Khunjerab Pass

Khunjerab Pass is a gateway between Pakistan and China at an elevation of 15,397 feet in the Karakoram Range in Upper Hunza, Gilgit at a distance of 270 km from main Gilgit city. It is the highest border crossing in the World on the coldest point of Karakoram Range.

Highest International Border Crossing

Khunjerab Pass connects Pakistan with Xinjiang province of China with paved Karakoram Highway passing through the mighty mountain ranges. The journey from Sost to Khunjerab pass is one the best traveling as swirling along the high-altitude mountains in the Karakorum Range and leads toward Pak-China Border. Due to security reasons, your identity must be checked at various check posts, so bring your original CNIC card or Passport with valid visa before visit. Foreign visitors are only allowed to visit Pakistani side of Pak-China border.

Khunjerab National Park

The pass is located in the Khunjerab National Park and nominal entry fee is collected at the Dhee Check post while entering in its geographic boundaries. It is protected sanctuary to protect the rare species of Snow Leopard and Himalayan Ibex. One can observe the grazing ibex herds on the high ridges of the Karakoram Range, and marmots on wide grassland stretching toward snow draped peaks. Marmots are large, ground-dwelling animal, belonging to the squirrel family. After that Dhee Check post, the high and narrow gorge begins to steadily open up into wider sweeping and curly alpine valleys. Trek is surrounded by snow-draped peaks steadily rising on the both sides.

Before the Pak-China Border, a massive and flat grassland plateau with snow covered mountain peaks. The highway leads directly at the grand concrete border archway monument dividing Pakistan and China. Fresh snowfall patches may be observed on the grassland and nearby mountains. On lucky visit, one can enjoy the snowfall on the Khunjerab Pass, but it limits your stay over there.

Freezing Weather Conditions at Khunjerab Pass

In the winter season, the pass remains closed due to heavy snowfall from November to end of April. Therefore, before leaving Sost, it is recommended to confirm the road status and weather conditions from the local check posts. Due to high altitude, it receives snowfall all over year, even in the month of July. The level of oxygen also becomes low, due to low pressure over the high-altitude mountain pass. Due to altitude sickness, it becomes difficult to take normal breathing there, so visitors having breathing and heart issues must avoid to come there. You must wear heavy warm clothes, gloves, and windproof jackets to avoid heavy freezing winds. Don't stay more than forty-five minutes on the border to avoid altitude sickness.

Want to explore the spectacular high-alpine treks, suspension bridges, and local cultural and heritage of the local territories in our comprehensive Gojal Upper Hunza Travel Guide.

About Gojal Upper Hunza

Gojal is the largest city in Baltistan next to Hunza, having a border with China and Afghanistan. It connects with China through the Khunjerab Pass and with Afghanistan through the Chapursan Valley. Gojal, also known as Upper Hunza, is the highest mountains area in the Karakoram and Pamir mountain ranges, at an average elevation of 4,000 meters.