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,.
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