Khunjerab Pass 



Khunjerab Pass, also known as Khunjerab Top, is a high mountain pass located in the Karakoram Mountains, on the northern border of Pakistan with China. At an altitude of 15,397 feet, Khunjerab Top is the highest point of the Karakoram Highway, connecting Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region to China's Xinjiang province.

It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular tourist destination for both locals and foreigners.

The pass was named after the nearby Khunjerab River, which flows through the area. The word "Khunjerab" is derived from the Wakhi language, spoken by the local Wakhi people, and means "Valley of Blood." The name is thought to have originated from the red color of the stones found in the riverbed.

The Khunjerab Pass is a part of the Karakoram Highway, which is also known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." The Karakoram Highway is a 1,300 km (800 mile) long road that connects Pakistan with China, and is considered to be one of the most challenging and dangerous roads in the world. The construction of the highway began in 1959 and was completed in 1979, after 20 years of hard work and dedication by the engineers and workers.



The Khunjerab Pass is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions. It is usually open from May to November and is accessible by road. Visitors need to obtain a permit from the Pakistani authorities to visit the pass.

The journey to the Khunjerab Pass is an adventure in itself. The road winds through the rugged and remote Karakoram Mountains, passing through deep valleys and high mountain passes. Along the way, visitors can see snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows, as well as the traditional villages and nomadic settlements of the local people.

As visitors reach the Khunjerab Pass, they are greeted by a stunning panorama of towering mountains and vast glaciers. The pass marks the border between Pakistan and China, and visitors can see the famous Karakoram Highway snaking its way through the mountains towards China. On the Pakistani side, there is a small monument and a border outpost, where visitors can get their passports stamped.



Apart from the stunning natural beauty, the Khunjerab Pass is also an important historical and cultural site. The pass has been a trade route between Pakistan and China for centuries, and has played a vital role in the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between the two countries. The pass is also home to the traditional Wakhi people, who have lived in the region for centuries and have a rich and unique culture. 



The Khunjerab Pass is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Pakistan. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and history, and is a testament to the engineering and human spirit that built the Karakoram Highway. Visitors to the Khunjerab Pass are sure to be awed by the grandeur of the mountains and the warmth of the local people, making it an unforgettable experience.

A journey to Khunjerab Top is an experience of a lifetime and one that should not be missed by any traveler.


Raheel Rustam