Khunjerab Pass Pakistan: Complete Travel Guide for UK Visitors (2026)

At 4,693 metres above sea level, Khunjerab Pass is the world’s highest paved international border crossing. It marks the point where Pakistan meets China on the Karakoram Highway — one of the most extraordinary roads ever built. For UK visitors travelling through Gilgit-Baltistan, reaching Khunjerab Pass is one of the defining experiences of any Pakistan journey: the air is thin, the landscape is severe and beautiful, and the sense of standing at the roof of the world is entirely earned.

This guide covers everything a UK visitor needs to know about reaching and visiting Khunjerab Pass: transport options, costs in GBP, what to expect at altitude, wildlife, border formalities, and how to combine the pass with the wider Karakoram Highway route.

If you are planning a broader Pakistan itinerary that includes the Karakoram Highway, take a look at the range of Pakistan tour packages available through passagetopakistan.pk.

What Is Khunjerab Pass?

Khunjerab Pass (Urdu: خنجراب درہ) sits at the border between Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region and China’s Xinjiang Autonomous Region. The name derives from a local Wakhi term meaning “valley of blood” — a reference to the plateau’s harsh winters and the historical difficulties of crossing it, not a threat to modern visitors.

The pass was officially opened to tourists in 1986, following the completion of the Karakoram Highway in 1978 — an engineering achievement that required 22 years and cost the lives of hundreds of Pakistani and Chinese workers. Today the Karakoram Highway connects Islamabad to Kashgar in China via some of the most dramatic mountain scenery anywhere on Earth.

Khunjerab Pass lies within Khunjerab National Park, established in 1975. The park covers 2,269 square kilometres and protects snow leopards, Marco Polo sheep, blue sheep (bharal), Himalayan ibex, brown bears, golden eagles, and large herds of semi-domesticated yaks. It is one of the few places in Pakistan where wildlife viewing is a realistic prospect, particularly for Marco Polo sheep and yaks along the approach road.

When to Visit Khunjerab Pass

Khunjerab Pass is seasonal. The road to the pass typically opens in late April or early May and closes in October or November, depending on snowfall. The Pakistan-China border post has a shorter operating window — generally open from May until late October.

The optimal travel window for UK visitors:

• May to June: Snow still covers the surrounding peaks; wildflowers appear in the lower valleys; fewer tourists than peak season; temperatures at the pass range from -5C to +10C.
• July to August: Peak season on the Karakoram Highway; the road at its most accessible; temperatures at the pass between 5C and 15C at midday but dropping sharply at night.
• September to October: Autumn colour in the valleys below; fewer visitors; excellent light for photography; the pass remains accessible until snowfall closes the road, typically in late October.

Always confirm the current status of the pass before travelling, as heavy snowfall or landslides on the Karakoram Highway can cause unplanned closures at any point during the season.

How to Get to Khunjerab Pass

The Starting Points

Most UK visitors approach Khunjerab Pass from one of two starting points:

Karimabad (Hunza Valley): The most popular base for visitors. From Karimabad, Khunjerab Pass is approximately 135km by road, passing through Aliabad, Gulmit, Passu, and Sust before climbing to the pass. The drive takes 3 to 4 hours depending on road conditions and how many stops you make.

Sust: The last Pakistani town before the Chinese border, Sust is 86km from the pass and serves as the formal entry point for those crossing into China. For UK visitors simply visiting the pass without crossing, Sust is often used as an overnight stop to break the journey and allow further acclimatisation.

Transport Options and Costs in GBP

Private jeep hire (recommended): A private jeep from Karimabad to Khunjerab Pass and back, including 1 to 2 hours at the pass, costs approximately £90 to £130 depending on season and negotiation. The driver will typically wait at the pass while you explore. This is the most comfortable option and gives you flexibility to stop for wildlife and photography en route.

Shared van from Sust: Shared transport departs from Sust in the mornings, primarily serving local traders and workers. Seats cost around £8 to £15 each, but schedules are unpredictable and you may wait several hours for the van to fill. This option is not recommended for day-trippers from Hunza.

Organised day trip from Karimabad: Several operators in Karimabad run guided day trips to Khunjerab Pass. Expect to pay £35 to £55 per person, including transport and a guide, often with stops at Passu Cones and Attabad Lake en route. This is good value for solo travellers and small groups.

Self-drive: Foreign visitors may rent 4WDs in Islamabad or Gilgit and self-drive the Karakoram Highway. The road is paved throughout but landslide debris, narrow sections, and altitude are real hazards. A Pakistani driving licence or International Driving Permit is required. Self-drive is not recommended without prior Pakistan road trip experience.

Flying to the Region

Most UK visitors fly into Islamabad International Airport (ISB) and then either drive the Karakoram Highway in its entirety over 2 to 3 days or take a domestic flight to Gilgit (GIL) to save time. Islamabad to Gilgit flights with PIA or Serene Air take approximately 50 minutes and cost £55 to £100 each way, subject to availability and mountain weather. Flights are frequently cancelled due to cloud cover at Gilgit airport — always have a road backup plan.

From Gilgit to Karimabad is approximately 2.5 hours by road (100km). Most visitors spend 2 to 4 days in Hunza before continuing north to the pass.

What to Expect at Khunjerab Pass

The Border Post and Facilities

Khunjerab Pass is a functioning international border crossing. Pakistani border officials operate a checkpoint at the pass; Chinese border control is approximately 1km further, inside Chinese territory. UK visitors visiting Pakistan only — without a valid Chinese visa — may drive or walk up to the Pakistani checkpoint and the official border marker, a white obelisk at the top of the pass, but may not proceed further into Chinese territory.

Facilities at the pass are minimal: a small Pakistani Rangers post, a few souvenir stalls operating in summer, and basic toilet facilities. There are no restaurants, petrol stations, or ATMs. Bring all food, water, and cash from Sust or Karimabad.

Photography at the border area is permitted on the Pakistani side. Avoid photographing Chinese military installations or personnel visible across the border. The Rangers are generally approachable and will often allow visitors to photograph the border monument and surrounding landscape.

Wildlife in Khunjerab National Park

The drive from Sust to Khunjerab Pass passes through the core zone of Khunjerab National Park. Wildlife sightings depend on season and time of day, but the following are realistic prospects:

Marco Polo sheep: The world’s largest wild sheep, with distinctive long curling horns. Herds of 10 to 50 animals are regularly spotted on the slopes above the pass road, particularly in the early morning. May and September are the most productive months for sightings.

Yaks: Large herds of semi-domesticated yaks are a constant presence in the upper valleys. Wakhi herders bring their animals to high summer pastures between May and September. Yaks at the roadside — and occasionally on the road itself — are a standard part of the Khunjerab experience.

Himalayan ibex: Less frequently spotted than yaks or Marco Polo sheep, but present throughout the park. Look for them on rocky cliffs and ridgelines in the early morning.

Snow leopard: The park supports one of the highest snow leopard densities in Pakistan, but sightings from the road are extremely rare. Snow leopards are nocturnal and highly secretive.

Altitude and Acclimatisation

At 4,693 metres, Khunjerab Pass is higher than the summit of Mont Blanc. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a genuine risk for visitors who ascend rapidly without adequate acclimatisation time. If you are travelling the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad without stops, your body will not have had sufficient time to adjust.

To minimise AMS risk:

• Spend at least two nights in Karimabad (2,438m) before continuing to the pass.
• Spend a night in Sust (2,790m) if you are particularly sensitive to altitude.
• Ascend slowly on the day of the visit — leave Karimabad in the early morning rather than rushing up and back from Gilgit in a single day.
• Do not run, carry heavy loads, or exert yourself at the pass.
• Descend immediately if you develop a severe headache, confusion, loss of coordination, or difficulty breathing. Do not sleep at altitude if AMS symptoms are present.
• Acetazolamide (Diamox) can assist with acclimatisation and is available on prescription from your UK GP. Speak to your doctor 4 to 6 weeks before departure.

Common symptoms at the pass include mild headache, shortness of breath, and light-headedness. These are normal at this elevation and usually resolve quickly on descent. Serious AMS is uncommon for visitors who acclimatise properly in Hunza first.

Can UK Visitors Cross into China at Khunjerab?

UK passport holders require a valid Chinese visa to enter China. The visa must be obtained in advance — there is no visa-on-arrival facility at Khunjerab Pass. Without a Chinese visa, you can visit the Pakistani side of the border up to the white marker obelisk, but you cannot cross into Xinjiang.

For UK visitors who wish to cross into China and continue to Kashgar, the Chinese visa application process for Xinjiang has specific requirements as of 2026 that differ from the standard Chinese tourist visa. Applications must be submitted to the Chinese Embassy in London well in advance of travel. Xinjiang entry requirements can change with minimal notice — always check the latest guidance from the Chinese Embassy and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) before applying. The FCDO currently advises against travel to parts of Xinjiang province; review the full advice at gov.uk before making plans to cross.

Budget Breakdown in GBP

A day trip to Khunjerab Pass from Karimabad can be achieved across a range of budgets:

• Budget (shared transport, minimal stops): £20 to £35 per person
• Mid-range (private jeep, flexibility to stop): £45 to £75 per person (split between 2 to 4 people in the vehicle)
• Premium (guided tour with English-speaking guide, wildlife stops planned): £75 to £120 per person

Entry to Khunjerab National Park costs approximately £3 to £5 per foreign visitor (fees are updated periodically — confirm with your transport provider). There is no additional fee to visit the pass itself. Budget separately for food and drink: bring packed lunch, snacks, and at least 2 litres of water per person. There is nothing to buy at the pass.

What to Pack for Khunjerab Pass

Even in July, the temperature at 4,693 metres can be cold, particularly in wind. Pack appropriately regardless of forecast conditions in the valleys below:

• Mid-layer fleece or down jacket
• Windproof outer shell
• Thermal base layers (essential for May/June and September/October visits)
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV-rated sunglasses, lip balm (UV radiation is significantly higher at altitude)
• 2 to 3 litres of water per person
• Snacks and packed lunch
• Headache tablets (as symptom relief, not a substitute for descent if AMS is serious)
• Camera with extra batteries (cold weather drains batteries quickly at altitude)
• Passport (required at the border checkpoint)

Combining Khunjerab with the Wider Karakoram Highway Route

Khunjerab Pass is rarely visited in isolation. Most UK travellers combine it with several days in Hunza Valley and other KKH stops. A well-paced itinerary from Hunza to the pass and back might include:

• Karimabad and Hunza Valley: 3 to 4 days — Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, Eagle’s Nest viewpoint, apricot orchards and the iconic Rakaposhi view
• Attabad Lake: Half day — the striking turquoise lake formed by the 2010 landslide, with boat trips available (£6 to £10 per person shared)
• Passu and Passu Cones: 1 day — the dramatic cathedral-spire peaks and the Hussaini Suspension Bridge, one of Pakistan’s most photographed views
• Sust and Upper Gojal: 1 night — a worthwhile acclimatisation stop and the last town before the Chinese border
• Khunjerab Pass: Day trip from Sust or a long day trip from Karimabad

This section of the Karakoram Highway can be covered comfortably in 4 to 6 days from Karimabad. Allow more time if you want to hike, photograph wildlife at dawn, or simply absorb the scenery. Rushing this route is a common mistake — the distances are short but the experiences reward a slower pace.

For a fully planned itinerary combining Hunza, the Karakoram Highway, and Khunjerab Pass with accommodation, transport, and English-speaking guides arranged, browse the Pakistan tour packages offered by Passage to Pakistan.

Practical Information for UK Visitors

Pakistan entry visa: UK passport holders receive a 30-day e-visa for Pakistan, extendable in-country. Apply via the Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS) at visa.nadra.gov.pk. Processing typically takes 3 to 7 business days. The e-visa covers all tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan including visits to Khunjerab Pass.

FCDO travel advice: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises tourists to exercise normal precautions in Gilgit-Baltistan (excluding specific border areas with Afghanistan, which are far from the KKH route). Always check the latest advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/pakistan before departure and register your trip with the FCDO.

Travel insurance: Ensure your UK travel insurance policy covers activities at or above 4,500 metres. Many standard policies cap medical coverage at 3,000 or 4,000 metres. Medical evacuation from remote Gilgit-Baltistan is expensive; specialist mountain travel insurance from providers such as BMC Travel, Battleface, or Campbell Irvine Direct is worth considering.

Mobile coverage: Pakistani SIM cards (Jazz, Telenor, Ufone) work along most of the Karakoram Highway through Hunza and up to Sust. Coverage becomes patchy above Sust and there is limited or no signal at the pass itself. Satellite communicators (Garmin inReach or SPOT) are worth considering for extended Karakoram travel.

Currency: Pakistani rupees (PKR). There are no ATMs above Karimabad. Withdraw cash in Karimabad, Aliabad, or Gilgit before heading north. As a rough guide, £1 buys approximately 350 to 380 PKR, though exchange rates vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Khunjerab Pass open year-round?
No. The pass is typically open from late April or early May until late October or November, depending on seasonal snowfall. It is inaccessible in winter. Confirm the current status before travelling — closures due to landslides or early snow can occur at short notice.

Do UK visitors need a permit to visit Khunjerab Pass?
A standard Pakistan e-visa covers visits to Khunjerab Pass for UK passport holders. No separate permit is required for the national park, though a small park entry fee (approximately £3 to £5) is collected at the gate. Khunjerab is open to foreign tourists — it is not a restricted zone for civilian visitors.

How long should I spend at the pass?
Most visitors spend 30 to 90 minutes at the pass: walking to the border marker, taking photographs, watching for wildlife, and acclimatising to the altitude. The total round trip from Karimabad typically takes 7 to 9 hours including driving time and stops en route.

Can I cross into China from Khunjerab without a Chinese visa?
No. UK passport holders must have a valid Chinese visa to enter China. There is no visa-on-arrival at Khunjerab. Without a Chinese visa, you can visit the Pakistani side of the border up to the official boundary marker, but you cannot cross into Xinjiang.

Is Khunjerab Pass safe for UK tourists?
Yes, for the majority of visitors. The principal risks are altitude sickness — manageable with proper acclimatisation in Hunza first — and road conditions on the Karakoram Highway (landslides, narrow sections, occasional road closures). The security environment in Gilgit-Baltistan is stable for tourists. Travel with a reputable local operator for the best experience and practical support on the ground.

Plan Your Karakoram Highway Journey with Passage to Pakistan

Khunjerab Pass is most rewarding when it sits within a well-paced itinerary that gives you time to acclimatise in Hunza, explore the KKH at a measured pace, and arrive at the world’s highest paved border crossing with energy to spare. The combination of geological extremity, Wakhi culture, high-altitude wildlife, and one of the world’s great road journeys makes this section of Pakistan incomparable.

Passage to Pakistan designs escorted and independent tours along the Karakoram Highway — from Islamabad through Gilgit, Hunza, Passu, and on to Khunjerab Pass — with local English-speaking guides, vetted accommodation, and ground transport included. Visit passagetopakistan.pk to start building your Karakoram Highway itinerary.