Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a destination for cyclists drawn to raw, high-altitude mountain roads. Its catalogue holds five climbs threading through some of the most dramatic terrain on the continent, with two rated hors catégorie for their sustained difficulty. The highest summit reaches 4,550 metres, where thin air and vast, stark landscapes reward every hard-won pedal stroke. These are ascents defined by their scale and remoteness rather than crowds or fanfare.

The marquee passes anchor the collection: the towering Salang Pass, the remote Dorah Pass, the storied Khawak Pass, the exposed Unai Pass, and the winding Shibar Pass. Each carries its own character, from long high-mountain gradients to windswept summit approaches. Together they form a compact but formidable set of climbs, offering serious riders a rare chance to test themselves against Afghanistan's rugged, uncompromising mountains.