Gilgit-Baltistan sits where the Karakoram, the western Himalaya and the Hindu Kush meet, and its mountain passes are the reason travel here has always been seasonal. A handful can be driven in an ordinary car in summer; a few need a jeep; the highest are for trekkers only, crossed on foot with a guide and porters. This guide sets out the main ones, how high they are, and roughly when each one opens.
| Pass | Altitude | Type | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khunjerab Pass | 4,693 m | Paved road | May to November |
| Babusar Pass | About 4,170 m | Paved road | June to October |
| Burzil Pass | About 4,100 m | Jeep track | June to September |
| Shandur Pass | About 3,700–3,800 m | Paved road | May to November |
| Gondogoro La | 5,585 m | Trek only | Mid-June to late August |
Khunjerab Pass: the road to China
At 4,693 metres, Khunjerab is the highest paved international border crossing in the world, carrying the Karakoram Highway from upper Hunza into China. It is open to visitors roughly from early May to November, weather permitting, with June to September the most reliable window; the road can be kept open through winter for trade traffic, but that does not mean tourist access. We cover the drive, the checkpoint and altitude precautions in full in our Khunjerab Pass guide.
Babusar Pass: the back door from Kaghan
Babusar connects the Kaghan valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Chilas on the Karakoram Highway, and for many travellers driving north it is the more scenic alternative to the KKH through Besham. It sits at roughly 4,170 metres and is normally open from June to October, closing earlier than Khunjerab because it sees heavier snow. See our Babusar Pass guide for road condition and timing.
Burzil Pass: Astore to Minimarg
Burzil, at around 4,100 metres, is the historic route linking Astore with Minimarg and on towards Kashmir, and marks the old road once used between Gilgit and Srinagar. It is a rough jeep track rather than a sealed road, at its best from June to September, and is usually snowbound outside that window. It is less visited than Khunjerab or Babusar and suits travellers already based in Astore rather than a special detour.
Shandur Pass: the polo ground at the top
Shandur, at roughly 3,700 to 3,800 metres, is the lowest of the major driveable passes and carries the road between Gilgit and Chitral over a wide, flat saddle that happens to be the world's highest polo ground. It is open longer in the season than the higher passes, typically from May into November, and is the route for the annual Shandur Polo Festival each July. Our Shandur Pass guide and Shandur Polo Festival guide cover the drive and the event.
Trek-only passes for experienced groups
A step above the driveable passes are a handful of high-altitude crossings that only trekkers reach, on foot, roped where needed, with a guide and porters:
- Gondogoro La (5,585 m) links the Baltoro Glacier below K2 to the Hushe valley, and is the classic finish to a K2 base camp trek for groups not retracing their steps. The short window is mid-June to late August, and it involves a steep, exposed descent on the Hushe side.
- Hispar La (about 5,150 m) crosses between the Hispar and Biafo glaciers on the long Snow Lake route between Hunza and Skardu, a multi-day glacier trek for experienced parties only.
- Chillinji Pass (about 4,940 m) connects the Chapursan valley in upper Hunza with Chitral's Yarkhun valley, an old trade route now used mainly by trekkers and shepherds.
None of these are for a first mountain trip. They need a registered guide, proper gear and, for some routes, several days of glacier travel with no easy way out if weather turns.
Which passes actually matter for your trip
Most visitors only need to think about one or two of these. If you are driving the Karakoram Highway to Hunza and on to Khunjerab, that pass is your destination in itself. If you are choosing a route north, Babusar versus the KKH through Besham is the real decision, covered in our Babusar Top vs KKH comparison. Shandur only matters if Chitral or the polo festival is on your itinerary, and Burzil and the trekking passes are relevant only if Astore or a Karakoram trek is part of the plan.
Whichever pass you are crossing by road, check current conditions locally before you set out. Snow, landslides and temporary closures are common even in season, and our travel guide has more on driving conditions across the north generally.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest driveable pass in Gilgit-Baltistan?
Khunjerab Pass, at 4,693 metres, is the highest paved road pass, and also the highest paved international border crossing in the world.
Can a normal car cross these passes?
Khunjerab, Babusar and Shandur are paved and manageable in an ordinary car in good summer conditions. Burzil is a rough jeep track and needs a 4x4. The high trekking passes cannot be crossed by any vehicle.
When do the mountain passes in Gilgit-Baltistan open?
Most open between May and June and close by October or November, depending on snowfall that year. Khunjerab and Shandur tend to have the longest season; Burzil and the trekking passes have the shortest.
Do I need a permit to cross these passes?
No special permit is needed for Pakistani nationals on Khunjerab, Babusar, Burzil or Shandur; foreign nationals need a valid Pakistani visa and, for Khunjerab, standard identity checks at the Dih checkpoint. Trekking passes require a registered guide but not a separate government permit for Pakistanis.
Which pass should I choose between Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan?
Shandur Pass is the direct road link and the scenic choice, especially in July when the polo festival is on. It is a long, remote drive, so allow a full day and check road status before setting out.
Is the Karakoram Highway route safe for overseas visitors?
Pakistani travellers use it all year, but as of September 2026 the UK government advises against all travel on the Karakoram Highway between Mansehra and Chilas, through Besham and Dasu. In summer the road over the Babusar Pass avoids that stretch. If you hold a foreign passport, check your own government's advice before you go, because travelling against it can void your insurance. Everyone should check local news and road conditions before setting out.
