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Khyber Pass
From Wikitravel
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Closed to foreigners? A few travelers have reported lately that they were refused permits to travel from Peshawar to the Khyber Pass, and told the only option was flying, based on perceived heightened threats to foreigners... others have said that only those traveling through and crossing the border are issued permits. In any case, be prepared to make alternate plans if you must visit Afghanistan. 26/05/08 |
The Khyber Pass is the main route between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The pass itself is entirely in Pakistan.
The only alternate route is the Bolan Pass further south, between Kandahar and Quetta, which crosses the same mountain range, is more dangerous, and is only open at this time for locals and aid workers.
[edit] Understand
The area is inhabited by Pathans or Pushtuns, rather fierce Pushtu-speaking hill tribes. On the map, it is part of Pakistan, but the Pakistani government has never really controlled it. Pathan tribal chiefs run everything.
Pathan territory spans the border. 60% of them live in Pakistan, 40% in Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, they are the largest ethnic group at 40% or so and have often dominated government and business.
The Pathans have twice defeated the greatest armies of their day. When Alexander the Great wanted to cross the pass, he could not manage it for several weeks, until he bribed one of the local chieftains into assisting him against the ones who were blocking him. At the height of British power in Queen Victoria's reign, the Khyber was the border of the Raj. Britain fought several wars against Pathans and never completely subdued the area. In the first Afghan war, a force of 16,000 went in and one man came out alive. Pathans were also recruited into the British military, where they were excellent soldiers.
Since 1980, Pathans have been fighting Russians, various other Afghans, American and allied forces, the Pakistani army....and each other.
The Pathans provided most of the adherents of Taliban. Many are still (mid 2009) fiercely resisting various efforts by US and allied forces and/or the Pakistani government to control their area. If Osama bin Laden is alive, this area is where he is most likely hiding.
Crossing the Khyber has always been something of an adventure. Today it would be far too adventurous for most travelers.
[edit] Talk
The local language is Pashto, but many people also speak Pakistan's Urdu or Afghanistan's Dari. A few speak English.
[edit] Cities
The nearest towns on the route that goes over the pass are Jalalabad in Afghanistan and Peshawar in Pakistan.
At the top of the pass is the town of Landi Kotal.
[edit] Get in
Except for trails which only locals can use safely, the only way in or out is via the main road through the pass.
From Peshawar to Torkham (the border town) you are required to obtain a permit and travel with an armed guard.
Taxis and buses are available on both sides of the border. See the Afghanistan and Pakistan pages for detailed info on crossing the pass.
[edit][add listing] See
At the top of the pass is the town of Landi Kotal, famous for smuggling everything from consumer electronics to cocaine. Attractions for the truly intrepid tourist include weapons factories and hashish warehouses.
[edit] Itineraries
The pass is on the Istanbul to New Delhi over land itinerary, though the current recommended route avoids it.
[edit] Stay safe
This area, as of mid-2008, is definitely not safe. See War zone safety for suggestions.
