This is the Karakoram Highway chapter from Lonely Planet's Pakistan & the Karakoram Highway guidebook.

One of the KKH's tricks is time travel. You'll see where Buddhism spread to China and Tibet, and the bazaar of Kashgar. It also navigates through the highest concentration of peaks and glaciers in the world. For some, this is where the real adventure starts.

• maps
• unwind in Karimabad, home to the mountain-top Baltit Fort
• transport
• accommodation
• restaurants
• marvel at the mallet-wielding mayhem of a polo tournament

Coverage includes: Hazara, Indus Kohistan, Baltistan, Hunza & Nagyr, Gojal, Haripur & Havelian, Abbottabad, Thandiani, Mansehra, Kaghan Valley, The Babusar Pass, Mansehra, Batagram, Thakot, Besham, Alai Valley, Dubair Valley, Pattan, Kayal Valley, Dasu & Komila, Shatial, Darel & Tangir, Chilas, Chilas, Astor Valley & Nanga Parbat, Haramosh Valley, Bagrot Valley, Gilgit Town, Naltar Valley, Punial, Ishkoman, Yasin & Ghizar, Skardu, Deosai Plains, Shigar, Khaplu, Hushe & Masherbrum Views, Chalt, Ghulmet, Minapin, Aliabad, Karimabad (Baltit), Ganish, Upper Nagyr, Gulmit, Passu, Shimshal Valley, Sost & Afiyatabad, Chapursan Valley, Misgar, The Khunjerab Pass, Tashkurgan, Kara Kul, Kashgar.