Picture yourself taking an air-conditioned bus from Islamabad early on Wednesday morning, holding your ticket: From Pakistan to China for only Rs. 40,000. The ride takes you across stunning valleys along the Karakoram Highway, four meals, and an overnight halt, and brings you to Tashkurgan, China in 38 hours. It is not only a journey—it’s an experience and a connection between countries. This newly introduced Islamabad to Tashkurgan bus service is the game changer that thousands of families, businessmen, and students have been eagerly waiting for.
Introduction
When Pakistan’s top transport company recently announced a direct bus from Islamabad to Tashkurgan, passengers were overjoyed. For as little as Rs. 40,000, travelers get food, accommodation, and a secure road trip. This blog covers all you should know: the route, costs, visa requirements for Pakistani citizens, and why this new land travel to China is a hot topic of search in Pakistan.
Why the Islamabad–Tashkurgan Route Matters
It is the very first regular overland connection between Islamabad and Tashkurgan, China through the stunning Karakoram Highway
The service immensely facilitates students in China, Pakistani entrepreneurs, and Pakistani families visiting their relatives in Xinjiang.
With border crossing season from May to December (Khunjerab Pass opens)
this new route caters to increasing demand for land travel Pakistan China.
What’s Included in the Rs. 40,000 Ticket
Bus travel Islamabad to Tashkurgan: ~38 hours with overnight stay.
Four meals on board.
Comfort sleeper bus, most likely run by NATCO or Faisal Movers
Straight access from Karakoram Highway (KKH), world’s highest paved road connecting Pakistan & China
Visa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens to China
Normal Visa Documents
Original valid passport with a minimum validity of 9 months
Copy of CNIC and family background
White‑background passport photos (2)
Invitation letter / Visa Notice issued by the concerned committee (if you have not visited China 3+ times from 2016)
NTN certificate, Chamber of Commerce membership, bank certificate, company invitation letter
Additional Documents for First-Time Travelers
Police character certificate authenticated by Pakistan MOFA
Chinese authority’s invitation confirmation letter
factcheck.afp.com
China Economic Net
Having all your documents in order accelerates processing and prevents delay at Khunjerab or Tashkurgan immigration.
Benefits of This New Overland Option
Low-cost travel to China from Pakistan—costs only Rs. 40,000 including food and accommodation.
Ideal substitute to costly air fares and time‑consuming visa‑based red tape.
Scenic drive through Karakoram Highway, commonly referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”
Ideal for Pakistani students in China, businessmen import/export, and Silk Road travel enthusiasts.
Islamabad to Tashkurgan
Drive through northern regions, Gilgit‑Baltistan via the KKH
Overnight stay included
Arrival at Tashkurgan, Xinjiang (~38 hours total travel duration)
Crossing the border is done with customs at Khunjerab Pass, which only operates from 1 May to 31 December
Who is This Service Best For?
Pakistani students in China requiring cheap, dependable transport
Business travelers going for trade between Pakistan and Xinjiang
Families visiting relatives on the other side of the border
Adventure travellers who prefer overland scenic routes to flying
Conclusion
Opening the Islamabad–Tashkurgan bus route is an unprecedented, low-cost alternative for a trip to China from Pakistan. For Rs. 40,000 for a budget ticket, end-to-end services, and an absolutely picturesque journey on the Karakoram Highway, it’s destined to be the favoured option for students, business travelers, and tourists. If you’re planning the Cheapest travel to China in 2025, this bus service is a golden opportunity. Don’t forget visa paperwork, novel land‑route convenience, and the evolving bilateral tourism partnership between Pakistan and China
