A high mountain road from Eshkashem to Gaz Khan

Located in the Wakhan Valley of Badakhshan Province, in north-eastern Afghanistan, the high mountain road from Eshkashem to Gaz Khan runs entirely over 2,700 m above sea level.

Where is the road from Eshkashem to Gaz Khan?

Part of the Wakhan Corridor, the road runs along the Panj and Ab-i-Wakhan rivers, in the north-eastern part of the country, near the Tajikistan border.

How long is the road from Eshkashem to Gaz Khan?

It’s 122 km (76 miles) long and runs from Eshkashem (also known as Ishkashim or Ishkashem) to Gaz Khan (or Goz Khun).

Is the road from Eshkashem to Gaz Khan unpaved?

The road is totally unpaved and for 4x4 vehicles only. Expect loose gravel, several river crossings with no bridges, and extreme weather. The road was constructed in the 1950s–60s. It was in very poor condition until the mid-1990s, but has been much improved in recent years. The road is a four-wheel-drive route annually destroyed by floods where it crosses the innumerable flood 'washes'.

Is it safe to drive the road from Eshkashem to Gaz Khan?

The zone can be closed to foreigners at any time due to heavy Taliban fighting. Remember, traveling by road in Afghanistan is extremely dangerous. The security situation is highly volatile, with terrorist groups and criminals often setting up fake checkpoints to rob or kidnap travelers. Roads are in very poor condition, and fatal accidents are common due to reckless driving, lack of enforcement, and unsafe vehicles.

There’s also a serious risk from landmines and unexploded ordnance, especially in rural or remote areas. Women face restrictions on movement and can’t travel alone, often being harassed at checkpoints. Even in cities like Kabul, overland travel is not safe, and border crossings can close suddenly or become targets of violence. For all these reasons, overland travel in Afghanistan should be strictly avoided.
Pic: Thomas Rubner