Hajigak Pass
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| Hijigak Pass | |
|---|---|
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| Elevation | 3700 m. |
| Location |  Afghanistan |
| Range | Hindu Kush |
| Coordinates | |
The Hajigak Pass (hajji gak "little pilgrim") is situated at a height of 3700 above sea-level and is one of the two main routes from Kabul to Bamiyan in central Afghanistan, leading across the Koh-i Baba range.
The two main routes from Kabul to Bamiyan are from the south via the Hajigak Pass and from the north via the Shibar Pass. The journey via Shibar Pass is approximately 6 and half hours long covering around 237 km long.
The Shibar pass is more preferred over Hajigak on safety grounds because in the harsh climate of the area the Hajigak remain covered with snow during most of the year.
The Hajigak route leaves Kabul from Kote Sangi, follows the paved road to Ghazni, gets to Maidan Wardak province, Jalrez, Sarchashman, across the Unai Pass, Sia Sang, Duz Qol and then the Hajigak Pass. There are numerous villages in this scarcely populated, rugged area. The greenness of the trees and the clearness of the air in the valleys greet tourists who travel to Bamiyan. In the fall and spring large camel caravans add their particular color and excitement to the scene.
The major wildlife is Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) which are often seen squatting in large groups beside the road. These very large birds are also known as Bearded Vultures for they have very noticeable, rather comical goatees. Having a passion for bone marrow, they have been seen to carry animal bones to a height and carefully drop them onto rocks to crack them so that they can feast upon the marrow with greedy delight.
