A journey alongside the Karakoram Freeway in Pakistan is about excess of getting from A to B. As you drive, it seems like a cinematic film you may’t tear your eyes away from. Exterior your window, formidable pyramids of rock rise over 7,000m (23,000 ft) into the sky, black and white glaciers slice by the panorama, and rivers rage beneath.
There’s a excessive likelihood the Karakoram Freeway makes up part of your Pakistan adventures, so right here’s all the pieces you must find out about this culturally and politically vital street connecting Pakistan to China.
What’s the Karakoram Freeway in Pakistan?
The Karakoram Freeway has many names, together with KKH, N-35, and the China–Pakistan Friendship Freeway. As one of many world’s highest paved worldwide roads, reaching incomprehensible heights of 4,714 m (15,466 ft) on the Khunjerab Move, it’s additionally coined the ‘Eighth Surprise of the World’ — from the other-worldly landscapes that the freeway passes by.
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What’s the route of the Karakoram Freeway?
Most individuals start their Karakoram Freeway journey in Pakistan from the capital of Islamabad. Nevertheless, the KKH formally begins one hour away within the city of Hasan Abdal within the Punjab province.
From Hasan Abdal, the freeway winds its approach by Pakistan to the Khunjerab Move in Gilgit-Baltistan. Right here, the street crosses into China, changing into the China Nationwide Freeway 314, working by the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Area.
How lengthy is the Karakoram Freeway?
The KKH stretches throughout Pakistan for a staggering 1,300km (810 mi), performing as a gateway to among the nation’s greatest wonders, together with Nanga Parbat, Passu Glacier, Khunjerab Nationwide Park, and Shigar Valley.
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Historical past of the Karakoram Freeway
As soon as a leg of the traditional Silk Highway, the KKH has at all times been a freeway of some type. As an alternative of vehicles, it was utilized by merchants, pilgrims, and adventurers utilizing human or horse energy. This route was one of many world’s most essential buying and selling routes connecting Central Asia, China, and South Asia.
In 1959, Pakistan and China determined to tackle a monumental feat of engineering and collectively construct the Karakoram Freeway, accomplished in 1979. Throughout its building, greater than 24,000 Pakistani and Chinese language staff braved the cruel terrain, excessive climate, and excessive altitudes to attach the 2 nations. Sadly, round 800 Pakistanis and 200 Chinese language staff died within the course of, primarily from landslides and falls.
The Karakoram Freeway symbolizes a robust partnership between China and Pakistan, forming a vital a part of the China-Pakistan Financial Hall (CPEC). This street fosters commerce, tourism, and cultural change between the 2 nations. What was as soon as a strategic street is now a sought-after attraction for each worldwide and home travellers desirous to snap images at Khunjerab Move. Alongside the best way, you’ll spend time falling in love with the outstanding snow-capped giants of the Karakoram mountain vary.
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Don’t miss these highlights of the Karakoram Freeway
You possibly can simply spend weeks travelling the Karakoram Freeway, with numerous detours to discover cultural villages, world-famous hikes, and gorgeous glacial lakes alongside the best way. Listed here are some must-see spots to incorporate in your KKH itinerary:
Khunjerab go
At an elevation of 4,693m (15,400 ft), Khunjerab Move is the very best paved border crossing on the earth, linking Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan area with China’s Xinjiang province. No go to is full with out capturing a photograph on the iconic Khunjerab Border Gate, an emblem of the sturdy ties between the 2 nations.
Close by, Khunjerab Nationwide Park presents among the best alternatives to identify Marco Polo sheep and elusive snow leopards in Pakistan — although a snow leopard sighting is uncommon and requires a good bit of luck!
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Hunza Valley
One of many nation’s hottest vacationer locations, Hunza Valley is house to the Hunza River and gorgeous cities like Karimibad, well-known for its gems, distinctive delicacies, and tradition. Right here, you’ll discover the legendary Rakaposhi Mountain, seen from the KKH. Standing at a powerful 7,788m (25,550 ft), mountain climbing to Rakapashi Base Camp is a well-liked trek in Pakistan.
Thallay Valley
The Thallay La Path is among the greatest hidden gem treks in Pakistan and as soon as served as the one hyperlink between the traditional kingdoms of Khaplu and Shigar. Situated within the excellent Baltistan area, this difficult hike presents panoramic views and heat hospitality. Nonetheless largely untouched by mass tourism, the native folks fortunately welcome travellers to find and fall in love with their house.
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Passu Glacier
Wedged between snow-capped peaks, Passu Glacier is a sea of jagged ice. Shifting ever so slowly as if alive, the glacier loudly groans on its approach to Hunza River. From above, it’s nothing wanting phenomenal. Crossing it, as a part of the Patundas Trek, fills you with respect for the facility of Mom Nature.
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Greatest time to go to the Karakoram Freeway
Beforehand, the Karakoram Freeway was closed from December to March as a consequence of climate making the street impassable. In an try to advertise tourism and commerce, Pakistan’s Frontier Works Group (FWO) now works by the chilling winter months to maintain the freeway open.
Whereas nice information, it’s not likely the perfect time to journey alongside the Karakoram Freeway. As an alternative, tackle this street between Could and October. The probabilities of your journey being disrupted by extreme climate or issues with the street like landslides, rockfalls and flooding are a lot decrease. The late spring and summer time months additionally supply the proper alternative to deviate from the freeway and go to some unimaginable points of interest alongside the best way, like Hunza Valley, Attabad Lake, Khunjerab Move, and Thallay Valley.
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Is the Karakoram Freeway secure?
The Karakoram Freeway is usually thought of secure, and as a route frequented by vacationers, the federal government is dedicated to its safety. Anticipate checkpoints and have your passport and visa helpful. It additionally passes by among the most secure areas in Pakistan like Gilgit-Baltistan.
Whereas the KKH is basically well-paved and maintained, it’s a mountainous street with countless steep curves, slim sections, and excessive altitudes. Make sure you’re within the arms of an skilled driver when tackling this street, particularly one aware of sections liable to landslides and rockfall.
Most individuals gained’t discover they’ve reached heights above 4,000m (13,100 ft), however altitude illness is feasible. The consequences are normally delicate and subside as you descend, however be aware of signs like nausea, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Staying hydrated is essential to stopping it.
The place to go trekking in Pakistan
The Karakoram Freeway takes you to among the greatest spots for trekking in Pakistan. Weaving its approach by the Karakoram mountains, you’ll go well-known peaks like Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi, Diran, Ultar Peak, and extra — a enjoyable approach to go the time is to attempt to be the primary to identify them out of your window.
Past the towering mountains, the freeway additionally presents putting glaciers, lakes, and valleys, every hiding its personal trekking alternatives. Notable spots embrace the Passu Glacier, the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake, Hunza Valley, and Thallay Valley.
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