AFGHANISTAN TRAVEL GUIDE
Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia. Afghanistan has been the centre of many powerful empires for the past 2,000 years. However, in the last 40 years the country has been in chaos due to major wars -- from the Soviet invasion of 1979 to their withdrawal in 1989 and from warlordism to the removal of the Taliban in 2001 and the ensuing American and NATO invasion. Economically, Afghanistan is considered poor compared to many other nations of the world. The country is currently going through a nation-wide rebuilding process.
While it has much to offer to the intrepid traveller caution is advised and travel to Kabul is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED.
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AFGHANISTAN QUICK FACTS
Capital: Kabul (moved from Kandahar in 1772)
Currency: afghani (AFN)
Area: 647,500 km²
Population: 37,17 million (2018)
Language: Afghan Persian 50%, Pashto35%, Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4%, much bilingualism
Religion: Sunni Muslim ca. 80%, Shi'a Muslim 19%, other 1%
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz +/-50%
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AFGHANISTAN
AFGHANISTAN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 15 February, Liberation Day
- 28 April, Victory Day
- 19 August, Independence Day
Also, Now Rouz (New Year) and Islamic holidays and festivals.
FESTIVALS IN AFGHANISTAN
BEST TIME TO VISIT AFGHANISTAN
It is generally recommended to avoid traveling to Afghanistan due to the ongoing conflict and security concerns. If you must travel to Afghanistan, the best time to visit would be during the spring or fall, when the weather is milder. However, it is important to keep in mind that the security situation in Afghanistan is highly volatile and can change quickly, so it is essential to stay up-to-date on the latest travel advisories and to take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
AFGHANISTAN WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Arid To Semiarid; Cold Winters And Hot Summers
AFGHANISTAN TOURIST SEASONS
Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off Peak Season
JANUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
FEBRUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
MARCH
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
APRIL
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
MAY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JUNE
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JULY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
AUGUST
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
SEPTEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
OCTOBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
NOVEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
DECEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
HOT MONTHS:
.
MODERATE MONTHS:
.
COLD MONTHS:
.
WET MONTHS:
.
DRY MONTHS:
.
SPORT & ACTIVITIES
SNOW SPORT IN AFGHANISTAN
If you're looking for a very adventurous (and potentially also dangerous) experience, you can go skiing in Bamyan, Central Afghanistan. Be warned, there is currently no ski lift and you need your own equipment!
HIKING & CYCLING IN AFGHANISTAN
BEACH OPTIONS IN AFGHANISTAN
SURFING IN AFGHANISTAN
KITESURF IN AFGHANISTAN
Kitesurfing spot details and weather
HEALTH RISKS IN AFGHANISTAN
Be aware of possible health risks in
Afghanistan
Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.
Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
AFGHANISTAN TRAVEL COSTS
It is difficult to provide an estimate of the cost of travel to Afghanistan as it will depend on many factors, such as the mode of transportation, accommodation costs, and the length of your stay. It is generally more expensive to fly to Afghanistan, while ground transportation may be less expensive but also more time-consuming. Accommodation costs will vary depending on the location and type of accommodation you choose. It is also important to keep in mind that travel to Afghanistan can be more expensive due to the need for security measures, such as hiring local security personnel or using armored vehicles.
In addition to the cost of travel, it is also important to consider the potential costs of unexpected events, such as medical emergencies or changes in travel plans. It is recommended to have adequate travel insurance coverage before traveling to Afghanistan.
It is also worth noting that while Afghanistan has a relatively low cost of living compared to many other countries, tourists may find that prices for goods and services targeted towards foreigners are higher.
AFGHANISTAN TRAVEL TIPS
SIGHTS & HIGHLIGHTS OF AFGHANISTAN
Due to the ongoing conflict and security concerns, it is generally not recommended to travel to Afghanistan. If you do decide to travel to Afghanistan, it is important to keep in mind that the security situation in the country is highly volatile and can change quickly. It is essential to stay up-to-date on the latest travel advisories and to take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
If you do visit Afghanistan, there are a number of places you may want to consider visiting. These include:
- Kabul: Kabul is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan. The city is home to a number of cultural and historical attractions, such as the National Museum of Afghanistan and the Babur Gardens.
- Bamiyan: Bamiyan is a city located in the central highlands of Afghanistan. The city is home to the famous Bamiyan Buddhas, a pair of 6th-century statues of standing Buddhas that were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.
- Herat: Herat is a city located in western Afghanistan. The city is known for its cultural and historical sites, such as the Friday Mosque and the Citadel of Herat.
- Mazar-i-Sharif: Mazar-i-Sharif is a city located in northern Afghanistan. The city is home to a number of cultural and historical attractions, including the Blue Mosque and the Shrine of Hazrat Ali.
It is also worth noting that Afghanistan is home to a number of natural attractions, such as the Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip of land in the eastern part of the country that is home to a number of rare species of flora and fauna, and the Band-e Amir National Park, a series of six deep blue lakes in the central highlands of Afghanistan.
Again, it is essential to keep in mind that the security situation in Afghanistan is highly volatile and can change quickly. It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest travel advisories and to take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
WHAT TO EAT IN AFGHANISTAN
When traveling to Afghanistan, you will have the opportunity to try a variety of local dishes. Some popular Afghan dishes include:
- Qabili palau: This is a traditional Afghan dish made with rice, carrots, and raisins, and typically served with lamb or chicken.
- Mantu: Mantu are dumplings filled with ground meat and onions, and topped with a yogurt sauce.
- Aushak: Aushak are dumplings filled with leeks and topped with a yogurt sauce.
- Kofta: Kofta is a dish made with meatballs, typically served with rice or vegetables.
- Ashak: Ashak are dumplings filled with leeks and served with a tomato-based sauce.
- Naan: Naan is a type of flatbread that is popular throughout Afghanistan.
It is also worth noting that Afghanistan is home to a number of international restaurants, so you will have the opportunity to try a variety of cuisines while you are there. However, it is important to be cautious about the food and water you consume while traveling in Afghanistan, as the country has a high risk of waterborne diseases. It is recommended to only drink bottled or treated water and to avoid eating raw or undercooked food.
LGBTQ IN AFGHANISTAN
WHERE TO STAY IN AFGHANISTAN
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