If you’re a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or adventure traveler, Khunjerab National Park is a destination you simply can’t miss on your next trip to northern Pakistan. Nestled in the spectacular Karakoram mountain range at the northern edge of the famous Hunza Valley, this high-altitude national park offers breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife sightings, and a chance to explore one of Pakistan’s most pristine wilderness areas.
🌿 What is Khunjerab National Park?
Khunjerab National Park, located in Gojal, Upper Hunza, is the third-largest national park in Pakistan, covering a vast area of 226,913 hectares at elevations rising up to 17,000 feet (5,200 meters). Its name comes from the Wakhi language, spoken by a small ethnic community on both sides of the Pakistan-China border. ‘Khun’ means blood, and ‘Jurav’ means stream, a reflection of the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
🦅 A Haven for Rare Wildlife
Originally established to protect endangered species, Khunjerab National Park is now a thriving sanctuary for some of the world’s most elusive and majestic animals. It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can spot the legendary Snow Leopard in its natural habitat. Khunjerab wildlife Conservation has proved to be haven for the natural world.
Rich Biodiversity & Unique Wildlife
Khunjerab National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. It is home to a variety of threatened and vulnerable species, including:
- Snow Leopard (Endangered & Threatened)
- Marco Polo Sheep (Endangered)
- Brown Bear (Threatened)
- Himalayan Ibex and Blue Sheep (Bharal)
- Siberian Ibex
- Marmots
- Foxes and Wolves
The park also hosts an impressive array of avian species, such as:
- Golden Eagle
- Himalayan Snowcock
- Himalayan Griffon Vulture (Near Threatened)
- Migratory birds like Redstarts, Thrushes, Finches, Wrens, and Sparrows
These plants play a vital role in maintaining the delicate ecological balance of this high-altitude environment.
All this makes Khunjerab National Park a dream destination for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.
🌸 Rich in Alpine Flora
For nature lovers and botany enthusiasts, the park boasts a range of plant species native to high-altitude terrains:
Unique Flora of Khunjerab
The lush vegetation of Khunjerab National Park adds to its ecological significance. You can spot various plant species, including:
- Juniperus excelsa
- Rosa webbiana
- Salix spp.
- Betula utilis
- Populus nepalensis
- Artemisia spp.
- Myricaria germanica
- Artemisia spp
- Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn)
- Betula utilis (Himalayan Birch)
During spring and early summer, the landscape is dotted with wildflowers and rare alpine plants.
📖 A Brief History of the Park
Established on 25th April 1975 by then Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Khunjerab National Park was created in collaboration with conservation expert George Schaller of the Wildlife Conservation Society. This high altitude national park’s creation marked a milestone in Pakistan’s commitment to wildlife preservation.
Today, through initiatives like the Khunjerab Village Organization (KVO), local communities are empowered to manage and protect this incredible ecosystem, actively participating in wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching patrols.
🏔️ Can Tourists Visit Khunjerab National Park?
Yes — both local and international tourists are welcome! Most travelers visit the park while on their way to the Pakistan-China border via the famous Khunjerab Pass, which at 4,693 meters (15,397 ft) is the highest paved international border crossing in the world.
A small entrance fee is required to enter the park, and the funds support conservation projects and the operational costs of the Khunjerab Village Organization. While there are no dedicated lodges within the park, nearby areas like Sost, Passu, Ghulkin, Borith Gulmit, Shishkat and the rest of Hunza offer excellent accommodation options for tourists exploring the region. Tourists normally visit the part when they are on the way to visit Pakistan-China Border tour.
Please note: Due to the park’s remote location and high altitude, there are limited infrastructure and services inside the park itself. However, the journey is a highlight in itself — with snow-capped peaks, glacial rivers, and alpine meadows accompanying you along the legendary Karakoram Highway (KKH).
Best Time to Visit Khunjerab National Park
Khunjerab National Park is a year-round destination for nature lovers, adventure travelers, and wildlife enthusiasts. However, the experience you’ll have largely depends on the season you choose to visit.
While the summer months (May to September) are the most popular time for tourists to travel along the Karakoram Highway and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Hunza Valley and Khunjerab Pass, the winter season (November to March) offers a unique opportunity for wildlife spotting. During winter, many of the park’s elusive animals — including the rare Snow Leopard, Marco Polo Sheep, and Himalayan Ibex — descend from higher elevations to lower, more accessible areas in search of food, making it easier for visitors to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
For those interested in wildlife photography in Pakistan or seeking a chance to witness endangered species up close, the winter months are ideal for visiting Khunjerab National Park. The snow-covered mountains, frozen streams, and pristine alpine landscapes also create a stunning backdrop for photographers and adventure seekers alike.
That said, summer offers its own charm with lush green meadows, blooming alpine flowers, and pleasant weather perfect for sightseeing and road trips to the Pakistan-China border. The Khunjerab Pass — the highest paved international border crossing in the world — remains one of the park’s star attractions during this time.
In summary:
- 📸 Best for wildlife spotting: November to March (Snow Leopards, Marco Polo Sheep, Ibex)
- 🌸 Best for sightseeing and road trips: May to September (Hunza Valley, Khunjerab Pass, Karakoram Highway)
No matter when you visit, Khunjerab National Park promises an unforgettable adventure in one of Pakistan’s most spectacular and remote regions.
📸 Why Visit with Black Glacier Tours Pvt Ltd?
At Black Glacier Tours Pvt Ltd, we specialize in customized tours to Hunza, Khunjerab Pass, and the highland national parks of Pakistan. Our experienced guides, local knowledge, and eco-friendly approach ensure that you enjoy an unforgettable adventure while contributing to local conservation efforts.
Whether you’re dreaming of capturing a Snow Leopard on camera, standing at the roof of the world at Khunjerab Pass, or immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of Hunza Valley, we can tailor a package to suit your interests.
📞 Contact us now for custom itineraries, wildlife photography trips, or multi-day Hunza adventure packages.
✅ Plan Your Adventure Today
Book your tour to Khunjerab National Park with Black Glacier Tours Pvt Ltd and experience one of Pakistan’s most incredible natural wonders.
