How long is Kohat Pass?

How long is Kohat Pass?

Pakistan, asia

Length

20.4 km

Elevation

855 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, formerly known as the North West Frontier Province, and you stumble upon Kotal Kohat, a mountain pass that tops out at 855 meters (that's 2,805 feet!).

This fully paved road, locally known as Kohat Road, stretches for about 20.4 kilometers (or 12.67 miles) from Babozi to Kohat. It's a proper climb!

Now, while the pass is steep and can be a bit narrow for larger vehicles, the good news is that the Kohat Tunnel opened in 2003, bypassing the most challenging sections. Back in the day, navigating these rugged mountains was a real hassle. The weather here can turn on a dime, especially in winter – think snow, ice, and fog. Landslides, thanks to heavy rains, can also cause chaos.

British authorities kicked off the construction of Kohat Pass way back in 1849, finishing it up by 1850, despite some serious local resistance. It even got temporarily shut down in 1853 after a tribal spat.

A word to the wise: Pakistan can be a bit unpredictable. Exercise caution due to potential security issues like terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. Travel during daylight hours, and always check with local authorities about road conditions, especially during monsoon season or winter. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!

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Road Details

Country
Pakistan
Continent
asia
Length
20.4 km
Max Elevation
855 m
Difficulty
hard

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