Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇵🇰 Sost
🇨🇳 Tashkurgan (Karakoram Highway, Khunjerab Pass)
Coordinates
36.85°N, 75.40°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (seasonal)
Wait Times
30-90 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (8-11 AM), summer
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~1500 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Urdu/Chinese
Currency Exchange
Available near Sost (PKR, CNY)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Busy, minimal crime
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Sost & Tashkurgan (Karakoram Highway, Khunjerab Pass)
The Highest Paved Border in the World
The border crossing connecting the area near Sost in Pakistan with Tashkurgan in China is the highest paved international border in the world. This is not just a border; it is the legendary Khunjerab Pass, the pinnacle of the Karakoram Highway, a journey into the “roof of the world.” To cross here is to travel a route of breathtaking beauty and incredible engineering, a passage through a landscape of towering, snow-capped peaks, vast glaciers, and the surreal, high-altitude desert of the Pamir Plateau. It is a crossing defined by its extreme altitude (4,693 meters or 15,397 feet), its stunning scenery, and its role as a modern-day Silk Road, a vital link in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan with the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. It is a major international crossing, but its operation is seasonal. The pass is generally open for vehicles from May 1st to December 31st and is closed during the winter due to heavy snow and icy conditions. It is essential to verify its operational status before travel. The border crossing procedure is split between two locations. The Pakistani checkpoint is in the town of Sost, while the Chinese checkpoint is about 120 kilometers from the actual border line, in the town of Tashkurgan. The pass itself is a remote, windswept spot marked by a ceremonial gate.
Before Crossing
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A History of the Karakoram Highway
The history of this crossing is the history of the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Built as a joint project between Pakistan and China from the 1960s to the 1980s, the KKH is often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” It is one of the highest paved roads on the planet, a marvel of engineering that was built at a tremendous human cost, with over a thousand workers losing their lives during its construction. The highway follows the ancient Silk Road, a network of trade routes that has connected China with the subcontinent for millennia. The opening of the Khunjerab Pass to regular traffic has transformed the remote and isolated regions of northern Pakistan and western China, bringing new economic opportunities and geopolitical significance.
The Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a complex, two-part, and often very slow process. If traveling from Pakistan to China, you will first complete exit formalities at the Pakistani immigration and customs office in Sost. You will then travel for several hours up the spectacular highway, through the Khunjerab National Park, to the actual border gate at the top of the pass. After crossing into China, you will drive for another two to three hours to the town of Tashkurgan, where the Chinese entry checkpoint is located. Here, you will undergo a rigorous and meticulous inspection by Chinese border police and customs. The process can take the entire day. Be prepared for detailed searches of your vehicle, luggage, and electronic devices. The same process applies in reverse.
The Surrounding Region: Pakistan Side
On the Pakistani side, the crossing is the culmination of the magnificent Karakoram Highway. The journey from the city of Gilgit to the border is one of the most spectacular road trips in the world, passing through the Hunza Valley, a place of legendary beauty, with its terraced fields, ancient forts (like Baltit and Altit), and the stunning Attabad Lake. The region is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world, including Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar. The Khunjerab National Park is home to rare wildlife, including the Marco Polo sheep and the snow leopard.
The Surrounding Region: China Side
On the Chinese side, the crossing is in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The town of Tashkurgan is the main center of the Tajik minority in China, a Farsi-speaking people who are known for their unique culture. The town has a historic stone fortress and is surrounded by the magnificent peaks of the Pamir and Kunlun mountains, including the stunning Muztagh Ata. The road from Tashkurgan leads to the historic city of Kashgar, a legendary oasis city on the Silk Road, with its bustling Sunday market and the historic Id Kah Mosque. The region is politically sensitive, and the security presence is very high.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning is absolutely essential for this route. The high altitude can cause severe altitude sickness. It is crucial to acclimatize properly. The official currencies are the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) in Pakistan and the Chinese Yuan (CNY) in China. You must have valid visas for both countries, obtained well in advance. Independent travel, especially with your own vehicle, can be very difficult and may require a licensed guide in China. The weather can be extreme and unpredictable, even in summer. Ensure you have warm clothing, food, and water.
Final Considerations
The Khunjerab Pass border crossing is a journey of a lifetime. It is a passage through a landscape of unparalleled scale and beauty. It is a route that requires careful preparation and a spirit of adventure but rewards the traveler with some of the most stunning mountain scenery on Earth. It is a journey on a modern marvel of engineering that follows the path of an ancient trade route. It is a border that is not just a line on a map, but the very roof of the world.