Khunjerab Pass connects Pakistan and China. The border is situated at the Khunjerab Top, which we intended to visit in September 2019. This 800 km journey would have taken us through scenic locations like Naran, Babusar, Chilas, Gilgit, Hunza, and Khunjerab National Park.
We journeyed through the night, reaching Naran in the morning where we decided to take our car to the lake Saif-ul-Muluk. The track is for 4×4 jeeps and taking a car is not at all recommended. We enjoyed the tranquility of the early morning, capturing the lake’s beauty without the usual crowds. It was too early and there were no tourists, just the way I like. Tourists started arriving some time later.
After a leisurely stay by the lake, we returned to Naran and set off for Babusar Pass. Along the way, we paused to admire the scenic River Kunhar, its shallow waters inviting a short walk. We also made brief stops at Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top. Unfortunately, our plans were disrupted at Babusar Top when our brakes malfunctioned while I took a small nap. This was just before were about to embark on a 50 km long, steep descent to Chillas. The local authorities enforce a mandatory 15-minute break for all vehicles to cool their brakes. Given my experience with brake failures, I volunteered to drive the remaining distance. We carefully navigated the descent in low gear, eventually arriving safely in Gilgit. First thing in the morning we took care of the breaks and gave the car a nice wash.
Our next destination was Hunza, where we spent the night. During the night we cooked food in our room, and also walked around in Hunza.
The following morning, we headed towards the Khunjerab Pass border. En route, we paused at the newly formed Attabad Lake. Khunjerab is a national park, similar to Deosai, and an entrance fee is required. Additionally, cooking or open fires are prohibited within the park. Park officials noticed our cooking equipment and kindly reminded us of the rule, though we had no intention of using it. I brought my Hummer mountain bike, which I enjoyed riding around the Khunjerab Pass. Interestingly, the world’s highest ATM is located at the Khunjerab Pass. The area is also home to various wildlife, including Yaks and Markhors.
On our way back from Khunjerab Pass, we stopped at the town of Sust for dinner. Sust is a dry port, where trucks from China bring in a variety of goods. We enjoyed a local specialty, Yak meat, for our evening meal.
We spent the night in Hunza, and next morning we went to see the Hussaini Bridge located in Passu. You can see the famous Passu cons in the backgound.
After spending some time at Hussaini, we went up the mountain to see Borith lake. We spent some nice time at a hotel/resort next to the lake who’s owner was a great guy.
Borith lake was a stop-by. We were going for the Passu glacier view point, which was further ahead. We spent some time there, and turned back towards Hunza. My friends drove down the car, while I took the bike.
Finally, we came back to Hunza where we wondered around, had Yak’s soup in dinner, visiting local markets, forts, Attabad lake again and then we returned to Islamabad.
