Afghanistan

Afghanistan: general info for travelers

Afghanistan is a landlocked country located in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north. It has a population of approximately 38 million people and its official languages are Dari and Pashto. The country has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic era. It has also been a major center of trade and cultural exchange for thousands of years, with influences from India, Persia, Central Asia, and beyond. However, Afghanistan has also experienced a great deal of conflict and political instability, particularly in the past few decades. Despite these challenges, the country is home to several stunning landscapes, including the Hindu Kush mountains and the Wakhan Corridor, and has a deeply hospitable and resilient people.

In this webpage you can find destinations, links and detailed information to organize the perfect holiday in this country full of places to visit. We answer questions such as what to see and what to do, when to go and how to move. We recommend travel itineraries and we provide a list of destinations, each with a link to the dedicated page full of detailed info. So here is everything there is to know for a trip in Afghanistan, including gastronomy, safety and events, with a short summary of history and culture.

Afghanistan: places to visit

Afghanistan is a beautiful country with a rich cultural history and breathtaking landscapes. Here are some of the main places that are worth visiting: 1. Bamiyan: Located in central Afghanistan, Bamiyan is famous for its cliff carvings of Buddha statues and beautiful valleys. The city also offers excellent hiking opportunities.
2. Kabul: The capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modernization. It is home to several historically significant landmarks such as the Kabul Museum, Babur's Gardens, and the Darul Aman Palace.
3. Mazar-e-Sharif: This city in northern Afghanistan is the fourth largest in the country and attracts visitors for its Blue Mosque, which is one of the holiest places in Islam.
4. Herat: Situated in western Afghanistan, Herat is called the cultural capital of Afghanistan because of its rich architecture, museums, and bazaars. Visitors can explore the Herat Citadel, Friday Mosque, and the Khwaja Parsa Palace.
5. Wakhan Corridor: This remote mountain region in northeastern Afghanistan is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can trek along the Pamir Mountains and meet with the local Wakhi people.
6. Balkh: Known as the oldest city in the world, Balkh has been inhabited for over 5000 years. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins and visit the ancient Mosque of Hazrat-e Ali.
7. Band-e Amir National Park: This park located in central Afghanistan offers a scenic landscape of six vivid blue lakes that are fed by mountain springs. It is a great place for hiking, picnicking, and relaxing.
These are just a few of the numerous places to visit in Afghanistan. Each of these places has a unique set of attractions and activities that will appeal to history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.
There is more to see and do in Afghanistan: further down you can find other info and, in particular, a list of every interesting destination, each with its own webpage containing specific info about attractions to visit, events and more.

Afghanistan: when to go on holiday

We listed some places to see in Afghanistan, but it's also important to visit them in the right season.
Afghanistan generally experiences hot and dry summers (June to August) and cold winters (December to February). The best time to visit Afghanistan would be during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons, when the weather is mild and comfortable. However, it's important to note that Afghanistan is a country with ongoing conflict and security issues, and there are travel advisories in place for many areas. So, before planning a trip, it's important to research the safety situation and consult official travel advisories.

Afghanistan: activities and what to do

Afghanistan is a country with a rich cultural history, beautiful landscapes and diverse climate, which offers a range of outdoor activities and sports for tourists. Some popular activities and sports to do on holiday in Afghanistan are: 1. Trekking and hiking - Afghanistan is home to some of the world's most stunning and rugged mountain ranges, such as the Hindu Kush and the Pamir Mountains. Trekking or hiking through these mountains can offer tourists a unique and unforgettable experience.
2. Skiing and snowboarding - During winter, Afghanistan's ski resorts in the Bamyan and Salang areas are perfect for skiing and snowboarding. These places attract skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.
3. Rock climbing - Afghanistan's mountain ranges provide excellent opportunities for rock climbing adventures. Cool places to climb include the Band-e-Amir National Park, Hindu Kush mountain range, and Koh-e-Baba mountain range.
4. Horseback riding - Horseback riding is a popular activity in Afghanistan, especially among locals. Horseback tours are available in various parts of the country, including Kabul, Bamyan and Panjshir.
5. Camel riding - Afghan deserts, particularly Dasht-e-Margo, offer opportunities for camelback riding tours. 6. Sightseeing cultural heritage sites - Afghanistan is home to a rich cultural heritage, with many historical sites, monuments, and landmarks. Tourists can explore ancient ruins, such as Balkh City, Minaret of Jam, and the Buddha niches of Bamiyan. It's essential always to ensure that you have the necessary permits, licenses, guide services, and travel insurance to stay safe while engaging in any activity.

Afghanistan: few words on history and culture

Afghanistan has a rich and ancient history, dating back to the time of Alexander the Great and the Persian Empire. It has been influenced over the centuries by Buddhism, Islam, and various empires, including the Mongols and the British. The country has also faced significant challenges, including invasion and occupation by foreign powers, civil war, and Taliban rule.
Afghan culture is diverse and includes traditional clothing, dance, music, and art. The main language spoken is Persian (Dari) and Pashto, and Islam is the dominant religion. Hospitality and respect for elders are highly valued in Afghan culture. Family is central to Afghan life, and extended families often live together in the same household. Food also plays an important role in Afghan culture, with dishes such as kebabs, pilaf, and naan bread being popular.

Afghanistan: how to move around on holiday

Due to security concerns and instability in parts of the country, it is not currently advised to travel to Afghanistan for tourism. Travel to the country is usually only recommended for essential business reasons. If you do have a legitimate reason to travel to Afghanistan, the safest way to reach the country is by air. Kabul International Airport is the main entry point and most major international airlines have flights there. Once in the country, it is advisable to hire a reputable driver or use a trusted transport service for transportation around the country. However, again it is important to note that traveling to Afghanistan should only be done with extreme caution and safety measures should be taken at all times. To hire a car to visit Afghanistan, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Afghanistan: typical gastronomy

It is better to visit Afghanistan with a full stomach:D
Sure, here are some of the main typical foods of Afghanistan: 1. Kabuli Palaw: This is Afghanistan’s national dish, which is made of tender lamb with lightly seasoned rice. The dish is cooked slowly for several hours with carrots, raisins, and other spices. It is often served with yogurt or a spicy chutney.
2. Mantu: These are traditional meat dumplings that are steamed and typically served with tomato-based sauce and yogurt. 3. Qabili Palaw: A dish made of delicate pieces of lamb and yellow rice that is cooked with raisins, carrots, onions and various spices.
4. Ashak: These are dumplings made from leeks and scallions, which are filled with beef or lamb and topped with tomato sauce, yogurt and dried mint.
5. Bolani: A bread stuffed with either spinach or potato with a little hint of onions and cilantro.
6. Kofta Challow: Meatballs that are served with a lightly seasoned rice and tomato sauce.
Overall, Afghan cuisine typically incorporates spices such as cardamom, coriander, cumin, and turmeric, which gives it a rich and flavorful taste. Accompaniments to dishes may include breads, pickled vegetables, and chutneys.

Afghanistan: costs for tourists and how to save on holiday

Afghanistan is not a popular destination for tourism due to security concerns and ongoing conflict in the region. As such, there is limited information available on the cost of traveling to Afghanistan. However, it is known that prices for goods and services can vary widely depending on the location within the country and the availability of supplies. In general, it is advisable to budget for higher costs due to the lack of tourist infrastructure and potential safety risks. It is recommended to consult with local travel agencies and embassy websites for information on travel to Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: where to find accodation

There are several online platforms where you can search for accommodation options in Afghanistan. Some popular websites to consider are: 1. Booking.com: One of the most popular and trusted platforms for booking accommodation, you can find a range of options on Booking.com including hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and resorts in Afghanistan.
2. Agoda: Another popular online booking platform, Agoda has a good selection of accommodation options in Afghanistan, including budget and luxury hotels, guesthouses, and apartments.
3. Airbnb: This is a popular platform for booking private homes, apartments or rooms in Afghanistan. You can choose from a range of options that suit your budget and preferences.
4. Tripadvisor: Tripadvisor is one of the largest travel websites in the world, and it has a wealth of information and reviews on accommodations in Afghanistan. You can use it to review and compare local hotels, guesthouses, and other types of accommodation.
It is important to note that due to security concerns in Afghanistan, it is recommended to book accommodation in advance and to choose a reputable provider. It is also important to review the latest travel advisories before planning a trip to the country.
You can check hotel prices in Afghanistan here:
Booking.com

Afghanistan: number of tourists and safety

It is always interesting to know how many travelers visit a country, both to understand if it is tourist-friendly and safe and to see if in certain periods it may be too crowded.
According to the World Bank, Afghanistan received about 90,000 international tourist arrivals in 2018. However, due to ongoing security concerns in the country, tourism is not very well developed in Afghanistan and most visitors are either business travelers or expats visiting friends and family.
As for crowded periods, it is not very common to have large crowds of tourists in Afghanistan. However, major holidays and events such as Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz (Persian New Year) can see a slight increase in local tourists visiting popular tourist destinations.
Due to the ongoing conflict and security concerns in Afghanistan, it is not considered a safe country for tourism at this time. The U.S. State Department and other international agencies have issued travel advisories advising against all travel to Afghanistan. There are numerous safety risks for foreigners in Afghanistan, including terrorist attacks, kidnapping, and the high threat of violent crime. As such, it is recommended to avoid all areas of the country, particularly the border regions with Pakistan and Iran, and to stay up to date on the latest travel advisories from your embassy or consulate.
It is always recommended to read updated info about safety in Afghanistan on the official website of your Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Afghanistan: events for tourists

Afghanistan is a country with a rich cultural heritage and offers various events and experiences for tourists, despite the current security situation. Some of the most interesting events for tourists in Afghanistan include: 1. The Nowruz Festival: This is the Persian New Year festival, celebrated in March every year. It is a time of new beginnings and is marked by music, dancing, and feasting.
2. The Afghan Carpet Exhibition: This is an annual event held in Kabul, where visitors can view and purchase traditional Afghan carpets.
3. The Bamiyan Cultural Festival: Held in August, this festival celebrates the cultural heritage of the province of Bamiyan, known for its ancient Buddha statues, and includes traditional music, dance, and food.
4. The Kabul International Film Festival: This is a biennial film festival held in Kabul and showcases Afghan and international films.
5. The National Museum of Afghanistan: This museum displays a range of artifacts from Afghanistan's past, including coins, pottery, and sculptures, and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
It is important to note that due to security concerns in Afghanistan, tourists should exercise caution and stay informed about the current situation before planning a trip to the country.

Afghanistan: a 2-week travel itinerary

We listed the places to see in Afghanistan, here's a possible suggestion on how to visit them.
I must say that it is not safe to visit many parts of Afghanistan due to ongoing civil unrest and terrorist activities. The US Department of State currently has a Level 4 Travel Advisory in place, which advises against all travel to Afghanistan, due to the high risk of kidnapping, terrorism, and other violent crimes.
However, if you still wish to proceed with planning a trip, here is a suggested two week itinerary: Day 1-2: Arrival in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city - Visit Babur's Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Explore the National Museum of Afghanistan - See the Kabul River and City Center Park Day 3-5: Drive to Bamiyan - Visit the Buddhas of Bamiyan, ancient statues carved into the mountainside - Hike in the Band-e-Amir National Park - Explore the city of Bamiyan and its bazaars Day 6-7: Drive to Mazar-e-Sharif - Visit the Blue Mosque, a stunning example of Islamic architecture - Explore the Mazar-e-Sharif bazaars and local markets Day 8-9: Drive to Herat - Visit the Herat Citadel, an ancient fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site - Explore the Friday Mosque and other historic sites in the city Day 10-12: Drive to Kunduz - Visit the Khwaja Mashhad Mosque, a popular pilgrimage site - Experience the rugged beauty of the Hindu Kush mountains Day 13-14: Return to Kabul - Visit the Paghman Gardens, a park famous for its natural beauty - Explore the Kabul bazaars and shopping districts Please note that the above itinerary is just a suggestion and it is highly recommended that you consult with the appropriate security personnel to ensure the safety of your trip.

Afghanistan: all destinations

Here is a comprehensive list of all destinations to visit in Afghanistan described in this website, in alphabetical order: by clicking on a link you get to the specific page with all the detailed information about a destination, with every info to organize your trip!
- Andkhoy is a district located in the northern province of Faryab in Afghanistan. It is situated at an elevation of 338 meters above sea level and has a population of around 60,000 people. The district... CONTINUE here for a trip to Andkhoy
- Asadabad is a city located in the eastern part of Afghanistan, in the province of Kunar. It has a population of around 50,000 people and is situated on the bank of the Kunar River. The city serves as ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Asadabad
- Bamiyan is a provincial capital in the central highlands of Afghanistan, known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. It is located about 230 kilometers west of Kabul and has a population o... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bamiyan
- Baraki Barak is a district located in the eastern part of Afghanistan, within Logar province. It is situated about 60 kilometers south of Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan. The district has a pop... CONTINUE here for a trip to Baraki Barak
- Charikar is a city situated in the Parwan province of Afghanistan. It is approximately 70 kilometers north of Kabul, the capital city. The city has a population of around 120,000 people and is a strat... CONTINUE here for a trip to Charikar
- Feyzabad is a city in northeastern Afghanistan and is the capital of the Badakhshan Province. It is located in a mountainous region and is surrounded by high peaks, including the Hindu Kush mountain r... CONTINUE here for a trip to Feyzabad
- Gardez is a city located in the southeastern part of Afghanistan, and it is the capital city of Paktia province. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 2300 meters above sea level and has a po... CONTINUE here for a trip to Gardez
- Ghazni is a city located in eastern Afghanistan, around 150 kilometers south of the capital, Kabul. It is the capital of Ghazni province and has a population of around 150,000 people. The city is famo... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ghazni
- Ghormach is a district in the province of Faryab, located in the northwestern region of Afghanistan. It has a population of around 70,000 people and covers an area of approximately 3,490 square kilome... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ghormach
- Herat is a city located in western Afghanistan, near the Iranian border. It is the third-largest city in Afghanistan and has a rich history that dates back to the time of Alexander the Great. Herat is... CONTINUE here for a trip to Herat
- Jalalabad is a city located in eastern Afghanistan, near the border with Pakistan. It is the capital of Nangarhar Province and has a population of approximately 356,000 people. The city is an importan... CONTINUE here for a trip to Jalalabad
- Kabul is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan located in the eastern part of the country. It is situated at an elevation of 1,800 meters (5,900 ft) above sea level in a narrow valley between th... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kabul
- Kandahar is a city located in southern Afghanistan, around 450 kilometers (280 miles) southwest of Kabul. It has a population of approximately 557,118 and is the second-largest city in the country. Ka... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kandahar
- Kunduz is a province located in the northern part of Afghanistan, with its capital being the city of Kunduz. It is home to a mostly Pashtun population and is known for its cotton, fruit, and poultry p... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kunduz
- Mazar-e Sharif is a city located in the northern part of Afghanistan. It is the fourth largest city in the country and is known as a center of trade, culture, and religion. Mazar-e Sharif is home to m... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mazar-e Sharif
- Puli Khumri is a city in northern Afghanistan and the capital of Baghlan Province. It is located on the banks of the Kunduz River and is surrounded by the Hindu Kush mountains. The city has a populati... CONTINUE here for a trip to Puli Khumri
- Qalat is a city located in the Zabul Province of Afghanistan. It has a population of around 14,000 people and is situated at an altitude of 2,300 meters. The city is known for its historical significa... CONTINUE here for a trip to Qalat
- Sheberghan is a city located in the Jowzjan province of northern Afghanistan. It has an estimated population of around 100,000 people and it is the capital of the Jowzjan province. Sheberghan is situa... CONTINUE here for a trip to Sheberghan
- Shiberghan is a city located in the northern Afghan province of Jowzjan. It is the capital of Jowzjan province and has a population of about 100,000 people. The city is situated on a plain surrounded ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Shiberghan
- Taloqan is a city located in the northern region of Afghanistan, specifically in the province of Takhar. It is a historic city and was once an important center for trade along the ancient Silk Road. T... CONTINUE here for a trip to Taloqan


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