Driving the Challenging Road to Nargis Pass in Central Afghanistan

Kotal-e Nargis is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,134m (10,282ft) above sea level, located in the province of Wilāyat-e Bāmyān, Afghanistan.

Nargis Pass

How long is Nargis Pass?

Set high in the central part of the country, the road through the pass, also known as Pereval Nargiz and Kotal Nalgis, is mostly unpaved. It’s called A77. The pass is 37.3 km (23 miles) long, running east-west from Panjab to Aqzirat. The road is quite challenging due to potholes, steep sections, narrow parts, dangerous drop-offs, and hundreds of curves, many of them hairpin turns.

How dangerous is driving through Nargis Pass?

Driving in Afghanistan is highly unsafe due to security risks and challenging conditions. The country faces ongoing armed conflict, terrorism, and the constant threat of kidnapping, particularly in remote areas. Additionally, there’s the risk of roadside bombs and ambushes, and remote areas often lack access to essential services such as emergency assistance, fuel, or medical facilities. If travel is unavoidable, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution.
Pic: Hasan Malistani