Khyber Pass

American  

[kahy-ber pas, pahs] / ˈkaɪ bər ˈpæs, ˈpɑs /

Sometimes Khaibar Pass

noun

1. the chief mountain pass between Pakistan and Afghanistan, west of Peshawar. 33 miles (53 kilometers) long; 6,825 feet (2,080 meters) high.

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Khyber Pass British  

/ ˈkaɪbə /

noun

1. a narrow pass over the Safed Koh Range between Afghanistan and Pakistan, over which came the Persian, Greek, Tatar, Mogul, and Afghan invasions of India; scene of bitter fighting between the British and Afghans (1838–42, 1878–80). Length: about 53 km (33 miles). Highest point: 1072 m (3518 ft)

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Etymology

Origin of Khyber Pass

First recorded in 1825–30; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

It began at the bandstand at about 15:30 BST, and made its way up Khyber Pass to the Whalebone Monument for the finale.

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2023

The border, at the northwestern end of the Khyber Pass on the road between Peshawar in Pakistan and Jalalabad in Afghanistan, is usually closed by sundown.

From Reuters • Nov. 2, 2023

One of the oldest cities in Asia, it stands at the entrance to the Khyber Pass, the main route between the two regions.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 31, 2023

“Monty Python” veteran Palin plays himself, a disheveled Western backpacker, as he explores high-altitude destinations, including Khyber Pass in Pakistan and Mount Everest base camp in Tibet.

From Washington Post • May 7, 2020

He asked about the ride from Peshawar, the drive over the Khyber Pass.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini