Khunjerab National Park is one of the most remarkable protected mountain areas in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Located in the high-altitude Khunjerab region of Hunza District, the park surrounds the route leading toward Khunjerab Pass, the famous Pakistan-China border crossing.
The park is known for its rugged Karakoram landscape, high-altitude plains, glaciers, snow-covered mountains and rare wildlife. It is particularly important for the conservation of the Marco Polo sheep and other species adapted to the harsh mountain environment.
For tourists, Khunjerab National Park is not simply a place to stop before reaching the border. The drive through the park is one of the most spectacular sections of the Karakoram Highway.
Where Is Khunjerab National Park?
Khunjerab National Park is located in Hunza District, Gilgit-Baltistan, in the far north of Pakistan.
It extends around the high-altitude Khunjerab region and the route toward Khunjerab Pass.
The main tourist route is:
Karimabad → Attabad Lake → Gulmit → Passu → Sost → Khunjerab National Park → Khunjerab Pass
Sost is the major settlement immediately before the high-altitude journey into the park.
How to Reach Khunjerab National Park
The park is primarily accessed through the Karakoram Highway.
From Hunza, the route is:
Karimabad → Attabad Lake → Gulmit → Hussaini → Passu → Sost → Khunjerab National Park
From Sost, travellers continue north toward Khunjerab Pass.
The road itself is one of the major attractions because it passes through increasingly rugged and elevated terrain.
Khunjerab National Park From Islamabad
Visitors travelling from Islamabad should plan a multi-day journey.
A typical route is:
Islamabad → Chilas → Gilgit → Hunza → Karimabad → Attabad → Gulmit → Passu → Sost → Khunjerab National Park
Trying to travel this entire route in a single day is impractical.
A proper itinerary allows travellers to stop at major attractions along the way.
Khunjerab National Park From Karimabad
From Karimabad, travellers follow the Karakoram Highway north.
The journey includes:
Karimabad → Attabad Lake → Gulmit → Hussaini → Passu → Sost → Khunjerab National Park
Visitors can spend several days exploring these destinations before reaching the park.
Why Is Khunjerab National Park Important?
The park is important for both tourism and conservation.
Its high-altitude ecosystem provides habitat for wildlife adapted to some of the harshest conditions in the Karakoram.
The region is particularly associated with:
- Marco Polo sheep
- Himalayan ibex
- Blue sheep
- Marmots
- Snow leopard habitat
- High-altitude birds
The park also protects an important mountain landscape around one of Pakistan’s most famous international road corridors.
History of Khunjerab National Park
Khunjerab National Park was established to protect the unique wildlife and high-altitude environment of the Khunjerab region.
The area has long been important because of its location along mountain routes connecting the northern areas of Pakistan with the region beyond the Karakoram.
The construction and development of the Karakoram Highway later made the area considerably more accessible.
Today, conservation and tourism exist alongside the region’s strategic transportation importance.
The Meaning of a National Park Here
Khunjerab is not simply a scenic mountain road.
It is a protected ecosystem.
This means visitors should treat the area differently from an ordinary roadside sightseeing location.
Wildlife, vegetation and natural habitats should not be disturbed.
Tourists should follow applicable park regulations and local instructions.
Khunjerab National Park and Khunjerab Pass
Khunjerab Pass is the most famous destination within this high-altitude travel corridor.
The journey is:
Sost → Khunjerab National Park → Khunjerab Pass
As the road climbs, the landscape becomes increasingly sparse and dramatic.
The final destination is the international border between Pakistan and China.
Khunjerab National Park and the Karakoram Highway
The Karakoram Highway provides the main road access through the region.
This makes the journey particularly interesting because visitors can experience a combination of:
Engineering + wildlife + high mountains + international geography + remote landscapes
The road becomes an attraction in its own right.
Wildlife of Khunjerab National Park
Wildlife is one of the most important reasons for protecting this area.
The park and surrounding mountains provide habitat for several species.
Marco Polo Sheep
The Marco Polo sheep is perhaps the most famous animal associated with Khunjerab.
These wild sheep are adapted to high-altitude environments.
They are an important conservation symbol for the region.
Himalayan Ibex
Ibex are also associated with the mountain environment.
They are well adapted to steep rocky terrain.
Blue Sheep
Blue sheep, also known as bharal, occur in high mountain ecosystems of the wider region.
Marmots
Marmots can sometimes be seen in suitable high-altitude areas.
Snow Leopard
The greater Karakoram ecosystem provides habitat for the elusive snow leopard.
Seeing one during a normal tourist trip is extremely unlikely, but its presence demonstrates the ecological value of the region.
Can You See Marco Polo Sheep?
It is possible, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Wild animals move across large areas and may remain far from the road.
Visitors should never chase, feed or approach them.
A knowledgeable local guide can improve the chances of understanding the landscape and identifying wildlife.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife activity depends on species, season and weather.
Summer can provide more accessible conditions for road-based sightseeing.
Early morning may offer better opportunities for observing animals before human activity increases.
However, wildlife sightings remain unpredictable.
Landscape of Khunjerab National Park
The scenery is very different from the lower Hunza Valley.
The park features:
- High mountain plateaus
- Rocky peaks
- Snow-covered mountains
- Glacial valleys
- Sparse vegetation
- Dry mountain slopes
- Wide open landscapes
The absence of dense vegetation creates enormous views across the Karakoram.
The High-Altitude Environment
The park lies at very high elevation.
This creates a harsh environment with:
- Low temperatures
- Strong sunlight
- Thin air
- Rapid weather changes
- Limited vegetation
Visitors should prepare accordingly.
Khunjerab National Park for Foreign Tourists
For international travellers, the park offers a rare combination of mountain scenery and wildlife.
Foreign visitors may particularly appreciate:
- Karakoram landscapes
- High-altitude wildlife
- Pakistan-China border geography
- Karakoram Highway
- Mountain conservation
- Remote communities
The experience is very different from conventional city-based tourism in Pakistan.
Khunjerab National Park for Photographers
The park is an excellent destination for landscape photography.
Potential subjects include:
- Mountain ranges
- Wildlife
- Karakoram Highway
- Snowfields
- Glaciers
- Mountain valleys
- Roadside scenery
- Border landscapes
A telephoto lens is useful for wildlife photography because animals should be photographed from a safe distance.
Khunjerab National Park for Nature Lovers
Nature enthusiasts can spend time observing the changing landscape.
Rather than rushing directly to Khunjerab Pass, travellers can take time to appreciate:
- Mountain formations
- Wildlife habitats
- Glacial terrain
- High-altitude vegetation
- Geological features
A slow scenic drive provides a much better experience than treating the park simply as a route to the border.
Khunjerab National Park for Families
Families can visit the park as part of a private Hunza and Khunjerab road trip.
However, the high elevation requires careful planning.
Children should remain supervised, particularly near roads, steep areas and wildlife.
Families should also carry warm clothing even when travelling during summer.
Khunjerab National Park for Couples
Couples can include the park as part of a scenic Upper Hunza itinerary.
A suitable route is:
Passu → Sost → Khunjerab National Park → Khunjerab Pass
The journey provides dramatic landscapes throughout the day.
Khunjerab National Park and Sost
Sost is the main practical stop before entering the high-altitude Khunjerab region.
A comfortable itinerary is:
Passu → Sost → overnight → Khunjerab National Park → Khunjerab Pass
This avoids rushing the entire journey from central Hunza.
Khunjerab National Park and Passu
Passu is one of the most important attractions south of Sost.
Travellers can create a route including:
Gulmit → Hussaini → Passu Cones → Passu → Sost → Khunjerab National Park
This combines cultural tourism, mountain photography and wildlife landscapes.
Khunjerab National Park and Borith Lake
Borith Lake is farther south in Gojal.
A broader itinerary can include:
Borith Lake → Hussaini → Passu → Sost → Khunjerab National Park
This is useful for visitors who want to explore several Upper Hunza attractions.
Khunjerab National Park and Gulmit
Gulmit is another important stop in Gojal.
The route is:
Gulmit → Hussaini → Passu → Sost → Khunjerab National Park
Gulmit provides a cultural experience before the journey moves into the more remote high-altitude environment.
Khunjerab National Park and Attabad Lake
Attabad Lake is one of the most famous attractions in central Hunza.
A complete journey can follow:
Karimabad → Attabad Lake → Gulmit → Passu → Sost → Khunjerab National Park
This creates a comprehensive Hunza-to-Khunjerab road trip.
Best Time to Visit Khunjerab National Park
Spring
Lower sections of Hunza begin to become greener while the high mountains remain snowy.
Access to the highest sections can vary.
Summer
Summer is generally the most popular tourism season.
Road conditions are usually more favourable, but weather can change rapidly.
Autumn
Autumn can provide excellent visibility and dramatic mountain scenery.
Winter
Winter brings severe cold and snowfall.
Road access can be affected, so current local information is essential.
How Long Should You Spend in Khunjerab National Park?
Most tourists experience the park during their journey toward Khunjerab Pass.
However, nature lovers and photographers may prefer a slower itinerary with additional time for observation.
A practical plan is to allocate a substantial portion of the day to the entire:
Sost → Khunjerab National Park → Khunjerab Pass → Sost
journey.
What to Carry
For a trip through Khunjerab National Park, carry:
- Warm jacket
- Thermal clothing
- Gloves
- Warm hat
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water
- Snacks
- Camera
- Power bank
- Required travel documents
Do not rely on the temperature in Karimabad to judge the conditions at Khunjerab.
What to Wear
Layered clothing is the safest approach.
A practical combination is:
Base layer + warm layer + windproof outer layer
Carry gloves and a hat even during summer.
The high-altitude environment can be much colder than lower Hunza.
Altitude Considerations
Khunjerab National Park includes extremely high areas.
Visitors travelling rapidly from lower elevations may experience altitude-related symptoms.
Possible symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
Do not ignore severe symptoms.
If someone becomes seriously unwell, stop ascending and seek appropriate medical assistance.
Is Khunjerab National Park Safe?
The park is a major tourism destination, but it remains a remote mountain environment.
Visitors should take precautions around:
- Steep terrain
- Mountain roads
- Wildlife
- Cold weather
- High altitude
- Changing weather
- Remote areas
Always follow instructions from local authorities, park officials and experienced tour operators.
Responsible Wildlife Tourism
The most important rule is simple:
Observe wildlife without interfering with it.
Visitors should never:
- Feed animals
- Chase animals
- Attempt to touch wildlife
- Throw objects
- Block animals’ paths
- Leave food waste behind
A responsible approach helps preserve the park’s ecosystem.
Responsible Tourism and Environment
The high-altitude landscape is fragile.
Visitors should:
- Take rubbish with them.
- Avoid single-use waste where possible.
- Stay on permitted routes.
- Avoid damaging plants.
- Respect wildlife.
- Follow park regulations.
- Respect local communities.
Is Khunjerab National Park Worth Visiting?
Yes.
For travellers interested in nature, wildlife and dramatic landscapes, the park is one of the most significant destinations in northern Pakistan.
Its greatest attraction is the combination of:
Wildlife + high-altitude landscape + Karakoram Highway + Khunjerab Pass
It is an essential stop on a comprehensive Upper Hunza itinerary.
Suggested One-Day Khunjerab National Park Tour
Early Morning
Leave Sost.
Morning
Enter the high-altitude Khunjerab region.
Midday
Continue toward Khunjerab Pass, with scenic and permitted stops along the route.
Afternoon
Begin the return journey toward Sost.
Evening
Return to Sost or continue south depending on the itinerary.
Suggested Two-Day Khunjerab National Park Tour
Day 1
Gulmit → Hussaini → Passu → Sost
Stay overnight.
Day 2
Sost → Khunjerab National Park → Khunjerab Pass → Sost
This is one of the most practical options for travellers.
Suggested Three-Day Upper Hunza Wildlife Tour
Day 1
Karimabad → Attabad Lake → Gulmit → Passu
Day 2
Passu → Passu Cones → Sost
Day 3
Sost → Khunjerab National Park → Khunjerab Pass → return
This itinerary combines landscapes, local culture and wildlife observation.
Flexible Khunjerab National Park Tour Options
Option 1: Short Wildlife Road Trip
Sost → Khunjerab National Park → return
Suitable for travellers staying in Sost.
Option 2: Khunjerab Pass and National Park
Sost → Khunjerab National Park → Khunjerab Pass → Sost
The best option for first-time visitors.
Option 3: Passu + Sost + Khunjerab
Passu → Sost → Khunjerab National Park → Khunjerab Pass
Suitable for short Upper Hunza trips.
Option 4: Gojal Wildlife Journey
Gulmit → Borith Lake → Hussaini → Passu → Sost → Khunjerab National Park
Suitable for nature and photography enthusiasts.
Option 5: Complete Upper Hunza Tour
Karimabad → Attabad Lake → Gulmit → Borith Lake → Passu → Sost → Khunjerab National Park → Khunjerab Pass
Suitable for international visitors and first-time travellers.
Option 6: Customized Wildlife & Photography Tour
A customized itinerary can combine:
Hunza → Gojal → Passu → Sost → Khunjerab National Park → Khunjerab Pass
with flexible hotel stays, private transport, rental jeeps and additional photography stops.
Plan Your Khunjerab National Park Tour With PakJourney
Planning to explore Khunjerab National Park, Sost, Khunjerab Pass and Upper Hunza?
@PakJourney can help organize a flexible northern Pakistan tour based on your travel dates, group size and budget.
Services can include:
- Khunjerab National Park tours
- Khunjerab Pass tours
- Sost tours
- Passu Valley tours
- Passu Cones sightseeing
- Passu Glacier visits
- Hussaini Suspension Bridge trips
- Borith Lake tours
- Gulmit Valley tours
- Attabad Lake tours
- Hunza hotel booking
- Rental jeeps
- Private transportation
- Family tours
- Couple tours
- Photography tours
- Wildlife-focused trips
- Customized Hunza itineraries
For tour planning, hotel booking and rental jeep arrangements, contact PakJourney at 0300-5673567.
PakJourney — Discover the wildlife, mountains and spectacular high-altitude landscapes of Khunjerab National Park.