Karakoram Highway Road Trip Guide: Khunjerab Pass to China Border | Homejourney

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) is one of the world’s great road trips – a 1,300 km route through northern Pakistan into China that crosses the Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest paved international border crossing and one of the highest sections of paved road on earth.[2][3][7]

This deeply researched Homejourney guide brings a Singapore-based perspective to planning a Karakoram Highway road trip, from route planning and safety to practical tips for travellers, expats and investors who may also be considering Singapore real estate as a base in Asia.

1. Karakoram Highway Overview: Why This Road Trip Matters
2. Best Time to Drive the Karakoram Highway
3. Getting to the Karakoram Highway from Singapore
4. Route, Key Sections & Major Highlights
5. Top Attractions & Experiences Along the KKH
6. Practical Travel, Safety & Health Tips
7. Where to Stay Along the Karakoram Highway
8. Food, Dining & Local Flavours
9. Suggested 3-Day and 5-Day KKH Itineraries
10. Linking the Karakoram Highway and Singapore Real Estate
11. FAQ: Karakoram Highway Road Trip Questions Answered

1. Karakoram Highway Overview: Why This Road Trip Matters

1.1 What is the Karakoram Highway?

The Karakoram Highway, also known as the China–Pakistan Friendship Highway, links Hasan Abdal near Islamabad in Pakistan with Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang region over roughly 1,300 km.[2][3][6]

Key facts travellers should know:

Length: About 1,300 km from Hasan Abdal (Pakistan) to Kashgar (China).[3][6]
Highest point: Khunjerab Pass, around 4,693–4,800 m above sea level, at the Pakistan–China border.[3][7]
Reputation: Often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and one of the most dramatic mountain roads globally.[4][6]
Mountains: Passes through the Karakoram range and close to the Himalayas and Hindu Kush.[5]
History: Construction began in the 1960s, completed in 1979 and opened to the public mid‑1980s.[3][6]

From a Singapore traveller’s viewpoint, the KKH is appealing because it combines dramatic nature, cross-border culture, and a very different rhythm of life compared with dense urban Singapore – yet with enough infrastructure and clear route logic to plan safely.

1.2 Why the KKH is famous among road trippers

Travellers are drawn to the KKH because it offers:

Iconic mountain scenery: Snow‑capped 7,000–8,000 m peaks, deep river gorges and glacier‑fed lakes within driving distance.[1][5]
Khunjerab Pass & China border: The highest paved international border crossing, with a monumental gate, thin air and frequent snow even in summer.[3][7]
Silk Road history: The route follows part of the ancient Silk Road linking South and Central Asia with China.[2][5][6]
Culture: Encounters with Pakistani, Hunza, Wakhi and Uyghur communities across valleys and towns.[1][5]

Compared with popular regional drives from Singapore (for example road trips in Malaysia or Norway articles like Homejourney's Norway Road Trip with Kids: Family Guide 2026 ), the KKH is more remote, higher in altitude and logistically more complex – but that is precisely why serious road‑trip enthusiasts are attracted.

1.3 Currency & costs (for Singapore travellers)

The road passes through two countries, so you will handle at least two currencies:

Pakistan: Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
China (Xinjiang): Chinese Yuan (RMB/CNY)

As of recent years, many Singapore travellers report that mid‑range stays along popular parts of the KKH (Hunza, Gilgit) are generally cheaper than comparable mountain regions in Japan or Europe, but cross‑border logistics and private cars with drivers add cost. Exact prices vary with inflation, fuel and seasonal demand – always confirm current rates before travel.

On Homejourney, you can easily visualise budget planning in multiple currencies when you later compare with Singapore property costs, as our platform supports multi‑currency browsing and helps you benchmark long‑term housing budgets against travel spending.

2. Best Time to Drive the Karakoram Highway

2.1 Overall driving season

The central KKH and Khunjerab Pass are subject to heavy snow and can close in winter.[3] For a typical road trip:

Best months: May to October (clearer roads, longer daylight, more accommodation choices)
Shoulder season: Late April and early November can bring road closures or delays due to snow or landslides
Peak season: June–August is warmest and busiest in Hunza and Gilgit

For Singaporeans used to tropical humidity, the drier mountain air can feel refreshing, but night temperatures near Khunjerab Pass remain close to freezing even in high summer. Pack layers accordingly.

2.2 Altitude and weather considerations

Large stretches of the KKH sit above 3,000–3,500 m, with the highest paved point around 4,700–4,800 m at Khunjerab Pass.[3][7]

Because the ascent by road is relatively gradual, many travellers experience minimal altitude sickness, but headaches, lightheadedness or shortness of breath can occur.[3] Singapore travellers with limited high‑altitude experience should plan:

At least 1–2 nights around Gilgit or Hunza (2,000–2,500 m) to acclimatise before heading to Khunjerab.
Slow driving days with plenty of hydration.
Consult a doctor before departure if you have heart or lung conditions.

3. Getting to the Karakoram Highway from Singapore

3.1 Common approach routes for Singapore travellers

Most travellers from Singapore start their KKH adventure on the Pakistan side.

Fly Singapore – Islamabad: Often the most efficient gateway. From Islamabad or nearby Hasan Abdal, you connect to the KKH heading north.[2][3]
Domestic flights: From Islamabad, some take domestic flights to Gilgit or Skardu (weather‑dependent) and then drive segments of the KKH from there.
China approach: Alternatively, you can fly to Kashgar (via Urumqi or other Chinese hubs) and drive the KKH southwards, crossing into Pakistan via Khunjerab.[1][5][6]

Driving a Singapore‑registered vehicle all the way is logistically complex because of carnet, customs and guide requirements. For nearly all travellers, it is more practical to rent a vehicle locally with driver or join an organised tour.

3.2 Visas and entry requirements

Visa requirements depend on your passport and whether you enter from Pakistan, China or both. In general:

You need a valid Paksitan visa to start in Islamabad/Gilgit and go up the KKH.
You need a valid Chinese visa (including any specific Xinjiang or border permits) to continue into China via Khunjerab.[3]
Overland border crossing rules can change quickly, especially in Xinjiang; always check the latest information via official consular sources and reliable tour operators.

For Singaporeans, procedures can differ from those for EU or North American passports, so always consult the relevant Pakistani and Chinese embassies or consulates in Singapore for the most current regulations.

4. Route, Key Sections & Major Highlights

4.1 Main KKH route overview

The KKH runs from Hasan Abdal (near Islamabad) through northern Pakistan into China, then on to Kashgar.[2][3][6]

Section	Approx. Distance	Key Stops / Notes
Hasan Abdal – Abbottabad	~110 km	Foothills, gateway from Islamabad; start of official KKH.[2][3]
Abbottabad – Besham / Dasu	~200–250 km	Follows the Indus River; winding roads, basic stops.[5]
Besham – Chilas – Gilgit	~300 km	Deep gorges, Nanga Parbat views near Chilas.
Gilgit – Hunza – Passu – Sost	~200 km	Hunza Valley, Attabad Lake, Passu Cones; very scenic.[1][3][5]
Sost – Khunjerab Pass – Tashkurgan (China)	~130 km (to Tashkurgan)	Highest section; border checks; photography restrictions in parts.[3]
Tashkurgan – Karakul Lake – Kashgar	~300 km	High lakes, Pamir scenery, Uyghur culture.[1][5][6]

4.2 Time needed for a Karakoram Highway road trip

Your total days depend on how many side valleys and towns you explore. A commonly recommended minimum for an Islamabad–Kashgar journey with several overnight stops is around 10 days.[3]

Fastest meaningful trip: 5–6 days focusing on Gilgit–Hunza–Khunjerab in Pakistan.
Balanced trip: 8–10 days with side trips to Fairy Meadows or Skardu.
Full trans‑KKH experience: 10–14 days Islamabad–Kashgar or vice versa, including both countries.[1][3][5]

4.3 Driving conditions & road quality

Road conditions vary by section:

Gilgit–Hunza–Sost (Pakistan side): Much of this section has been recently improved and paved, with comparatively stable conditions and fewer landslides than in the past.[3]
Lower sections near Besham/Dasu: Narrow, winding roads along the Indus; occasional construction and landslide risk, requiring cautious driving, especially in rain.
Border–Tashkurgan (China side): Strict regulations: travellers must use public transport or an authorised local guide/vehicle, and photography restrictions apply along some stretches.[3]
Tashkurgan–Kashgar: Good quality highway, but fenced in many areas, with limited freedom to stop except at designated points.[3]

From a Singapore perspective, if you are not used to mountain driving, hiring a local driver or joining a road‑trip tour is strongly advisable for safety.

5. Top Attractions & Experiences Along the KKH

5.1 Pakistan-side highlights

Some of the most scenic and culturally rich stops on the KKH are on the Pakistan side:

Hunza Valley: Terraced fields, views of Rakaposhi and Ultar peaks, historic forts like Baltit and Altit, and a laid‑back mountain‑town vibe.[1][3][5]
Attabad Lake: A striking turquoise lake formed by a 2010 landslide, now a prime spot for boat rides and lakeside cafes.[1][3]
Passu Cones: Dramatic pointed peaks near Passu village; popular for short hikes and photogenic suspension bridges.[1][3]
Sost: The last major Pakistani settlement before the China border – important for vehicle paperwork, fuel and snacks.
Fairy Meadows (side trip): Accessible via a side road and hike from Raikot Bridge, this meadow offers views of Nanga Parbat and is one of Pakistan’s iconic trekking bases.[1][5]

5.2 Khunjerab Pass and the China border

The Khunjerab Pass is the emotional and literal high point of many KKH road trips, marking the highest paved international border crossing in the world.[3][7]