TheKarakoram Highway is one of the great roads of the world. Built over two decades by Pakistani and Chinese engineers and opened in the late 1970s, it follows the Indus and Hunza rivers through some of the deepest gorges on Earth, past 7,000 m peaks and ancient rock carvings, to theKhunjerab Pass on the China border at about 4,700 m. Our 13 dayHunza Valley tour on the Karakoram Highway drives the whole road from Islamabad to Khunjerab and back, with time to explore Taxila, Gilgit, Karimabad, Hopar, Passu and Sost along the way.
New to the region? Read ourKarakoram Ranges guide, with an interactive map, the 20 highest peaks and the best time to visit.
This guide covers the highway, the full itinerary, the highlights, when to go, what to pack, tips and frequently asked questions.
Karakoram Highway tour at a glance
| Duration | 13 days, Islamabad to Islamabad |
| Route | Islamabad, Taxila, Besham, Chilas, Gilgit, Hunza, Hopar, Passu, Khunjerab, Sost |
| Highest point | Khunjerab Pass, about 4,700 m |
| Best season | May to October (Khunjerab usually open May to November) |
| Difficulty | Easy, with long driving days |
| Style | Private vehicle with driver and guide |
About the Karakoram Highway
The Karakoram Highway, often called the KKH, runs about 1,300 km from Hasan Abdal near Islamabad to Kashgar in China, with about 800 km in Pakistan. It follows one of the old branches of the Silk Road. Building it through landslides, earthquakes and sheer cliffs cost the lives of many workers, and memorials along the road remember them. Today it is the main lifeline of Gilgit-Baltistan and one of the most spectacular drives on Earth.
Highlights
- Taxila, UNESCO World Heritage Site with Gandhara Buddhist ruins and a museum
- TheIndus gorge between Besham and Chilas
- Chilas rock carvings, thousands of ancient images and inscriptions beside the road
- Themeeting point of the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush near Jaglot
- Views ofNanga Parbat (8,126 m) andRakaposhi (7,788 m)
- Karimabad with Baltit and Altit forts
- Hopar and its glaciers in Nagar
- Attabad Lake, thePassu Cones and theHussaini bridge
- TheKhunjerab Pass on the China border
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad
Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon sightseeing at the Faisal Mosque and Daman e Koh.
Day 2: Islamabad, Taxila and Besham
Visit Taxila’s museum and Gandhara ruins, then join the Karakoram Highway and drive to Besham on the Indus.
Day 3: Besham, Chilas and Gilgit
A long day through the Indus gorge. Stop at the Chilas rock carvings, the Nanga Parbat viewpoint and the point where three mountain ranges meet. Arrive in Gilgit.
Day 4: Gilgit
Explore Gilgit, with the Kargah Buddha carved in a cliff, the bazaar and the suspension bridge.
Day 5: Gilgit to Karimabad, Hunza
Drive up the Hunza valley past the Rakaposhi viewpoint to Karimabad.
Day 6: Karimabad, Hunza
Visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, walk the village lanes and orchards, and watch sunset from the Eagle’s Nest.
Day 7: Karimabad, Hopar and back to Karimabad
Day trip to Hopar in Nagar to see the Hopar and Barpu glaciers.
Day 8: Karimabad to Passu
Drive along Attabad Lake to Passu. Visit the Passu Cones viewpoint, Passu Glacier and the Hussaini suspension bridge.
Day 9: Passu, Khunjerab Pass and Sost
Drive up through Khunjerab National Park to the Khunjerab Pass at about 4,700 m, the Pakistan China border. Look for yaks, marmots and, with luck, ibex or Marco Polo sheep. Return to Sost for the night.
Day 10: Sost to Gilgit
Drive back down the highway to Gilgit.
Day 11: Gilgit to Besham
Day 12: Besham to Islamabad
Day 13: Islamabad
Departure, or extra time in Islamabad.
Best time to go
- April: blossom in Hunza (Khunjerab may still be closed)
- May to September: warm days, green valleys, Khunjerab open
- October: golden autumn colours
The Khunjerab Pass is usually open from about May to November.
Is the tour difficult?
No. It is aneasy road tour with short walks. Some driving days are long, especially Days 3 and 11. Khunjerab is high, at about 4,700 m, but you only stay for a short time.
What to pack
- Warm jacket for Khunjerab and evenings
- Light layers for warm valleys
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sun hat and sun cream
- Motion sickness tablets if needed
- Camera and spare batteries
- Modest clothing that covers arms and legs
Tips
- Start early on long driving days to enjoy the light and avoid traffic.
- Try Hunza food such as chapshoro and apricot dishes, and walnut cake in Karimabad.
- Ask before taking photos of people.
- Carry cash. ATMs exist in Gilgit and Karimabad, but not in small villages.
What is included
- Private vehicle with driver for the whole tour
- English speaking guide
- Hotels for the whole tour
- Entry fees to Taxila, Baltit and Altit forts
- Khunjerab National Park fees
Related tours
For a shorter trip with flights, see our6 day Hunza Valley tour. To continue into China, see theAncient Silk Road tour to Kashgar. Cyclists can ride the highway on ourKarakoram Highway cycling tour.
Karakoram Highway tour FAQ
How long is the Karakoram Highway tour?
13 days from Islamabad to Islamabad by road.
How long is the Karakoram Highway?
About 1,300 km from Hasan Abdal near Islamabad to Kashgar in China, with about 800 km in Pakistan.
How high is the Khunjerab Pass?
About 4,700 m. It is the border crossing between Pakistan and China.
When is the Khunjerab Pass open?
Usually from about May to November, depending on snow.
Which places does the tour visit?
Taxila, Besham, Chilas, Gilgit, Karimabad, Hopar, Passu, the Khunjerab Pass and Sost.
Is the tour difficult?
No. It is an easy road tour, though some days involve long drives.
Can I see Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi?
Yes. Both can be seen from viewpoints along the highway on a clear day.
Can we fly one way to save time?
Yes. We can arrange a flight between Islamabad and Gilgit, which depends on the weather.
Do I need a visa?
Yes. Most nationalities need a Pakistan visa, which can usually be applied for online.
How much does the Karakoram Highway tour cost?
Prices are on request and depend on group size, hotels and dates. Contact us on WhatsApp +92 355 5733499 or by email at discoverkarakoram@gmail.com for a quote.
Drive the Karakoram Highway with Discover Karakoram
Discover Karakoram organises tours across Gilgit-Baltistan with experienced local drivers and guides. Our founderRozi Ali has worked in these mountains for about 40 years, and we are a government licensed operator (DTS No. 2369). Bookings are open for 2027, prices on request. See theKarakoram Highway tour page orcontact us for a quote.
