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Journey · Gojal (Upper Hunza), Hunza
Khunjerab Pass and Upper Hunza
A journey to the top of the Karakoram Highway: through Gojal's glacier country to the Khunjerab Pass on the border with China.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Highest point
- 4,693 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- May–October
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Photo: Harvey Sc · CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
The Khunjerab Pass is the highest point of the Karakoram Highway and one of the highest paved border crossings in the world. This journey treats it as the end of a long climb through Upper Hunza rather than a quick dash, giving the body time to adjust to height along the way.
Nights in Gulmit and Passu break up the ascent. From Sost, the last town before the border, the road climbs through Khunjerab National Park, home to the elusive snow leopard, to the pass itself.
- Standing at the Khunjerab Pass, the highest point on the Karakoram Highway
- The drive through Khunjerab National Park
- Glacier views near Passu, including towards the Batura
- Gulmit and the Wakhi villages of Gojal
- Attabad Lake and its highway tunnels
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Gilgit
Arrival and briefing.
Overnight: Gilgit
Day 2
Gilgit to Karimabad
North along the Karakoram Highway into Hunza. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Karimabad
Day 3
Karimabad to Gulmit
Morning in Karimabad, then on past Attabad Lake into Gojal.
Overnight: Gulmit
Day 4
Passu and the glaciers
Viewpoints over the Passu peaks and glacier valleys, the Hussaini bridge, and a quiet afternoon to acclimatise.
Overnight: Passu
Day 5
Excursion to the Khunjerab Pass
Via Sost and the national park checkpoint to the pass, then back down the same road. Time at the top is kept short because of the altitude. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Passu or Sost Highest point: 4,693 m
Day 6
Back to Karimabad
A slower return down the valley with stops missed on the way up.
Overnight: Karimabad
Day 7
Return to Gilgit
Drive to Gilgit for onward travel.
Practical information
- Suitable for
- Explorers, Photographers, Private groups, Motorcyclists
What’s included
Included
- Private vehicle with driver
- Guide throughout
- Accommodation as listed
- Breakfast daily
- Khunjerab National Park entry where charged
Not included
- Flights to and from Gilgit
- Meals not listed
- Travel insurance with altitude cover
- Visa or permits for crossing into China (this journey does not cross the border)
- Personal expenses and tips
What to bring
Essential
- Warm insulated jacket, hat and gloves for the pass even in summer
- Windproof outer layer
- Sunglasses with good UV protection and high-factor sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Passport and copies
- Personal medicines, including anything advised for altitude
- Refillable water bottle (drinking well helps at altitude)
Optional and useful
- Thermos for a hot drink at the top
- Telephoto lens for wildlife in the national park
- Thermal base layer
- Snacks for the long excursion day
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- The pass is at about 4,700 m. Travellers with heart or lung conditions should take medical advice; symptoms of altitude sickness mean descending.
- The pass was historically closed to traffic in winter. Pakistan announced year-round operation from December 2024, but winter snow still disrupts the road, so this concept runs in the warmer months only.
- Carry your passport: there are checkpoints on the approach to the border.
Photos
Route and region
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- Duration
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- Difficulty
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- Season
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Price to be confirmed
Journey
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