Khunjerab: The highest border between Pakistan & China

Khunjerab Pass is one of the most stunning border crossings in the whole world. Situated on the Karakoram Highway, this is the border crossing between Pakistan and China, and it is also, at over 4500 metres’ altitude, the highest border crossing in the world!

On the Pakistani-administered side, the pass is 42 km (26 mi) from the National Park station and checkpoint in Dih, 75 km (47 mi) from the customs and immigration post in Sost, 270 km (170 mi) from Gilgit, and 870 km (540 mi) from Islamabad.

On the Chinese side, the pass is the southwest terminus of China National Highway 314 (G314) and is 130 km (81 mi) from Tashkurgan, 420 km (260 mi) from Kashgar and some 1,890 km (1,170 mi) from Urumqi. The Chinese port of entry is located 3.5 km (2.2 mi) along the road from the pass in Tashkurgan County.

The long, relatively flat pass is often snow-covered during the winter season and as a consequence is generally closed for heavy vehicles from November 30 to May 1 and for all vehicles from December 30 to April 1.

The reconstructed Karakoram Highway passes through Khunjerab Pass.

Since June 1, 2006, there has been a daily bus service across the boundary from Gilgit to Kashgar, Xinjiang.

This is one of the international borders where left-hand traffic (Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan) changes to right-hand traffic (China) and vice versa.

Key Information

Highest ATM in the world

  • The time in Beijing is ahead of Pakistan by a complete 3 hours

  • The border is accessible solely from Monday to Friday. On the Pakistani side, operational hours are from 9 am to 5 pm, while on the Chinese side, it’s from 11 am to 8 pm, following Beijing time

  • Crossing this pass necessitates possessing both a Pakistani and a Chinese visa

  • Upon entering from the Pakistani side, you’ll arrive at the Sost customs post. From there, it’s an additional 75km to the physical border

  • On the Chinese side, you’ll need to cover an additional 130km to reach the town of Tashkurgan

  • Due to its elevated altitude, staying well-hydrated is essential. Even during the summer months, the region can become extremely cold, making warm clothing a necessity

  • Upon arriving in Tashkurgan, you’ll be introduced to your Uygur guide from China. Be prepared for frequent checkpoints; Xinjiang is known for their abundance

  • Your journey will lead you across breathtaking mountains and beside pristine lakes, ultimately bringing you to a location in China that is closer to Tehran and Damascus than to Beijing

  • The entire border crossing process typically spans a day, encompassing a journey across the world’s highest border via the Karakoram Highway

Leave A Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.