Islamabad to Kashgar along the Karakoram Highway: the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'

The N35, or the Karakoram Highway, as it is more popularly known, is 1,300km long and extends from Hasan Abdal in Pakistan to the Khunjerab Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, where it crosses into China and becomes the China National Highway 314.

Although it looks like an exciting road, it's also one of the scariest. Around 810 Pakistani and 200 Chinese workers were tragically killed during the roads construction due to landslides, which is something that still happens today and is one of the reasons that parts of the road are often closed off.

The Karakoram Highway is becoming increasingly popular with tourists thanks to its scenery and twisty roads, and there are even designated motorcycle tours on the route, provided by Ride The KKH. The route passes through the Karakoram mountain range, with an elevation of 4,714 metres (15,466 feet).

The historical town of Hasan Abdal is the only town of Punjab on the route, where the Grand Trunk Road (one of Asia's longest and oldest major roads) meets the KKH. Around fifty five kilometres north of Hasan Abdal is the town of Havelian, the original starting point of the route. Havelian offers scenic views of the River DOR, historic relics and plenty of places to sample the local cuisine.

Abbottabad is the next major stop, a Pakistani city renowned for its high quality educational institutions. Here you can see the Ayubia National Park with around 104 species of plant and 203 species of bird and 31 species of mammal including the Asiatic leopard. Pretty interesting, if that's your thing. There are also many mountain resort towns to visit if animals and plants don't float your boat.

Further north, you'll reach Besham, the largest town and commercial centre of the Shangla District. Their shops remain open 24 hours a day due to its geographical position on the route, and are famous for their china.

Continuing further north still, the highway will bring you to Chilas, where you’ll find the Buddhist Petroglyphs as well as wildlife, fishing spots and walking excursions. But one of the highlights of the route is the next stop, the picturesque mountain town of Gilgit. You can find the Gilgit Bridge here, the largest suspension bridge in Asia, or you could visit one of the many local restaurants. Alternatively, swap your two wheels for oars and take a rafting trip on the river.

Once leaving Gilgit, you'd soon come to Hunza Valley, which is situated at an elevation of around 2,438 metres. Visit the ancient fairy-tale Baltit Fort, which has been on the UNSECO World Heritage Tentative list since 2004, or take a safari tour.

After a few more stops, you'll reach Khunjerab Pass on the border of Pakistan and China which is the highest paved international border crossing in the world, elevated at 4,693 metres. Here, the N35 turns into the G314 or the China National Highway 314.

The next stop, Tashkurgan, is the first Chinese stop. Visit the stone fort in downtown Tashkurgan, which holds a history of over 2,000 years.

The last stop before reaching the end of the highway is Karakul Lake, around 200km away from Kashgar. You can stay the night in this pretty place but you'd need a permit (but not for a day trip) and it's overall an expensive place to set up. However, taking in the scenery is free and for 10 kuai, the locals will cook you a meal in their own yurt to save you splurging on expensive restaurants.

Finally you'll reach Kashgar, the end of the road. There's plenty of things to see and do before you begin your journey home, with weekly markets, food stalls and cafes.

More information on the Karakom Highway route can be found on WikiVoyage, and it certainly sounds like somewhere to add to the bucket list.

Beautiful scenery, twisty ideal-for-bikers roads and plenty of good, local food along the way.