Journey along the Karakoram Highway - China to Pakistan Travel Documentary

Video Description

Also known as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World', the mighty Karakoram Highway stretches some 1,300 kilometers from Kashgar in China to Islamabad in Pakistan. Along the way, travelers encounter breathtaking mountain landscapes, tranquil valleys, powerful rivers, and friendly villages, where people welcome visitors with open arms. In this video (edited in the style of a travel documentary), I take you back to one of my most memorable journeys, all the way back in 2010, when I had the chance to traverse one of the greatest travel routes on our planet. From the lively bazaars and markets of Kashgar’s old city to the shores of the stunning high altitude Karakul lake. From the sleepy town of Tashkurgan to the spectacular border crossing at the Khunjerab pass, from where we descend into Sost in Pakistan. From the challenging Attabad lake to the incredible Hunza Valley. And from the rugged mountain scenery and friendly villages of the Skardu region to Islamabad and its vibrant twin city Rawalpindi. For other travel documentaries click here: Journey along the Pamir Highway: https://youtu.be/0ulz29XJB5Y Journey through Tunisia: https://youtu.be/JrBObQvJuoI Journey through Ethiopia: https://youtu.be/2xW9mTStyhM Journey through Israel: https://youtu.be/s3LZ1xXYTlI Journey through Palestine: https://youtu.be/L-Fzan-VWO0 Journey through Central Asia: https://youtu.be/cKB6MFhLerM Journey through South Asia: https://youtu.be/7fGNbvswAXs Napoli and Beyond: https://youtu.be/k_oidvMIs08 Journey through Sicily: https://youtu.be/oAmyYKtzc9w China From Above: https://youtu.be/vTGR2tUt0m0 Yugoslavia From Above: https://youtu.be/5CV4uRsNaYg Top 10 Places in China: https://youtu.be/hbgo66q1s9o Top 10 Places in India: https://youtu.be/HWGzQlrJOqM Top 10 Places in Iran: https://youtu.be/0v7cOe1FSUE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefhoffer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefhoffer/ Copyright of all footage: Hoffer Media Here’s a brief overview of the content in this video: We start our travels in Kashgar, an ancient Silk Road trading hub in today’s China, known for its lively bazaars and markets. Its original inhabitants, the Uyghurs, share many traditions and customs with the people of Central Asia. Here, we explore the narrow alleys of the old town, where artisans create beautiful silverware, handicrafts, clothes and other things. Another highlight in Kashgar is the vast Sunday livestock market, where shepherds, nomads and farmers come to trade their animals. The first leg of the Karakoram Highway takes us to the imposing Karakul lake, where we walk along the shoreline, enjoying incredible mountain views. We are greeted by a wonderful family, and can stay overnight in a classic yurt. The next morning, we continue our way to Taskhurgan and then the Khunjerab pass, which provides a spectacular entrance into Pakistan. After a brief stop in Sost, we traverse an area that was recently hit by a landslide, which created Attabad lake. Parts of the road had submerged, people had suffered tremendously, and we could only travel on local ships. Crossing the lake proves quite challenging, after a storm suddenly picks up. Gladly, we safely reach the other side, from where we continue to Karimabad. This village is at the center of one of the most beautiful regions in Pakistan, if not in the world. We explore the town and its surroundings, and make day trips to the Baltit Fort and Hoper glacier, before driving onwards to Skardu, off the actual Karakoram Highway, but really worth the detour. Here, we enjoy small villages, picturesque lakes, and rugged natural scenery, before stepping onto a plane to Islamabad. We end our journey in the capital of Pakistan, and its twin city Rawalpindi. While Islambad is a mostly planned city, and can feel a bit sterile to some travelers, Rawalpindi provides an interesting contrast, with busy streets and bustling markets and bazaars. Timestamps / video chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:26 Kashgar 4:43 Karakul lake 7:13 Tashkurgan 7:48 Khunjerab 8:15 Sost 8:38 Attabad lake 10:24 Karimabad (Hunza Valley) 12:37 Skardu 14:48 Islamabad 16:10 Rawalpindi 18:31 End