The Karakoram Highway (KKH), often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," is an iconic roadway that stretches over 1,300 kilometers (about 810 miles) through the towering peaks of the Karakoram Range, connecting Pakistan and China. It is the highest paved international road in the world, peaking at the Khunjerab Pass at an elevation of 4,693 meters (15,397 feet).
### History
The construction of the Karakoram Highway began in 1959 and was completed in 1979, with the road officially opening to the public in 1986. This monumental engineering feat was a joint project between Pakistan and China, designed to enhance trade and strengthen bilateral relations. The construction process was arduous and perilous, involving more than 24,000 Pakistani and Chinese workers, many of whom lost their lives due to the treacherous conditions, landslides, and avalanches.
The KKH traces the ancient Silk Road, serving as a modern manifestation of the historic trade route that linked the East and West for centuries. The highway symbolizes not only a significant commercial corridor but also a cultural and historical bridge between the regions it traverses.
### Route and Cities
The Karakoram Highway begins in Hasan Abdal, a city in Pakistan's Punjab province. It then travels through the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, passing through several key cities and towns before reaching the Gilgit-Baltistan region and eventually crossing into China.
1. **Hasan Abdal**: The starting point of the KKH, known for its historic significance and proximity to the Buddhist site of Taxila.
2. **Abbottabad**: A picturesque city known for its pleasant weather, educational institutions, and historical significance.
3. **Mansehra**: A gateway to the Kaghan Valley, it is surrounded by lush green hills and serves as a base for tourists heading to the northern regions.
4. **Besha**m: A town on the banks of the Indus River, serving as a crucial rest stop for travelers on the KKH.
5. **Dasu**: The district headquarters of Kohistan, known for its rugged terrain and the ongoing construction of the Dasu Hydropower Project.
6. **Chilas**: Located along the Indus River, this town is a key stop on the KKH and is known for its ancient petroglyphs and rock carvings.
7. **Gilgit**: One of the major cities in Gilgit-Baltistan, serving as a regional hub for commerce, tourism, and culture. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a starting point for several trekking routes.
8. **Hunza**: A picturesque valley famous for its breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, and historical forts like Baltit and Altit. Hunza is also renowned for its apricots and other local produce.
9. **Sost**: The last major Pakistani town on the KKH before the Chinese border. It is an important customs and immigration checkpoint.
### History
The construction of the Karakoram Highway began in 1959 and was completed in 1979, with the road officially opening to the public in 1986. This monumental engineering feat was a joint project between Pakistan and China, designed to enhance trade and strengthen bilateral relations. The construction process was arduous and perilous, involving more than 24,000 Pakistani and Chinese workers, many of whom lost their lives due to the treacherous conditions, landslides, and avalanches.
The KKH traces the ancient Silk Road, serving as a modern manifestation of the historic trade route that linked the East and West for centuries. The highway symbolizes not only a significant commercial corridor but also a cultural and historical bridge between the regions it traverses.
### Route and Cities
The Karakoram Highway begins in Hasan Abdal, a city in Pakistan's Punjab province. It then travels through the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, passing through several key cities and towns before reaching the Gilgit-Baltistan region and eventually crossing into China.
1. **Hasan Abdal**: The starting point of the KKH, known for its historic significance and proximity to the Buddhist site of Taxila.
2. **Abbottabad**: A picturesque city known for its pleasant weather, educational institutions, and historical significance.
3. **Mansehra**: A gateway to the Kaghan Valley, it is surrounded by lush green hills and serves as a base for tourists heading to the northern regions.
4. **Besha**m: A town on the banks of the Indus River, serving as a crucial rest stop for travelers on the KKH.
5. **Dasu**: The district headquarters of Kohistan, known for its rugged terrain and the ongoing construction of the Dasu Hydropower Project.
6. **Chilas**: Located along the Indus River, this town is a key stop on the KKH and is known for its ancient petroglyphs and rock carvings.
7. **Gilgit**: One of the major cities in Gilgit-Baltistan, serving as a regional hub for commerce, tourism, and culture. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a starting point for several trekking routes.
8. **Hunza**: A picturesque valley famous for its breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, and historical forts like Baltit and Altit. Hunza is also renowned for its apricots and other local produce.
9. **Sost**: The last major Pakistani town on the KKH before the Chinese border. It is an important customs and immigration checkpoint.
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