The Karakoram Highway Road Trip: Islamabad to Khunjerab

They call the Karakoram Highway the eighth wonder of the world, and once you have driven it you will not argue. It climbs from the plains near Islamabad, follows the Indus into the heart of the greatest mountains on earth, and ends at the Chinese border on the highest paved pass in the world. Doing it as a road trip is one of the all-time great travel experiences, full stop. Here is how to plan it, stop by stop.

The route in one glance

The KKH runs roughly 1,300 km from near Islamabad to the Khunjerab Pass (4,733 m) on the China frontier. The classic road trip goes: Islamabad, then up to Naran, over Babusar Pass into Gilgit-Baltistan, on to Chilas, past Nanga Parbat, through Gilgit and Hunza, and finally up to Khunjerab. You can do it one way and fly back from Gilgit or Skardu, or drive the round trip.

Two ways north: Babusar or Besham

• The Babusar route (summer only). Islamabad to Naran to Babusar Pass (4,173 m) and down to Chilas. This is the shorter, prettier way, but the pass is only open roughly mid-June to October, snow permitting.
• The Besham route (all year). Islamabad along the Indus via Besham and Dasu to Chilas. Longer and in parts rougher, but it stays open when Babusar is shut, so it is the winter and shoulder-season option.

The big stops

• Naran and Lake Saif ul Malook. The classic first-night halt, with a jeep trip up to the famous lake. See our full Naran Kaghan guide.
• Babusar Top. Get out, breathe the thin air, and take in the view from 4,173 m.
• Nanga Parbat viewpoint. Near Raikot bridge, the launch point for Fairy Meadows, with the ninth-highest mountain on earth right there.
• Rakaposhi view at Minapin. A roadside cafe with a jaw-dropping view of the 7,788 m giant.
• Hunza. Base for a few days: Baltit and Altit forts, Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones. Our Hunza guide has it all.
• Khunjerab Pass. The grand finale at 4,733 m, on the China border. Go slow at that height.

How many days

Do not rush it. A comfortable one-way trip from Islamabad to Khunjerab and back to Gilgit for a flight home needs about 7 to 9 days. Add Skardu and Deosai and you are looking at 10 to 14. Trying to do it in three or four days just means a lot of driving and not much living. The whole joy of the KKH is stopping.

Driving and transport

You can drive your own car (a sturdy one, ideally high-clearance), hire a car with a local driver (the stress-free option, and highly recommended if you do not know mountain roads), or ride the reliable NATCO and private coaches for the long legs and arrange local jeeps for side trips. Fuel up whenever you can north of Gilgit, drive only in daylight, and never hurry a blind mountain bend.

The practical stuff

No permits are needed for the KKH or Khunjerab, just carry ID for the checkpoints. For phones, SCOM works best in the high valleys, with Zong okay in the towns; buy a SIM in Gilgit or Karimabad. ATMs basically stop after Gilgit, so carry enough cash for the whole trip. And build in a spare day, because weather and landslides can close the road without warning.

Quick answers

How long is the Karakoram Highway? About 1,300 km from near Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass.

When is Babusar Pass open? Roughly mid-June to October, snow depending.

Can you drive to the Chinese border? Yes, up to Khunjerab Pass. The border crossing itself into China needs separate arrangements.

Self-drive or driver? A local driver is far less stressful unless you are experienced on mountain roads.

Turn the drive into real stops you can book. Base in Hunza or Skardu, browse everything across Gilgit-Baltistan, or search experiences on the map. Plan the timing with our month-by-month guide.