Afghanistan

Afganistan Flag

Why visit Afghanistan?

Known for ancient ruins, archaeology sites, culture, history and mountainous scenery.

Pyandzh (Pyandzh/Pyanj) River, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Afghan coats, brass items, carpets, embroidery, gold ware, karakul (domestic sheep) skins, lambskin rugs, lapis lazuli (blue rock), leather goods, musical instruments, silk fabric and silver items.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Dumplings (Mantu). Kabuli Palaw, a steamed rice pilaf with mixture of carrots and  raisins served with beef or lamb. Lamb Grilled Kebab. Qormah, a stew served with chalau rice. Quroot, made from sheep or goat milk is a very sour cottage cheese served with other dishes.
• Local Drink: Doogh, made by mixing water with yogurt garnished with fresh or dried mint served cold. Kahwah, a hot tea.

Village Market, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Archaeologists have found Buddhist relics dating back to the 2nd Century (101 AD - 200 AD).
  
• During the 1980, the Russian language was taught in public schools.
  
• On 9/11/01, Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida network is known to be associated with terrorist attacks striking our country. 
• Divided by two mountains Hindu Kush and Himalayas.
  
• Women's Rights is nonexistent. A high percentage experience forced marriage, physical abuse, psychological abuse and/or sexual abuse.
• The Silk Road, was a trade route to China, India and Persia. 
  
• Buzkashi is a polo-like sport where players attempt to place a goat or calf carcass in a goal.
  
• Native dog breed, Afghan Hound is best known for their long hair and speed.
  
• Largest opium poppy producer in the world, harvest producing more than 90% of illicit heroin globally.
  
• Zoroastrianism (Mazdayasna) is one of the world's oldest practiced religions, a multi-faceted faith centered around good and evil.
  
• Majority of the population are practicing Muslims. Therefore, no public churches.
• Agriculturally, a leading producer of apricots, grapes, melons, pomegranates and saffron.
• Their untapped mineral deposits has an estimated $1 trillion dollar value. On mineral deposits said to generate around $10 billion dollars annually.
  
• Afghansat 1 (satellite), is their own Telecommunication services (internet, phone, and television).
  
• "Ring Road" (Highway 1), is essential to their trade economy (domestic and international) which also connects to five major cities.
  
• United States is building six faculties of education and five provincial teacher training colleges around the country.
  
• Child Marriage (under 18) is prevalent as marriage is legal at 16 years young often to a parallel cousin. The Groom often pays a "bride price" (dowry).
  
• Clothing for both men and women generally consists of shalwar kameez. Traditional attire khet partug or perahan tunban (men). Women wear a head covering, chador or a burqa, a full body covering.
• Rugs, every province is known to have their own specific characteristics.
  
• Culturally poetry is popular (Pashto or Persian).
• Most popular sport played, cricket and association football.

Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

Holidays/Special Occasions

• Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, first month in the Islamic calendar. Marking the day that Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh by God creating a path in the Sea.
  
• Damboora Festival, annual musical event (Bamyan Province).
  
• Diwali, a Hindu Festival of Lights, symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance" usually over the course of five days.
  
• Eid al-Fitr "Festival of Breaking the Fast", is a Muslim religious holiday marking the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. The only day in the month of Shawwal which is not permitted to fast.
  
• Guli Surkh Festival (Red Flower Festival), is during Nowruz, celebrating the first 40 days of the year when the Tulip flowers grow surrounding the city (Mazar-i-Sharif).
  
• National Independence Day (August), celebrates their independence, Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919 under King Amanullah Khan.
  
• Nowruz, an ancient tradition celebrated with buzkashi tournaments, dance and music marks a New Year.
• Pamir Festival, celebrates Kyrgyz and Wakhi culture. Celebrated with buzkashi tournaments, dance and music
  
• Ramadan, observed by Muslims the ninth month of the Islamic calendar consists of community fasting, prayer and reflection.
  
• Vaisakhi, a historical and religious festival (Sikhism and Hinduism) celebrated in April. 
  
• Yaldā, ancient tradition commemorates the ancient goddess Mithra and the longest eve night of the year (December). Families usually recite poetry and eat red fruits, mixed nuts, pomegranate and watermelon.

Desert, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: Andrè Seifert/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Al-Qaida and Taliban loyalists are known to kidnap and attack Westerners. 
• Beware of high levels of child malnutrition, corruption, poverty and terrorism. Most of the country is lawless and outside central government control. 
• Majority of visitors are aid workers, journalists and soldiers.
  
• Known to have excellent trout fishing (Salang Pass).
  
• Languages spoken Dari (north area), Pashtun (east and south area) and Uzbek (north and west area).
• Bargaining is common at bazaars and some shops.
  
• Teahouses are most common. 
• Alcohol is limited.
• In country, Embassy Services is limited.
• Women should dress conservatively.
  
• Photographs of local woman is prohibited unless consent by an elder man.
• Do not drink local dairy products or tap water. Consume prepackaged drinks.
• Don't forget to pack: Bug Repellent, First Aid Kit, Malaria Suppressants, Skin Infection Ointment and Sun Block.
• Medical Care and Services are sparse.
• Homosexuality is punishable up to a year in prison (even death).

Vrang Wall, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Buddhas of Bamiyan and Minaret of Jam

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months validity from return date. One blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA.
• Polio Vaccination is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $20,000USD.

Most countries, list them on the Travel Advisory as a Level 4, Do Not Travel.

• Best Time to Visit: April - June & October - November
• Coldest Months: December - March
• Hottest Month: July 
• Peak Season: April - May & October

Herāt City, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

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                                                       All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.