Overview — The Highest International Border Crossing on Earth
Khunjerab National Park occupies the northernmost tip of Pakistan — a vast, high-altitude plateau at the convergence of the Karakoram Range and the Pamir Mountains, on the border with China’s Xinjiang Autonomous Region. Established in 1975 and covering approximately 2,269 square kilometers, the park sits at elevations ranging from 2,600 to over 6,000 meters, with most visitor areas between 4,000 and 5,200 meters.
The Khunjerab Pass — at 4,693 meters — is the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the northern terminus of the Karakoram Highway (KKH). This combination — a major international highway, a high-altitude wildlife sanctuary, spectacular Pamir-Karakoram scenery, and an international land border — makes Khunjerab National Park a uniquely compelling destination at the extreme northern edge of Pakistan.
Wildlife of Khunjerab National Park
| Animal | Conservation Status | Best Viewing Season | Typical Habitat | Viewing Difficulty |
| Snow Leopard | Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) | Winter (Dec–Mar) | Rocky slopes 3,500–5,500m | Extremely difficult — patience and local tracker essential |
| Marco Polo Sheep | Near Threatened | Summer–Autumn (Jun–Oct) | High alpine meadows 4,000–5,500m | Moderate — frequently seen near road |
| Himalayan Ibex | Least Concern | Year-round | Steep rocky terrain 2,500–4,500m | Easy — commonly seen on cliffs above road |
| Brown Bear | Vulnerable | Spring–Autumn (Apr–Oct) | Lower elevations 2,500–3,500m | Difficult — rare sighting |
| Himalayan Lynx | Least Concern | Winter | Forest and scrub terrain | Very difficult |
| Golden Eagle | Least Concern | Year-round | Open sky above cliffs and meadows | Easy — regularly seen soaring |
| Bar-headed Goose | Least Concern | Spring–Autumn | High-altitude lakes and rivers | Easy during migration — spectacular flocks |
The Snow Leopard — Why Khunjerab Is Pakistan’s Best Place to Try
The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is the apex predator of the Karakoram and the symbol of Khunjerab National Park. Pakistan’s total snow leopard population is estimated at 200–400 individuals across all mountain ranges, with a significant portion in GB. Camera trap research by WWF Pakistan and the Snow Leopard Trust has confirmed regular snow leopard activity throughout Khunjerab National Park — including near the main road corridor used by visitors.
The species is famously cryptic: its pale spotted coat is extraordinarily effective camouflage against the grey and brown rock of its habitat. Even experienced wildlife guides who spend months in the park may go entire seasons without a confirmed sighting. Visitors who hire a local tracker, spend multiple days in the park, and visit in winter (when snow leopards descend following Marco Polo sheep herds) have the best — though still not guaranteed — chance.
Visitor Information & Practical Details
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Gojal (upper Hunza district), northern GB — 145 km from Karimabad |
| Distance from Karimabad | ~145 km (2.5–3 hours by road) |
| Distance from Gilgit | ~265 km (4–5 hours by road) |
| Best season for visit | May–October (pass may close in bad weather even in summer) |
| Entry fee (2026) | PKR 600–1,000 per person; verify at Sost wildlife office |
| Permit for border zone | Required — obtain from Sost (on-the-spot for Pakistani; pre-arranged for foreigners) |
| Nearest accommodation | Sost (20 km south); Passu (50 km south); Karimabad (145 km) |
| Border crossing note | Khunjerab Pass border open seasonally; Pakistani and Chinese nationals with valid visas only |
| Altitude note | 4,693m at the pass — acclimatize before visiting; even mild exertion causes breathlessness |
