It traverses a variety of terrain in the northwestern region of the subcontinent, ranging from major urban areas to inhospitable deserts.

[2] Since the beginning of the India–Pakistan conflict shortly after the two countries' conjoined independence, it has been the site of numerous cross-border military standoffs and full-scale wars.

[2] The border's total length is 3,323 kilometres (2,065 mi) according to figures given by the PBS;[2] it is also ranked as one of the most dangerous international boundaries in the world, based on an article written in Foreign Policy in 2011.

[3] During the nighttime, the India–Pakistan border is distinctly visible from outer space due to the 150,000 floodlights installed by India on approximately 50,000 poles.

At the following border crossing sites and the beating retreat flag ceremonies are jointly held by the military of both nations every day at 6:30 pm, which are open to public as tourist attractions.