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HomeRoad TripsAsiaEast AsiaChinaEpic Karakoram Highway
Karakoram

Epic Karakoram Highway

Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Khunjerab Pass - Gilgit - Jalkhad - Mansehra - Islamabad

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Road conditions Road conditions
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Security Security
Wildlife Wildlife
Urban life Urban life
Epic Karakoram Highway ACTIVATE MAP Stages6 km3,493 h/stage12.2

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Epic Karakoram Highway in China?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,080EUR drive & more 475EUR sleep & more 275EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,038EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,118EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 3,240EUR drive & more 625EUR sleep & more 473EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,530EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,770EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 4,536EUR drive & more 850EUR sleep & more 1,034EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,460EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 6,996EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,350EUR drive & more 938EUR sleep & more 330EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,556EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,906EUR
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Epic Karakoram Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Experience the Epic Karakoram Highway, a road trip that spans 1176 km and takes you from Kashgar, China to Islamabad, Pakistan. This six-day journey is best taken during the summer months, when the weather is most favorable. Along the way, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Karakoram mountain range, lush green valleys, and the Hunza River. You will also pass through the towns of Taxkorgan, Gilgit, and Mansehra, each of which offer a unique experience. The road conditions are excellent, and the scenery is breathtaking. However, you should be aware that there are border crossings along the route, and that road closures due to weather conditions may occur. With a reasonable budget, this road trip provides an unforgettable experience that is suitable for all drivers. Enjoy the Epic Karakoram Highway and make memories that will last a lifetime.
number of days 6 number of days
route length 3,493 km route length
budget moderate budget
good for explorer good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level high accident level

START Kashgar

Distance 3,493 km Driving time 73.4 h Pace: modest 908.1 kWh Airports KHG
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Kashgar is a city in the western part of China, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It is an ancient city, one of the key points on the Silk Road and the starting point for the Epic Karakoram Highway road trip. This city is a beautiful mix of cultures, religions and languages. Kashgar has much to offer to travelers, making it a great place to start your journey. You should certainly visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, and the Ancient City of Kashgar with its unique architecture. In the old town, you can find the traditional bazaar where you can find all kinds of goods, from spices to carpets. If you are looking for something more adventurous, you can explore the beautiful surroundings of the city, with its valleys and mountains. Kashgar is accessible by air from the Diwopu International Airport (KHG), located 21 kilometers from the city center. There are car rental services available at the airport, making it a great option for exploring the city and the region around it. Kashgar is an amazing city and a great starting point for the Epic Karakoram Highway road trip. With its unique culture, breathtaking scenery and friendly locals, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

1 Kashgar - Taxkorgan

Distance 288 km Driving time 4.8 h Pace: modest 74.8 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting cultural site
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Embark on an adventurous road trip from Kashgar, China to Taxkorgan! This 287 km drive will take you less than 5 hours and you will be mesmerized by the stunning scenery along the way. Start your journey in Kashgar, a city in western China, with a rich history and culture. Visit the Sunday Market, the largest outdoor market in Central Asia, and the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China. Don't forget to try the delicious local cuisine at the restaurants in the old city. Continue your journey to Taxkorgan, a county in the far northwest of China. Here, you will find the stunning Tajik Autonomous County of Taxkorgan, a beautiful area with snow-capped mountains, lush meadows, and pristine lakes. Visit the Taxkorgan Nature Reserve, the largest nature reserve in Xinjiang, and the Karez Well, an ancient irrigation system. Along the way, don't forget to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Karakoram Highway, the highest paved international highway in the world. Make sure to take plenty of pictures and videos to remember this amazing journey! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage.

2 Taxkorgan - Khunjerab Pass

Distance 134 km Driving time 2.5 h Pace: modest 34.8 kWh View map Itinerary
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Are you ready to start a thrilling road trip from Taxkorgan, China to Khunjerab Pass? This 128km journey will take you less than 2 hours and will take you across the state border. The route is full of scenic views and you will have to be careful as some sections may be closed seasonally. Be prepared for some steep ramps along the way! This is just one stage of a larger tour, so make sure to check the itinerary for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Get ready for a memorable journey and have a safe trip!

3 Khunjerab Pass - Gilgit

Distance 2,583 km Driving time 54.5 h Pace: modest 671.5 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road junction of road trips interesting cultural site interesting  historic site accommodation options camping sites
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Khunjerab Pass, Pakistan to Gilgit? This 272 km drive will take you fewer than 5 hours, offering you a unique opportunity to explore the scenic roads, steep ramps, and seasonal closures of the region. Along the way, you will be able to visit the Karakoram Highway, the highest paved international road in the world. The Karakoram Highway offers stunning views of the mountain ranges, glaciers, and valleys of the Karakoram and Pamir mountain ranges. In Gilgit, you can explore the ancient city of Hunza, located at the confluence of the Hunza and Gilgit rivers. Hunza is home to the historic Baltit Fort, one of the oldest fortresses in the region. You can also explore the nearby Altit Fort, which is perched high on a mountain above the Hunza Valley. Finally, you can visit the beautiful Naltar Valley, which is known for its alpine lakes, pine forests, and breathtaking views of the Karakoram mountains. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

4 Gilgit - Jalkhad

Distance 177 km Driving time 4.7 h Pace: slow 40.7 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of steep road junction of road trips accommodation options camping sites
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Embark on a magnificent road trip from Gilgit to Jalkhad! This 177km journey will take you less than 3 hours to complete, and you will be rewarded with stunning views of the majestic mountain ranges. Along the way, you will pass through steep ramps and winding roads, so keep your eyes wide open and enjoy the scenic beauty that the area has to offer. Make sure to take enough breaks to make the most of your journey, and remember to stay safe on the road. If you're looking for a place to stop and explore, the ancient town of Gilgit is a great place to start your journey. Here, you can explore the centuries-old mosques, bazaars, and forts. You can also visit the nearby Karakoram Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in the world. Once you reach Jalkhad, you can visit the beautiful lake of Satpara, where you can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. You can also explore the nearby villages and take in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

5 Jalkhad - Mansehra

Distance 163 km Driving time 4.8 h Pace: slow 37.4 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues junction of road trips accommodation options
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Jalkhad to Mansehra, Pakistan! This 164km journey is sure to be filled with stunning views and interesting stops. Drive through the winding roads of Jalkhad and take in the majestic views of the lush green hills. Stop for a refreshing cup of tea at the local tea stall, then continue your journey towards Mansehra. On your way, you can visit the ancient temple of Katas Raj, a complex of Hindu temples believed to be over 3000 years old. Take a break from the drive and explore the complex, admiring the intricate architecture and artwork. Continue your journey to Mansehra, where you can visit the ancient ruins of the Gandhara civilization. The ruins are a great example of the ancient civilization that flourished in the region. This is just one stage of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. With a driving time of fewer than 3 hours, this road trip is sure to be a memorable journey!

6 Mansehra - Islamabad

Distance 149 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: fast 44.8 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues junction of road trips accommodation options
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Embark on an adventure of a lifetime and experience the beauty of the Northern Areas of Pakistan on this 149 km road trip from Mansehra to Islamabad. The drive will take less than two hours, offering a scenic journey for all travelers. Start your journey in Mansehra, a city known for its historical and cultural heritage. Visit the shrines of Hazrat Baba Rehmatullah and Baba Umer Farooq, the old fort of Balakot, and the beautiful Shogran Valley. As you travel towards Islamabad, make sure you stop in Abbottabad, a city known for its colonial-era buildings, the Thandiani Hills, and the Ilyasi Mosque. Finally, arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, a vibrant city with many attractions. Explore the Faisal Mosque, the National Monument, the Shakarparian Hills, and the Daman-e-Koh Viewpoint. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the ‘Itinerary’ section of this stage. Happy travels!

  Islamabad

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At the end of the Epic Karakoram Highway road trip lies Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Nestled between the Margalla Hills and the Pothohar Plateau, the city offers many interesting places to explore. The main attraction of Islamabad is the Faisal Mosque, the largest mosque in South Asia. It is a magnificent structure with four minarets and a huge courtyard. The National Art Gallery and the Lok Virsa Museum, both located in the Shakarparian Hills, are a must-see for art and history enthusiasts. For a fun day out, head to the Marghazar Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals. The Daman-e-Koh Viewpoint is a great place to watch the sunset. Foodies can enjoy the city’s many restaurants serving traditional Pakistani cuisine. For international travelers, the closest international airport is Islamabad International Airport (ISB). From there, the city is easily accessible by car. Whether you’re looking for a short day trip or a longer stay, Islamabad is the perfect destination to end your Epic Karakoram Highway road trip.

Epic Karakoram Highway Road Trip at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on the epic Karakoram Highway Road Trip, a 1,300-kilometer (807-mile) traverse from Kashgar in China's western Xinjiang region to the bustling capital city of Islamabad, Pakistan. This voyage is not just a passage between two points, but a journey through some of the world's most majestic landscapes, encompassing the awe-inspiring Karakoram mountain range. The highway, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, is the highest-paved international Road and offers travelers unparalleled views, a diverse range of cultural experiences, and a deep dive into the rich history of the ancient Silk Road.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • As you journey along this route, you will encounter the enchanting town of Taxkorgan, a key area once vital to the Silk Road that is steeped in history with its Tajik cultural influences.
  • Gilgit offers an urban respite and the chance to explore vibrant local markets and cultural sites.
  • Mansehra, with its profound natural beauty, provides a serene environment that contrasts with the rugged mountain landscapes.
  • The highway itself carves through the dramatic Karakoram range, with its towering peaks, including K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.
  • You'll witness the convergence of the world's three mightiest mountain ranges: the Karakoram, the Himalayas, and the Hindu Kush, as well as the stunning vistas of verdant valleys and the flowing Hunza River.

Best Time to Go:

To fully enjoy the majesty of the Karakoram Highway, plan your trip during May to October. This period provides the most stable weather conditions and clear skies that are ideal for both driving and appreciating the breathtaking panoramic views.

Potential Risks:

While the Karakoram Highway is a marvel of engineering, travelers should be aware of potential challenges. The journey involves international border crossings, which necessitate thorough preparation and the correct documentation. Additionally, the highway is subject to occasional closures due to natural events such as landslides or adverse weather conditions, particularly during the winter months.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

The improved Road conditions along the Karakoram Highway make it accessible to a wide range of travelers. With a reasonable budget, explorers can enjoy comfortable accommodations, delectable regional cuisine, and the warm hospitality of the local people. Furthermore, the highway's high altitude offers a unique driving experience that can be both exhilarating and serene, as you navigate through the roof of the world.

A good choice for:

The legendary Karakoram Highway is more than a Road Trip; it is an adventure of a lifetime that combines natural grandeur with cultural richness. As you traverse this path, you'll create enduring memories and stories to share, all while witnessing some of the most stunning and remote landscapes on the planet. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a lover of nature, the Karakoram Highway promises an experience that transcends the ordinary and stays with you long after the journey ends.

Facts for safer driving in China

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.2
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 80 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 120 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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