NorthPK

Critical travel updates of Northern Pakistan Road Conditions with elevation details for mountain routes and general opening/closing months

Skardu-Khaplu Road
Skardu → Shyok River → Khaplu • Open year-round
Highest Point: Khaplu Town (2,580m)
Scenic route connecting Skardu to Khaplu’s ancient palace and apricot orchards.

Ghizer-Shandur Road
Ghizer → Shandur Pass → Chitral • Closed Dec-Mar
Highest Point: Shandur Pass (3,700m)
Famous for the world’s highest polo ground – permit required near Laspur Valley.

Neelum Valley Road
Muzaffarabad → Keran → Kel → Taobat • Summer only
Highest Point: Taobat (2,400m)
Follows the turquoise Neelum River with frequent rockfall zones near Kundal Shahi.

Astore-Minimarg Road
Astore → Chilim → Burzil Pass → Minimarg • Jun-Oct
Highest Point: Burzil Pass (4,100m)
Historic trade route requiring advance permission at Gurikot checkpost.

Broghil Valley Track
Chitral → Broghil Pass • 4×4 only (Jun-Sep)
Highest Point: Broghil Pass (3,800m)
Remote Wakhi settlements near Afghan border – carry extra fuel and supplies.

Khaplu-Hushe Road
Khaplu → Machulu → Hushe • Winter closures
Highest Point: Hushe Village (3,050m)
Final road access for Gondogoro La and Masherbrum Base Camp treks.

Swat-Kalam Road
Mingora → Bahrain → Kalam → Mahodand • Open all year
Highest Point: Mahodand Lake (2,850m)
Waterfall-dotted route with landslide risks beyond Ushu Forest.

Dir-Kumrat Road
Timergara → Dir → Thal → Kumrat • Accessible
Highest Point: Kumrat Valley (2,300m)
Forested trails leading to Jahaz Banda meadows – rough beyond Thal.

Lowari-Chitral Road
Lowari Tunnel → Chitral City • Currently open
Highest Point: Lowari Tunnel (3,118m)
All-weather access with toll charges – follow convoy schedules during snow.

Gilgit-Naltar Road
Gilgit → Nomal → Naltar Lakes • Closed Dec-Apr
Highest Point: Naltar Pass (3,100m)
Ski resort access requiring prior clearance from Gilgit authorities.

Shigar-Askoli Route
Shigar → Doko → Askoli • Jeep track only
Highest Point: Askoli (3,000m)
Last drivable point for K2 expeditions – no fuel beyond Shigar town.

Northern Pakistan Road Conditions Updated September 2025

Khunjerab Pass Road
Sost → Pass → China border • May-Nov
Highest Point: Khunjerab Pass (4,693m)
World’s highest border crossing – passport/visa checks at Sost.

Upper Chitral Road
Chitral → Garam Chashma → Yarkhun • Landslide alerts
Highest Point: Yarkhun Valley (3,000m)
Access to natural hot springs – avoid during heavy rainfall.

Shimshal Pass Track
Passu → Shimshal Valley • 4×4 mandatory
Highest Point: Shimshal Pass (4,735m)
Isolated Pamiri communities – only experienced drivers should attempt.

Phander Valley Access
Gakuch → Gupis → Phander Lake • May-Oct
Highest Point: Phander Lake (2,800m)
Alpine meadows with trout fishing – night travel restricted near Gahirat.

Rama Lake Road
Astore → Chilim → Rama Meadows • Closed Dec-Mar
Highest Point: Rama Lake (3,300m)
Sacred Nanga Parbat viewpoint – permits from Astore DC Office required.

Shounter Pass Route
Sharda → Kel → Shounter Valley • Summer 4×4
Highest Point: Shounter Pass (3,800m)
Connects Neelum Valley to highland pastures – dangerous in fog.

Chapursan Valley Road
Sost → Zood Khun → Baba Ghundi • Jun-Sep + permit
Highest Point: Baba Ghundi (3,500m)
Sensitive Afghan border zone – photography strictly prohibited.

Darkot Pass Trail
Yarkhun → Darkot Pass → Yasin • Jun-Sep
Highest Point: Darkot Pass (4,700m)
Ancient Silk Road path – hire local guides for glacier crossings.

Gilgit-Skardu Alternate
Gilgit → Danyor Gorge → Stak → Skardu • Emergency use
Highest Point: Stak Pass (3,500m)
Unmapped backup route – local driver and clearance mandatory.

⚠️ Critical August Alerts:

S-1 Highway (Jaglot-Skardu) and most northern routes remains CLOSED due to landslides

Deosai Plains routes inaccessible until further notice

Monsoon advisories active until September 10, 2025

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