Karakorum Highway in mid-November
 

Hello folks,

I find myself in very spontaneous holiday planning, and been dreaming for a while to ride the Karakorum Highway.

Aware of the weather getting cold very quickly in November, the rough plan would be to ride along the KKH to Upper Hunza as far as Passu, and possibly do the Ultar Sar trek.

I've heard conflicting accounts about the weather from both locals and tour organisers (nobody can predict the weather, but some experience counts). I'd plan on traveling between 4-18 November. Is it still enjoyable at that time? Sunny but cold? Or just raining, freezing, miserable?

I don't mind packing a good jacket, but I'm cautious to get stuck too many times :)

Thanks a mill!

Alex

Hi Fritzography, I turned at Besham (welcome to Besham, 3 hotels and 6 gunshops!) because of rain, more rain and snow - and the following landslides. Every year is different of course, this was mid november '08, at that time of year the onset of winter is very unpredictable. Local advice was, as usual, very contradictory.
My advice would be to give it a go, especially if you have the option to hole up for a couple of days whilst conditions improve and roads are cleared.

Peter, in Oslo

I'm in Hunza right now, winter is late this season. The conflicting accounts are justified, because weather changes almost overnight here. We just had fresh snow on the mountain tops last night. Another thing that you need to factor in is that the Agha Khan is likely to visit Hunza Mid November ( exact dates not confirmed yet). If he does come around (his last visit was in 06), you might not be able to ride freely, lots of security road blocks are expected on the days he's visiting. Otherwise, Hunza is quite right now and beautiful! A German and a Dutch couple left us this morning to cross Deosai to Skardu. I've recommended them to take down the "New" KKH on their way down through Babusar-Naran-Mansehra. Too many potholes between Dassu and Chinas, plus the new one is a 100 km shorter! Write back if you have further questions or need assistance !