Where does Grand Trunk Road start and end?
India, asia
2,400 km
1,070 m
moderate
Year-round
The Grand Trunk Road: a South Asian legend stretching a whopping 2,400 km (1500 miles) from Kabul all the way to Kolkata. This isn't just a road; it's a living, breathing piece of history connecting Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Seriously, this route has been around for over two thousand years!
Locally known as "Gernaili Sadak" or "Sadak-e-Azam," the GT Road is mostly paved. The journey begins in Kabul, winds its way through the legendary Khyber Pass (a relatively low 1,070m (3,510ft), but steeped in history), then meanders through Lahore, Delhi, before finally reaching Kolkata.
Be warned though: this road is not for the faint of heart. It's not the altitude that gets you, but the sheer volume of traffic! Imagine being stuck in a jam caused by camels casually strolling along. Trucks, buses, bicycles, pedestrians – you name it, it's all here, turning parts of this road into a chaotic symphony. You'll need your wits about you behind the wheel.
Historically, the Grand Trunk Road, once known as Uttarāpatha, has been a vital trade artery and a path for invading armies. Rebuilt by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century, it was later developed by the British who gave it the name it has today. It’s a "river of life," as Kipling called it, but a wild one!
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 2,400 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,070 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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