Khaburabot Pass is traversed by the Pamir Highway
Khaburabot Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.852m (12,637ft) above the sea level, located on the Pamir Mountains, in Tajikistan. The pass is traversed by the Pamir Highway. Drive with care as this is an extreme mountain road with hairpin curves and dangerous dropoffs.
The pass is located between the towns of Kalai Khum and Khorog. At the summit there’s a famous and very lonely abandoned bus station. The road over the pass is officially called M41. There are some narrow sections -scarcely wide enough for two cars- where if two vehicles have to pass each other, one might have to reverse for some kilometers of winding narrow road to get to a place wide enough to pass. It shouldn’t be attempted by those who don't know how to reverse.
The road is difficult and it’s a nightmare in the wet or dark (or both). There is little room for error on this road. The historical Pamir Highway is an excellent challenge for a 4x4 adventure travelers. It’s an arduous road to the foot of the pass. Then great climb to green meadows on top.
This road tests the skill, and courage, of any driver. It’s definitely not for anyone suffering from vertigo or a fear of landslides. Most of the road is paved, except for the mountain passes. The road is heavily damaged in places by erosion, earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches. Only the suicidal, the insane, or the paid-to-do-this should ever drive down. One mistake and it's a free fall to your death. Driving mistakes can have deadly consequences, because the road is small and goes along deep valleys. No barrier stands between the road and the cliffs. In many places the road is bordered by a drop of hundreds of meters (many hundreds of feet) unprotected by guardrails.
Pic&video: virginia cojocaru