Afghanistan

Overview

Afghanistan is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia. The country shares borders with Uzbekistan , Turkmenistan , Tajikistan , Iran , Pakistan , China , and the disputed Kashmir territory.

However, under less extreme circumstances, this vast, mountainous country offers a lot to the adventurous, thrill-seeking traveller. Its landscapes are simply majestic, the history lover can appreciate numerous historical sites from all eras, and the architecture lover can feast their eyes on such wonderful Islamic architecture. There's even a shrine that houses a cloak once worn by Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam.

Afghanistan is a melting pot of cultures, with Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks constituting the largest ethnic groups. Islam is the state religion, hence the name "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan". A majority of Afghans are Sunni Muslims, although about 20% of them are Shia Muslims. Agriculturally rich and traditionally a Muslim nation, Afghanistan is a mostly tribal society with each of the country's own subcultures in some specific regions.

Despite poverty and political and religious extremism, tourists often find themselves being treated as celebrities here; in fact, they might be showered with a lot of hospitality and care, even if they unintentionally make a few cultural blunders.

In the 1960s and early 1970s, Afghanistan was a popular destination for adventurous travellers, part of the "Hippie Trail" Istanbul to New Delhi overland route. Dirt cheap, culturally fascinating and with plenty of excellent hashish; what more could a hippie want? However, it has not been anywhere close to safe since the Russian invasion of 1979.

Places to explore

English spellings of Afghan place names vary as there is no regulation of names when written in the Latin script. For example, Q may replace K as in Qandahar or Qunduz. Kunduz will be seen spelled as Konduz, Qunduz, Qundoz, Qundoze and variations on these. Bamiyan is often spelled as Bamian or Bamyan. Khowst may be spelt as Khost.

Sights and landscapes

The cultural landscape of the Bamiyan Valley stands as a prominent UNESCO World Heritage site. While the destruction of the 6th-century Buddhist sculptures shocked the world, the massive empty sandstone niches remain a poignant monument. Visitors can still explore the complex network of ancient monastic caves, the citadel ruins of Shahr-e Gholghola, and the red fortress at Shah-e Zohak.

Band-e Amir is a natural sanctuary situated at 2,900 metres in the Hindu Kush mountains. The park features six interconnected lakes known for their pure, intense travertine-blue waters. These striking lakes contrast sharply against the surrounding arid, sandy mountains. While it remains a major attraction, travelers should note that access rules fluctuate and sometimes restrict women's participation.

The urban centres of northern and western Afghanistan house magnificent examples of Islamic architecture. Mazar-i-Sharif is defined by the Blue Mosque, which serves as a major cultural hub adorned with vibrant tilework. Herat features the grand Great Mosque, celebrated for its Timurid-era mosaics, alongside the ancient Herat Citadel. In nearby Balkh, travelers can visit the Green Mosque and the 9th-century Haji Piyada Mosque, the oldest known Islamic structure in the country.

Experiences

Foreign tourists are no longer permitted to sightsee independently. All activities must be coordinated through licensed tour operators or registered local guides under Afghan Tour. Travelers must register at the Ministry of Information and Culture in Kabul upon arrival and pay a direct tourist permit fee of approximately 1,000 AFN for each province they visit.

Wandering historic markets remains a popular urban activity. The Kabul Bird Market offers a narrow, bustling glimpse into traditional life, while Chicken Street provides opportunities to browse antique rugs and lapis lazuli jewelry. Walking through the geometric terraces of the Babur Gardens in Kabul offers a peaceful retreat featuring the tomb of the first Mughal Emperor. Travelers can also explore the ancient Herat Citadel for panoramic urban views or visit the National Museum of Afghanistan to view preserved ancient artifacts.

For natural exploration, visiting Band-e Amir National Park allows travelers to view famous travertine-blue lakes set against stark canyon walls. However, activity choices fluctuate, and access rules occasionally restrict women from entering the park grounds. In the far northeast, the Wakhan Corridor offers paths through isolated Pamir communities and dramatic alpine vistas, while Central Afghanistan features trekking routes through the Shah Foladi wilderness. Due to checkpoints and rough terrain, all rural trekking requires specialized security clearances and a local guide.

Culture and food

Rice dishes are the "king" of all foods in Afghanistan. The Afghans have certainly taken much time and effort in creating their rice dishes, as they are considered the best part of any meal. Wealthier families will eat one rice dish per day. The Afghan royalty spent much time on rice preparation and invention as evidenced in the sheer number of rice dishes in their cookbooks. Weddings and family gatherings must feature several rice dishes and certainly reputations can be made in the realm of rice preparation.

Qorma is a stew or casserole, usually served with chawol. Most qormas are onion-based. Onions are fried, then meat is added, as are a variety of fruits, spices, and vegetables depending on the recipe. Finally water is added and left to simmer. The onion caramelizes and creates a richly colored stew. There are over 100 qormas.

Travel guide text compiled and adapted from Wikivoyage article (contributors). Sections were selected and reordered for this guide. Text is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0. Check current arrangements with your travel consultant.