- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Buddhas of Bamiyan and Minaret of Jam
- 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.
- Best Time to Visit: April - June & October - November
- Coldest Months: December - March
- Hottest Month: July
- Peak Season: April - May & October
Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel?
Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.