China-Pakistan Highway Guide: The Ultimate Road Trip
The China-Pakistan Highway (喀喇昆仑公路), also known as the Karakoram Highway (KKH), is one of the world’s highest paved roads. Connecting Kashgar (Xinjiang) to Islamabad (Pakistan), this epic road trip offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on Earth.
Route Overview
| Total Distance | 1,300 km (Kashgar to Islamabad) |
|---|---|
| Highest Point | Khunjerab Pass (4,693m) |
| Best Season | May-October |
| Border Status | Check current visa requirements |
Kashgar to Khunjerab Pass (China Side)
The Chinese section from Kashgar to the border is fully paved and safe for independent travel.
Kashgar → Upal (喀什→乌帕尔)
60 km, 1.5h. The road follows the historical Silk Road route.
Upal → Tashkurgan (乌帕尔→塔什库尔干)
300 km, 5-6h. Dramatic mountain scenery, Kyrgyz yurt stops.
- Stop: Karakul Lake (喀拉库勒湖) — stunning alpine lake at 3,600m
- Sleep: Tashkurgan (塔什库尔干) — border town, mobile passport check
Tashkurgan → Khunjerab Pass (445 km)
130 km, 2-3h. The highest paved border crossing in the world.
- Note: Foreigners usually cannot cross the border without special permits
Best Time to Drive the KKH
- May-June: Spring, wildflowers, clear skies
- July-August: Warmer, but possible rain
- September-October: Autumn colors, clear skies, best visibility
- November-April: Closed due to snow
Travel Tips
- Altitude sickness: Prepare — you’ll be at 3,000-4,600m
- Border crossing: Check current regulations — foreigners usually need a guide
- Fuel: Fill up in Kashgar — next station is Tashkurgan (300km)
- Accommodation: Basic in Tashkurgan, book ahead in summer
Can Foreigners Do the KKH?
Foreigners can travel freely from Kashgar to Tashkurgan (China side). Crossing into Pakistan requires a Pakistani visa, Chinese exit permit, and usually a guided tour.
The KKH is one of the world’s greatest road trips. Even doing the China side (Kashgar → Tashkurgan → Khunjerab Pass) is an unforgettable experience in Xinjiang.
