Khunjerab Pass

The pass and the border

The Karakoram Highway over the pass was completed in 1982. At the border, traffic switches from driving on the left in Pakistan to the right in China. Visitors on a day trip go up to the border area, take photographs at the gateway and come back down; crossing into China needs a visa and separate arrangements. The National Bank of Pakistan operates an ATM near the top, often described as the highest in the world.

Foreign visitors register their passports at the park entrance. Park fees for foreigners and locals have changed over the years, so we confirm the current rates when we plan the day.

Khunjerab National Park

The road to the pass runs through Khunjerab National Park, established in 1975 to protect the Marco Polo sheep. More than half of the park lies above 4,000 m. Besides Marco Polo sheep it shelters snow leopards, Siberian ibex and blue sheep, and wildlife is sometimes seen from the road in summer. Stay in the vehicle or close to it where the rangers ask you to.

Altitude: go up, don't stay up

At 4,693 m the air holds far less oxygen than at Karimabad, and many people feel breathless or light-headed at the top. The usual advice is simple: spend a night or two in Hunza first, drink water, walk slowly at the pass and don't linger for hours. Anyone with heart or lung conditions should check with their doctor before going. Because you drive up and back the same day, most visitors cope well.

When the road is open

Traditionally the border operated from spring to late autumn. In December 2024 the government announced year-round operation of the crossing for trade and passengers. In practice winter access still depends on snow and on the orders in force, and the pass is bitterly cold outside summer. For a sightseeing trip, May to October is the reliable window; we check conditions before every departure.