Northern Pakistan and the Karakoram Highway: When to Go and How to Plan It

Northern Pakistan and the Karakoram Highway make up one of the great road journeys in Asia. The highway runs from Hasan Abdal in Punjab to the Khunjerab Pass on the Chinese border.

The pass reaches 4,693 metres above sea level. For most travellers, the best time to go is late spring to autumn, when the pass is open and the monsoon has passed.

Most people fly north to Gilgit and begin the road trip there. This keeps the journey focused on the famous northern section of the highway, where the biggest mountain views begin.

Planning still matters. Weather can change your timetable, official travel advice can change, and the altitude deserves respect. A little flexibility goes a long way.

In this guide, we cover when to go, what the route is like, how high you will climb, what to know about safety, and whether you need a tour.

You can browse our Pakistan tours to see current departures, then use this guide as a practical checklist before you book.

What is the Karakoram Highway?

First, the basics. The Karakoram Highway is also called the KKH or National Highway 35. It links Hasan Abdal in Pakistan's Punjab with China's Xinjiang region.

The full route runs for about 1,300 kilometres. At Khunjerab Pass, it crosses into China and continues as China National Highway 314 towards Kashgar.

Pakistan and China built the road together. Construction began in the 1960s; the highway was completed in 1979, and it opened to the public in 1986.

Building it came at a real human cost. Around 1,000 workers died, mostly in landslides and falls, and many Chinese labourers are buried in a cemetery in Gilgit.

The route itself is much older than the highway. Traders and pilgrims once travelled these valleys along the ancient Silk Road, leaving more than 50,000 rock carvings between Shatial and Hunza.

Near Jaglot, three major mountain ranges meet: the Himalaya, the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram. Further north, the road climbs towards Khunjerab Pass.

At 4,693 metres, Khunjerab is the highest paved international border crossing on earth. It is also one of the highest paved roads in the world.

You may hear the highway called the eighth wonder of the world. That is a nickname rather than an official title, but it gives you an idea of the scale.

You may also see the spelling Karakorum on signs and tour pages. It refers to the same mountain range and the same road journey.

When should you go?

The timing is fairly simple. Khunjerab Pass opens seasonally, usually from April to November, although heavy snow can close it at short notice.

For a more dependable trip, aim for late spring through autumn. These months give you the best chance of keeping the main route open.

The monsoon usually runs from late June to early October. Heavy rain can bring floods and landslides, and bad years can damage roads and bridges.

Deosai is different. The high plateau is a summer crossing because snow keeps it closed for much of the year.

The Balti name for Deosai means “summer's place”. That tells you something about the short season when the plateau is accessible.

Spring brings blossom to the orchards around Hunza. Autumn can bring especially clear mountain air, so both seasons have their own appeal.

Whichever dates you choose, leave some flexibility. One spare day can make a big difference when weather or road conditions change.

How do you get to northern Pakistan?

Almost every journey starts in Islamabad, and it is worth giving the city a day before heading north. The Faisal Mosque and Pakistan Monument are easy places to begin.

Then you have your first big choice: fly north or travel overland. The domestic flight to Gilgit is the faster option and can give you spectacular views.

There is one catch. Weather controls flights in the mountains, so delays and cancellations are common. Build some flexibility into your plans if you fly.

The overland option follows the old highway through the Indus gorge. The FCDO advises against all travel on the stretch between Mansehra and Chilas.

During the season, drivers may instead use the N15 through the Kaghan Valley and across Babusar Pass. Extreme weather can close this route too.

For most first-time visitors, flying to Gilgit makes sense for the northern journey. It also puts you close to the section of the KKH most travellers want to see.

What is the drive north actually like?

From Gilgit, the road stops feeling like simple transport and becomes the main experience. You follow the Hunza River through some remarkable mountain scenery.

Near Jaglot, you pass the meeting point of three major ranges. The landscape changes quickly as the road pushes deeper into the valleys.

The Rakaposhi viewpoint is one of the first major stops. The mountain rises to 7,788 metres and appears to climb almost directly from the valley floor.

Then comes Karimabad, the cultural heart of the Hunza Valley. Baltit Fort and Altit Fort sit above the rooftops, while orchards cover the surrounding slopes.

This is a place where it pays to slow down. Give yourself time to walk around, explore the forts and enjoy the valley rather than rushing to the next stop.

Beyond Karimabad sits Attabad Lake. It formed in 2010 when a huge landslide blocked the Hunza River and buried roughly 20 kilometres of the old road.

Since 2015, five tunnels have carried the highway along the lakeshore. The deep blue water makes this one of the most recognisable parts of the northern route.

Next comes Passu, with its famous cathedral ridge and glacier. From there, the road continues towards Sost, the final town before the Chinese border.

The last climb takes you towards Khunjerab Pass, inside a national park where snow leopards still survive. Most travellers stop for photos before turning back down.

What do the driving days actually feel like?

This is where it helps to be realistic. Maps can make distances on the Karakoram Highway look much easier than they feel on the ground.

Road quality varies outside the major routes. Remote sections can be uneven, and driving after dark can be unpredictable.

That is why days often start early. You may find yourself behind decorated trucks, waiting at checkpoints while your driver handles paperwork.

You may also stop while machinery clears a landslide. These delays can feel frustrating if you expect a normal road trip.

They are simply part of travelling through this landscape. Leave space in the itinerary rather than trying to make every hour fit perfectly.

What are the highlights of the Karakoram Highway?

Some places deserve proper time in your itinerary rather than being squeezed into whatever hours are left.

Fairy Meadows is one of the big ones. A rough jeep track followed by a forest walk brings you to a green shelf facing Nanga Parbat.

At 8,126 metres, Nanga Parbat is the world's ninth-highest mountain. The view from Fairy Meadows gives you a very different perspective from the road.

Fit walkers can continue towards base camp. You do not have to, though. The meadow itself is worth the journey and gives you time to simply enjoy the scenery.

The Passu Glacier walk offers another kind of experience. You get close to living ice without the crowds or technical equipment of a major mountaineering trip.

Then there is Deosai. In summer, the plains feel almost separate from the rest of the journey, with wide-open landscapes sitting above 4,100 metres.

The plateau is green during its short season and is known for its marmots. It is also often described as the second-highest plateau in the world.

Do not overlook the smaller moments. Stop for roadside petroglyphs, share a chai with a truck crew, or cross a suspension bridge above grey glacial water.

How high does the road go?

Khunjerab Pass reaches 4,693 metres, while the Deosai Plains average more than 4,100 metres. Most nights are much lower, which helps your body recover.

Even so, the high sections are genuinely high. The NHS warns that altitude sickness can develop above 2,500 metres.

Symptoms can appear six to ten hours after climbing. Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual tiredness or broken sleep.

The basics of prevention are simple. Climb gradually, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol during the early part of your trip.

If you feel worse rather than better, tell someone. Descending by around 300 to 1,000 metres fixes most cases, and a good guide will act quickly.

Is it safe to travel the Karakoram Highway?

This is the section to read carefully. Start with your own government's travel advice and check it before booking and again before you travel.

For British passport holders, that means the FCDO. Its Pakistan advice can change, so information that applies today may not apply when your trip begins.

As of late September 2026, the FCDO advises against all travel on the KKH between Mansehra and Chilas.

It also advises against travel within 10 miles of the Afghan border and across the whole of Balochistan province.

The northern route through Gilgit, the Hunza Valley and Khunjerab Pass is not currently included in that list. That should not be treated as a permanent guarantee.

Terrorism remains a serious risk in parts of Pakistan. Protests have also closed roads and disrupted mobile networks in 2026.

Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, keep a low profile, and follow instructions from local authorities when conditions change.

Landslides are another practical concern in the mountains. The FCDO advises using experienced local drivers and travelling only when weather conditions are clear.

Other governments can issue different advice. Always check the official guidance that applies to your nationality before you travel.

Do you need a visa for Pakistan?

For most travellers, yes. Apply in advance through Pakistan's official e-visa system and check the current requirements for your nationality before booking.

Your passport needs at least six months of validity from the date you apply. Some applications may also require additional documents.

For example, some travellers may be asked for a letter of invitation. Check the current requirements rather than relying on an older application guide.

Do you need a tour, or can you travel independently?

Independent travel is possible, and some travellers enjoy organising the route themselves. The challenge is dealing with a road where conditions can change quickly.

The FCDO itself points towards experienced local drivers on these roads and recommends travelling in clear weather.

A guided trip can help when plans change. If a road closes, someone else is already working out the next option while you finish your tea.

A small group can also fit this kind of journey well. It is easier to manage guesthouses, viewpoints, walking routes and remote stops.

Before booking any operator, ask a few practical questions. Good answers tell you much more than a polished brochure.

Ask how the company tracks official travel advice and when it last changed the route. You should also ask who drives and how experienced they are.

Check the group size, too. Ask where the itinerary allows extra time for closed roads and how altitude is handled day by day.

Finally, ask exactly what is included and how many seasons the operator has run trips in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Specific answers are worth more than general promises. Ask every company you are considering, including us.

What does the Encounters Karakorum Highlights tour include?

We built our Karakorum Highlights tour around many of the practical points above.

The trip runs for 15 days and has a maximum group size of 16 travellers. It includes 40 meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 13 dinners.

The route includes travel along the Karakoram Highway itself, with hikes to Fairy Meadows, Beyal Camp, Herrlikoffer base camp and Passu Glacier.

There is also an optional walk towards Nanga Parbat base camp, along with crossings of the Deosai Plains and Shigar Valley.

You will also visit the Baltit, Altit and Khorpocho forts, giving the journey plenty of time away from the road itself.

If you want more time, our Karakorum Highway & Chitral Valley tour runs for 21 days and adds Chitral to the route.

What else should you sort before you go?

Start with money. Bring Pakistani rupees in small notes for chai, tips, and markets, as ATMs become scarce outside the larger cities.

Cards also cannot always be relied on in the valleys. Having enough cash with you makes small purchases much easier.

Download offline maps before leaving Islamabad. Mobile signal becomes patchy as you move deeper into the valleys.

Carry photo ID and be careful with photography. Do not photograph military sites, airports, bridges or dams, and always ask before photographing people.

Dress modestly, with shoulders and legs covered. Women should also carry a headscarf for mosques and rural areas.

Water is another simple consideration. Avoid tap water and stick to filtered or bottled water, especially during the early part of the trip.

It is also sensible to go easy on very fresh salads at first. Your stomach may need a little time to adjust to different food and water.

Finally, pack for two climates in one day. The Indus Gorge can be hot while Khunjerab is close to freezing.

Bring a warm midlayer, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a power bank. You will use all four.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to travel the Karakoram Highway?

The northern route through Gilgit and Hunza to Khunjerab is not currently on the UK FCDO avoid list. The Mansehra to Chilas stretch is.

Travel advice can change, so check the latest guidance before you fly. Your own government may also have different recommendations.

Do you need a visa for Pakistan?

Most travellers need a visa and should apply in advance through Pakistan's official e-visa system.

Your passport needs at least six months' validity from the date you apply. Check the current requirements for your nationality before booking.

When is the best time to travel the Karakoram Highway?

Khunjerab Pass typically opens from April to November, making late spring through autumn the main travel window.

The monsoon usually runs from late June to early October and can increase the risk of floods and landslides.

How high is the Karakoram Highway?

Khunjerab Pass reaches 4,693 metres, making it one of the highest paved crossings in the world.

Most nights are spent much lower, but altitude sickness is still something to take seriously on the high sections.

Can you travel the Karakoram Highway independently?

Yes, independent travel is possible. However, the FCDO advises using experienced local drivers on these roads and travelling only in clear weather.

Landslides can close sections with little warning, so flexibility is important even if you plan everything yourself.

How many days do you need for northern Pakistan?

Give yourself around two weeks if you want to enjoy the route without rushing from one stop to the next.

Our Karakorum Highlights tour runs for 15 days, giving you time for the main sights while leaving room for the realities of mountain travel.

Is northern Pakistan worth the planning?

If you take one idea from this guide, make it restraint. Do not overfill the itinerary, respect current travel advice, and give the mountains enough time.

The Karakoram Highway rewards slower travel. Traders, pilgrims and soldiers have moved through these valleys for centuries, long before the modern road was built.

Today, you can follow that route through some of the world's highest mountains while still taking the time to stop, walk and look around.

If you would like help matching the route to your dates, talk to our team. We're happy to talk it through with you, with no pressure.