Khunjerab Pass — Roof of the Karakoram Border Viewpoint

Khunjerab Pass sits at 4,693 metres on the Karakoram Highway, marking the Pakistan-China border at one of the most dramatic high-altitude road crossings on the planet. The plateau up here is wide, windswept, and treeless — brown and ochre hills rolling toward the Chinese side, jagged peaks holding snow year-round. There’s a formal border gate, Pakistani Rangers post, and a handful of stone monuments. Yaks wander the flats. The air is thin enough that you’ll feel it walking around the vehicle. It’s cold up here even in July.

The road from Sust to the pass is sealed and manageable in a standard 4WD. Foreign overlanders must clear customs at Sust before ascending — the pass itself is only open May through November, and hours are restricted. Chinese-side entry requires separate permits. Don’t expect cell signal. Fuel up in Sust before you go — there’s nothing at the top.

World's highest paved international border.