Karakoram Highway

This article is an itinerary. The Karakoram Highway (often abbreviated to KKH and sometimes transliterated as Karakorum) runs between Western China and Pakistan (through disputed Kashmir). It is one of the very few routes that cross the Himalayas and the most westerly of them. Following the KKH is considered to be one of the classic journeys of the travel world, it is also the highest international road in the World. Understand Historically, this was a caravan trail, one branch of the ancient Silk Road. More recently, the Chinese and Pakistani governments have built a highway. It is the highest border crossing in the world, over 4800 meters (roughly 16,000 feet) in the Khunjerab Pass at the border. For comparison, Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe, is 4810 m and Mount Whitney, the highest point in the 48 contiguous United States, is 4421. It may be the ultimate challenge for the devoted cyclist. There are organised bicycle tours, and several books about bicycling this route. Unfortunately the border is not open for cyclists. Everybody has to board the bus in either Tashkurgan (China) or Sost (Pakistan). From the Pakistani side you CAN cycle up to the pass, but not over it. You will have to return to Sost to take the bus. Prepare Choose your time carefully. The highway is open around the year, though the tourist time is usually from May till November. Its a tough terrain and expect landslides during rainy season. Road condition is deteriorating with every passing year so average speed will be less than 40 km/hour. It is not advisable to take cars, 4x4 is preferred but a Van / coaster would serve the purpose. Besham is the start of Kohsitan which is famous for its ruggedness and stubbornness. It is highly advisable to limit your stay and keep going preferably during day time. Kohistan borders Baltistan which is relatively safe. Main town to stay overnight is Chillas. The KKH section from Besham to Gilgit is dry and warm. In summers, the temperature may go as high as 40 Celcius (Chillas is known as Sibi of Baltistan). Keep yourself well hydrated. Get in The usual jumping off points are Kashgar on the Chinese end or Gilgit in Pakistan. You can take a PIA flight or bus from Gilgit to Islamabad the capital of Pakistan. Route The highway passes the Hunza Valley The Hunza was the original Shangri La that inspired the novel (and later movie). Hunza is known for its orchards, moderate Islam, welcoming hospitality and beautiful scenery. From Kashgar in China, the list of towns and travel time from previous town are: Kashgar - Tashkurgan - 8 hour Tashkurgan - Sost - 6 hours Sost to Passu - 1 hour Passu to Karimabad - unknown (need to cross lake by ferry) Karimabad to Gilgit - 2 to 3 hours Gilgit to Chillas - 4 - 5 hours Chillas to Dasu - 3-4 hours Dasu to Besham - 3-4 hours Besham to Abbottabad - 4 hours Abbottabad to Hassan Abdal - 2 - 3 hours Sleep Hunza Baltit inn, Hunza_Valley, [1].  edit PTDC Motel, Hunza, [2].  edit Marco Polo inn, Gulmit Village in Hunza Valley (Along Karakoram Highway), [3]. checkout: 12 noon. The Gulmit museum, full of traditional ethnic artifacts is part of the Marco Polo Inn.  edit Gulmit Continental Hotel (hotel), Gulmit Jojap Upper Hunza (Hunza), [4]. Gulmit Continental Hotel nestles in an Amphitheater of peaks, located in the heart of the beautiful Gulmit valley which is perched on 2500 meters high above sea level. Only 140 KM from Gilgit and 50 meters from the legendary Silk Route it is conveniently accessible  edit Stay safe Hunza is one of the most peaceful region in Pakistan so the travellers do not need to worry about the security there, you are free to go anywhere, Just avoid drinking the tap water use mineral water, If you are in upper Hunza (Gojal)then you can drink the tap water, its clear and it comes directly from the spring! Explore Around This itinerary is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present for it to be of real use. It was last edited on 2013-01-29 and will be deleted if not modified for one year. Please plunge forward and rescue it!