The Khunjerab is on a continental watershed. All water on the Pakistani side flows down to the Indian Ocean, while that on the Chinese side is swallowed by the Taklamakan Desert, the name of which means, that, if you go in, you don't come out'. It is 32 kilometers (20 miles) from the top of the pass to the abandoned Chinese border post at Pirali.
The scenery is remarkably different on both sides of the pass. The Pakistani side depicts a vertical world of desert-gorges
devoid of any sign of human life for about 30 kilometers (19 miles), except
for the road itself. The Chinese side is a wide- open, grassy high-altitude
plateau with grazing herds of yaks, sheep and goats tended by Tajik herders.
Children and dogs, romp among round felt tents called Yurts. The Tajiks
are a smiling and friendly lot, and the women are as happy to be photographed
as the men. Camels, on this side of the border appear to be altogether
different. This journey promises adventure and thrills for all enthusiasts.