Winter roads and passes in Afghanistan besides the Salang: Shibar, Hajigak, Unai and more

Photo: Ali Azad

Kabul to Bamyan: two roads, two passes

There are two main roads from Kabul to Bamyan.

• The Shibar road (north). It leaves through Charikar and crosses the Shibar pass, at about 3,000 metres. It is the longer way, about 237 km and some six and a half hours, but it is "sometimes preferred in winter" (Wikipedia). On 30 December 2025, when snow closed other roads in Bamyan, the Shibar road was the only one reported open (Pajhwok).
• The Hajigak road (south). It goes by Maidan Shar, crosses the Unai pass (3,252 metres) and then the Hajigak pass, which Wikipedia gives as between 3,475 and 3,700 metres (its own figures differ). It is shorter but higher and harder. The same source calls it extremely dangerous because of frequent ice, and says avalanches, heavy snow and landslides can block it at any time.

Photo: František Řiháček · CC BY-SA 3.0

The Shibar road is mostly paved, with sharp bends and steep drops, and one road guide says it can close at any time because of snow.

What recent closures looked like

• 4 January 2025: after two days when snow blocked the roads between Bamyan's seven districts, the governor's spokesman said all had reopened, including Qonaq, Shato, Hajigak and Shibar, and warned some could close again (Amu TV).
• 18 January 2025: the Hajigak, Shato and Qonaq passes were impassable, cutting Bamyan off from Kabul and Daikundi (Amu TV).
• 30 December 2025: the Kabul to Bamyan highway was closed in the Qonaq area and the Hajigak route was shut. Officials said the Public Works department would clear them once the snow stopped, and asked travellers to avoid these routes until further notice (Pajhwok).

Roads to the east and the west

• Kabul to Gardez and Khost. On 20 February 2025 the Ministry of Public Works closed the Kabul to Gardez highway to all vehicles after heavy snow and storms. The Khost to Kabul road was blocked mainly at Kotal Teri in Paktia, where snow covered nearly three kilometres, and local officials said crews would clear it by the end of the next day (Pajhwok, Amu TV).
• Herat to Badghis. In January 2022 at least ten vehicles were stuck in snow at the Sabzak tunnel on the road between Herat and Qala-i-Naw (Pajhwok).
• Kabul to Jalalabad. The old Lataband pass, at 2,125 metres, was replaced in 1960 by the paved road through the Tang-e Gharu gorge, so most traffic no longer climbs it (Wikipedia).

How to check before you go

1. Open the roads and passes page. It shows the snow on each pass now and for the next two days.
2. Ask drivers and the people at the bus or taxi stand you leave from.
3. Check the weather for both ends of the road, and the distances to plan the day.
4. Carry chains, water, food and warm clothes, and fill the tank before the climb.

A pass that has just reopened can close again: officials said so in January 2025. If a road is closed, wait. Do not drive round a barrier or follow other vehicles through it.

Planning a trip to Bamyan? See Bamyan.