Along The Mighty Karakoram Highway

Lucky are those who travel at least once in their lives on Karakoram Higway, AKA KKH, AKA Shahra-e-Resham. The Legendary Karakoram Highway was built by Pakistan Army (FWO) with the collaboration of Pakistan’s Old friend China. The Construction of this road was initiated in 1966 and it took a while and a lot of lives to complete. In 1979 The Karakoram Highway was opened for public. Starting from Hassan Abdal, this 1300 kilometers long road enters in China at Khunjerab Pass. The road ends in Urumqi, China.

The constructors, literally poured their blood in the crushed stones to make sure that generations coming up would get not only trade and dense tourism, but education, health and basic necessities of life along with mighty Karakoram Highway.

The Best Season to travel on (if only) Karakoram Highway is Summer, Start of June to mid October. After that Khunjerab Pass is heavily invaded by snowfall and roads start to get close for bikers on various locations. Exempting Khunjerab Pass and Babusar Pass from your tour can help you traveling on KKH in winters as well.

Attractions On Karakoram Highway

When you start traveling from Islamabad to Gilgit-Baltistan Region, Karakoram Highway is the mate you travel with. But it doesn’t come all alone, this route brings dozens of tourist attractions with it. Giving you a chance to witness the most beautiful peaks, valleys and rivers without even deviating from the path a little.

Although there are multiple points you can put your mark on (not talking about littering), by going a bit off route. Here in this Budget Guide we will share both the on route and off route landmarks that you can cover in this single journey.

NOTE: The Actual KKH by-passes Naran region and crosses through Besham and Dassu. We will try to cover all mentionable points of both sides.

Naran Side

#1 Kunhar River

Crazy waters of River Kunhar give you company from Balakot to Besal magnifying the beauty of this region all the way. Provide you with hundreds of spots where you can pull over, sit near the river, take pictures and relax for a while.

*Try not to have a swim in Kunhar.*

#2 Naran

Naran is famous for its beautiful scenic views and a Bazar full of life. Spend a few moments in Naran and have a cup of tea at the bank of Kunhar.

OR, a little ahead of very famous iron bridge of Naran, there is a spot where you can take a power nap (as I did), cook, and also you may have River Raft Ride in River Kunhar. (they will charge you 700/head)

#3 Lake Saif-ul-Malook

Deviating a little from the route, going right from main Naran Chowk to the high mountains. There lies a pearl in the feet of mesmerizing Malika Parbat, The Saif-ul-Malook Lake. It will take 5-6 hours for a brief tour to pay a visit to this beauty.

#4 Lalazaar

A surreal place, pine trees, grass fields and dreamy fragrance of pine cones, Lalazaar is a 45 minute jeep ride to the right of the route. Right ahead of Batakundi, you’ll see a jeep stand. This is where you can hire one for a trip to Lalazaar. It should cost you 2000-2500/jeep.

#5 Jalkhad

As the name suggests, there is a small pond of water in the shape of a cup. One of the most beautiful places along the way. Here, the River Kunhar slows down a little and comes closer to you.

#6 Lulusar Lake

Surpassing Jalkhad, you encounter a wonderfully large and amazingly scenic lake called LuluSar in the local language. The lake is underrated but to the explorer’s eyes, Lulusar lake reveals many secrets.

#7 Babusar Pass

13700 ft. high Babusar pass is a high altitude pass on the way to Chillas from Naran. This place holds mouth opening beauty and bone cracking freezing weather. A game of light is always there on the high peaks around the pass. Light that plays hide and seek with snow covered mountains, fields down below, and hovering clouds over the valley.

Here your bike’s pulse (if 125cc or below) may start missing its beat. But, DO NOT worry. It happens due to high altitude and lack of Oxygen.

#8 Mighty River Indus

Where you complete 45Km descend from Babusar Pass to KKH, River Indus holds your hand right from there at Chillas Check Post and goes with you till it turns towards Sakardu.

People with inner eyes opened, can see the beauty in the dusty waters of Indus.

#9 Nanga Parbat View Point Thalechi

Memorize the name, recall it near Jaglot, Thalechi is point where you can witness the beauty in the eyes of Killer Mountain. 8126 meters high Nanga Parbat, The crown of Kohistan gives you sight one of its one hundred faces to witness the beauty you have never witnessed before.

Sit there and Don’t Talk. Listen to this magnificent creature.

#10 Junction of 3 Mountain Ranges

Hindukash from the left, Himalayas from Right, and Karakoram in the middle, all 3 tallest mountain ranges start (or end) here. This is the place where all these giants join each other. Don’t forget to take a picture!

#11 Naltar Valley

Leaving Gilgit city behind about 17 kilometers, just ahead of a tunnel, you’ll see a blue board indicating Naltar on your left. Naltar and Naltar Bala are known for its lush green meadows and multiple colorful lakes. Here you can meent Loli, a snow leopard near Satrangi Lake of Naltar.

Click for a complete budget Trip of Naltar, here.

#12 RakaPoshi View Point

Another Snow Covered giant Starts shedding it’s reflection on KKH just a few kilometers ahead of Naltar. There is a famous spot know as RakaPoshi View Point. Try to be there in the daylight that’s the only when you can witness the mesmerizing beauty of nearly 8000 meters high peak.

#13 Karimabad Hunza

Leave KKH one more time and turn to your left towards a steep ascend. Hunza deserves this. When you cross Aliabad, a paved road gains altitude at your left, that will take you to Karimabad Hunza. The place is full of cultural heritage and mesmerizing viewpoints.

#14 Ganish, Hunza

1000 years old ancient human settlements, beautiful enough to earn a pause from your bike trip and pay a visit.

#15 Hoppar Nagar

Right after the Ganish Bridge, turn right and a bumpy ride will lead you to Hoppar village of Nagar Valley. Nagar is full of high mountains, lakes and beautiful forests. The highest lake of Pakistan, Rush lake, situated in Nagar and it’s trek starts from Hoppar village.

#16 Atabad Lake

Atabad is an emerald watered lake just 12 Kilometers ahead of Hunza. Must Stay there for some moments. It’s so surreal that you can’t resist its beauty.

#17 Passu Cones

The most beautiful group of mountains with the exact same shape and look are Passu Cones. Multiplying the beauty of the route as long as the travel with you.

#18 Gul-e-Gulmit, Gojal

Traveling down the road, I looked to my right and this was the scene, I couldn’t resist and pulled over my bike. You can see why.

#19 Sost

An ancient looking village right on the route, almost the last proper human settlement on KKH, in Pakistan. Sost beautiful to stay for a night. Plus there is a dry port too.

#20 Khunjerab

The End of road, Khunjerab, where KKH meets China.

Facts About Karakoram Highway

Affordable to Normal, and Expensive hotels are available through out the way.
Fuel Stations available within every 200 Km.
Food is Affordable all the way

Personal Experience

I had Honda-125cc back then and it costed me 18000 Rs. for the whole tour.

Here we go! Trust me guys, these are just a few places that I mentioned. There are a lot, like really, thousands of scenes that Posses no name but capture your breath for an instance and stay in your memory forever. Do consider traveling (on bike especially) down the road. Have a Good Day.