Pakistan has 5 of the world's 14 highest mountains. It also has many scenic and technical and non-technical high passes. Mintaka Pass was the original silk route to China. To date remains of the not so lucky travelers can be found under rocks half buried in makeshift graves along the route. The pass is parallel to the Khunjerab (Khunjerav) Pass and is one of the lesser known treks in Pakistan. The are is rich in wildlife including: Ibex, brown bear and marmots.