Khunjerab Pass: the Karakoram Highway at 4,693 m
The Khunjerab Pass is where the Karakoram Highway crosses from Pakistan into China, at 4,693 m according to our biking itinerary.
About Khunjerab Pass
The pass lies at the head of the Hunza valley beyond Sost, inside Khunjerab National Park. For most travellers it is a day trip by road from Karimabad or Gulmit.
Several of our programmes add a Khunjerab drive to a trek or tour, and the Karakoram Highway bike tour begins its ride from the pass.
Trips that include Khunjerab Pass
Every published programme whose day-by-day itinerary mentions this destination, with its length and season:
| Programme | Days | Best time | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Tour in Gilgit-Baltistan | 15 | Mid-October to End-October | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Cherry Blossom Tour | 15 | Mid-March to End- March | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Fairy Meadows Trek & Hunza Tour | 12 | Mid-May to End of November | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Gandhara Civilization Tour | 14 | — | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Honeymoon Tour to Naran, Kaghan & Hunza | 10 | Mid-June to End-October | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Indus Civilization Tour | 15 | — | Karachi Airport, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Karakorum Highway Biking tour | 14 | Mid-June to End-September | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Rakaposhi/Diran BC Trek & Hunza Tour | 14 | Mid-May to September | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Rush Lake Trek & Hunza Tour | 15 | Mid-May to End-August | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
What the itineraries do in Khunjerab Pass
Itinerary days that mention this destination, quoted from the programmes:
Fairy Meadows Trek & Hunza Tour
08: Karimabad to Khunjerab Pass
After breakfast, we will drive for a day excursion to Khunjerab Pass (5000m) en route. We stay short at Attaabad Lake for photography and continue our journey to Khunjerab Pass and drive back to Gulmit. On Arrival, Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at Gulmit
Rakaposhi/Diran BC Trek & Hunza Tour
10: Drive to Khunjurab Pass and back to Gulmit
After breakfast, we will drive for a day excursion to Khunjerab Pass in route to visit Ataabad Lake and drive back to Gulmit. Overnight stay at Gulmit.
11: Drive to Khunjurab Pass and back to Karimabad
After breakfast, we will drive for a day excursion to Khunjerab Pass (5000m) and drive back to Karimabad. Overnight stay at Karimabad.
Day 04: Sost – Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m) – Sost (Ride Begins)
Drive up to the Pakistan-China border at Khunjerab Pass (16,000 feet), the highest paved international border crossing in the world. Unload bikes and begin the descent—a long, exhilarating downhill ride through Khunjerab National Park down to Sost. Overnight in hotel.
Day 11
Hunza – Passu – Khunjerab Pass – Gulmit.
Day 11
Hunza Visit Khunjerab Pass.
Autumn Tour in Gilgit-Baltistan
06: Karimabad to Gulmit
After breakfast, we will drive for a full-day excursion to Khunjerab Pass and drive back to Gumit. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at Gumit.
Honeymoon Tour to Naran, Kaghan & Hunza
Day 06
Drive to Khunjrab Pass and back to Passu. Night stay at hotel in Passu.
Planning notes
- Itineraries reach the pass by road and return to Gulmit or Karimabad the same day.
- One online source reports that the pass officially opens in April; confirm opening dates for early-season trips.
- At this altitude, a day trip is short; the itineraries do not stay overnight at the pass.