Four valleys

Valley profiles and seasonal travel

Choose the route that matches your travel dates and interests. Road access and weather can vary by season, so confirm local conditions before departure and allow flexibility for long mountain drives.

Before you travel

High-altitude logistics, road transit and packing

Altitude above 2,500 metres can cause fatigue and breathlessness for some travellers, so plan a rest day at arrival and drink water steadily. The Karakoram Highway and mountain roads are affected by landslides, snow and rockfall. Travel times often run longer than the map suggests, and daylight driving is safer on these routes.

Carry warm layers, a rain shell, sun protection, a basic first-aid kit and any prescribed medication. Respect local customs: dress modestly in villages, ask before photographing people, and carry rubbish out of the valleys. Permits and checkpoint requirements can change, so confirm current rules with your operator before departure.