Karakoram Highway
Karakoram Highway
4.5
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This highway connects Pakistan and China, through the mountains.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
24 reviews
Excellent
16
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8
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Nawab Tanweer Ahmad
Karachi, Pakistan418 contributions
Sep 2015 • Family
The Karakorum Highway, considered as the eighth wonder of the world due to its high elevation and the difficult conditions in which it was constructed, starts from the Abbottabad Mor near Hassanabdal (Islamabad) and enters Xinjiang Uyghur Region of China from Khunjerab Pass (Gilgit-Baltistan) at an altitude of 16,200 feet after covering distance of nearly 806 KM, making it the highest border crossing of the world. The breathtaking beautiful surrounding, the mountains and the river Indus traveling along with this highway make the traveling on this highway a Journey to remember for a lifetime. At the start, the highway crosses through Mansehra the region surrounded by high mountains, the enters Chillas where the highway moves alongside the Indus river where the highway is at the edge of the mountain and you can see the river Indus flow hundreds of meters below. Then the highway enters the Gilgit-Baltistan region, the region of Nanga Parbat and K2 Mountain. There is a point at Karakoram Highway where on a clear day you can view the awesome peak of Nanga Parbat, at the Raikot Bridge a road connects with Karakoram Highway that leads to the Fairy Meadows, the base camp of Nanga Parbat. As you get closer to Gilgit city there is a Junction point of Karakorum, Hindukush, and Himalayas, a must point to stop for photography. There is also the Confluence of River Indus and River Gilgit at this point. The scenic beauty and awesome mountain views start as soon as the Karakoram Highway enters Hunza region, the Paradise on Earth. At Hunza from Karakoram Highway, one can see the 1100 years old Altit Fort, there is also a 1000 years old village called Ganesh on the way to Attaabad. Near Attaabad, there is an archeologic site that contains the store carving that belongs to Romans when they travel to china through Silk Route. The highway traveled till the Khunjerab Pass at the altitude of 16,200 feet the border that connects Pakistan and China. There are many Hotels and Restaurants alongside the Karakoram Highway where one can spend a night or two with peace and comfort or eat local food. For those who love scenic beauty, awesome mountain views and flowing rivers, this is a journey one must have and do remember to bring your camera.
For more on my trip “From South End (Karachi) to North End (Khunjerab Pass) of Pakistan [-12ft to 16002ft]” visit mday-1-rawalpiny pagedi-to-naran.html
For more on my trip “From South End (Karachi) to North End (Khunjerab Pass) of Pakistan [-12ft to 16002ft]” visit mday-1-rawalpiny pagedi-to-naran.html
Written January 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Albert E
Province of Rome, Italy1 contribution
Oct 2017 • Friends
I really loved traveling on this highway which my guide said is one of the 8th wonders on earth. I started from Islamabad in Pakistan and end my tour on Karakoram Highway in Kashgar China, it was an amazing journey i ever had in life. I'd recommend other travelers to not miss this, this is a must done trip in life!
Written November 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr. Shamim
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia139 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
Enjoy traveling on Karakoram Highway (China-Pakistan Friendship Highway), a 1300 km national highway in Pakistan which extends from Hasan Abdal in Punjab province of Pakistan to the Khunjerab Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, where it crosses into China and becomes China National Highway 314. It passes through the Karakoram mountain range, at an elevation of 15,466 ft. Due to its high elevation and the difficult conditions in which it was constructed, it is referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
For most part, it was in excellent condition with sufficient space for both way vehicles. Turns & angles are well designed. However, there is rough patch of about 150 km before Chilas, which takes 5-6 hours of difficult ride.
For most part, it was in excellent condition with sufficient space for both way vehicles. Turns & angles are well designed. However, there is rough patch of about 150 km before Chilas, which takes 5-6 hours of difficult ride.
Written October 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr Saridan A
15 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
It took 2 days for us to travel from Lahore to Gilgit through this breath taking highway. We were informed that KKH was fully repaired about 2 years ago. The highway offers outstanding views on the Himalaya mountains. We travelled only during day time and stopped at various locations for photos, food, fruits and prayer. We spent a night in Naran on our way to Gilgit and Mansehra on our way back. Gilgit was our stop before going to Hunza. It is cheaper to rent car from Lahore that comes with driver. Staying in Gilgit also offers better choice of accommodation at various prices.
Written September 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shahir Yar K
Islamabad, Pakistan900 contributions
Oct 2013 • Solo
I have traveled on this highway more then once. The terrain of this road is extremely tough but breathtakingly beautiful and it replaced the ancient silk route. While traveling on it you can still find the remains of the silk route. At the Khunjrab Area the elevation of the road gets to about 16000 feet AMSL. If you are carefully watching the area you can witness amazing scenes of wildlife. While traveling we saw a number if ibex, racoons, wolves, yaks etc. Advises for travelers are many you should always have plenty of supplies and your vehicles must be very reliable. Cell phones would not work in many places and food also might be difficult to find. There are hotels on the way but don't forget to bargain. Another very important aspect is that the highway remains closed during snow fall months of winter.
Written September 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HenkKoppelaar
Utrecht, The Netherlands109 contributions
Feb 2014 • Solo
Traveling over the Karakoram Highway is nothing less then a breathtaking trip. The outstanding views on the Himalaya mountains, the great and unique nature and wildlife far exceeded my expectations. Probably I was lucky because of the weather conditions but I enjoyed every mile of the long trip.
Written November 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
swirlwind
Perth, Australia457 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
Driving down the Karakoram, how can one ever forget; the danger, the thrill of winding around the majesty valleys, the fortresses, the raging rivers, hanging bridges, the local culture and the gentleness of people, the abundance fruit trees...Endless fond memories.
Due to the cancellation of our flight Skardu-Islamabad and the closure of Barbusar Pass. There's no short cuts we were back to the KKH at late nigh drive down to Islamabad.
I'll never forget the way I feel speeding down the Karakoram Highway at mid-night. Fighting not to doze off, fully aware the gorgeous view surrounded us but can'r see at the time; the danger that our car might slip and fall into the valley below. Woke up at one point thinking: "oh good, I am still here" Turned around, our driver-concentrating on the wheel, my friend, and our guide both at the back. "Yes, we're still here" they responded.
I pinched myself, "ho good. oh good."
Then, there were the sudden flashing and flickering glow in the distance, something blinking, shimmering approaching from the opposite direction. Wow!
A strings of oversized bright coloured gigantic caravan with intricate paintings coming up. Our guide explained that they often travel at night cause there's less traffic, they all adorned with sparkling lights, little mirrors, some with veils, some painted with beautiful female eyes on the front, winking at us. Because of their size and loaded with goods, about 6 of them-have to be driven slowly; all twisting and dancing closer and closer like a big size flirtatious woman saying: "Hay, looook at me!" They keep coming one after another; all with different look and presented different personalities.
That was our mid-night excitement on top of the thrill.
There were a few little town/village to stop for tea and food. Sazin was very interesting, a busy little town out of nowhere before Dasu. Although the driving was a little long to catch our flight but no regrets. We now had done the KKH in whole from Kashgar to Islamabad.
Will come back do it all again in late April for cherry & apricote blossom.
Due to the cancellation of our flight Skardu-Islamabad and the closure of Barbusar Pass. There's no short cuts we were back to the KKH at late nigh drive down to Islamabad.
I'll never forget the way I feel speeding down the Karakoram Highway at mid-night. Fighting not to doze off, fully aware the gorgeous view surrounded us but can'r see at the time; the danger that our car might slip and fall into the valley below. Woke up at one point thinking: "oh good, I am still here" Turned around, our driver-concentrating on the wheel, my friend, and our guide both at the back. "Yes, we're still here" they responded.
I pinched myself, "ho good. oh good."
Then, there were the sudden flashing and flickering glow in the distance, something blinking, shimmering approaching from the opposite direction. Wow!
A strings of oversized bright coloured gigantic caravan with intricate paintings coming up. Our guide explained that they often travel at night cause there's less traffic, they all adorned with sparkling lights, little mirrors, some with veils, some painted with beautiful female eyes on the front, winking at us. Because of their size and loaded with goods, about 6 of them-have to be driven slowly; all twisting and dancing closer and closer like a big size flirtatious woman saying: "Hay, looook at me!" They keep coming one after another; all with different look and presented different personalities.
That was our mid-night excitement on top of the thrill.
There were a few little town/village to stop for tea and food. Sazin was very interesting, a busy little town out of nowhere before Dasu. Although the driving was a little long to catch our flight but no regrets. We now had done the KKH in whole from Kashgar to Islamabad.
Will come back do it all again in late April for cherry & apricote blossom.
Written June 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kanderfood
canberra3 contributions
Oct 2013
We flew from Islamabad to Skardu and then visited Kaplu and Shigar. Unfortunately the weather was too cloudy for the return flight so we had to drive back. Skardu to Jaglo is amazing - fabulous scenery, narrow winding road snaking above the river. We had to stop at Chilas overnight as the drivers won't drive at night. We had an armed guard from Jaglo through Kohistan to Mansehra. Buses were travelling with an armoured vehicle at the front and back of the 20 vehicle convoys. Scenery is great. There are no women visible in the villages along this section. 9 hours the first day, 15 the second day.
Written November 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tipu303
Lahore52 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
We missed our flight from Islamabad to Gilgat. So we have to go by road. We really enjoyed the travel. At the end we are very much happy that we missed the flight. We started at 07:00am and reached Gilgat at 10:00pm.The travel time can be reduced depending how you are exploring the KKH. The every inch on the KKH is full of beauty and adventure. You can easily find the best restaurants and tea shops on the way. Our first phase was from Islamabad to Gilgat. The second phase was from Gilgat to Hunza. That part of KKH start with the bed of river Indus. That part is full of fruit trees. The fragrance you enjoy, will remember for the life time. Plan your visit in the last weeks of May or the first week of June. You will enjoy fresh cheers. People are friendly and helpful. We want to go again by road.
Written April 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yaseen1122
Islamabad1 contribution
Jun 2012 • Friends
We offer Trekking, Expeditions, Safaris and Tours all around Pakistan. From Skardu to Hunza, Taxila to Hinglaj, Hindukush to Himalayas and Karakoram.
Written January 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is posible to travel from Pakistan to China via Karakoram Highway by publik transportation? From which city in Pakistan we should start? Which is the first city in China you arrive at?
Written January 24, 2019
We would like to find a good, reliable, experienced english speaking guide that is knowledgeable with the KKH. We are a group of only 2 and are both well travelled. We need a reliable vehicle with guide and driver. We would appreciate your help and advice. Thank you. Bob
Written June 4, 2018
You should touch on TripAdvisor.
Pakistan Guided Tours
Written June 30, 2020
Aoa
Is first weak of July (2018) is good for traveling to khunjrab pass via karakurm?
Written May 30, 2018
Is it safe to travel from China along Karakoram-highway ?
Written May 8, 2018
Yes of course it is safe.
Written October 5, 2018
Hi, We would like to travel along the Karakoram Highway from China Side Start in Kashgar, Sunday markets. Hunza valley, Kurakoran Highway, Gilgit (would like to fly from Gilgit to Islamabad. Would be prepared to join another group if something similar. We would arrive by plane into Kashgar and leave by plane from Islamabad. Does anybody know of tour companies that will organise this.
Written February 8, 2018
Check with Pakistan International Air line. US / UK Pakistani origins travel agents.
Written April 4, 2018
does anyone have any recommendations for car hire in gilgit? can self drive to kashgar?
possible to rent car in gilgit then drop near tye border and take other transport to kaahgar?
Written December 8, 2017
My suggestion don’t do it, litterally no maintenance, over abused vehicles, ancient vehicles with million miles drive history, very poor brakes.
Written April 4, 2018
What is the nearest international airport? When is the best month to visi. Where is the best place to Stay.
Written December 3, 2017
It's a very long highway, depends on which end you are;
Islamabad, Lahore or New Delhi if you are in south end. Kashgar, Urumqi
(in northwest of China) if you are up north.
April and May are beautiful but I like the hot weather and wanted to travel light, so June and July was good for me.
Best places to stay are those converted ancient fortresses along the way. They are usually on a higher ground by the river or, on top of a mountain with sweeping views.
Written December 4, 2017
Hi, anyone been to the Karakoram highway recently? How did you do it?
Could you do it with a private organised tour? (hiking along the way not an option).
And did you just travel on the China side, or cross into Pakistan as well?
Written December 20, 2015
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