Karakoram Highway

Extending from Hasanabdal in Pakistan to the Chinese Kashgar region, through the Khunjerab Pass, is the Karakorum highway which is also referred to as the "Ninth Wonder of the World". It is situated at an altitude of 4693m (15,397ft) and is the world's highest border crossing. Officially it is also called National Highway 35 or N35. It has a length of 1300 km (806 km in Pakistan and 494 km in China). The highway also serves as a popular tourist attraction.

In the past, this was a caravan trail (a part of ancient Silk road). Later on, the Chinese and Pakistani authorities built a two way highway which was completed in 1986 after 20 years of construction work. While building this road 892 workers lost their lives including 82 Chinese and 810 Pakistanis. The Karakorum Highway is also known as the Friendship Highway in China.

The highway has become a destination for tourists, mountaineers and adventure lovers from all over the world as it provides an easy access to many towering mountains, exotic valleys, glaciers and the heavenly towns of Gilgit, Sakardu, Nagar and Hunza these towns are the main hubs for mountaineer expeditions in Pakistan. The Hunza was the original Shangri La that inspired the novel (and later movie). Hunza is known for its orchards, moderate Islam, welcoming hospitality and beautiful scenery. The following mountains are accessible from the Karakorum highway:

Nanga Parbat, Northern Areas,Kashmir, 9th highest of the world at 8126m

Rakaposhi, Northern Areas,Kashmir, 27th highest of the world at 7788m

Diran, Northern Areas, Kashmir, most dangerous mountain in Pakistan Shishpar, Northern Areas,Kashmir

Ultar Peak, Northern Areas,Kashmir

Tupopdan, Northern Areas,Kashmir, also known as Cathedral Peaks near Passu

There are more than 20,000 pieces of rock art and petroglyphs all along the highway that are concentrated at ten major sites between Hunza and Shatial. The carvings were left by various invaders, traders and pilgrims who passed along the trade route, as well as by locals. The earliest date back to between 5000 BC and 1000 BC, showing single animals, triangular men and hunting scenes in which the animals are larger than the hunters. These carvings were pecked into the rock with stone tools and are covered with a thick patina that yields their age.

Lets Go!

The best time for a trip to Karakorum highway is spring and the start of autumn. The highway is closed to tourists for part of the winter and the desert area at its northern end can be very hot in summer. The starting points are Kashgar (China) or Gilgit (Pakistan). A number of transport companies offer bus service between the major towns of the highway. You can take a PIA flight or bus from Gilgit to Islamabad the capital of Pakistan.