Driving the defiant road through the Tangi Tashkurgan Gorge

Tangi Tashkurgan is an amazing gorge located in the Balkh province of Afghanistan.

Tangi Tashkurgan gorge

Is the road through the Tangi Tashkurgan Gorge paved?

Tucked away in the northern part of the country, the road through the gorges is the twisty AH76 road, also known as the Kabul-Mazar Road. It is fully paved.

How long is the road through the Tangi Tashkurgan Gorge?

It’s 135 km (84 miles) long, running from Kholm (or Khulm) to Puli Khumri (Pul-i-Khumri or Pol-e Khomri). 

How challenging is the road through the Tangi Tashkurgan Gorge?

The road is very narrow. It’s often washed out after heavy rains. Dizzying roadside sellers offer juicy pomegranates and figs. Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds. Drivers are aggressive and reckless. Drivers do not respect traffic laws, and Afghan police do not enforce them. Accidents causing fatalities are common.

Should I drive the road through the Tangi Tashkurgan Gorge?

If you do choose this route, please check up-to-date information due to the security situation. Obviously you would have to really (!) check what is going on now. You might want to contact your embassy in Kabul as they have really the most accurate information about the security situation, terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, the risk of kidnapping, arbitrary arrest and detention, and the high crime rate.
Pic: bauermarcell