Khunjerab Pass

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Khunjerab Pass

Pass

Khunjerab Pass is a high mountain pass on the Pakistan-China border at 4,693 m on the Karakoram Highway. Travelers come for the dramatic high-altitude scenery, the border-crossing experience and views into the Karakoram and Xinjiang.

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Khunjerab Pass essentials

Address: Khunjerab Pass, Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan) - Xinjiang, China

Khunjerab Pass sits at 4,693 metres above sea level in the Karakoram and forms a high, relatively flat crossing on the international boundary between Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan and Xinjiang in China. It is the highest paved international border crossing and the highest point along the Karakoram Highway, a strategic road built to link the two countries across the range.

The road across Khunjerab was completed in the early 1980s after the pass was chosen in the 1960s as the principal Karakoram route; it replaced older unpaved passes. The site now includes customs and immigration facilities on both sides and, on the Pakistani side, an internationally noted high-altitude ATM.

Visiting the pass is an exercise in remote, high-altitude travel: weather can change quickly, snow lingers outside the warmest months, and services are sparse. The pass is within reach by road from towns on both sides but transport and crossing schedules are seasonal, so check local conditions and entry requirements before you go.

  • Border checkpoint and monument: The customs and immigration installations and the demarcation at the pass are a notable photo stop and illustrate the international frontier at high altitude.
  • Wide Karakoram panoramas: The open, high plateau offers dramatic views across glaciers, rugged peaks and the broad sweep of the Karakoram range.
  • Khunjerab National Park: The surrounding protected area is home to high-altitude wildlife and offers the chance to see species adapted to this remote environment.
  • View into Xinjiang and Tashkurgan valley: From the pass you can look across into the Tashkurgan area of Xinjiang and appreciate the long transnational route of the highway.
  • Karakoram Highway experience: The drive itself along the Karakoram Highway - including steep climbs and high passes - is a major part of visiting Khunjerab.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Khunjerab Pass#

Khunjerab has a tundra climate with very cold conditions outside the warmest months; the road is most reliably passable in summer and can be closed by snow in winter.

Summer (best)
June - August · -3°C - 13°C (27°F - 55°F)
Milder weather and the warmest temperatures make this the most reliable period for reaching the pass and for long daylight hours, though weather can still be changeable.
Shoulder season (variable)
May and September · -7°C - 9°C (19°F - 48°F)
These months can offer clearer air and fewer tourists but conditions remain variable and late or early snow can affect the road.
Winter (not recommended)
October - April · -26°C - 1°C (-15°F - 34°F)
Snow is frequent, the pass and road are often closed for long periods and temperatures are severe, making travel difficult or impossible.

Weather & Climate near Khunjerab Pass#

Climate

Khunjerab Pass's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -26°C to 13°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.

Air Quality: AQI 41 Good
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
19°
Warmest Month
-36°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -26° - -15° -27° 5 mm overcast 66% 2.4 m/s 0.5 low 9.8h
February Poor -26° - -13° -26° 6 mm overcast 68% 2.8 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.7h
March Poor -21° - -8° -21° 10 mm overcast 61% 2.9 m/s 1.4 high 11.8h
April Poor -13° - -2° -13° 11 mm overcast 50% 3.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.0h
May Poor -7° - 3° -6° 18 mm overcast 48% 3.6 m/s 2.6 extreme 14.0h
June Good -3° - 8° -1° 9 mm overcast 49% 3.5 m/s 2.6 extreme 14.5h
July Acceptable 0° - 13° 5° 15 mm overcast 50% 2.6 m/s 2.7 extreme 14.2h
August Acceptable 0° - 13° 5° 18 mm overcast 54% 2.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.4h
September Good -5° - 9° -1° 9 mm overcast 49% 2.7 m/s 1.8 very high 12.3h
October Acceptable -11° - 1° -9° 5 mm overcast 42% 3.0 m/s 1.2 high 11.1h
November Poor -18° - -6° -17° 2 mm overcast 51% 2.1 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.1h
December Poor -24° - -10° -23° 6 mm partly cloudy 61% 2.2 m/s 0.4 low 9.6h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Khunjerab Pass#

On the Pakistani side the nearest major settlement is Sost (customs post about 75 km away) and the regional gateway city is Gilgit (roughly 270 km by road); Gilgit has scheduled flights to larger Pakistani cities. On the Chinese side the nearest towns are Tashkurgan (about 130 km) and Kashgar (about 420 km), with the Chinese port of entry a few kilometres down the road in Tashkurgan County.

The pass is reached only by road along the Karakoram Highway; the final stretch is remote and at very high altitude. Seasonal road closures and restrictions for heavy vehicles occur in winter, so plan travel for the warmer months, arrange fuel and supplies in advance, and check visa and customs requirements if you intend to cross the border; a cross-border bus service has operated in recent years but schedules are subject to change.

Tips for Visiting Khunjerab Pass#

  • Allow time to acclimatize at lower elevations before ascending to Khunjerab to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
  • Dress in warm, windproof layers and be prepared for strong sun and sudden weather shifts even in summer.
  • Check current border opening status, visa requirements and vehicle restrictions well before travel, as the pass can be closed by snow.
  • Carry extra fuel, water and food for the last stretch; services and shops are limited and distances between settlements are long.
  • There is an ATM on the Pakistani side (noted for its high elevation), but do not rely solely on it - carry cash and payment alternatives.