The paved Khyber Pass is part of the Silk Road

Khyber Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,070m (3,510ft) above the sea level, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The road through the pass is the main route between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Why is Khyber Pass so famous?

Located in the northwestern region of the country, the pass is the most northerly and important of the passes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It has long been a significant trade and invasion route. Well known invasions of the area have been predominantly through the pass. It is the scene of various historic battles and one of the routes once known as “the Silk Road”. The area between Peshawar and Afghanistan is known as the tribal lands.

Is it safe to go to Khyber Pass?

Travelling to this area is not recommended, as the area is not safe. A place where tribal warlords ruled. Here neither the police, nor pakistani army have any jurisdiction what so ever. At the top of the pass is the town of Landi Kotal, famous for smuggling everything from consumer electronics to AK-47s. Attractions for the truly intrepid tourist include weapons factories and hashish warehouses. Alongside the dusty road were corrugated metal rooftop store fronts. Here it wasn't milk power nor water they sold. Here, they sold wholesale weaponry. A-K-47's by the dozen, or maybe a single pistol for a single job. Grenades, mortars, not a problem. Discounts available. Next door it was a different kind of merchandise. Hashish by the ounce, kilo, or bale. Opium for export and cocaine for retail. The pass is clearly far too dangerous for most.

How long is Khyber Pass?

Set high on the northeastern part of the Spin Ghar mountains, the road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called N5 Torkham Highway. The pass is 32.0 km (19.88 miles) long running east-west from Shalkani to the border of Afghanistan.

Pic: Shakeel Afridi