Underrated China: Exploring Hidden Gems

Escaping to China Before World War 3 Starts

Destination:ChinaProvince:SindhCity:Sost
Escaping to China Before World War 3 Starts
Mike Okay2025-06-1330 min

Nothing ever goes according to plan! This part of Pakistan is so unbelievably underrated it blows my mind. No idea why don't people more come. Never really sure what to type in this part of the thing. I dont think people really read it anyway. Don't wanna give much away. This vids a banger in my opinion. enjoy, mike x

--- Mike Okay
June 13, 2025, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Start of journey
  2. 0:35Arrival at farm
  3. 1:23Emotional moment
  4. 2:34Hunza Valley journey
  5. 3:18Meeting locals
  6. 5:06Impact of 9/11
  7. 6:06Route to Kashgar
  8. 6:38Atabad Lake
  9. 7:57Addressing misinformation
  10. 9:42Hitchhiking tip
  11. 11:00House building
  12. 11:38Unexpected landscape
  13. 13:29More local interactions
  14. 14:34Safety concerns
  15. 15:15Salty tea
  16. 16:05Border closure
  17. 17:34Last town in Pakistan
  18. 18:23Visa issues
  19. 19:41Changing hotels
  20. 20:17Kunjarab Pass
  21. 21:29Plan A fails
  22. 22:00Meeting locals
  23. 24:03Return to Sust
  24. 24:47Motorbike issues
  25. 25:54Hotel owner's help
  26. 26:35China vs Pakistan
  27. 27:03Wildlife
  28. 27:50Highest border crossing
  29. 28:07Highest ATM
  30. 28:31Route to Qashqar
  31. 28:58Eighth wonder
  32. 29:17Chinese tourists
  33. 29:43Border crossing reflection
  34. 30:17End of video

Mike Okay's China trip faces unexpected delays at the Pakistan border, but heartwarming local encounters and breathtaking landscapes make for an unforgettable experience.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1When hitchhiking, always try to find shade to avoid sunstroke, especially in desert-like areas. (9:42)
  2. Tip 2Northern Pakistan has a high literacy rate, making it easy to communicate in English while traveling in this area. (12:09)
  3. Tip 3In remote areas, don't worry too much about getting stuck. The locals are very caring and hospitable. (14:34)
  4. Tip 4If you visit this area, rent a good motorbike in Gilgit for a better experience. Check the brakes before renting. (26:11)
  5. Tip 5The IBEX and snow leopard populations are declining due to illegal hunting. Support wildlife conservation efforts. (27:14)

Mike Okay's journey to China takes an unexpected turn. Delayed by a public holiday, he finds himself stranded in Sust, a town on the Pakistan-China border. Despite the setback, Mike's interactions with locals reveal the warmth and resilience of the Hunza people, their unique culture, and their surprising English proficiency. The video captures stunning landscapes and culminates in a glimpse of the world's highest border crossing, leaving viewers eager for the next chapter of Mike's adventure.

More about the current video:( 10 / 12 )

Escaping to China Before World War 3 Starts

This video documents Mike Okay's overland journey from Pakistan to Vietnam, with a planned stopover in China. His trip, however, doesn't go as planned. Initially, Mike faces unexpected challenges, including a dangerous highway and a goat incident at his campsite. Despite these minor setbacks, the journey reveals the beauty of the Hunza Valley in Pakistan. Mike interacts with the local Hunza people, known for their longevity and unique lifestyle, isolated from the outside world until recently. He shares a cup of tea with a policeman and engages in conversations with locals, highlighting their resilience and hospitality, especially in light of the impact of 9/11 on tourism in the region. His attempt to cross the border into China is thwarted by a public holiday, forcing him to spend an unplanned two days in Sust, the last town in Pakistan before the border. During this time, Mike showcases the stunning landscapes and the unique experience of being at the world's highest international border crossing between Pakistan and China. He explores the area, interacts with border officials and locals, and even attempts to use the world's highest ATM, which is unfortunately out of service. The video offers a glimpse into the cultural exchange between Pakistan and China, emphasizing the stark contrast between the two nations and the significance of this border crossing. Despite the initial travel disruptions, Mike's journey is filled with unexpected discoveries, meaningful interactions, and breathtaking scenery, making for a captivating travelogue. The video's unique perspective, combined with Mike's engaging storytelling, creates a memorable experience for the viewer.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What happened when I tried to cross the border into China?
A: I got there and found out that the border was closed for two days because of a public holiday.
Q: What was the most memorable part of my time in the Hunza Valley?
A: Meeting the friendly and welcoming local people, sharing tea with them, and learning about their culture and resilience.
Q: What was the condition of the motorbike I tried to rent?
A: It was a piece of junk, with the front brakes not working and the back brakes being pretty bad. It wasn't safe to ride.

Underrated China: Exploring Hidden Gems

Nothing ever goes according to plan! This part of Pakistan is so unbelievably underrated it blows my mind. No idea why don't people more come. Never really sure what to type in this part of the thing. I dont think people really read it anyway. Don't wanna give much away. This vids a banger in my...

Pakistan-China Border: High-Altitude Adventure

Mike Okay's China adventure took an unexpected turn, defying all expectations. His journey is full of surprises and hidden gems, promising a captivating story of exploration and discovery. Prepare to be enthralled by his unexpected encounters and the beauty of lesser-known destinations.

Attractions in this video: Kunjarab Pass, Atabad Lake