
Is the road to Kotal-e Aq Rabat unpaved?
Afghanistan, asia
43.3 km
3,362 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Kotal-e Aq Rabat, perched way up high in Afghanistan's Bamyan Province, is calling your name. We're talking a whopping 11,030 feet (3,362m) above sea level!
This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The entire 26.9 mile (43.3 km) stretch, winding from Sayghan down to Kadalak, is completely unpaved. So, ditch the low-rider and grab something with some serious ground clearance.
The road is steep and mostly straight, not too many crazy hairpin turns, which is a bonus. But be warned, there are a few spots where things get a little tight. Named after the small town of Aq Robat, this route offers some pretty incredible scenery as you climb. Just keep your eyes on the road — it's an unforgettable ride.
Road Details
- Country
- Afghanistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 43.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,362 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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