The journey began in the heart of Punjab—Lahore on 24th June 2023. It was early morning, and the city was still shaking off its slumber. The streets, usually buzzing with life, were eerily quiet as I loaded my bags into the car. The plan was to embark on a road trip to Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved border crossing in the world, standing at a breathtaking 4,693 meters above sea level.
Ready to setup tour
The excitement in the air was tangible as we set off. The route would take us through Islamabad, Abbottabad, Mansehra, and onto the legendary Karakoram Highway. As the sun slowly rose, the first leg of the journey saw us cruising along the M-2 Motorway, with fields of mustard and wheat stretching endlessly on either side.
By the time we reached Islamabad, the city was just coming to life. After a quick breakfast of parathas and chai at a roadside dhaba, we resumed our journey. The road began to wind as we entered the hilly terrain of Abbottabad. Lush green mountains and fresh mountain air replaced the urban scenery. The air was getting crisper, and we made sure to roll down the windows to breathe it all in.
Chilas - landscape changed
Mansehra and Besham came and went, each town with its own charm, bustling bazaars, and friendly locals eager to share a story or two. As we neared Chilas, the landscape changed dramatically. The greenery gave way to stark, barren mountains, their rocky faces towering over us. The Indus River ran parallel to the road, its icy blue waters glistening under the sunlight. This was the gateway to Gilgit-Baltistan, and with every kilometer, the anticipation grew.
That night, we stayed at a hotel in Chilas, which I had found via Air BnB. The accommodation was simple yet comfortable, providing much-needed rest after a long drive. Sitting outside, gazing at the starlit sky, I felt a deep sense of adventure. The silence of the mountains was soothing, broken only by the occasional rustling of the wind.
Naltar Valley - a gem of Gilgit
The next morning, we set out early for Naltar Valley, a place famed for its lush green meadows, colorful lakes, and dense forests. The journey to Naltar was rugged, with winding roads that tested our driving skills. But the effort was worth it. As we arrived, the scenery left us speechless—the valley was a paradise tucked away in the mountains. We spent the day exploring, taking in the natural beauty, and enjoying a hearty local meal.
As the sun began to set, we left Naltar behind and made our way towards Hunza. Driving through the illuminated mountains, we reached Karimabad late at night. The town had a magical aura, with lights from houses twinkling like fireflies against the dark mountains. Exhausted but thrilled, we checked into a cozy guesthouse and called it a night.
Rakaposhi Peak - the height of beauty
The next morning, we woke up to one of the most breathtaking views imaginable. The mighty Rakaposhi peak stood tall, bathed in golden sunlight. After a quick breakfast, we explored Hunza, visiting the historic Baltit Fort and soaking in the panoramic views of the valley. The serenity of the place was mesmerizing, but we had one last destination to reach—Khunjerab Pass.
The road became narrower, the air thinner, and the mountains even more imposing. The drive from Sost, the last major town before the border, was surreal. Snow-capped peaks loomed in the distance, yaks grazed lazily by the roadside, and the sky was an unbelievable shade of blue.
Khunjerab Pass - the final destination
As we approached Khunjerab Pass, the temperature dropped dramatically. The wind howled, carrying with it an icy chill, but the sheer beauty of the place was enough to keep us warm with excitement. Then, finally, there it was—the iconic gate marking the border between Pakistan and China. Standing at nearly 4,700 meters, I felt a sense of accomplishment. The landscape stretched endlessly in every direction, a mixture of snow, rugged terrain, and the untouched wilderness of the Karakoram Range.
We spent some time taking pictures, soaking in the moment, and marveling at the incredible feat of engineering that allowed us to reach such heights. It was a humbling experience, standing there at the edge of two nations, amidst some of the highest peaks in the world.
The journey back was just as memorable. We took our time, making impromptu stops to chat with locals, try local delicacies, and simply enjoy the breathtaking beauty of northern Pakistan. The trip from Lahore to Khunjerab Pass was more than just a road trip—it was an adventure, a test of endurance, and above all, an experience that left us in awe of nature’s grandeur.
As we rolled back into Lahore days later, the city welcomed us with its familiar chaos and warmth. But in my mind, I was still standing at Khunjerab, staring at the snow-capped peaks, feeling on top of the world.