Summer Tour to Khunjerab Pass – Pakistan-China Border
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Overview
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Schedules
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Equipments
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Included/Excluded
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Location
Overview:
This Khunjerab Pass tour offers a smooth, scenic, and comfortable journey from Islamabad through the lush Kaghan Valley, Naran, Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top before entering the spectacular northern landscapes of Gilgit and Hunza. Travelers experience the rich culture and history of Hunza Valley through visits to Altit and Baltit Forts the vibrant Karimabad bazaar and mesmerizing viewpoints like Eagle’s Nest. The adventure continues along the Karakoram Highway to Attabad Lake, Gulmit and Passu Cones and finally to the high-altitude Khunjerab Pass at the China border. The tour combines natural beauty, cultural heritage and leisurely exploration, ending with a relaxed return drive to Islamabad through the scenic Naran valley.
Highlights:
- Drive through Hazara Motorway & Naran Valley
- Explore Lulusar Lake & Babusar Top
- Visit Gilgit City
- Full Hunza tour: Altit, Baltit, Karimabad, Eagle’s Nest
- Visit Attabad Lake & boating
- Walk on Hussaini Suspension Bridge
- Photo stop at Passu Cones
- Khunjerab Pass (China Border) visit
- Return through scenic Kaghan Valley.
Day 01: Arrival in Islamabad
- Meet & greet
- Hotel transfer
- Islamabad city tour (Faisal Mosque, Lake View optional)
- Overnight stay in Islamabad
Day 02: Islamabad to Naran
- Drive via Hazara Motorway
- Stop at Balakot, Kiwai Waterfall
- Reach Naran
- Explore Naran Bazaar
- Overnight in Naran
Day 03: Naran to Babusar Top - Gilgit
- Early morning departure
- Visit Lulusar Lake
- Stop at Babusar Top
- Continue through scenic valleys
- Reach Gilgit
- Overnight stay in Gilgit
Day 04: Gilgit to Hunza Valley
- Drive to Hunza
- Visit Rakaposhi View Point
- Explore Altit Fort & Baltit Fort
- Walk in Karimabad Bazaar
- Sunset at Eagle’s Nest (optional)
- Overnight in Hunza
Day 05: Hunza to Attabad Lake - Gulmit - Passu
- Visit Attabad Lake (boating optional)
- Drive to Gulmit
- Explore Hussaini Suspension Bridge
- Visit Passu Cones View Point
- Overnight stay in Passu / Gulmit
Day 06: Passu to Sost - Khunjerab Pass - Passu
- Drive toward Sost
- Explore Khunjerab National Park
- Reach Khunjerab Top (China Border)
- Photography at 15,700 ft
- Return to Passu / Gulmit
- Overnight stay in Passu
Day 07: Passu to Hunza
- Return to Hunza
- Free day for rest and shopping
- Optional: Duikar Viewpoint, Hoper Glacier
- Overnight in Hunza
Day 08: Hunza to Naran
- Drive back via Babusar Top
- Scenic stops on the way
- Reach Naran
- Overnight in Naran
Day 09: Naran to Islamabad
- Drive back to Islamabad
- Short stops at Kiwai & Balakot
- Overnight in Islamabad
Day 10: Islamabad to Home Country
- Drop Airport
- End of Tour
Tour Activities
No activities have been specified for this tour.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation: Comfortable and well-appointed hotels throughout the tour.
- Transportation: Transfers and transportation in air-conditioned vehicles.
- Professional and experienced driver/guide.
- Guided Tours: Knowledgeable local guides for city tours and historical sites.
- Day Sightseeing Trips
- Meals: Three times meals, Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
- Some lunches and dinners featuring local cuisine.
- Cultural Experiences: Engaging cultural activities and experiences.
- Interactions with local communities.
- Professional Tour Leader & BBQ Bone fire Night.
- Support: 24/7 on-ground support.
Exclusions:
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance coverage is recommended.
- Any Sort of Entry Tickets
- Horses, ponies or Porter Charges for Personal luggage.
- Personal Expenses: Expenses of a personal nature.
- Optional Activities: Costs related to optional activities not included in the itinerary.
- Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for guides, drivers, and other service providers.
Essential Equipment checklist for Tours
- Thermal base layers to keep your body warm during cold mornings and nights.
- A good fleece jacket for mid-layer insulation in mountain weather.
- A warm insulated or down jacket for high-altitude cold winds.
- A waterproof and windproof outer jacket to protect from sudden rain and strong winds.
- Warm woolen cap, insulated gloves, and thick wool socks for cold protection.
- UV-protected sunglasses and a sun cap to handle strong high-altitude sunlight.
- Sunscreen and lip balm to protect skin and lips from dryness and sunburn.
- Strong waterproof trekking boots for rocky and uneven mountain terrain.
- A 20–40L daypack for daily essentials during hikes and travel.
- A warm sleeping bag (–10°C to –15°C rating) for cold nights in Astore and Deosai.
- A comfortable sleeping mat for insulation and better sleeping comfort.
- A bright headlamp or torch with spare batteries for night use and camping.
- Two 1-liter water bottles plus water purification tablets or filter for safe drinking water.
- A high-capacity power bank to charge mobile devices in remote areas.
- A complete first-aid kit including personal medicines and altitude-related items.
- High-energy snacks like dry fruits, energy bars, chocolates, and ORS packs.
- Adjustable trekking poles for stability and support on steep or rocky trails.
- Toiletries with a small towel for personal hygiene during the tour.
- Wet wipes and tissues for easy cleaning when water is not available.
- Offline maps or GPS because signals are weak in remote regions.
- Sufficient cash and CNIC as ATMs and card services are limited.
Mountain Travel Essentials
Prepare for your mountain adventure with these essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
Essential Gear
- Layered clothing for temperature changes
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Headlamp with spare batteries
Health & Safety
- Acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness
- Use high SPF sunscreen even on cloudy days
- Stay hydrated with 3-4 liters of water daily
- Carry a basic first-aid kit
- Inform others of your route plan
Mountain Activities You'll Enjoy
Mountain environments offer unique experiences you won't find anywhere else. During your journey, you may have the opportunity to enjoy:
Alpine Photography
Capture breathtaking vistas, unique flora, and dramatic light conditions that make mountains a photographer's paradise.
Wilderness Camping
Experience nights under crystal-clear skies with unparalleled stargazing opportunities in pristine mountain environments.
Wildlife Encounters
Observe native species in their natural habitats, from majestic birds of prey to elusive mountain mammals.
Cultural Immersion
Connect with local mountain communities and learn about their unique traditions, cuisine, and way of life.
Khanjerab pass
About This Location
Khunjerab Pass, located in northern Pakistan at an altitude of 4,693 meters, is the highest paved international border crossing in the world, connecting Pakistan with China. Situated in the Karakoram Range, it offers breathtaking high-altitude landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and wide-open valleys. The pass is part of the Karakoram Highway and is a key destination for travelers seeking natural beauty, photography opportunities, and a unique experience at one of the world’s most spectacular mountain passes.
Weather Conditions
During the summer months from May to September, Khunjerab Pass enjoys mild and pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and high-altitude travel. Daytime temperatures range between 10°C and 22°C, while nights can be chilly, especially at higher elevations. The season is mostly dry with clear skies, making it perfect for road trips, photography, and exploring the Pakistan-China border region.
Best Time to Visit
May to September is the ideal period to visit Khunjerab Pass. During these months, the weather is warm and dry, the roads are fully accessible, and the pass is open for travelers. Clear skies and pleasant temperatures make it perfect for sightseeing, photography, and enjoying the high-altitude landscapes along the Pakistan-China border.