Breaking New Heights: Khunjerab Pass Sets Records with the Highest ATM and the Highest Point on the Karakoram Highway
Khunjerab Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located on the border between Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region and China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It's a strategic and historic passage that connects the two countries, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Interesting facts about Khunjerab Pass:
- Highest Paved Border Crossing: Khunjerab Pass holds the record for the highest paved international border crossing in the world, standing at an elevation of 4,693 meters (15,397 feet) above sea level.
- Engineering Marvel: The pass was constructed in the 1970s and 1980s, with Pakistan and China collaborating on the project. It's an impressive feat of engineering, considering the harsh terrain and extreme weather conditions.
- Scenic Beauty: Khunjerab Pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Karakoram mountain range, with snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and picturesque valleys.
- Wildlife: The pass is home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare and endangered Marco Polo sheep, snow leopards, and ibex.
- Trade and Tourism: Khunjerab Pass is an important trade route between Pakistan and China, with goods like textiles, carpets, and gemstones being exchanged. It's also a popular destination for tourists, offering trekking, hiking, and adventure opportunities.
- Climate: The pass experiences extreme weather conditions, with temperatures dropping to -50°C (-58°F) in winter and rising to 20°C (68°F) in summer.
- Accessibility: The pass is open from April to November, depending on weather conditions. Visitors can travel by car, bus, or bike, but must obtain a permit and follow strict regulations.
Khunjerab Pass is an extraordinary destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and adventure opportunities.
Khunjerab Pass (elevation 4,693 metres or 15,397 feet) is a high mountain pass in the Karakoram Mountains in a strategic position on the northern border of Pakistan (Region of Gilgit–Baltistan’s Hunza and Nagar Districts) and on the southwest border of China (the Xinjiang region)
Coordinates : 36°51′00″N 75°25′40″E
Wildlife Wonderland: Khunjerab National Park, a Sanctuary for the Elusive Snow Leopard
Snow leopard, an endangered species, is found in the Khunjerab National Park.
Its name is derived from two words of the local Wakhi language : 'Khun' means Blood and 'Jerav' means a creek coming from spring water falling.
A Roadmap to Cooperation: Khunjerab Pass Emerges as a Symbol of Sino-Pakistani Collaboration
The Khunjerab Pass is the highest-paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway.
The roadway across the pass was completed in 1982, and has superseded the unpaved Mintaka and Kilik Passes as the primary passage across the Karakoram Range.
The choice of Khunjerab Pass for Karakoram Highway was decided in 1966: China citing the fact that Mintaka would be more susceptible to air strikes recommended the steeper Khunjerab Pass instead.
On the Pakistani - administered side, the pass is 42 km (26 mi) from the National Park station and checkpoint in Dih, 75 km (47 mi) from the customs and immigration post in Sost, 270 km (170 mi) from Gilgit, and 870 km (540 mi) from Islamabad.
On the Chinese side, the pass is the southwest terminus of China National Highway 314 (G314) and is 130 km (81 mi) from Tashkurgan, 420 km (260 mi) from Kashgar and some 1,890 km (1,170 mi) from Urumqi.
The Chinese port of entry is located 3.5 km (2.2 mi) along the road from the pass in Tashkurgan County.
The long, relatively flat pass is often snow-covered during the winter season and as a consequence is generally closed for heavy vehicles from November 30 to May 1 and for all vehicles from December 30 to April 1.
The Reconstructed Karakoram Highway passes thru Khunjerab Pass
Since June 1, 2006, there has been a daily bus service across the boundary from Gilgit to Kashgar, Xinjiang.
Border Crossing Made Easy: Signpost Helps Motorists Adapt to New Traffic Rules
A helpful road-sign giving motorists a perspective about the distances of the area from several cities in Pakistan.
This is one of the international borders where left-hand traffic (Pakistan - administered Gilgit-Baltistan) changes to right-hand traffic (China) and vice versa.
A Railway to the Roof of the World: Khunjerab Pass Considered for China-Pakistan Transport Link
It has the highest ATM in the world on the Pakistani side from the National Bank of Pakistan.
In 2007, consultants were engaged to investigate the construction of a railway through this pass to connect China with transport in Pakistani-administered Gilgit-Baltistan.
A feasibility study started in November 2009 for a line connecting Havelian 750 km (466 mi) away in Pakistan and Kashgar 350 km (217 mi) in Xinjiang.
However no progress has been made thereafter and this project is also not part of the current CPEC plan.
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