The Khyber Pass is a mountain pass located in the Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, along the Afghanistan border. It connects Landi Kotal to the Peshawar Valley. The pass has historically served as a vital trade route between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, forming part of the ancient Silk Road. It has been a strategic military chokepoint for empires and invaders throughout history.
Key features of the Khyber Pass include its elevation of 1,070 meters (3,510 feet), and its approximate length of 53 kilometers (33 miles). The pass is traversed by the N-5 National Highway and the Khyber Pass Railway, which includes 34 tunnels and 94 bridges. Nearby attractions include the Jamrud Fort, Ali Masjid Fort, and the Khyber Rifles Museum. The town of Landi Kotal, near the pass's summit, is known for smuggling.
Recent developments focus on transforming the pass into a gateway for regional prosperity. The Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) project, backed by the World Bank, aims to improve connectivity between South Asia and Central Asia. A key component is the construction of the Khyber Torkham Expressway, a 48-kilometer, four-lane motorway between Peshawar and Torkham. The project aims to boost trade, reduce transit times, and create employment opportunities. The Torkham border crossing is now open 24/7 to facilitate increased traffic volume.
