Routes10 min read • Updated 2026-03-10
Karakoram Highway Motorcycle Guide: The Eighth Wonder on Two Wheels
A detailed breakdown of riding the 1,300 km engineering marvel from Islamabad to the China border.
By The Scenic Mistake Editorial Team•Expedition Editorial Desk
The Anatomy of the Karakoram Highway
Known officially as N-35, the Karakoram Highway connects Rawalpindi/Islamabad with Kashgar in Xinjiang, China. It is 1,300 km of sheer mountain drama, cutting through the intersection of the world’s three greatest mountain ranges: the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindukush.
Pavement & Road Surface Reality
Contrary to old myths, modern sections of the KKH between Gilgit and Khunjerab are immaculate, silky-smooth asphalt with wide sweeping radii. Lower sections along the Indus River canyon between Besham and Chilas feature ongoing hydro-project construction and occasional bypasses with packed gravel.
Altitude & Acclimatization
The route climbs progressively from 540m in Islamabad to 1,500m in Gilgit, 2,500m in Hunza, and summits at 4,693m at Khunjerab Pass. Because you spend nights at comfortable intermediate elevations (Hunza at 2,400m), altitude sickness is rare if proper hydration is maintained.
Iconic Viewpoints & Stops
Do not miss the Rakaposhi Viewpoint in Ghulmet for fresh cherry juice and direct 6,000m vertical mountain views; the Attabad Lake rock tunnels; and the breathtaking Passu Cones cathedral wall.
Experience This Route FirsthandView 2027 Tour
The Long Way North
11 Days • Islamabad → Skardu → Nomal → Passu → Khunjerab Pass → Upper Hunza → Karimabad → Hunza → Skardu → Islamabad • Small Group (Max 8–10)
Guide Table of Contents
Expedition Editorial Desk
TSM
The Scenic Mistake Editorial Team
Expedition Editorial Desk
Practical riding and route insights compiled by The Scenic Mistake team in Northern Pakistan.