Khost-Gardez Pass

Khost-Gardez Pass
The Khost-Gardez Pass (K-G Pass) in Afghanistan during the winter season
Elevation	9,413 ft (2,869 m)
Traversed by	Commercial and civilian traffic
Location	Afghanistan
Range	Sulaiman Mountains
Coordinates	33°28′39.9″N 69°22′17.3″E / 33.477750°N 69.371472°E / 33.477750; 69.371472

Coordinates: 33°28′39.9″N 69°22′17.3″E / 33.477750°N 69.371472°E / 33.477750; 69.371472

The Khost-Gardez Pass, frequently abbreviated as the K-G Pass, and known locally as the Seti-Kandow Pass, or the Satukandav Pass by Soviet forces, is the main land route connecting Khost and Gardez, the capital of Paktia province in Afghanistan. The pass currently consists of a rutted dirt road, though it is slowly being improved by construction crews as part of the international reconstruction effort in Afghanistan.

The Khost-Gardez Pass has been in use since Antiquity, serving as one of the main routes connecting Kabul to locations in the Indian subcontinent. During the Soviet occupation the pass was a frequent location for mujahideen attacks on Soviet convoys. Portions of the pass were paved or otherwise improved by German international development efforts during the 1970s, prior to the Soviet occupation. Remants of these improvements exist in the form of culverts and some asphalt on the Gardez side of the pass. Because the pass serves to connect Khost to Gardez, and in effect Khost to the rest of Afghanistan it has been the scene of many battles. During the Soviet war in Afghanistan the pass was controlled by the mujaheddin resulting in the decade long Siege of Khost. In the US war in Afghanistan control of the pass was instrumental since it allowed for resupply of Khost city as well as FOB Salerno and FOB Chapman.