🏔️ Khunjerab Pass Travel Guide — World's Highest Border

Khunjerab Pass at 4,693 metres is one of the most extraordinary destinations reachable by road in the world. Here is everything you need to know before visiting.

Getting There

Khunjerab is accessed via the Karakoram Highway from Sost, the last major town before the Chinese border. The journey from Islamabad takes approximately 15-16 hours and requires a 4x4 vehicle.

Best Time to Visit

The pass is open from approximately May 1 to October 31. July and August offer the most stable weather, though even in summer the pass can be cold and occasionally snow-covered.

What to Expect

At 4,693m, altitude effects (mild headache, breathlessness) are common even for healthy travellers. The pass itself is a windswept high-altitude plateau marking the China-Pakistan border, with a boundary marker and views into Chinese territory.

Wildlife

Khunjerab National Park, surrounding the pass, is home to Marco Polo sheep, ibex, and occasionally snow leopards — though sightings are rare.

Practical Notes

There are no fuel stations beyond Sost. Bring warm clothing even in summer. The journey is long — most visitors combine it with a multi-day Hunza/Gilgit itinerary rather than a single-day trip.