Karakoram Highway
From traveller-now
 WARNING: In January 2010, a landslide dammed the Hunza River and has created a lake which has flooded 5km of the KKH including its longest bridge. The highway is thus impassable heading north from Karimibad or south from the Chinese border. The Pakistani army is working to drain the lake, hopefully by August 2010. Boat service has been introduced to ferry locals across, but finding a ride on either side may be difficult. [1] |
This article is an itinerary.
The Karakoram Highway (also spelled Karakorum) runs between Western China and Pakistan (through disputed Kashmir). It is one of the very few routes that cross the Himalayas and the most westerly of them. Following the KKH is considered to be one of the classic journeys of the travel world, it is also the highest international road in the World.
Understand
Historically, this was a caravan trail, one branch of the ancient Silk Road. More recently, the Chinese and Pakistani governments have built a highway.
It is the highest border crossing in the world, over 4800 meters (roughly 16,000 feet) in the Khunjerab Pass at the border. For comparison, Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe, is 4810 m and Mount Whitney, the highest point in the 48 contiguous United States, is 4421.
It may be the ultimate challenge for the devoted cyclist. There are organized bicycle tours, and several books about bicycling this route. Unfortunately the border is not open for cyclists. Everybody has to board the bus in either Tashkurgan (China) or Sost (Pakistan). From the Pakistani side you CAN cycle up to the pass, but not over it. You will have to return to Sost to take the bus.
Prepare
Choose your time carefully. The highway is closed to tourists for part of the winter and the desert area at its northern end can be very hot in summer.
Get in
The usual jumping off points are Kashgar on the Chinese end or Gilgit in Pakistan. You can take a PIA flight or bus from Gilgit to Islamabad the capital of Pakistan.
Route
The highway passes the Hunza Valley The Hunza was the original Shangri La that inspired the novel (and later movie). Hunza is known for its orchards, moderate Islam, welcoming hospitality and beautiful scenery.
Sleep
- Serena Hotel, Gilgit, [2].
- Hunza Baltit inn, Hunza_Valley, [3].
- Shigar Fort Residence, Shigar Valley in Skardu Valley, [4].
- Shangrila Resort, Near Shangrila lake, also called Kachura lake, [5]. Place of complete bliss and delight and peace
- K2 Motel, In Skardu. There is also a museum on K2 expedition near the motel
- PTDC Motel, Chilas, [6].
- PC Bhurban, Near Murree in Bhurban, on your way to Islamabad from Karakoram Highway, [7]. is a five star holiday resort
- Marco Polo inn, Gulmit Village in Hunza Valley (Along Karakoram Highway), [8]. checkout: 12 noon. The Gulmit museum, full of traditional ethnic artifacts is part of the Marco Polo Inn.
- Gulmit Continental Hotel (hotel), Gulmit Jojap Upper Hunza (Hunza), [9]. Gulmit Continental Hotel nestles in an Amphitheater of peaks, located in the heart of the beautiful Gulmit valley which is perched on 2500 meters high above sea level. Only 140 KM from Gilgit and 50 meters from the legendary Silk Route it is conveniently accessible
Stay safe
There is considerable risk of altitude sickness on this route. Weather can be extreme and much of the territory is fairly wild and remote.
Get out
