85
unite at Charikar to form the chief head tributary of the
Kabul River.
Thus Charikar becomes practically the guardian
fortress of all passes which cross from Turkestan into the
valleys of the Panjshir or Ghorband, and these passes are
many and important. The Khawak, at the head of the
Panjshir (11,600 feet), is now a well-known and much-AFGHANISTAN



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unde

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‘hE

Peshawur

—_——
F1G. 27.—Routes from Kabul over the Hindu Kush.

100 Mies

traversed trade route with Turkestan. It is said to be
kept free from snow during the winter months by a systematic
 process of clearing ; posts of workmen being established
 at intervals for this express purpose; and thus it is
maintained open to Khafila traffic all the year round. Not
less energy has been shown by the late Amir in opening
“UP another great trade route crossing the main watershed
of the Hindu Kush at Chahardar (13,900 feet), and drop-Ping
 southwards into the Ghorband Valley. This was the