When visiting Tajikistan, if you’re travelling from the north to the nation’s capital, Dushanbe, the odds are you will pass over the Zarafshan Mountain Range and travel through the 5km long infamous Anzob Tunnel, aka the Tunnel of Death.
The Anzob Tunnel is called “The Most Dangerous Tunnel in the World!” And “The Tunnel of Fear”. Intrigued, or making that same journey? Then you’d better read on.
Location
You’ll reach the Anzob Tunnel after a 79 km picturesque, but white knuckle inducing, drive north from Dushanbe. Deep in the Zarafshan Mountain Range at a height of 2,720 metres, the Tunnel of Death sits in Sugd Province at the heart of the Anzob Valley.
History
To understand the importance of the Anzob Tunnel, we have to look a little at the history of the region.
Before 1921, Tajikistan was part of the Imperial Russian Empire, as a result, roads around the region would cross into and out of Tajik territory without any troubles or concerns. After the 1920s, the Tajik SSR was formed, solidifying the borders of what we now know as modern Tajikistan. However, the borders were still of little concern.
Before the Anzob Tunnel, vehicles travelling to or from Tajikistan’s fertile Sugd Province would have to make the arduous journey over the Anzob Pass or travel through neighbouring Uzbekistan.
At an elevation of 3372m, the Anzob Pass is impassable in winter and still dangerous throughout the rest of the year. During 1997, 46 people lost their lives in a deadly avalanche on one day alone.
After Tajikistan gained independence in 1991 it became even more important that an alternative route be sought as during the winter months and when the Anzob Pass was blocked, all traffic from the south to the north of the country would have to pass over this perilous pass. The situation worsened as tensions between neighbouring Uzbekistan and Tajikistan began to sour.
As Iran looked to further trade its with the region, a solution was sought, and the idea of the Anzob Tunnel was born.
Construction
Construction on the Anzob Tunnel began in 2002 when it was finally agreed that the Iranian company Sabir Co would begin the 4 billion USD dollar project.
The job would be no easy feat as workers were operating at altitude and were expected to tunnel through over 5,000 metres of rock. The winter snow in the Anzob area can begin in September and carry on until early May.
When the project was eventually started, many crews complained about the harsh working conditions, highlighting the extreme cold, altitude, and water that was continuously pouring into the tunnel excavation site.
In 2006, the tunnel was prematurely opened and traffic began to traverse the new route. As the tunnel was not yet complete, it was agreed in 2014 that the Iranian teams would return, and the tunnel was finally completed in 2018.
Why the “Tunnel of Death”?
The Anzob Tunnel has been known by a few names in its short period of existence, perhaps most famously, “The Tunnel of Death”.
In 2006 after its premature opening, the tunnel wasn’t complete and already beginning to deteriorate pretty quickly. There was no lighting in the tunnel for starters, poor ventilation, and even worse drainage.
All of this contributed to the road’s surface deteriorating and the formation of large potholes. It is said vehicles would either strike a pothole or be flooded by water; noxious fumes would then overcome the car’s inhabitants.
Once the world’s press picked up on the story of the Anzob Tunnel, the headlines began to roll. Hence the grizzly title “The Tunnel of Death” and “the Tunnel of Fear”.
Other names attributed to the tunnel include:
Anzob Tunnel: Due to its proximity to the Anzob Pass and Anzob Village.
Istiqlol Tunnel: Meaning independence/sovereignty, this name was introduced during the tunnel’s development inspired by the fact that, with the completion of the tunnel, Tajiks would be able to access the northern areas of the country without passing through Uzbekistan.
Ushtur Tunnel: So named because the mountain that the tunnel cuts through has two peaks similar to a Bactrian Camel, which Ushtur translates to.
The Tunnel of Death Today
Since the Iranians returned in 2014, improvements have been made. The surface has been replaced, lighting added, along with better ventilation. Although still not perfect, the drive has become a lot safer.
In June 2021, it was announced the Iranians were making a return journey to upgrade the tunnel even further; this time, they installed a full ventilation and lighting system, security surveillance and fire extinguishing systems.
If you do find yourself travelling from Tajikistan’s south to the north, or visa-versa, you will be sure to pass through the Tunnel of Death. These days, it may not be as worrying as it once was, but spare a thought for the tunnel of the past!
The journey to and from the tunnel is a lovely adventure through snow-capped peaks, over deep river valleys, and past small stone-built mountain villages, the 5km Anzob Tunnel is a bonus.
Interested in passing through the Tunnel of Death yourself? Join us on one of our Tajikistan tours which pass through the Anzob Valley: