A Realistic Review of a Journey on the Karakoram Highway

It is often said that the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan resemble paradise on earth—lush green mountains, snow-covered peaks, turquoise streams, and silent skies.

But if you’ve truly decided to witness these breathtaking scenes with your own eyes, brace yourself—because before you reach this dreamlike beauty, you may have to face the dangers of the journey towards paradise itself.

The roads from Chilas to Gilgit and then to Skardu—known as the Karakoram Highway and Skardu Road—are counted among the most dangerous highways in the world.

The roads are so narrow that if a truck comes from one side, passengers in the vehicle on the opposite side are forced to hold their breath and pray.

Whether it’s rain or snowfall, traveling on these routes feels like entrusting your life entirely to God.

In 2023 alone, over 270 traffic accidents were reported on the Karakoram Highway, resulting in the loss of more than 80 precious lives.

While the roads are in poor condition, public transportation is in an even worse state.

The buses here are neither air-conditioned nor safe. Some have doors that open on their own during the journey, while others have shattered windshields that seem to wave at passersby.

In 2024, a tragic incident occurred when a bus fell into the Indus River near Talchi Bridge due to brake failure. Fourteen people died on the spot, and twelve remain missing.

This tragedy was not the result of some sudden natural disaster, but of long-ignored safety flaws.

Yet the problem isn’t limited to broken roads and dilapidated vehicles.

Whenever the public raises questions like “Why are our roads falling apart?” or “Why are our buses turning into death traps?”, politicians immediately play the sectarian card to distract from the real issues.

Minor disputes are exaggerated and painted in ethnic or sectarian colors so that public voices are suppressed.

A recent example is a small altercation in Gilgit city that was deliberately inflamed to spark sectarian tensions across the region.

Today, if you wish to embark on this journey in your own vehicle, every part—from the brakes to the tires—must be in perfect condition.

On these treacherous curves, the slightest negligence can send you plunging into the Indus River or crashing down a ravine. If your car breaks down here, more hope lies in prayers than in pushing.

However, if you gather the courage to face all these dangers, political indifference, and social manipulations, and successfully cross the perilous roads of the Karakoram Highway, then you will indeed witness the heavenly views you once dreamed of… and most importantly, alive and well!