The Pakistan–China border at 4,693 metres: the highest paved border crossing on earth, at the end of a beautiful drive up the KKH.
Khunjerab Pass is usually open to visitors from about May to November and is best done as a full-day trip from Karimabad, about 3–3.5 hours each way. The border sits at 4,693 metres, so it is cold and windy even in summer. June to September gives the easiest weather; October adds autumn colour on the drive.
Reviewed by ToursInPakistan Travel Team Last updated October 2026 ← Back to the Hunza Travel Guide
4,693 m at the gate, the highest paved border crossing in the world.
Usually about May to November; dates are announced each year.
Paved KKH from Karimabad via Sost, about 3–3.5 hours each way.
Cold and windy even in July; often below freezing in spring and autumn.
The border gate, the national park and the Passu Cones on the way.
Marmots, yaks and sometimes ibex. Snow leopards live here but are rarely seen.
Opening dates change every year. We confirm access before your trip.
We leave Karimabad early, pass Attabad Lake, Gulmit and the Passu Cones, and stop at Sost for tea. After the national park checkpoint the road climbs in long bends past grazing yaks and marmot burrows to the border at 4,693 metres.
At the top you photograph the Pakistan–China gate, walk a little (slowly), and warm up with something hot. We are back in Passu or Karimabad by late afternoon. It is a long day, but the views along the KKH are half the reward.
| Month | Access | What you'll see |
|---|---|---|
| December – April | Usually closed | Snow on the pass; Sost is as far as you go |
| May | Opening | Snow walls beside the road, cold and clear |
| June – July | Open ★ | Green valleys, yaks and the easiest weather |
| August | Open | Warmest days, busiest month |
| September – October | Open | Clear skies and autumn colour on the drive up |
| November | Closing | Short, freezing days; the pass usually shuts for winter |
We’ll confirm the pass is open and plan the day around the weather.
Khunjerab is a long, high day out. These groups need extra care.
A long drive to 4,693 m and biting cold can be hard on toddlers.
Instead: Go as far as Passu and Hussaini, or turn back at Sost.
Thin air and cold at the top make the day demanding.
Instead: Ask your doctor first, keep the stop at the top short, or enjoy Passu and Attabad instead.
The pass is closed to visitors in winter, roughly December to April.
Instead: See Attabad Lake, Passu and Hussaini Bridge, which stay reachable.
Private tours with transport, hotels and a backup plan for flights and roads.
Duration: 6 Days · Best: May – Oct
Includes a full Khunjerab day when the pass is open.
Duration: 8 Days
Khunjerab plus quiet nights in Gulmit and Passu.
Usually from about May to November for visitors. The exact dates are announced each year and depend on snow and border arrangements.
About 3–3.5 hours each way via Sost. Most people make it a full day trip and spend 30 to 60 minutes at the top.
Yes. The Karakoram Highway is paved all the way. Fill up at Sost, take the bends slowly and carry your ID for the checkpoints.
Older children usually enjoy it. For toddlers the long drive and thin, cold air can be tough, so keep the stop at the top short or turn back at Sost.
No. You can visit the Pakistani side and see the border gate without a Chinese visa. Crossing into China needs a visa and full border clearance.
Yes. Khunjerab National Park charges a small entry fee at the checkpoint, higher for foreign visitors. We include it in our quotes.
Send us your travel dates, number of travellers, departure city, hotel preference and whether you prefer flight or road. We’ll suggest the best Hunza plan for your group and explain what to include or avoid.
