Pakistan's Road N-35, also known as the Karakorum Highway, is one of those routes that leave unforgettable impressions in a motorcyclist's soul.

The length of Road N-35 is an impressive 1,300 kilometers, making it one of the longest and highest roads in the world. It is also one of the few roads that connects Pakistan with China, more specifically Hasan Abdal in the Punjab province of Pakistan to the Khunjerab Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, where it crosses into China and becomes China National Highway 314. The highway connects the Pakistani provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan with China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

It is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world due to its high altitude (the Karakorum mountain range) and the difficult conditions under which it was built. The highway is also part of Asia's AH4 highway.

Driving on this route is not only adrenaline, it is also a real technical challenge. At the beginning of the route, you pass the massive Attock railroad bridge, which leads over the Indus River. Then serpentines and steep climbs, lead towards the Karakorum mountain range.

For many kilometers the road follows narrow and winding roads that stretch along steep slopes. Each turn reveals a new landscape: majestic peaks, glaciers with shimmering shades of blue and lakes with a calm surface.

Along the way we pass the peaks of :

Nanga Parbat, Gilgit-Baltistan, the 9th highest peak in the world at 8,126 m (26,660 ft).
Rakaposhi, Gilgit-Baltistan, the 27th highest peak in the world at 7,788 m (25,551 ft)
Diran, Gilgit-Baltistan, the most dangerous mountain in Pakistan
Shishpar, Gilgit-Baltistan
Ultar Peak, Gilgit-Baltistan
Tupopdan, Gilgit-Baltistan, also known as Cathedral Peaks near Passu

Many glaciers can be seen while traveling along the highway:

Minapin Glacier
Passu Glacier
Ghulkin Glacier
Khunjerab Glacier

During this journey you can experience the cultural diversity of the region. The Karakorum Highway crosses areas inhabited by different ethnic groups, including Pashtuns, Hunzakuts and Chinese. In towns along the way, you can experience local traditions and taste delicious food.

This route is not only an off-road challenge, but also a climatic one. The high mountains make for incredibly changeable weather. Temperatures can drop dramatically, especially in the upper parts of the route, so appropriate clothing and equipment is an absolute must.

A journey through the Karakorum Highway is not just riding a motorcycle. It is an intense experience that opens your eyes to the beauty of nature, culture and friendship of the people. It's also a journey through the history and heritage of the region. It's a challenge to push your own limits and get more than just excitement from riding a motorcycle - get inspired. It's a route that every motorcyclist should have on his or her dream list.