Karakoram Highway Travel Guide: Islamabad to Hunza and Khunjerab

The Karakoram Highway, or KKH, is the road that links Islamabad with Gilgit-Baltistan and continues all the way to the China border at Khunjerab. It follows the Indus and Hunza rivers through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery anywhere.

The route

From Islamabad the usual route runs through Abbottabad and Mansehra, then along the KKH via Besham, Dassu and Chilas to Gilgit. In summer many people take the faster road over Babusar Pass from the Naran side, which joins the KKH near Chilas. From Gilgit the highway continues north through Hunza, Gulmit, Passu and Sost to Khunjerab.

How long it takes

Islamabad to Gilgit usually takes 14 to 18 hours by road, depending on the route, the season and road works. Most people break the journey for a night in Chilas, Besham or Naran. Gilgit to Karimabad in Hunza is around two hours, and Karimabad to Khunjerab is around four to five hours.

Road conditions and safety

Landslides can block parts of the road, especially after rain and in early spring. Check the latest road status before you leave, avoid driving at night and keep fuel above half in remote stretches. Carry water, snacks, warm clothes and some cash, because ATMs are few between towns.

By bus

NATCO and private coach companies run daily services between Rawalpindi and Gilgit, and onward to Hunza and Sost. Buses are the cheapest way to travel and are generally reliable, though journey times are long.