Roads of Pakistan

Nestled between the grandeur of the Himalayas, the Karakorams, and the Hindu Kush mountain ranges, Pakistan offers road experiences that are both challenging and mesmerizing. Every turn can reveal landscapes that range from serene valleys to towering peaks, drawing both adventurers and nature lovers alike.

A particularly daunting road is the Fairy Meadows Road, often described as one of the most dangerous in the world, but equally rewarding with its pristine views. Then there's the lofty Babusar Pass, reaching an elevation of 4,179m, offering vistas that can literally take one's breath away. If you're looking for a test of your driving mettle, the road from Gilgit to Skardu will challenge even seasoned drivers with its rugged terrain, steep inclines, and hairpin bends. Meanwhile, the Lowari Pass, often termed the "Grand Daddy" of passes, presents its own set of challenges and awe-inspiring views.

While the Karakoram Highway stands as an emblem of engineering brilliance, linking Pakistan to China, the country's roads, like the picturesque journey through the Swat Valley or the winding paths of the Margalla Hills, offer a rich tapestry of experiences. Driving in Pakistan isn't just about navigating the terrain; it's about witnessing the juxtaposition of nature's raw power with the indomitable human spirit. But caution remains paramount, as the beauty of the roads is matched by their unpredictability. Always come prepared and respectful of the landscapes, and Pakistan promises a road journey unlike any other.

Fairy Meadows Road is a spectacular and perilous high mountain track located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. The unpaved road is completely unmaintained, with no guardrails to protect you, and it gets so narrow that near the end, you’ll have to cover the last section by walking or biking.

The Karakoram Highway (informally known as the KKH) is said to be the highest paved international road in the world, running between Western China and Pakistan. It's the road to paradise for those who love exploring the mountains, offering a once-in-a-lifetime road trip for adventure lovers.

Khunjerab Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,706m (15,439ft) above sea level, located on the border of Pakistan and China. It is said to be the highest border-crossing in the world and is the highest point on the Karakoram Highway.

Babusar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,179m (13,710ft) above sea level located on the boundary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces of Pakistan. It’s one of the most hairpinned roads in the world.

Neelum Valley Road is a spectacular and dangerous high mountain road located in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in the western portion of the larger Kashmir region, in Pakistan, running parallel to Kaghan Valley and the Line of Control (LOC).

Embark on a historical odyssey as we traverse the ancient arteries of South Asia, exploring the legendary Grand Trunk Road. Stretching over 2,400 km, this iconic route connects Kabul to Kolkata, winding through the heartlands of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Once known as Uttarāpatha in antiquity, the road has endured for over two millennia, witnessing the ebb and flow of civilizations. Join us on a journey through the bustling lanes, chaotic traffic, and rich history that define the Grand Trunk Road.

Located in Gilgit–Baltistan, in the northern portion of the larger Kashmir region of Pakistan, the road from Gilgit to Skardu is a very challenging drive.

Tucked away in the Gilgit district, in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, the Khaltaro Valley Road is one of the scariest roads ever. Imagine a narrow gravel road, very steep (up to 15%) with horrendous drops on both sides. Welcome to hell! Only the suicidal, the insane, or the paid-to-do-this should ever drive down.

Lowari Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,118m (10,230ft) above sea level, located in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan. It’s said to be the Grand Daddy of the passes. It is one of the most famous hairpinned roads in the world.

Shimshal Valley Road is a terrifying mountain drive located in Pakistan that tests both the skills of drivers and the endurance of their vehicles.

Bolan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.793m (5,884ft) above sea level located in Pakistan. The pass has been used as a gateway to and from South Asia.

Siri Paye is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,025m (9,924ft) above sea level, located in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s picturesque Fairy Meadows Road, leading to the base of the Nanga Parbat Mountain has been ranked as the second deadliest highway in an interactive map released recently.

Noori Top is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,949m (12,956ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Province and Azad Kashmir, in Pakistan.

Running along Pakistan's Arabian Sea coastline, the Makran Coastal Highway is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.

Pir Chinasi is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.900m (9,500ft) above sea level, located in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir region of Pakistan.

Khyber Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,070m (3,510ft) above the sea level, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The road through the pass is the main route between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Nathia Gali is a mountain resort town at an elevation of 2.450m (8,038ft) above the sea level, located in the Abbottabad District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in Pakistan.

Deosai Park Road is a very defiant drive located in the Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan province of Pakistan.

Burzil Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.210m (13,812ft) above the sea level, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan territory of Pakistan.

Located near the small town of Garhi Dupatta, in Muzaffarabad District, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan the Bailey bridge over the Jhelum river is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Built with a combination of iron rods and wood over the Gilgit River, the Alam Bridge is one of the scariest bridges in the world. The bridge linking Baltistan region to Gilgit and the rest of the country is about 300 metres in length.

Lalazar is a tourist spot at an elevation of 3.123m (10,246ft) above the sea level, located in Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the Pakistan. The road to the town tests the skill, and courage, of any driver. 

National Highway 15 (also called N-15) is the name of a scenic highway located on the boundary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces of Pakistan.

Astore Valley Road is the name of a very challenging drive located in the Gilgit-Baltistan territory of Pakistan.

Shandur Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.728m (12,230ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Chitral and Ghizer districts of Gilgit Baltistan, in Pakistan. Expect a rough gravel road and driving in 1st and 2nd gear only.

The road from Chitral to Parsan is one of the most freaking drives in the world. Located in the Parsan valley of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, the road is a nightmare for travelers. It’s literally blasted out of the side of the mountain and the smallest error can be fatal.

Ali Malik Mar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.082m (13,392ft) above the sea level, located in Skardu Gilgit-Baltistan province of Pakistan.

Kalash Valley Road is a very defiant road located in the northernmost district of Pakistan, Chitral district, near the Afghanistan border. It’s one of the most challenging roads of the country.

Saif ul Maluk is a beautiful, clear water lake with a slight green shade at an elevation of 3.224m (10,578ft) above the sea level, located in Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the Pakistan.

Attabad Lake tunnel is a series of 5 tunnels located in Gojal Valley, Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan, in Pakistan.

Nestled along the banks of the Swat River in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, the road journey from Bahrain to Kalam is an experience that lingers in memory. It's not for the faint-hearted.

Located in Gilgit-Baltistan, in Northern Areas of Pakistan, the Danyore Suspension Bridge is a 510-feet-long bridge connected to a 10-metre curve tunnel. Dubbed as “Pul-e-Sirat” (the bridge between heaven and hell), is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Naltar Lakes is the collective name for three lakes – Strangi Lake, Blue Lake, and Bodlok Lake – situated in the Gilgit District of the Gilgit–Baltistan territory of Pakistan. These lakes are inaccessible by vehicle during the winter season.

Badawi Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.523m (11,558ft) above the sea level, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Chanther Gali is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,558m (14,954ft) above sea level, located in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in the disputed Kashmir region of Pakistan. It's one of the highest roads in the country.