routes on the planet is the Karakoram Highway. Combined with the prevailing winds that blow through Pakistan’s unspoiled north, this highway, which links China and Pakistan through the Khunjerab Pass, was recently known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” For travelers who enjoy geography, society, and excitement, the Karakoram Highway provides a singular, unforgettable trip that shifts their understanding of the entire globe.
Why Is the Karakoram Highway Unique?
The Karakoram Highway, or KKH as those living there refer to it, is approximately 1,300 kilometers long. It starts in Pakistan’s Punjab area, adjacent to Hasan Abdal, and ends at Kashgar, China. In the years 1960 and 1970, China and Pakistan worked hand in hand to construct the main road, which passes through some of the largest and most beautiful terrain on the planet.
Three stunning mountain ranges are linked together here: the Hindu Kush, the Himalayas, and the Karakoram Range. This special geographic connection contributes to the main route’s noteworthiness. Visitors come across icebergs, turquoise rivers, and ancient trade routes that were once voyaged by Silk Road traders, in addition to towering cliffs and wide gorges.
A Quick Look at the Route
The northern part, which extends from the Gilgit region up to Khunjerab Pass, is the primary attraction for the majority of travelers. The fascinating and beautiful Hunza as well as Nagar valleys are passed through in this region. Rakaposhi, which ascends to a height of more than 7,700 feet, the Passu Cones featuring their sharp summits, along with the Attabad Lake, which had been formed by the landslide in 2010, all remain visible throughout the path.
The path heads up to the Khunjerab Pass, which is one of the world’s longest paved crossroads at roughly 4,700 meters. From here, the panorama stretches towards the Xinjiang region of China, featuring countless snow-covered fields.
How to Get There
Getting into Pakistan’s capital can often be a crucial phase in reaching the Karakoram Highway. Given the conditions and your travel plans, you may choose to fly directly to Gilgit or Skardu and depart from the airport or choose the road north. Major metropolitan areas and the northern ravines can be reached by charter flights provided by budget airlines like Pakistan International Airlines. Although taking flight minimizes valuable time, getting around by vehicle enables you to more thoroughly observe the constantly changing environment while you pass from flat land to hills.
The Best Time to Go
Even though the highway is accessible throughout the entire year, May through October are the most suitable times of the year for road trips. The mercury may drop substantially below the freezing point in the wintertime, and snow may block areas of high elevation. The slopes are draped with apple orchards, and the night skies are brighter in the height of summer.
Things to Do and See
Hunza Valley: Perhaps one of the most widely recognized attractions, Hunza gives visitors a view of Ladyfinger Peak as well as Ultar Sar. Fortresses, including Baltit and Altit, dating back decades, may be discovered near the primary location of Karimabad.
Conclusion
There is actually a lot more to experiencing the Karakoram Highway aside from ticking something off your bucket list. It involves driving through landscapes in which humanity, the environment, and past events all connect jointly in strong forms. You begin to realize that this road trip is about simply being out there, inhaling the fresh air, and observing the summits turning golden at dawn, no matter whether you find yourself standing at Khunjerab Pass, cruising on Attabad Lake, or sipping tea inside a camping inn.
