China–Hunza Overland Tour (Kashgar → Khunjerab → Hunza)
Overview
The overland dream: cross the Karakoram by road the way Silk Road caravans did, over the highest paved border on Earth. From Kashgar's ancient bazaars and Karakul Lake, through the Chinese customs at Tashkurgan, over Khunjerab into Pakistan's Gojal, then down through Passu, Attabad and Karimabad to Gilgit. We coordinate the Chinese-side operator, the border transfer at Khunjerab and the full Pakistan itinerary as one seamless trip. Popular with overlanders, Silk Road history travellers and cyclists/motorcyclists shipping their own machines.
Trip Highlights
- The full Kashgar–Hunza Silk Road crossing
- Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m) border transfer handled end-to-end
- Kashgar Old City, Sunday Market & Karakul Lake (China leg)
- Tashkurgan and the Pamir approach
- Complete Hunza circuit: Passu, Attabad, forts, Eagle's Nest
- Runs either direction; bike/motorbike shipping supported
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Kashgar (China) — arrival
Old City, Id Kah, the famous Sunday livestock market.
⛰ 1,290 m
Kashgar → Karakul Lake → Tashkurgan
Along the China–Pakistan Friendship Highway past Muztagh Ata.
⛰ 3,100 m
Tashkurgan → Khunjerab → Sost (Pakistan)
Chinese exit formalities, the border transfer, Pakistani immigration at Sost.
⛰ 2,800 m
Sost → Gulmit
Ease into Gojal; Passu Cones and Borith.
⛰ 2,500 m
Passu & upper Hunza
Glacier viewpoint, Hussaini Bridge, Attabad boating.
⛰ 2,850 m
Attabad → Karimabad
Move to central Hunza; bazaar evening.
⛰ 2,438 m
Hunza heritage day
Baltit and Altit Forts, Ganish, Eagle's Nest.
⛰ 2,850 m
Hopper Glacier / Nagar
The quieter valley.
⛰ 2,800 m
Karimabad → Gilgit
Junction Point; optional Naltar detour.
⛰ 1,500 m
Gilgit → Chilas
Begin the southern leg (or fly from Gilgit, at cost).
⛰ 1,265 m
Chilas → Islamabad
KKH south with Nanga Parbat viewpoint.
⛰ 540 m
Islamabad — depart
Airport transfer.
What’s Included
✔ Included
- Hotel accommodation (breakfast included)
- Private vehicle with experienced KKH driver
- All fuel, tolls and parking
- 24/7 WhatsApp support
- All applicable taxes
- China-side ground agent coordination
- Khunjerab border transfer logistics
- English-speaking guide (Pakistan leg)
- e-Visa support (Pakistan)
✖ Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Entry tickets to forts and attractions
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance
- China visa & China-side costs (quoted with partner)
- International flights
- Khunjerab entry fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a China visa?
Yes — the China leg needs a Chinese visa and is operated with our licensed China partner; we coordinate the itinerary but Chinese-side costs and visa are quoted separately.
Can I ship my motorbike or bicycle?
Yes — overland bike and motorbike crossings are a specialty; carnet and customs handling is arranged on both sides with advance notice.
When is the border open?
Khunjerab is generally open to through-traffic roughly May–November; exact dates follow the joint China–Pakistan schedule each year.
Is this tour completely private?
Yes — your own vehicle, your own driver and guide, and departure on any date you choose. No strangers, no fixed seats, and the daily plan flexes to your pace.
Can the trip begin at Gilgit Airport?
Yes — fly Islamabad to Gilgit (tickets booked at cost) and we start the itinerary from the airport, trimming the road days. A road backup is always planned in case mountain weather cancels the flight.
What happens if a domestic flight is cancelled?
Mountain weather cancels a share of Gilgit and Skardu flights, so every fly-based plan carries a costed road backup that activates automatically — you may lose a day, never the trip. Road-based itineraries are unaffected.
Is Khunjerab Pass included?
Yes — the itinerary includes a Khunjerab Pass day (4,693 m, China border), open roughly May to late November. In winter we substitute Naltar Valley snowscapes.
Which hotels are used?
Named properties are confirmed on your quote; expect well-reviewed standard hotels, with deluxe and luxury upgrades available at booking. See our Hotels page for the full 66-property partner list and per-night rates.
Is this package suitable for children?
Yes for school-age kids and up who enjoy walking; drive-instead options exist for most active days.
Is the tour suitable for senior travellers?
Yes with reasonable mobility — vehicle access covers nearly every highlight, walking is optional, and we pace days generously. Tell us about any conditions and we’ll adapt the plan.