Karakorum Highway (KKH) - The Silk Route

The Karakoram Highway 805 kilometers dual carriage all weather road – connecting Rawalpindi/Islamabad with China’s Xinjiang province is the Northern Areas link to the rest of Pakistan. KKH starts from Havelian and winds through Abbottabad-Mansehra-Thakot-Besham-Pattan-Sazin-Chilas-Gilgit-Hunza to the Chinese Frontier across the 4,733 metres high Khunjerab Pass. The road built by the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) of Pakistan Army in association with the Chinese experts and technicians has been described as a marvel of civil engineering and even as "the Eighth Wonder of the World." Completed in 15 years (1962- 78), it has been forced through some of the world’s toughest terrain. The road not only opens up the Northern Areas to trade and travel but also provides easy access to hitherto closed regions, connected by jeep, car or goat tracks.).

Apart from its strategic importance, KKH is also historically significant since it follows closely that segment of the ancient silk route, which passed through the Gilgit- Baltistan. The Silk Route connected Europe, Central Asia, China, Northern Areas and India. It was not only a major trading route but was also used by pilgrims and explorers for travelling to India, China and Central Asia.        Buddhist monks from India spread the teachings of Buddhism in China and South East Asia through the Silk Route “The Eighth Wonder of the World”. Completed in 15 years,.