Khunjerab Pass, Pakistan-China Border – Gateway to China and the Karakoram

Khunjerab Pass is one of the most remarkable destinations in northern Pakistan, where the Karakoram Highway reaches the high frontier between Pakistan and China. At approximately 4,693 metres (15,397 feet) above sea level, the pass is one of the world's highest international border crossings and the highest point on the famous Karakoram Highway.

Located in the northern part of Hunza District in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khunjerab Pass connects Pakistan with China's Xinjiang region. The journey to the border passes through Upper Hunza, Sost and Khunjerab National Park, transforming from green valleys and traditional settlements into a vast high-altitude mountain landscape.

Khunjerab is much more than a border checkpoint. It is a journey through the Karakoram, an important connection between Pakistan and China, a protected wildlife environment and a destination where travelers can experience the extraordinary scale of the high mountains.

Why Visit Khunjerab Pass?

Khunjerab Pass offers an experience that combines geography, adventure, wildlife, history and international travel in one remarkable journey.

The road from Hunza follows the Karakoram Highway through Attabad Lake, Gulmit, Passu, Sost and Khunjerab National Park before reaching the Pakistan-China frontier. Each section of the journey has its own character.

The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan describes Khunjerab Pass as the Gateway to China and places its elevation at 4,693 metres. It also notes that the pass is closed during winter because of harsh weather conditions.

For travelers exploring northern Pakistan, Khunjerab can be the defining day of a Hunza itinerary, particularly when enough time is allowed to enjoy the journey rather than simply reaching the border and returning.

Where Is Khunjerab Pass?

Khunjerab Pass is located in Hunza District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, on the international border between Pakistan and China.

On the Pakistani side, the route approaches the pass from Upper Hunza through Sost and Khunjerab National Park. Beyond the border lies China's Xinjiang region.

A typical journey from central Hunza follows the Karakoram Highway through:

• Karimabad
• Attabad Lake
• Gulmit
• Passu
• Upper Hunza
• Sost
• Khunjerab National Park
• Khunjerab Pass

This makes the journey itself an important part of the destination experience.

Khunjerab Pass – Gateway to China

Khunjerab Pass is widely known as the Gateway to China because it forms the high-altitude road connection between Pakistan and China's Xinjiang region.

The border has geographical, commercial and strategic importance, while the surrounding landscape has become one of the most recognizable destinations in northern Pakistan.

For ordinary tourists, the famous border area is primarily a sightseeing destination. International border crossing is a separate process involving immigration, customs and the requirements applicable to the traveler and destination.

Visitors should never assume that reaching the tourist area automatically gives permission to cross into China.

Khunjerab Pass Elevation and High-Altitude Landscape

At approximately 4,693 metres above sea level, Khunjerab Pass is significantly higher than the settled valleys of Hunza.

At this elevation, the landscape is largely treeless and exposed. The air is thinner, temperatures can be very cold and strong winds can make conditions feel even colder.

The sudden change from the orchards and villages of Hunza to the barren high-altitude environment is one of the most memorable aspects of the journey.

Travelers should take altitude seriously. Even visitors who feel completely comfortable in Hunza may notice the difference at Khunjerab.

The Karakoram Highway to Khunjerab

The Karakoram Highway is one of the defining features of a Khunjerab journey. The road connects Pakistan and China through some of the world's most dramatic mountain terrain.

As the highway climbs north from Hunza, the landscape changes gradually. Green agricultural areas give way to rocky slopes, glaciers, high mountain valleys and eventually the open terrain around Khunjerab National Park.

The road is therefore more than a way to reach the destination. It is an essential part of the experience.

Adventure Touristik already includes the Karakoram Highway, Attabad Lake, Passu Cones and Khunjerab Pass in its 12 Days Hunza & Skardu Valley Tour.

Khunjerab National Park

Before reaching the international border, travelers pass through Khunjerab National Park, one of Pakistan's important high-altitude protected areas.

The park was established to protect the unique mountain environment and wildlife of the Khunjerab region. Its landscape includes broad high-altitude valleys, rocky slopes and alpine terrain.

The park is particularly associated with the conservation of the endangered Marco Polo sheep and provides habitat for other mountain wildlife, including snow leopards and Himalayan ibex.

The environment is extremely sensitive. Visitors should remain on established routes where required, avoid disturbing animals and take all waste away from the protected area.

Wildlife Around Khunjerab

Khunjerab National Park provides habitat for wildlife adapted to the extreme conditions of the high Karakoram.

Depending on season, location and luck, travelers may encounter or learn about:

• Marco Polo sheep
• Himalayan ibex
• Snow leopard
• Marmots
• Blue sheep
• Tibetan wolf
• High-altitude birds

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Snow leopards are particularly elusive, and an ordinary sightseeing journey should not be planned around seeing one.

The real value of the wildlife experience is traveling through a protected high-altitude ecosystem and understanding the importance of conserving it.

Pakistan-China Border

The Pakistan-China border at Khunjerab is one of the most recognizable frontiers in Asia.

The famous border gate has become a popular photographic landmark for visitors traveling along the Karakoram Highway.

Because this is an international border and a sensitive security environment, visitors should follow all instructions from officials and respect restrictions concerning photography, movement and access.

Can Tourists Cross From Pakistan to China?

International movement between Pakistan and China takes place through the Khunjerab route, but reaching the tourist border area is not the same as being authorized to enter China.

Travelers crossing internationally must meet the immigration, visa, customs and transport requirements applicable at the time of travel.

A sightseeing trip from Hunza to Khunjerab Pass should therefore be planned as a visit to the Pakistani side unless the traveler has separately arranged the requirements for international travel into China.

Border procedures can change, so anyone intending to cross should verify the latest official requirements before departure.

Sost – The Last Major Settlement Before Khunjerab

Sost is an important settlement in Upper Hunza and the last major Pakistani town before Khunjerab Pass.

It plays an important role in transport, trade and logistics along the Pakistan-China route.

For tourists, Sost is a useful place to make final preparations before continuing toward Khunjerab. Travelers should carry sufficient water, food, warm clothing and any essential medicines because services become more limited farther along the route.

Attabad Lake on the Way to Khunjerab

Attabad Lake is one of the major attractions encountered on the journey from Hunza toward Khunjerab.

The lake's brilliant turquoise water contrasts dramatically with the surrounding rocky mountains, making it one of the most photographed landscapes in northern Pakistan.

Depending on the itinerary, travelers can stop for photography, boating and lakeside experiences before continuing toward Upper Hunza.

For a more complete experience, do not treat Attabad Lake simply as a roadside photo stop. Allow time to enjoy the landscape.

Passu Cones and Upper Hunza

The sharp peaks of the Passu Cones are another major highlight on the road toward Khunjerab.

The distinctive mountain formation rises above Passu and has become one of the defining visual symbols of Hunza.

Passu and the surrounding Upper Hunza region also offer traditional villages, glaciers, walking opportunities and views of the Karakoram.

Travelers with enough time should consider staying overnight in Upper Hunza instead of completing the entire Khunjerab journey as a rushed excursion from Karimabad.

Hussaini Suspension Bridge

The Hussaini Suspension Bridge is another well-known attraction in Upper Hunza and can be included in a broader journey toward Khunjerab.

The bridge crosses the Hunza River and provides dramatic views of the surrounding mountains.

Visitors should cross carefully and follow local safety instructions. The surrounding landscape is more important than taking unnecessary risks for photographs.

Upper Hunza and Gojal Valley

Upper Hunza, also known as Gojal, becomes increasingly important as travelers move toward Khunjerab.

The landscape here is shaped by high mountains, glaciers, rivers and traditional communities. Wakhi culture is an important part of the region's identity.

Gulmit, Passu and Sost provide opportunities to experience the cultural and natural diversity of Upper Hunza before reaching the much higher terrain of Khunjerab National Park.

For travelers interested in culture as well as scenery, Upper Hunza deserves more time than a simple transit journey.

Khunjerab and the Historic Silk Road

The mountains around Khunjerab have long been connected with movement and trade between Central and South Asia.

Modern travelers follow the Karakoram Highway, but the wider region also reflects the history of routes that connected communities across the mountains.

The journey therefore combines a modern international highway with an older geographical story of trade, migration and cultural exchange.

Khunjerab's Mountain Landscape

One of the most striking aspects of Khunjerab is the scale and openness of its landscape.

As the road climbs, trees disappear and the valley becomes broader and more exposed. High mountain ridges surround the route while streams and patches of vegetation appear in the lower parts of the protected area.

The landscape can look completely different depending on the weather. Clear skies reveal distant mountain ridges, while clouds and snow can transform the pass into a much more dramatic environment.

Khunjerab Pass Weather

Khunjerab has a harsh high-altitude climate. Weather at nearly 4,700 metres can be very different from conditions in Hunza on the same morning.

Travelers may encounter:

• Very cold temperatures
• Strong winds
• Snow
• Cloud and fog
• Rapid weather changes
• Intense sunlight

Warm, layered clothing is essential even during the warmer travel season. Sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves and a windproof outer layer are also useful.

Best Time to Visit Khunjerab Pass

The best time to visit Khunjerab Pass is generally during the period when the road is accessible and weather conditions are suitable.

The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan states that Khunjerab Pass is closed during winter because of harsh weather conditions. 

For most travelers, the warmer months provide the most practical opportunity to make the journey. However, conditions can still change rapidly at high altitude, so travelers should check current road and weather information before departure.

How to Reach Khunjerab Pass

The most popular way to visit Khunjerab Pass is by road from Hunza along the Karakoram Highway.

A typical sightseeing route is:

1. Karimabad or Aliabad
2. Attabad Lake
3. Gulmit
4. Passu
5. Upper Hunza
6. Sost
7. Khunjerab National Park
8. Khunjerab Pass

The exact travel time depends on the starting point, road conditions, stops and weather.

Hunza to Khunjerab Pass

Hunza is a broad region rather than a single starting point, so the distance to Khunjerab varies considerably.

Travelers staying in Karimabad have a substantially longer journey than those staying in Passu, Gulmit or Sost.

For this reason, travelers with more time should consider spending a night in Upper Hunza. This creates a more relaxed itinerary and gives you time to explore attractions along the Karakoram Highway.

Sost to Khunjerab Pass

Sost is the final major settlement before the high-altitude road to Khunjerab.

From Sost, the highway continues through Khunjerab National Park toward the border. The journey becomes increasingly remote and exposed as the altitude rises.

Before leaving Sost, make sure you have the supplies and clothing you need for the journey.

Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass

Travelers starting from Islamabad should not treat Khunjerab Pass as a simple one-day road destination.

A comfortable northern Pakistan itinerary normally breaks the journey into multiple stages, allowing time for Hunza and Upper Hunza rather than spending the entire trip inside a vehicle.

Adventure Touristik's current 12 Days Hunza & Skardu Valley Tour combines Hunza, Attabad Lake, Passu Cones and Khunjerab Pass with Skardu and other major northern destinations. 

Things to Do at Khunjerab Pass

Khunjerab is primarily a destination for scenery, photography, wildlife observation and the experience of reaching one of the world's highest international frontiers.

• Stand near the Pakistan-China border.
• Photograph the Karakoram landscape.
• Explore the high-altitude environment of Khunjerab National Park.
• Look for mountain wildlife from a safe distance.
• Experience the final section of the Karakoram Highway.
• Visit the famous high-altitude ATM area.
• Combine the journey with Upper Hunza and Passu.
• Learn about the region's history and Pakistan-China connection.

Photography at Khunjerab

Khunjerab offers exceptional opportunities for landscape photography.

The combination of enormous mountains, open valleys, winding roads and high-altitude light creates dramatic compositions throughout the journey.

However, border and security areas may have photography restrictions. Always follow instructions from officials and avoid photographing sensitive installations.

Wildlife Watching

Wildlife watching is best approached as an opportunity rather than a guarantee.

Mountain animals may appear unexpectedly along slopes and valleys, particularly in quieter parts of the national park.

Use binoculars where possible and maintain a safe distance. Never feed, chase or attempt to approach wild animals.

The Famous High-Altitude ATM

Khunjerab is associated with a famous high-altitude ATM facility that has become a popular curiosity for visitors.

It is an interesting photo opportunity, but travelers should not depend on a remote ATM for essential cash.

Withdraw sufficient Pakistani rupees before traveling toward the border and carry enough cash for the journey.

Khunjerab Travel and Altitude Safety

The altitude at Khunjerab is one of the most important factors to consider.

Travelers who feel comfortable in Hunza may still experience headache, dizziness, fatigue or shortness of breath at nearly 4,700 metres.

• Stay hydrated.
• Avoid strenuous activity at the highest point.
• Dress in layers.
• Protect yourself from strong sunlight.
• Allow time to rest.
• Follow your driver's and guide's instructions.
• Do not ignore severe altitude symptoms.
• Check road and weather conditions before departure.

Anyone with concerns about high-altitude travel should seek appropriate medical advice before undertaking the journey.

How Many Days Do You Need?

The Khunjerab Pass excursion itself can be completed as a long day trip from Hunza, but a slower itinerary is much more rewarding.

One-Day Khunjerab Excursion

Suitable for travelers with limited time who want to travel from Hunza to the border and return.

Two-Day Upper Hunza and Khunjerab Journey

Allows more time for Passu, Gulmit, Sost and the road toward Khunjerab.

Five to Seven Days

Ideal for travelers who want to combine Khunjerab with Karimabad, Attabad Lake, Upper Hunza and other cultural and natural attractions.

Seven to Ten Days

A better choice for international travelers who want a slower Hunza experience with additional time for photography, villages and mountain landscapes.

Where to Stay Before Khunjerab

Karimabad is a convenient base for exploring central Hunza, while Gulmit and Passu are useful bases for travelers who want to stay closer to Upper Hunza and Khunjerab.

Sost is the final major settlement before the high-altitude journey to the border and can also be useful depending on the itinerary.

Choosing accommodation closer to Upper Hunza can make the Khunjerab excursion more comfortable and reduce the amount of time spent driving in a single day.

Responsible Tourism in Khunjerab National Park

Khunjerab is a protected mountain environment and should be treated with particular care.

• Do not leave plastic or other waste behind.
• Never feed wild animals.
• Keep a safe distance from wildlife.
• Do not damage vegetation or geological features.
• Follow designated routes and official instructions.
• Respect border and security restrictions.
• Do not disturb local communities.
• Carry reusable water bottles where practical.
• Take all non-biodegradable waste back with you.

Khunjerab Pass Travel Highlights

• Reach the Pakistan-China border at approximately 4,693 metres.
• Travel the spectacular Karakoram Highway.
• Explore Khunjerab National Park.
• Experience one of Pakistan's highest mountain environments.
• Look for Marco Polo sheep, ibex and other mountain wildlife.
• Visit Sost and Upper Hunza.
• See the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake.
• Photograph the Passu Cones.
• Visit the Hussaini Suspension Bridge.
• Experience the cultural landscape of Gojal Valley.
• Learn about the Pakistan-China connection.
• Combine Khunjerab with a wider Hunza Valley journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Khunjerab Pass

Where is Khunjerab Pass located?

Khunjerab Pass is located in Hunza District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, on the border with China's Xinjiang region.

How high is Khunjerab Pass?

Khunjerab Pass is approximately 4,693 metres (15,397 feet) above sea level according to the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department. 

What is Khunjerab Pass famous for?

Khunjerab Pass is famous for its very high elevation, the Pakistan-China border, the Karakoram Highway and the surrounding Khunjerab National Park.

Is Khunjerab Pass open throughout the year?

No. The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan states that Khunjerab Pass is closed during winter because of harsh weather conditions. Access can also be affected by road, weather and official conditions, so travelers should confirm current status before departure. 

Can tourists cross the Pakistan-China border at Khunjerab?

International crossing is possible through the Khunjerab route subject to current immigration, visa, customs and transport requirements. Visiting the Pakistani tourist side of the border does not by itself authorize entry into China.

Do I need a Chinese visa to visit Khunjerab Pass?

If you are only visiting the Pakistani side of Khunjerab Pass and returning to Pakistan, you do not need a Chinese visa merely to see the border. A traveler intending to enter China must meet the applicable Chinese entry and visa requirements.

What is Khunjerab National Park?

Khunjerab National Park is a protected high-altitude mountain environment surrounding the route toward Khunjerab Pass. It is particularly important for the conservation of mountain wildlife, including Marco Polo sheep and snow leopard habitat.

What wildlife can be seen around Khunjerab?

The wider Khunjerab region is associated with Marco Polo sheep, Himalayan ibex, snow leopard, marmots, blue sheep, Tibetan wolf and high-altitude birds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and visitors should observe animals from a safe distance.

What is the best time to visit Khunjerab Pass?

The warmer travel season is generally the most practical time to visit because winter conditions can close the pass. Always check current road and weather conditions before traveling.

How far is Khunjerab Pass from Hunza?

The exact distance depends on where you start because Hunza covers a large area. Karimabad is considerably farther from Khunjerab than Passu, Gulmit or Sost. The journey should be planned around the exact starting point and road conditions.

How far is Sost from Khunjerab Pass?

Sost is the final major settlement before Khunjerab Pass. The highway continues north through Khunjerab National Park before reaching the border.

How many days are enough for a Khunjerab trip?

A long day trip is possible from Hunza, but two days or more provide a much more relaxed experience. Five to seven days are ideal when combining Khunjerab with the main attractions of Hunza and Upper Hunza.

Is Khunjerab suitable for families?

Yes, families can visit Khunjerab as part of a well-planned Hunza itinerary. However, the high altitude, cold weather and long road journey should be considered, especially for young children and older travelers.

Explore More of Hunza and Northern Pakistan

Khunjerab is best experienced as part of a broader Hunza journey rather than as an isolated border visit.

• Explore Hunza Valley
• Explore Gilgit
• Explore Fairy Meadows
• Explore Skardu Valley
• Explore Khaplu
• Explore Kharmang Valley
• Explore K2 Base Camp
• Explore Pakistan Destinations
• Explore Pakistan Tours

Plan Your Khunjerab Pass Journey with Adventure Touristik

Khunjerab Pass is one of the most memorable road-trip destinations in Pakistan. The journey takes travelers from the orchards and villages of Hunza through the spectacular landscapes of Upper Hunza and into the high-altitude wilderness of Khunjerab National Park.

Adventure Touristik can combine Khunjerab Pass with Karimabad, Attabad Lake, Gulmit, Passu, Hussaini, Sost and other destinations across Hunza.

Our current 12 Days Hunza & Skardu Valley Tour already includes Khunjerab Pass as part of a wider northern Pakistan itinerary. 

For a private or customized journey, you can also build your itinerary around your preferred travel dates, pace, interests and group size.

Explore Pakistan Tours and start planning your Khunjerab Pass and Hunza journey with Adventure Touristik.