Road from Gilgit to Chitral

Urara U.

@uraraTokio, Tokio, Japan

Road from Gilgit to Chitral

Hi guys, greetings from Tokyo. I am thinking to travel from Gilgit to Chitral via Shandur, and want to know how the road is and what kind of car, skill, equipment are required to travel on this road. 8 years ago when I was in Gilgit I was told Chinese people are working to pave this road, and I determined to take the road, to enjoy the nature and driving. It seems taking longer, so decided to come now. The road is introduced often on TV in Japan, as the most dangerous road in the world with traffic of heavy trucks often cut and damaged by landslide and flooding. It could be exaggeration by media or not, and thought of checking with the local. Your candid opinion is welcome. Thank you in advance! Cheers, Urara

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Noor S.

@noor-shamsuddinThal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Hello, The Road is fine, though it is off-road from Phandar to Booni, but not too bumpy. The only thing now is weater. there must be snow on the road.

Muhammad M.

@muhammadmusaddiq1144Peschawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Current Road Status (N-140 Highway) The "Chinese paving" project is moving fast but not finished. Completion is slated for December 2026. • Gilgit to Phander: Smooth and paved. • Phander to Mastuj (The Pass): Still largely a rugged dirt and rock track. Expect heavy dust and construction detours. • Mastuj to Chitral: A mix of brand-new asphalt and rough patches. Requirements & Hazards • The Car: You must use a high-clearance 4x4 (Hilux or Prado). A sedan will likely suffer undercarriage damage. • The Skill: Expert mountain driving is required. TV reports are slightly dramatic, but the sharp turns and steep drops at Shandur Top are real. • The Danger: Landslides and flooding remain the main threats, especially during the spring melt (now) or monsoon. Quick Verdict It is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, but it is not a casual highway yet. If you drive yourself, bring a satellite phone/offline maps and plenty of spare fuel. One final tip: Since it's March, the Shandur Pass is currently very cold (-4°C to -16°C) with potential snow blockages. Always check local reports in Gilgit before you depart

Urara U.

@uraraTokio, Tokio, Japan

Dear Noor and Muhammad, So sorry but I noticed your kind reply only now. Thank you soooooo much for your detailed info. I decided to postpone my visit from Gilgit to autumn for beautiful color or next year hoping the paving project is completed. So helpful!

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Well come Pakistan kpk chitral