description Lowari Tunnel Overview
The Lowari Tunnel is a road tunnel beneath the Lowari Pass in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It links the Dir valley with Chitral and provides an alternative to the high mountain pass, which was historically closed for extended periods by winter snow. The route improves year-round road access for Chitral residents and reduces reliance on a difficult, weather-dependent crossing through the Hindu Kush.
help Lowari Tunnel FAQ
How long is the Lowari Tunnel?
The tunnel is roughly 8.5 km long, making it one of Pakistan's longest road tunnels. It bores beneath the Lowari Pass in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
What does the Lowari Tunnel connect?
It links the Dir valley with Chitral, giving the Chitral region a route that does not depend on the high Lowari Pass. The pass, at over 3,000 metres, was historically closed for extended periods by winter snow.
When did the Lowari Tunnel open?
Construction, which began in the mid-2000s, was repeatedly delayed, and the tunnel opened in stages, with regular all-weather traffic operating by around 2020. Trial passage had begun a few years earlier.
Can you drive to Chitral through the Lowari Tunnel in winter?
Yes, the tunnel provides year-round road access to Chitral for the first time, since heavy snowfall no longer shuts the route for months each winter. Previously travelers relied on the seasonal pass road or flights.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
