What’s the Highway to Hell?

What’s the Highway to Hell?

Afghanistan, asia

Length

485 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Want a real adventure? Try the road from Kabul to Kandahar, also known as NH0101—some even call it the "Highway to Hell!" This 485km (301 mile) stretch of Highway 1 (or A01, the Ring Road as locals call it) slices through the heart of Afghanistan, connecting its two biggest cities.

Don't expect a smooth ride, though. While totally paved, years of war, corruption, and neglect mean you'll be dodging potholes, navigating ruts, and crossing damaged bridges. It runs through five provinces: Kabul, Wardak, Ghazni, Zabul, and Kandahar.

But the rough road is only part of the story. The real danger lies in the Taliban presence and the potential for attacks. The narrow road winds its way up 600 meters through the Kabul gorge and right through Taliban territory. Plus, there's the risk of roadside bombs and even local militias acting as "traffic police". Seriously!

Given the security situation, traveling here isn't recommended. If you’re determined to go, you'll need up-to-the-minute intel. Check with your embassy in Kabul about terrorist threats, armed conflicts, kidnapping risks, and crime rates. This is a place where you need to know what you're getting into!

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Road Details

Country
Afghanistan
Continent
asia
Length
485 km
Difficulty
extreme

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