“The Karakoram Highway: A Marvel of Engineering and Natural Beauty
My first journey on the Karakoram Highway was when I was just five years old. My father took me to our ancestral town, Mansehra, after hearing about my grandfather’s illness. That journey left an indelible mark on my memory. As we turned from Abbottabad towards Hassan Abdal, the scenery changed dramatically. The fragrance of butterflies and waterfalls filled the air.
The Karakoram Highway, also known as the KKHW, is an approximately 1,300 km long international highway connecting Pakistan and China. It starts from Hassan Abdal in Pakistan and ends at Kashgar in China, passing through the Karakoram mountain range.
Construction on the Karakoram Highway began in 1966 and was completed in 1978. The total length of the highway is 1,300 km, with 887 km in Pakistan and 413 km in China. The highway passes through Hassan Abdal, Haripur Hazara, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Besham, Dassu, Chillas, Jaglot, Gilgit, Hunza Nagar, Sust, and Khunjerab Pass.
The construction of the Karakoram Highway stunned the world, as many companies had deemed it impossible. A renowned European company had declared it unfeasible after conducting an aerial survey. Despite the challenges posed by harsh weather, landslides, and rugged terrain, the construction of the highway was made possible through the joint efforts of Pakistan and China.
According to a survey, 810 Pakistani and 82 Chinese workers lost their lives during the construction of the highway. Approximately 8,000 tons of dynamite was used to blast through the rocky terrain, and 30 million cubic meters of rock were excavated.
The Karakoram Highway is not just a road; it’s a marvel. Its beauty is unmatched, with lush green mountains, rocky and barren terrain, gigantic glaciers, abundant rivers, waterfalls, pastures, and glaciers. The highway’s highest point, Khunjerab Pass, has an elevation of 4,693 meters, making it the highest highway in the world.
The region from Sust to Khunjerab is uninhabited, with rugged mountains and continuous ascent. Khunjerab is home to unique wildlife, including Marco Polo sheep, snow leopards, marmots, bears, yaks, markhors, and blue cows.
As I travel on this highway, I am reminded of my childhood memories. The Karakoram Highway is a testament to human ingenuity and the breathtaking beauty of nature. It’s a journey that leaves a lasting impact on the heart and mind.
The Karakoram Highway is divided into several regions, each with its unique charm. From Hassan Abdal to Thakot, the lush green views and fertile valleys accompany you. The Kohistan region begins after Thakot, with water streams flowing from distant heights.
Chillas is an important region of the Diamer district and is also known as the gateway to Gilgit-Baltistan. The Hunza and Nager regions are extremely beautiful, with tall peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and rivers.
The Karakoram Highway is an engineering marvel and a testament to human perseverance. It’s a journey that inspires awe and wonder, reminding us of the beauty and majesty of nature.”
