Sight & Sounnds

Khunjerab Pass

The Khunjerab Pass, at 4,693 meters (15,395 feet), is the highest metalled highway pass in the world. The pass was opened in 1982 for trade between China and Pakistan. However, for tourists it was opened on May 1, 1986.  The  pass connects Pakistan with Kashgar region of Sinkiang Province. The Chinese border station is fifty kilometers away.

The name comes from the Wakhi word "Khoun means  'Blood' and 'Jerav' means 'Valley'. The scenery is remarkably different on both sides of the pass. The Pakistani side depicts a vertical world of desert-gorges devoid of any sign of human life for about 30 kilometers (19 miles), except for the road itself. The Chinese side is a wide- open, grassy high-altitude plateau with grazing herds of yaks, sheep and goats tended by Tajik herders. Children and dogs, romp among round felt tents called Yurts. Both side of the border is the home of Wakhi people.

Due to heavy snow the pass remains close during winter November to Feburary. The Pakistani Security post Dih is some 50 km from the pass and the Custom and Immigration Post is about 85 km from the top. This pass is becoming a very busy trade route between Pakistan and China. From June 2006 both countries started direct bus services from Gilgit to Kashgar. During previous times the bus service was only from Sost. The pass will resume more importance after the widening of the KKH which will start from 2007. Chinese engineers are doing the surveys.

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