Tajikistan: Shakhristan Pass
Tajikistan is one of the most mountainous countries in the world, with just several major roads, most of them quite rough, traversing this inhospitable and inaccessible terrain. One the way from Istaravshan to Penjakent you go through the Shahristan Pass at the elevation of 3,382m (11,095ft) above the sea level. A 5km tunnel cuts through the highest part (naturally the tunnel was closed and a auxiliary one lane maintenance tunnel without lights or asphalt was open – a one hour experience of ultimate claustrophobia). But once out of the tunnel – you get some of the most spectacular mountain panoramas imaginable.
