Karakoram Highway in Ten Days: Hunza Road Trip

The Karakoram Highway runs from Islamabad to the Chinese border at Khunjerab. Ten days allows a slow crossing of Babusar Pass, rest days at altitude and a detour to Fairy Meadows.

This is the road the trucks drive every week, done slowly. The route climbs over Babusar Pass, follows the Karakoram Highway north through Hunza to the Chinese border, then returns via a walk to Fairy Meadows. Ten days is the least to give it. The second day is long, about nine hours over a 4,173 m pass, and rest days at altitude are needed before Khunjerab.

impt.pk guides · Updated October 2026

Day by day

01
Islamabad to Naran
About 8 hours via Mansehra and Balakot
The road leaves the plains at Mansehra and follows the Kunhar River up the Kaghan Valley. Naran is the last town before Babusar Pass and a sensible place to break the climb.
02
Naran over Babusar to Gilgit
Long day, about 9 hours over a 4,173 m pass
Babusar Pass is usually open from June to October. The descent to Chilas meets the Indus, then the Karakoram Highway runs north to Gilgit. Start early and expect a full day.
03
Gilgit to Karimabad
About 2 hours on the Karakoram Highway
The highway follows the Hunza River north. Karimabad, the main town of Hunza, sits below the old fort and the rock face of Rakaposhi is visible on the way.
04
Hunza rest day
Local walks and acclimatisation
A day at altitude before going higher. Walks around Karimabad and nearby villages help with acclimatisation. The old fort and the water channels are within easy reach of the town.
05
Hunza to Khunjerab and back
About 3 hours each way to the border
The highway climbs to the Khunjerab Pass at 4,693 m, the highest point of the trip. The border crossing is usually open from April to November. Return to Hunza for the night.
06
Hunza to Gilgit
Short drive, afternoon free
A short run back down the highway. The bazaar in Gilgit is a place to stock up before the return leg. The Karakoram Highway continues south towards Chilas.
07
Gilgit to Raikot Bridge
About 3 hours south on the highway
The road follows the Indus south. Raikot Bridge is the turn-off for the jeep track to Tato, the starting point for the walk to Fairy Meadows.
08
Fairy Meadows
Jeep to Tato, then a walk in
A jeep from Raikot Bridge reaches Tato, from where a walk of a few hours leads to Fairy Meadows. The meadow sits below the north face of Nanga Parbat at 8,126 m.
09
Fairy Meadows to Naran
Walk out, then drive over Babusar
Walk back to Tato and take a jeep down to Raikot Bridge. The drive then continues over Babusar Pass to Naran, reversing the outward route.
10
Naran to Islamabad
About 8 hours
The last day follows the Kaghan Valley back to the plains. Allow time for the traffic on the approach to Islamabad.

Before you go

Start early

The second day over Babusar Pass is long. Leaving Naran before first light gives margin for delays on the pass.

Acclimatise

Khunjerab Pass is at 4,693 m. A rest day in Hunza before the border helps you adjust to the altitude.

Check pass openings

Babusar and Khunjerab are seasonal. Babusar is usually open June to October and Khunjerab April to November, but dates change with weather.

Carry cash

A jeep from Raikot Bridge to Tato is arranged locally and paid on the day. Cards are not accepted on the track.

The route

The trip covers about 1,300 km from Islamabad to the Khunjerab Pass and back. The outward route leaves the plains at Mansehra, follows the Kaghan Valley to Naran and crosses Babusar Pass at 4,173 m. From Chilas the road meets the Indus and joins the Karakoram Highway north to Gilgit and Hunza.

The return leg reverses the highway as far as Raikot Bridge, where a jeep track and a walk lead to Fairy Meadows below Nanga Parbat. The final days cross Babusar again and descend the Kaghan Valley to Islamabad. Ten days is the least to give the route, with rest days built in at altitude.

Babusar Pass

Babusar connects the Kaghan Valley with Chilas on the Indus. The pass is usually open from June to October and closed by snow outside that window. The climb from Naran is steady and the descent to Chilas is long. Check conditions locally before committing.

Khunjerab Pass

Khunjerab sits at 4,693 m on the border with China and is the highest point of the trip. The crossing is usually open from April to November. The road from Hunza climbs through the Khunjerab National Park, where permission may be checked at a park post.

When to go

The window for the full route is June to October, when Babusar Pass is normally clear. Khunjerab is usually open from April to November, so a trip in June or September can include both passes. July and August bring monsoon rain to the lower valleys, with a risk of landslides on the Kaghan road.

Outside these months the high passes close and the route changes. The Karakoram Highway south of Gilgit stays open for much of the year, but Babusar and Khunjerab are blocked by snow. Travel in the shoulder months needs flexible plans and local advice.

Practical notes

The second day is the longest, about nine hours over Babusar Pass. Start early and carry food and water for the crossing. The Karakoram Highway is paved for most of its length, but the jeep track from Raikot Bridge to Tato is rough and slow.

A jeep from Raikot Bridge to Tato is arranged locally and paid on the day. The walk from Tato to Fairy Meadows takes a few hours on a steep path. Accommodation along the route is in towns and villages, and rooms are best arranged before arrival in the peak season.

Permits and advice

The Karakoram Highway passes through Gilgit-Baltistan. Some border districts and areas near the Line of Control can require a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Rules change, so check current official advice before travelling and carry copies of any permits.

Altitude and health

The route reaches 4,693 m at Khunjerab and spends several days above 2,000 m. A rest day in Hunza before the border helps acclimatisation. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea and breathlessness, and the response is to descend.

The road from Naran to Chilas crosses Babusar at 4,173 m, so the climb begins early in the trip. Drink water, avoid alcohol at altitude and keep the first days at high elevation short. Fairy Meadows sits lower, but the walk in is steep and the altitude is still felt.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Karakoram Highway take from Islamabad to Khunjerab?

The distance is about 1,300 km. Ten days allows a slow crossing of Babusar Pass, rest days in Hunza and a detour to Fairy Meadows. A direct drive takes several long days with no time at altitude.

When is Babusar Pass open on the Karakoram Highway route?

Babusar Pass is usually open from June to October. Snow closes it outside that window. Khunjerab is usually open from April to November. Dates change with weather, so check locally before setting out.

Do you need a permit for Khunjerab Pass?

The Khunjerab Pass lies in Khunjerab National Park and permission may be checked at a park post. Some border districts can require a No Objection Certificate. Rules change, so check current official advice before travelling.

How do you reach Fairy Meadows on the Karakoram Highway trip?

Leave the highway at Raikot Bridge and take a jeep to Tato, then walk a few hours to Fairy Meadows. The meadow sits below the north face of Nanga Parbat. The jeep is arranged locally and paid on the day.