A practical, stage-by-stage guide to driving the KKH — where to stop, where to fuel up, and how to read the road conditions before you set off.
The Karakoram Highway (N-35) is Pakistan's lifeline route to China, running from near Islamabad all the way up over the Khunjerab Pass at 4,693m. As a drive it is best tackled in stages rather than rushed: a typical run is Islamabad → Besham/Chilas → Gilgit → Hunza → Khunjerab. Spreading it across several days keeps the long mountain sections manageable and gives you time to acclimatise before the high pass.
Distances and drive times below are approximate and depend heavily on road conditions, weather, and security checkpoints — always confirm the current situation before each leg. For the destination itself — what the pass and the wider Karakoram region are about — see the Karakoram Highway overview. This page is about the drive.
| Islamabad → Besham | ~250 km · ~6–7 hrs · Last big-town fuel and food; overnight option before the mountains begin. |
| Besham → Chilas | ~135 km · ~5–6 hrs · Long, winding gorge section; basic hotels and fuel at Chilas. Confirm current road status. |
| Chilas → Gilgit | ~130 km · ~3–4 hrs · Gilgit is a major hub with reliable fuel, banks and lodging. |
| Gilgit → Hunza (Karimabad) | ~100 km · ~2.5–3 hrs · Good base for a rest day; ample guesthouses and fuel. |
| Hunza → Khunjerab Pass | ~120–135 km · ~3–5 hrs · High-altitude leg; fuel up in Sost (last station). Confirm pass is open. |
Plan overnights around the established hubs — Besham or Chilas in the lower section, then Gilgit, Karimabad (Hunza) and Sost higher up. These are where you will find the most reliable lodging, food and ATMs. Between them, services thin out quickly, so don't count on finding a hotel or a meal at will.
Fuel is the single most important thing to track. Gilgit, Karimabad and Sost have dependable filling stations, but pumps can run dry and the stretches between them are long. Sost is the last fuel before the Khunjerab Pass, so top up fully there and carry cash, as card payment is unreliable along the route. A rough rule: never let the tank drop below half once you are past Gilgit.
For live conditions, check the road & pass status page and the weather page before you set off, and use Explore to plan stops. Town guides for Hunza and Gilgit cover where to stay along the way.
The KKH is mostly paved and in good shape on the main hubs, but it runs through active mountain terrain. Landslides and rockfall are common, especially after rain, and can close the road without warning. Several sections are narrow with sheer drops and blind bends, so keep speeds low and use your horn on tight corners. Avoid night driving entirely — visibility is poor, animals and unlit vehicles are a real hazard, and there is no margin for error on the exposed sections.
Near the Khunjerab Pass you are above 4,000m, where altitude affects both you and your vehicle. Ascend gradually, watch for headaches or breathlessness, and don't linger long at the top. The pass typically closes for winter, roughly November to April, and reopening dates shift each year with snow conditions — always confirm the current status before committing to the top stage. Carry water, warm layers, and a basic vehicle kit.
Most people spread the Islamabad-to-Khunjerab run over four to five days, with overnight stops at hubs like Besham or Chilas, Gilgit and Hunza. Times are approximate and depend on road conditions, so build in buffer.
Reliable filling stations are at Gilgit, Karimabad (Hunza) and Sost. Sost is the last fuel before the Khunjerab Pass, so fill up fully there. Pumps can run dry, so keep your tank above half once past Gilgit and carry cash.
It is mostly paved and in good condition on the main route, but it passes through active mountain terrain. Expect occasional rough patches, narrow sections and disruption from landslides or repairs.
The pass typically closes for winter, roughly November to April, and reopens once snow clears. Exact dates shift each year, so confirm the current status before planning the top stage.
Night driving is strongly discouraged. Poor visibility, narrow exposed sections, animals and unlit vehicles make it hazardous. Plan each leg to arrive at your overnight stop in daylight.