Karakoram Highway: From Gilgit to Islamabad via Besham, Dasu

Islamabad to gilgit or gilgit to Islamabad
Journey Overview: Gilgit → Besham → Islamabad
• Distance: ~800–900 km (depends on exact route)
• Travel Time: 12–14 hours by road (excluding tourist stops)
• Route: Karakoram Highway (KKH), one of the highest paved roads in the world
• Challenges: Rugged terrain, possible landslides, and road maintenance delays


Key Stopovers & Tourist Highlights

Mansehra – Shangla – Battagram
• Green valleys, local markets, and rural life of KPK.
• Shangla Pass: A scenic mountain crossing with panoramic views.


Besham
• First major town when entering the mountain belt from Islamabad side.
• Riverside views of the Indus River
• Small bazaars and basic but comfortable accommodation.
• Good point for tea/lunch stop before climbing into higher altitudes.

Chilas
• Ancient Buddhist Rock Carvings: Thousands of years old petroglyphs along the Indus.
• Thalichi Viewpoint: Iconic spot for Nanga Parbat views.
• Three Mountain Ranges Junction: The meeting point of Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Himalaya ranges.
• Astore Point: Gateway towards Astore Valley and Rama Lake.
• Skardu Point: Route turning point for Skardu via Jaglot–Skardu Road.


Gilgit
• Kargah Buddha: Ancient rock carving on a cliffside.
• Gilgit Suspension Bridge: One of Asia’s longest pedestrian bridges.
• Danyore Tunnel: Narrow, hand-carved tunnel—an adventure in itself.


Hunza Valley (Optional Detour from Gilgit)
• Baltit & Altit Forts: Historic forts with panoramic valley views.
• Attabad Lake: Stunning turquoise lake formed after a landslide.
• Passu Cones: Dramatic, pointed peaks.
• Hussaini Suspension Bridge: Known as one of the world’s most thrilling footbridges.


Sost & Khunjerab Pass (Further North)
• Sost: Last Pakistani town before China; famous for its dry fruits and markets.
• Khunjerab Pass:
• World’s highest paved international border (4,693 m)
• Chance to spot snow leopards, ibex, and marmots
• Known for the highest ATM in the world

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