Khunjerab Pass: Conquering the Highest Border-Crossing in the World
Pakistan, asia
N/A
4,706 m
easy
Year-round
Khunjerab Pass: imagine standing at 4,706m (15,439ft) on the very edge of Pakistan and China! This is where N35 (Karakoram Highway) in Pakistan meets China National Highway 314 (G314) and where you'll find what's often called the world's highest border crossing.
Nestled high in the stunning Karakoram Mountains, the pass marks a key point connecting Gilgit–Baltistan's Hunza-Nagar District in Pakistan with China's Xinjiang region. Snap a pic at the iconic border gate!
The fully paved road, open since 1982, winds its way up, not too steep, offering jaw-dropping mountain views along the way. The road is generally closed for heavy vehicles from November 30 to May 1 and from December 30 to April 1 for all vehicles.
However, this adventure isn't without its challenges. The altitude is a real concern – altitude sickness is no joke! The road is seasonally closed due to snow. The border crossing operates Mondays to Fridays. Pakistani side is open from 9 am to 5 pm and Chinese side is open from 11 am to 8 pm Beijing time. Expect some police checkpoints along the Chinese side that may slow you down. Don't forget your passport and remember to check in advance to make sure you are not traveling on a holiday.
But hey, you're standing at the highest ATM in the world on the Pakistan side so embrace the chill (bring warm clothes!), sip plenty of water and limit your stay due to the elevation. The name comes from the Wakhi language, where 'Khun' means Blood and 'Jerav' means a creek coming from spring water - pretty cool, right?
Where is it?
Khunjerab Pass: Conquering the Highest Border-Crossing in the World is located in Pakistan (asia). Coordinates: 28.2053, 70.5529
Road Details
- Country
- Pakistan
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 4,706 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 28.2053, 70.5529
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