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Journey · Chilas, Hunza, Gojal (Upper Hunza)
The Karakoram Highway by Road
The great mountain road from the plains to the Chinese border, with time for the rock art, rivers and valleys along the way.
- Duration
- 10 days
- Highest point
- 4,693 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- May–October
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Photo: Preston Rhea · CC BY-SA 2.0
Overview
The Karakoram Highway is one of the most spectacular roads in the world, and this journey treats the road itself as the experience. It leaves Islamabad and follows the Indus north, entering Gilgit-Baltistan near Chilas, where thousands of ancient carvings line the rocks beside the road.
Beyond Jaglot, where three mountain ranges meet, the highway turns up the Hunza valley, through the Attabad tunnels and on to the Khunjerab Pass. The return is by air from Gilgit, weather permitting.
- Ancient rock carvings around Chilas
- The meeting point of the Karakoram, Hindu Kush and Himalaya near Jaglot
- The Danyore suspension bridge near Gilgit
- The Attabad tunnels and lake
- The road's highest point at the Khunjerab Pass
Itinerary
Day 1
Islamabad northwards
The first long day on the highway through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with an overnight transit stop. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Transit stop on the Karakoram Highway
Day 2
Into Gilgit-Baltistan
Continue up the Indus to Chilas.
Overnight: Chilas
Day 3
Chilas to Gilgit
Thalpan rock carvings, then past Jaglot and the Gilgit–Indus confluence to Gilgit.
Overnight: Gilgit
Day 4
Gilgit
Kargah Buddha and the Danyore suspension bridge.
Overnight: Gilgit
Day 5
Gilgit to Karimabad
North with a stop at the Rakaposhi viewpoint.
Overnight: Karimabad
Day 6
Karimabad
Baltit and Altit forts.
Overnight: Karimabad
Day 7
Karimabad to Passu
Through the Attabad tunnels to Gojal.
Overnight: Passu
Day 8
Khunjerab Pass
Via Sost to the pass and back.
Overnight: Passu Highest point: 4,693 m
Day 9
Passu to Gilgit
Back down the highway. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Gilgit
Day 10
Fly from Gilgit
Flight to Islamabad, weather permitting.
Practical information
- Suitable for
- Explorers, Photographers, Filmmakers, Culture travellers, Private groups
What’s included
Included
- Private vehicle with driver from Islamabad
- Guide throughout
- Accommodation as listed
- Breakfast daily
- Khunjerab National Park entry where charged
Not included
- Flight from Gilgit
- Meals not listed
- Travel insurance with altitude cover
- Tips
- Personal expenses
What to bring
Essential
- Light clothing for hot lower valleys
- Insulated jacket, hat and gloves for the pass
- Travel-sickness remedies
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Passport and several copies for checkpoints
- Refillable water bottle
- Personal medicines
Optional and useful
- Neck pillow
- Dash or action camera for the road
- Power bank and car charger
- Guidebook on Silk Road history
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- Overnight stops in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are transit only and not part of the destination content.
- The lower highway is hot in summer; the Khunjerab Pass is cold year-round.
- If the flight from Gilgit is cancelled, the return is by road and takes extra days.
Photos
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Start shaping your journeyThe Karakoram Highway by RoadPrice to be confirmed
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