Quetta to Khunjerab Pass Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Quetta to Khunjerab Pass – Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Air

Khunjerab Pass is Pakistan’s highest paved international border crossing, located at an altitude of 4,693 meters (15,397 feet). It marks the boundary between Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region and China’s Xinjiang province and is a key point on the historic Karakoram Highway (KKH). From Quetta, reaching Khunjerab Pass is an ambitious journey — stretching across deserts, plains, and finally ascending into the rugged Himalayas and Karakoram Range. Below is a complete guide on traveling from Quetta to Khunjerab Pass, including distance in kilometers and miles and travel options via road, train, and air.

Distance from Quetta to Khunjerab Pass

• By Road: Approximately 1,500 kilometers (about 932 miles)

• By Air (to Gilgit, then road): ~690 km air + ~270 km road

• By Train (to Rawalpindi, then road): ~1,580 kilometers** (about 982 miles)

Traveling from Quetta to Khunjerab Pass by Road

The road journey to Khunjerab Pass is long and demanding but immensely scenic. Starting from the dusty landscapes of Quetta, the route heads north, following the spine of the country along the N-5 and M-2 highways, before ascending the Karakoram Highway to reach the highest international border in the world.

Suggested Route:

• Quetta → Sukkur (via N-65): ~410 km

• Sukkur → Islamabad (via M-5 and M-2): ~780 km

• Islamabad → Gilgit → Hunza → Khunjerab Pass (via N-35 / Karakoram Highway): ~670 km

Total Distance: Around 1,500 kilometers

Estimated Duration:

• 36–42 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and stopovers

Recommended Stopovers:

• Islamabad or Rawalpindi

• Chilas or Gilgit

• Sost (last settlement before Khunjerab)

Safety and Road Tips:

• Khunjerab is closed during winter (usually Nov to April) due to heavy snowfall

• Carry CNIC and obtain necessary permits/checkpoint clearances for GB travel

• High-altitude area: be aware of altitude sickness near the pass

Traveling from Quetta to Khunjerab Pass by Train

Pakistan Railways does not extend into Gilgit-Baltistan, but a train can be taken from Quetta to Rawalpindi. The remainder of the journey must be completed by road.

Phase 1: Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train

• Train Route: Jaffar Express

• Distance: ~1,225 kilometers

• Estimated Time: 25–30 hours, depending on stops and delays

Phase 2: Rawalpindi to Khunjerab Pass by Road

• Route: Rawalpindi → Abbottabad → Besham → Chilas → Gilgit → Hunza → Sost → Khunjerab

• Distance: ~670 kilometers

• Time Required: 16–18 hours, considering elevation gain and terrain

Total Travel Time (Train + Road):

• 42–48 hours, depending on rest and weather conditions

Traveling from Quetta to Khunjerab Pass by Air

Air travel significantly shortens the first half of the journey. You’ll need to fly first to Islamabad, then to Gilgit, and continue by road.

Step 1: Quetta → Islamabad by Air

• Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours

• Airline: PIA operates seasonal flights

Step 2: Islamabad → Gilgit by Air

• Duration: About 1 hour

• Note: Flights are subject to weather; cancellations are frequent in winters or poor visibility

Step 3: Gilgit → Khunjerab Pass by Road

• Distance: Around 270 kilometers

• Travel Time: 6 to 8 hours, via Hunza, Gulmit, Passu, and Sost

Total Travel Time (Air + Road):

• 8–10 hours, under optimal conditions

What to Expect at Khunjerab Pass

• Highest Border Crossing: At nearly 4,700 meters, the air is thin and temperatures drop rapidly — even in summer

• China Gate: The iconic gate marking the China-Pakistan boundary is a favorite photo spot

• Snow and Ice: Even during June or July, patches of snow are often visible

• Pak-China Friendship Symbolism: Monumental signage and border facilities symbolize cross-border unity

• Wildlife: Occasionally, marmots and yaks are seen in the area

Seasonal Availability

• Open Season: May to October (subject to weather)

• Closed Season: Usually late November to April due to snowfall and blocked roads

Travel Advisory Notes

• Carry Warm Clothing: Temperatures can fall below freezing even in summer evenings

• Stay Hydrated and Ascend Slowly: Risk of altitude sickness increases above 3,000 meters

• Fuel and Food: Limited supply after Sost; best to fill up and stock before leaving Hunza

Conclusion

The journey from Quetta to Khunjerab Pass is not for the faint-hearted — it’s one of Pakistan’s longest overland travel experiences, yet undoubtedly one of the most spectacular. Traversing across deserts, plains, and some of the world’s highest highways, the trip reveals the vast beauty and topographical diversity of Pakistan.

Whether you choose to travel by road for the full adventure, take a train-road combination, or opt for a faster air-route hybrid, the final destination — the roof of Pakistan — makes every moment of the journey worthwhile.