Page 227

178 PART SEVEN Journeys Through Afghanistan Routes to Afghanistan : There are two important routes for vehicles from the east into Afghanistan : (1) From Peshawar to Kabul via the Khyber Pass, and (2) from Chaman to Kandahar. (1) From Peshawar to Kabul via Khyber, Jalalabad and the Lataband Pass is a distance of 181 miles. It is the most commonly used route. Under normal conditions, the journey can easily be accomplished by car in a day, while by lorry or bus it usually takes a day and a half. The halt at night is made at one of the Rest Houses en route, either at Jalalabad or at Sarobi. During winter it is better to stay at Jalalabad which has a milder climate, while in summer Sarobi is better. Peshawar, the first starting point, is a big frontier town, lying on the North-Western Railway, at an elevation of 1,170 feet above sea-level. Regular Afghan mail buses are available for this journey three times a week. They start early in the morning from the Afghan Buildings (Pashtunkot) in Kissakhani Bazaar, Peshawar City. It is better to get seats booked a few days in advance to avoid disappointment. Seats can also be arranged for telegraphically or by sending money orders in advance. Peshawar to the Afghan Border (distance 34½ miles) : The road is level for the first nine or ten miles. At Jamrud (nine miles from Peshawar) lying at the gate of the time-honoured Khyber Pass, the traveller has to stop to comply with the customs regulations. He has to submit his luggage to a thorough scrutiny. Prohibited articles are held up by the authorities. A toll of Re. 1/- per head is charged adults.