Karakoram Highway

Karakoram Highway (or KKH)connects China and Pakistan across the Karakoram Range through Khunjerab Pass, which is at an altitude of 4693mts. Karakoram Highway is the highest international road in the world.
It connects China’s Xingiang region with Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan. Due to its high elevation and the difficult conditions in which it was constructed, it is also referred to as “Ninth Wonder” of the world.
This highway is called the Friendship Highway as it was built by governments of China and Pakistan. It was completed in 1986. It took 20 years in construction. It is made on the paths of ancient silk route. It runs approximately 1300 km on the ancient silk route and starts from Hassanabdal, near Islamabad and terminates at Kashgar, Xingiang, China.
Pakistani section
Pakistani section of the highway is 806km long. It starts from Hassanabdal, runs along Indus River. A place comes where Indus river joins Gilgit river, this is the place where three great mountain ranges meet, the Hindukush, the Himalayas and the Karakoram. And the far west end of Himalayas i.e. the last peak of Himalayas, Nanga Parbat (8126mts.) can be seen through this highway.
China section
China section is about 494 km. long. Starting from Kashgar, the road runs along Ghez river canyons between Chakragil and Kongur mountains. From Ghez, it reaches Kirigiz valley. After climbing up the valley the road descends to Tashkurgan. Beautiful views of Muztagh Ata and Karakul Lake can be seen though this part of the road. While a separate road goes to join the Pamir Highway, the main road continues to Wakhjir Pass and finally Khunjerab Pass beyond which Pakistani section begins.
Five of eight thousanders are accessible by this highway which include K2, Broad Peak , Nanga Parbat et c. Notable Mountains that are visible across the road are:
1. Nanga Parbat
2. Rakaposhi
3. Diran
4. Shishpar
5. Ulbar peak
6. Muztagh Ata
Many glaciers can be seen along this highway:
1. Minapin
2. Passu
3. Ghulkin
4. Khunjerab
Main rivers and Lakes along the Highway are:
1. Indus
2. Hunza
3. Gilgit
4. Karakul Lake
KKH is best travelled in spring or early autumn. Heavy snow in harsh winters and monsoon rains in July and August can block the road for hours. The border at Khunjerab Pass is open only between May 1 and December 31 of every year.