Travel guide to the top of Zardalu Pass
Kōtal-e Zardālū is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.669m (8,756ft) above sea level, straddling Jaghori and Qarabagh districts of Afghanistan.
Where is Zardalu Pass?
The pass is located to the south-west of Ghazni city, in Ghazni province, in the eastern part of the country.
How long is Zardalu Pass?
The road through the pass is totally unpaved. It’s called Jaghori - Qarabagh Road. The pass is 70.7 km (44 miles) long, running south-north from Anguri (in Jaghori district) to Qarabagh (Qarabagh District). 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 Zardalu 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.