Afghanistan Travel Information

Afghanistan Travel Information

Afghanistan is a beautiful mountainous country that has unfortunately had to suffer almost 30 years of warfare and authoritarian regimes. Afghanistan is definitely not an easy or a safe country to travel to. Nevertheless, if you are still going there and take the necessary precautions, you may find impressive historic sites, hospitable people, great trekking possibilities, interesting cultures, and inexpensive guesthouses and souvenirs in this troubled Asian nation.

Troubled country located in southern Asia Northwest from Pakistan and East from Iran, Afghanistan is a landlocked, dry country with high mountains and plains. Afghanistan is a culturally diverse nation with many ethnic groups, all with their own culture and traditions. It has been an important area of trade and migration routes since the ancient times and is home to plenty of impressive historic attractions. Afghans are mountain people who are proud of their religion, country and independence.

Tourism attractions in Afghanistan: historic sites, ruined cities, lakes and mountains

Afghanistan is a large country with many places to explore. The capital city Kabul has historic buildings, lively parks and even a golf course. The famous stone Buddhas in Bamiyan were once considered one of the wonders of the world but were destroyed in purpose by the Taliban administration in 2001. However, the Bamiyan valley and its World Heritage Site still remain beautiful and impressive. The five lakes of Band-e-Amir near Bamiyan are beautiful mountain lakes with turquoise waters with high mineral content.

The Blue Mosque in Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan

Historical attractions. The old Minaret of Jam, dating from the 12th Century, is a World Heritage Site situated in a remote valley that was revealed to the world just 60 years ago. The city of Herat has an impressive medieval fortress and a beautiful minaret, and the ancient ruined city of Balkh in Northern Afghanistan has witnessed several civilizations from Persians and Alexander the Great to Mongols, Uzbeks, and Arabs. In the North, Panjshir Valley is a beautiful mountainous home of Tajik people that offers great trekking possibilities, and the Uzbek city of Mazar-e Sharif has a famous Blue Mosque.

Afghanistan travel information and practical tips

The climate in Aghanistan is continental with cold winters and hot summers. The weather in Afghanistan is at its best in spring and autumn. In summertime the temperatures are very hot everywhere except in the mountains. In wintertime snow is common in most parts of the country. Travel in the mountains is particularly tricky at this time. There is a minor rainy season in Afghanistan during the early spring, but mostly the weather is very dusty and dry.

Former site of a Buddha statue in Bamiyan, Afghanistan

How to get there. The international airport in Kabul receives flights from many Asian and Middle East countries, and there are also frequent domestic flights between Kabul and other large cities in Afghanistan, such as Herat, Mazar-e Sharif and Kandahar. Public transport inside Afghanistan is handled mainly by minibuses and there are also many taxis and shared taxis that travel between towns. Rental cars with local drivers are also available in Kabul. Afghanistan has a few railroads, and new railways are being planned. Non-Muslim foreigners are officially forbidden to travel by land without an armed escort.

Visitor services. There are hotels and basic guesthouses available in major towns and around historic sites.

Many educated Afghans can speak English. The civil wars and Taliban rule left Afghanistan in ruins, but some infrastructure is now being rebuilt with new highways between the major cities and destroyed historic monuments being repaired. The countryside is unfortunately still dotted with landmines, and any trekking in Afghanistan should be done only with a reliable local guide.

Mountain landscape in Shadud, Afghanistan

Safety issues. Afghanistan is currently not a safe country to travel to. Large areas of the country, especially in the South and the East, are very insecure with ongoing military operations and high risk of political violence and kidnappings. There is a threat of terrorist attacks and kidnappings in every part of the country, including Kabul, targeting especially at foreigners. Afghanistan is also dotted with land mines and unexploded ammunition left in the terrain. Traveling alone or at night or participating in political gatherings is very risky. Hiring an armed escort or traveling with an experienced guide are essential for your safety if you should visit Afghanistan.

Lake Band-e-Amir in Afghanistan

Short history of Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a long history since the ancient times, during which it has witnessed various civilizations and conquerors. The modern state of Afghanistan was founded by Ahmad Shah Durrani who unified Pashtun tribes in 1747. The country fought three wars against Great Britain and acted in the late 19th century as a semi-independent buffer state between the Russian and British Empires. Afghanistan was as recognized as a fully independent kingdom in 1919. A brief period of democracy in the country ended in 1973, and in 1978 Afghanistan became a communist state. The Soviet Union invaded the country in 1979 to support the communist regime, which led to a long period of warfare against the anti-communist rebels that were supported internationally.

Ruins of a Soviet tank in Herat, Afghanistan

Recent turmoil. The Soviet Union withdrew its forces from Afghanistan in 1989, leaving a power vacuum that was followed by a series of civil wars during the 1990s. The Islamist Taliban movement took the power in 1996 but was toppled in 2001 by other local movements with the help of the United States and its allies, fed up with Taliban government sheltering international terrorists. Rebuilding the country was started soon after, a new constitution was adopted and presidential election was held in 2004, followed by the National Assembly elections in 2005. UN and NATO troops are still in Afghanistan, assisting the new government in maintaining the law and searching for terrorists.