Road trip guide: Conquering the Challenging Drive to Nowjok Pass

Kotal-e Nowjok is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.722m (8,930ft) above sea level, located in the Daykundi Province of Afghanistan.

How long is Nowjok Pass?

Set high in the isolated central part of the country, the road through the pass is totally unpaved. The pass is 28km (18 miles) long running south-north from Barghosang to Qabcherakzar. The road is not easy, with potholes, steep sections, narrow parts, dangerous drop-offs, and hundreds of curves, many of them hairpin turns.

How dangerous is driving through Nowjok Pass?

The route is best tackled during daylight. Night-time drives are strongly discouraged. 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, exercise extreme caution.

 

 

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