Khunjerab Pass to Sost Circuit

At 4,693 meters, Khunjerab Pass marks Pakistan’s border with China and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway. This circuit loops from the border post down through Sost, passing through landscapes that shift from barren high-altitude desert to green Hunza valleys. The route follows ancient Silk Road trading paths, with the Khunjerab River cutting deep gorges through granite peaks. Watch for Marco Polo sheep and snow leopards in Khunjerab National Park, while altitude sickness becomes a real concern above 4,000 meters.

This is serious high-altitude driving requiring acclimatization and mechanical preparation. Stock 4WD handles the graded gravel road, but carry spare parts, extra fuel, and emergency gear. The pass closes October through April due to snow. Permits are required for the national park section. The reward is standing at one of the world’s most remote border crossings, surrounded by 7,000-meter peaks and the raw silence of the Karakoram.