Where is Salang Tunnel?
Afghanistan, asia
2.67 km
3,400 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Salang Tunnel in Afghanistan! Perched way up at 3,400 meters (that's over 11,000 feet!), this tunnel cuts through the Hindu Kush Mountains, linking Kabul to the northern provinces.
Built way back in the '60s by the Soviets, this 2.67-kilometer (1.66-mile) shortcut saves you from some seriously gnarly switchbacks on the A-76. Think two-lane highway leading to a rough, unpaved interior.
Now, let's be real: this isn't a Sunday drive. The tunnel's seen better days. We're talking limited lighting, spotty ventilation, and potholes galore. Plus, it's BUSY – way more than it was designed for. Originally meant for 1,000 cars a day, it now sees up to 10,000! Expect lorry queues stretching down the mountain in winter.
But hey, if you're brave enough, you'll be rewarded with some truly epic mountain views. Just keep your wits about you, stay updated on the local situation, and maybe pack a carbon monoxide detector! This one's not for the faint of heart, but definitely a story to tell.
Road Details
- Country
- Afghanistan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 2.67 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,400 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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