In a Glimpse
At the end of the majestic Karakoram Highway, adjacent to the mighty Karakoram Range lies the highest-paved international border crossing, the Khunjerab pass. Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range is a place of almost indescribable beauty. It is the best place to visit as it is in a strategic position on the northern border of Pakistan Gilgit Baltistan’s Hunza and on the southwest border of China, this pass is located at an altitude of 15,397 ft.
Khunjerab Pass is famous for being one of the highest paved international border crossings in the world, connecting Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region with China’s Xinjiang region.
The Khunjerab Pass is often referred to as the highest border in the world, as it sits at an elevation of approximately 4,693 meters (15,397 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest international border crossings globally.
Accessibility and Climate
After registering the car at a check-post and buying entrance tickets for Khunjerab National Park, one enters the premises. A smooth motorway will bring you here, which is around an hour away from Sost. The air is thin at an altitude of 4700 meters, therefore, the oxygen level in this region is relatively low and one might suffer altitude sickness. According to the people of Hunza and Gilgit, it can be cured with dried apricots which can be found in abundance in that area. Too much exertion can cause headaches. The temperature drops as low as -10 °C in winters while the highest temperature reaches up to 12 °C.
You can travel to China from Khunjerab Pass. The pass serves as an important trade route between Pakistan and China, and tourists with the necessary permits can cross into China for sightseeing purposes.
Activities and Attractions
Besides a gleaming metal structure with Chinese inscriptions, this place has a lot to offer. Chinese tourists on the other side of the border, with gleaming smiles and waving hands standing against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks and fields of purple wildflowers are heartwarming to witness in the cold breezes of Khunjerab plains. One can be lucky to witness Himayalan Ibex and Snow Leopards on the Karakoram Highway on their way to Khunjerab. This area provides habitat to a large number of endangered faunae like Marco Polo sheep, blue sheep, Himalayan Ibex, Tibetan wild ass, Brown bear, Snow leopard, Indian wolf, etc.
Hotels and Eateries
As mentioned previously, there are no restaurants and eateries at the Khunjerab pass. Therefore, your last stop for food and drinks would be at Sost, which is approximately 58.9 km away. It is recommended that you carry some snacks for yourself.
