The Karakoram highway, also known as the KKH is the highest international highway in the world, connecting West China to Pakistan. The reason this road is most talked about by a lot of ‘overlanders’ is because of the views it offers but primarily, because it is an extremely smooth road that connects a popular trade corridor. Maintaining a road at high altitudes under extreme weather conditions among the Himalayas is an extremely challenging task and commitment.
Planning your ride on the Karakoram Highway
Situated at a high altitude between countries known to have political tremors, there are quite a few pointers you must consider while doing this ride,which could help you enjoy the scenery while you remain safe.
Fuel
Now, the length of Karakoram highway is around 1300 kms. National Highway 35, or N-35 as it is known, extends from Hasan Abdal in the Punjab province of Pakistan, passes through the picturesque Gilgit- Baltistan region and crosses into China until it ends as China National Highway 314 in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region. Naturally, you will need to make fuel stops on the way but is recommended that you carry additional fuel with you, just in case. The availability of fuel on the way won’t be a concern, what would be a concern though is the high price at which it is sold by locals. Yes, red- tapism exists on the Karakoram. The wisest thing to do would be to carry fuel with you for emergency situations only while you use the legit petrol stations on the way.
Karakoram Highway near Juglot | Credit: Shakeelgilgity – Wikipedia / CCBY Accommodation and Food
On the way, you would come across plenty of options for food and accommodation. From roadside eateries to hotels, there isn’t a scarcity as such. What needs to be kept in mind though is the distance between the cities/ villages that come on the way. On your route map, you could plan and mark all the villages you’ll need to stop for a tummy refill after considering your average speed and distance. Since the region is cold and mountainous, just keep aside a good stock of chocolates and dry fruits, just in case you need them!
Weather Conditions
The Himalayan weather and terrain are unforgiving. Threats of landslides, immediate climate change probabilities, overflowing rivers loom largely over the area. During snowfall from November to May, many high altitude areas of the pass are closed like the highest Khunjerab pass that lies at an altitude of 16000 feet. Therefore, the most ideal time to ride on this marvel would be in the Himalayan summer, that is between May and October. On the Pakistan side of the road where the highway extends into the mainland and away from the Himalayas, temperatures in May can soar up to 45 Degrees Centigrade. In July, there is rainfall in some of the regions on the way which again is a catalyst for landslides. All I can say is that just be prepared for any kind of weather condition and have enough stock of food, water and fuel with you. Also, converse with the locals at restaurants or fuel stations who could give you a quick update of the weather if they’ve got one!
Jingle truck in Karakoram Highway Passu in Pakistan | Credit: katorisi – Wikimedia Commons / CC BY Documentation / Border Crossing
On the Pakistan side of the highway, you will need your driving license, carnet, passport and Visa documents. To cross over to China though, you need the same set of documents, along with a Chinese driving license that you need to get done. Not only that, to ride in China, you will need to hire a government appointed guide at the border which is very expensive as you’ll have to pay him for his services and his jeep. There is no other option but to hire a guide and ride in China, else you’ll have to head back to Pakistan. Many overlanders prefer to head back to Pakistan due to exorbitant guide charges in China.
Politics and Road Conditions
Political conditions in the region of Pakistan are fragile and unpredictable hence it is highly advised to stay updated on a regular basis. The best source of information is the locals and the local authorities. While riding around the mountain regions too, the Karakoram highway is located in area where three countries share their borders with each other- Pakistan, India and China and their relations with India are not what one would call ‘friendly’. Avoid wandering off towards the mountains or far away from the main highway, especially in areas like SWAT valley and tribal areas near the Pakistan- Afghanistan border as they are known for trouble.
The road condition of the highway in question seems excellent but with the weather being unpredictable, be prepared to come across bad patches and road work operations. The tarred roads don’t usually sustain snow and break apart easily, therefore riding in the season just after the snow has been cleared could consume more time due to a drop in your average speed.
Landslide on Karakoram Highway | Credit: Gert Wrigge – Wikimedia Commons / CC BY Advice & Inspiration for Motorcycle Touring in Pakistan
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Feature image credit: Jialiang Gao / CCBY
