Karakoram Highway (KKH)

The Karakoram Highway (KKH), also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, is one of the highest paved roads in the world. Stretching approximately 1,300 kilometers (810 miles), it connects Hasan Abdal in the Punjab province of Pakistan with Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. The construction of this engineering marvel began in 1959 and was completed in 1979, though it was opened to the public only in 1986 after extensive renovations.
Running through the majestic Karakoram mountain range, the KKH traverses some of the world's tallest peaks and most rugged terrains, reaching its highest point at Khunjerab Pass, which is 4,693 meters (15,397 feet) above sea level. The highway is not just a critical transport route; it also serves as a significant geopolitical link between China and Pakistan, promoting trade and tourism.
The Karakoram Highway is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and is a popular route for adventure tourists, offering unique views of towering peaks, including several over 8,000 meters, such as K2, the second highest mountain on Earth. However, traveling the KKH can be treacherous due to its high altitude, steep inclines, and the risk of landslides and avalanches, making it a route as challenging as it is stunning.
Despite its dangers, the KKH remains a symbol of friendship between China and Pakistan and a testament to human persistence and engineering prowess, attracting thousands of visitors and adventurers every year to experience its awe-inspiring landscapes.