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Drive along the Karakoram Highway, experiencing breathtaking views of mountains and valleys. Stop at historical sites, such as the ancient city of Kashgar, and visit the famous Karakul Lake. Enjoy hiking in the nearby Tianshan Mountains or explore local markets to immerse in the culture of the region.
The Karakoram Highway is located in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang. The highway is 1,032 kilometers long, of which 416 kilometers are in China and 616 kilometers are in Pakistan. It is the most difficult project in the world and a testimony to the friendship between China and Pakistan.
The Karakoram Highway runs from Kashgar in Xinjiang, China, in the north to the city of Thakot in northern Pakistan, traversing the Karakoram Range, the Hindu Kush, the Pamir Plateau, and the western end of the Himalayas. The route is characterized by precipitous cliffs and winding paths, with dramatic cliff faces and sheer cliffs. The Karakoram Highway is considered the world's highest and most beautiful highway. Its lowest elevation in China is 1,154 meters, while its highest point is 4,733 meters. It has been named one of the "World's Ten Most Dangerous Roads."
Temperate continental climate, summer
Recommended itinerary
Day 1: Various places - Urumqi
Day 2: Urumqi - S101 Danxia Highway - Kuitun
Day 3: Kuitun - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Northern Section of Duku Highway - Tangbula Grassland - Nalati Town
Day 4: Narat Grassland - Middle Section of Duku Highway - Bayinbuluke Wetland
Day 5: Bayinbuluke - Duku Highway South - Kuche Tianshan Grand Canyon - Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves - Kuche
Day 6: Kuqa-Kashgar
Day 7: Kashgar - Baisha Lake - Karakul Lake - Taheman Wetland - Tashkurgan County
Day 8: Taxkorgan County - Golden Grassland Wetland - Panlong Ancient Road - Taxkorgan County
Day 9: Tashi County - Shudong Highway - Karakoram Highway - Kashgar
free
All day
The Karakoram Highway is one of the highest paved roads in the world, linking China and Pakistan. It was built over 20 years, serving as a vital trade route between the two countries and is a marvel of engineering through the challenging terrain of the Karakoram mountain range.
The Karakoram Highway runs through Xinjiang, China, and connects to Pakistan. It is accessible from Kashgar, the nearest major city, which can be reached by bus, taxi, or private car. There are no metro services, but long-distance buses and taxis are common modes of transportation.
The Karakoram Highway itself is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the weather is milder. Winter months may bring heavy snowfall and road closures in some areas.
The Karakoram Highway itself does not have an entrance fee, but some attractions along the route may charge fees. Tickets for attractions like the ancient city of Kashgar can be bought on-site or through local travel agencies.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for traveling the Karakoram Highway, but it is recommended for popular tourist sites along the way, especially during peak travel seasons. A few days to a week in advance is ideal for arranging tours and tickets.
Exploring the Karakoram Highway itself may take a few days, depending on stops along the route. A typical road trip from Kashgar to the Pakistan border takes around 3-4 days, but you may want to spend extra time visiting landmarks along the way.
Key highlights include the stunning views of the Pamir Mountains, the ancient city of Kashgar, Karakul Lake, the Khunjerab Pass (the highest point on the highway), and the picturesque towns along the route such as Tashkurgan.
Guided tours are available, especially for foreign tourists. These tours typically include an English-speaking guide, though Chinese-speaking guides are more common. Audio guides are not widely available, but tour operators may offer informative briefings along the way.
Top photography spots include the Khunjerab Pass, the scenic overlooks near Karakul Lake, and the view from Tashkurgan Fort. The high-altitude terrain provides stunning mountain views, especially in the early morning light.
The recommended route starts from Kashgar, traveling along the highway to Tashkurgan, then continuing to Karakul Lake, and finally reaching the Khunjerab Pass near the Pakistan border. You can return to Kashgar by the same route or combine the trip with other nearby attractions.
Night visits and light shows are not available along the Karakoram Highway, as the route is primarily for road travel and exploration of natural landscapes. However, special tours to nearby cultural sites or local festivals may be arranged by tour operators.
The Karakoram Highway is less crowded compared to other tourist destinations in China, but some sections near Kashgar can be busy during peak travel seasons. The least crowded times are during the off-season, from November to March.
Basic facilities, such as rest areas and local food stalls, are available along the highway. Larger towns like Kashgar and Tashkurgan have better facilities, including restaurants, shops, and accommodations. Carrying water and snacks is recommended for longer stretches without services.
The Karakoram Highway is a road route, so elderly and children can travel it by car or bus. However, the high-altitude terrain and long stretches without services may pose challenges for disabled visitors, particularly those with mobility impairments.
Cash is useful in remote areas where mobile payments and credit cards may not be accepted. In Kashgar and other larger towns, mobile payments and credit cards are more commonly accepted, but it's advisable to carry local currency (Chinese Yuan) when traveling along the highway.
In Kashgar, you'll find many restaurants offering Xinjiang cuisine, such as lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and pilaf. Along the highway, there are smaller eateries serving simple meals like dumplings and noodles.
Yes, there are vegetarian and halal food options along the route, especially in Kashgar and Tashkurgan, where many restaurants cater to Muslim dietary preferences.
Hotels in Kashgar range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. In Tashkurgan, there are a few basic accommodations for travelers. It's advisable to book your stay in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Nearby attractions include the famous Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar, the ancient ruins of the city of Subashi, and the Tianshan Mountains for hiking. A visit to the ancient Silk Road sites in the area can be easily combined with a trip along the Karakoram Highway.
Souvenir shops in Kashgar offer local handicrafts, including rugs, textiles, pottery, and traditional jewelry. These make great souvenirs of your journey along the Silk Road.
From Kashgar, buses and taxis are available to continue your trip to other parts of Xinjiang or the neighboring regions of Pakistan. You can also consider taking a domestic flight from Kashgar to other major cities in China.
