Afghanistan, the next Unique Tourism destination

Afghanistan is turned to a new travel destination in Asia recently after the three decades of bloody civil war. “Afghanistan is not the place of war. We have problems in the Southern parts. But it’s worth mentioning that there is peaceful environment in the northern parts of the country. Currently more or less than 700 Chinese work in Afghanistan. Some are diplomats, which are very few; others are from companies, contractors, and different lives of walking. Moreover, there are at least three Chinese restaurants in Kabul city. Also numbers of Chinese and other nationalities superstores locate in different parts of the city.

Afghanistan has four distinct seasons. There is fine weather in Afghanistan in the spring season. This season stays in the country from March till May and at this time of the year, the whole country blooms. Rainfall in Afghanistan is noticed during the spring season. The snow melts at this time. Summer season in Afghanistan starts from June and continues till August. The weather in Afghanistan becomes very hot during the summer season everywhere except the mountains. Kabul and Bamiyan enjoy pleasant and cool nights in the summer. Moreover, autumn season in Afghanistan is from September to November. The weather in Afghanistan is best at this time of the year. So, it is better if you plan your journey during the autumn season. During the autumn season, you will experience a pleasant and dry weather. These seasons are called seasoning-tourism spot of the country that have already attracted plenty of visitors to visit the country, simultaneously.

This is a country with rich history, endless culture, and fascinating weather and hospitable people that insight the travel lovers to visit at greater number. Not only the weather and fruits are natural but also the hospitality of the people and the rich culture will derive the mind and attention of the visitors to pay a visit in this country unstoppably.

There are various attractive tourist destinations in Afghanistan worth exploring, that all types of travelers must visit while on a tour to this exotic country. These regions are famous for their historical significance, spots of sightseeing, cuisines and various other aspects. Here are some of the important tourist destinations in Afghanistan that you can include in your itinerary if you are planning an excursion in the country, ‘he said’: “Thousands of visitors from western countries also from china come to visit Bamiyan.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Afghanistan is known as the crossroads of Asia. It is bordered in the north with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, in the west with Iran, in the south with Pakistan, and China to the east.
For more than 2000 years, this area has been the site of ancient trade routes collectively known as the Silk Road. It has always been an important link between east and west, hence Afghanistan remains a critical and dynamic place on earth.

People and languages
Afghanistan is an ethnically and linguistically mixed population, reflects its location astride historic trade and invasion routes leading from Central Asia into South and Southwest Asia.

Pashto and Dari are Afghanistan’s official languages. Dari is spoken by more than half of the population, and Pashto is spoken throughout Kabul and eastern and southern Afghanistan.

Many Afghans are multi-lingual. In addition, Tajik and Turkic languages are spoken widely in the north. Smaller groups throughout the country also speak more than 70 other languages and numerous dialects. Afghanistan’s Constitution stipulates that all other languages are “official” in the areas in which they are spoken by a majority of the population. Afghanistan is an Islamic country.

Geography and climate
Afghanistan is a beautiful country with soaring mountains and steep plateaus. The terrain contains numerous mountain ranges, but also deserts, rivers, lakes, plains and forests.

Afghanistan has a relatively dry climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot with plenty of sunshine; during the spring flowers bloom across the country; falls are mild; and winters are cold with snow in most areas. Average rainfall is 250 mm per year, but amounts vary greatly regionally.

Places to Visit
Afghanistan’s location at the crossroads of great civilizations in history has created a stunning diversity in food, arts, languages, and traditions. This diversity is demonstrated in each city of Afghanistan. The cities and their specification as follows:

Kabul
In Afghan folklore it’s said that “everything comes to Kabul,” Nothing could be truer of Afghanistan’s bustling capital city. Proud of its heritage as a major trading city between the East and West, today it is still the central market place for all Afghanistan. Although change with tall modern buildings and busy traffic has come rapidly to Kabul, the bazaars and other landmarks of the old city are still the center of life.

Baghi Balah, (Upper Garden), which is located inside Kabul on top of the hill and behind the Intercontinental Hotel, is the place where people go for sightseeing and swimming. From this hill, Kabul city is clearly visible. Qargha is another nice place for a sightseeing a 35 minute drive from the center of the city. Qargha offers canoeing, biking and hiking facilities. There are many hostels and chai khanas (tea houses) around for families and people to go in a group.

The best time for visiting must-sees places in Kabul is Friday because it is the weekend in Afghanistan. Places to visit in Kabul include: TV Tower Hill; Darulaman Palace; Kabul Museum; King Nadir Shah’s Tomb; Money Market; Chicken Street; Kabul Zoo; Shamali; Istalif, a 50 minute drive out of Kabul; and Paghman, a valley 25 km west of Kabul.

Mazar Sharif – Balkh
Every year thousands of pilgrims come to Marzar Sharif to pay homage to the Shrine of Ali, the Fourth Caliph of Islam. Festivities are held on Nawrooz, the Afghan New Year on March 21st, which marks the beginning of spring. Mazare is also a major market place for karakul and traditional Afghan carpets.

Balkh
Referred to by the ancients as the “Mother of Cities,” today it is a small town near Mazare that is overshadowed by memories of past glory. Here, Zoroaster first preached, and it was at or near Balkhthat that Alexander made this headquarters for two years. The city was also the capital of the Bactrian Empire. Later the Timurid dynasty built a college and an impressive shrine at Balkh. Nearby stand the remains of one of the oldest mosques of the Islamic world, the Masjide Haji Piyada.

Heart
Few cities have as diverse a past as Herat. Within the city walls, Alexander built a mighty fortress; today a citadel, but although altered many times, it still stands on the same spot. In the centuries that followed, Herat was the pivot around which cultural influence from Iran, Central Asia, and Afghanistan converged. Ghenghis Khan and Tamerlane each wreaked havoc upon the city, but Herat persevered to live a period of unequaled splendor during the reign of the Timurid Kings.Today, Herat’s minarets, mosques, shrines, and monuments testify to the glory of that period, when art, literature, and refinement attained high degrees of perfection.

Kandahar
The birthplace of modern Afghanistan, Kandahar is a thriving commercial and industrial center. Excepting its modern Share Nau (New City), Kandahar still remains substantially unchanged from the city that Ahmad Shah Durrani, the founder of the state of Afghanistan, built two hundred years ago. It is famous for its fruits and intricate embroidery work.

Ghazni
Although today it appears to be only a small town, Ghazni was once the capital of the powerful Ghaznavid Empire, which stretched from Persia to India. Two star-shaped minarets, a palace, a mausoleum, and a museum only suggest the glory of Ghazni’s past.

Bande Amir
Without fail, visitors to Afghanistan have marveled at the country’s natural beauty. The formidable Hindu Kush, the vast expanse of the Turkestan plains, and the seclusion of the Southern desert have impressed travelers from Alexander the Great to Marco Polo. In fact, it is the raw, unspoiled natural beauty that forms the visitor’s first and most enduring impression of the country. But of all the natural wonders of Afghanistan, the lakes of Bande Amir are perhaps the most outstanding. Situated in the mountainous Hazarajat at an altitude of almost 3000 m, and 75 km from Bamiyan, these majestic blue lakes are of legendary beauty.

Chai-Khana
The most typical characteristic of Afghan society are the Chai Khanas, or tea houses, which abound everywhere in the country. Often beautifully decorated, the Chai Khanas are the central gathering place for every town and village in Afghanistan. In them, one can enjoy a nourishing Afghan meal, such as palaw, chalaw, kabab, a pot of green or black tea, and just sit and relax in the exotic atmosphere.

Nouristan
The people of this remote region, once called Kafirs, or unbelievers, were converted to Islam only 70 years ago. Now called Nouristanis – “People of Light” – they are still unique in all Afghanistan. In legend, the people of Nouristan claim the Greek god Dionysus as their patron.

Bamiyan
Seven hours by car and one hour by plane from Kabul, this beautiful valley is undoubtedly one of Afghanistan’s foremost attractions. There are also extensive ruins of ancient towns and fortresses – one being the Red City – which flourished until the onslaught of Ghenghis Khan in the thirteenth century.

ACCOMODATION
Lodging in Afghanistan falls into two categories: hotels and guest houses. Hotels are as you experience them here; each room has its own full bathroom, and amenities generally include room service, a swimming pool or exercise facilities, and laundry services. Most hotels have wireless internet access. Guest houses are generally less expensive than hotels because fewer amenities are offered; guests usually share bathrooms.

TRANSPORTATION
Roads
Most road building occurred in the 1960’s, funded by the U.S. and other international partners. In1964, a road and tunnel was built through the Salang tunnel, connecting northern and southern Afghanistan. A highway connecting the principal cities of Heart, Kandahar, Ghazni, and Kabul with links to highways in neighboring Pakistan formed the primary road system.

Since 2001, many sections of Afghanistan’s highway and regional road system are undergoing significant reconstruction. The U.S., with assistance from Japan, completed building a highway linking Kabul to the southern regional capital, Kandahar. Construction has begun on the next phase of highway reconstruction between Kandahar and the western city of Herat. The Asian Development Bank is nearing completion on a road reconstruction project between Kandahar and Spin Boldak, located at the south-eastern border with Pakistan.

SHOPPING
Afghanistan offers the visitor a rich selection of handicrafts. Luxurious Afghan carpets, karakul coats, fur overcoats, embroidered material, caps, and hand-woven silk fabrics and antiques are some of the items that tempt the traveler to lighten his or her wallet. Afghanistan’s fruits and nuts are seconded to none in flavor. Gemstones are also a major commodity. However, travelers are urged to be cautious when purchasing items of questionable origin. Exportation of antiques requires authorization from the appropriate authorities. Purchase of artifacts belonging to the Kabul museum or heritage of Afghanistan is punishable by law, and artifacts will be confiscated.

While there are many places for visitors to shop in Afghanistan, Kocha-e-Murgha, or “Chicken Street,” is the most famous and historic. Boutiques carry postcards, maps, ashtrays and boxes made of the famous Afghan blue stone-Lapis Lazuli, antique musical instruments, and hand-made Afghan carpets. The carpets’ designs, colors and materials - sometimes wool, silk or a mix, are unique and quite remarkable.

Grocery stores in Afghanistan stock an assortment of snacks from around the world: fruit juice from Uzbekistan, jam from Pakistan, bottled water from Italy, cheese from Austria, and cereal from the United States. Since Chicken Street is the main tourist market in the capital, you will likely be asked a higher price, especially if you are not with a local guide. Remember that bargaining is part of the experience!

RESTAURANTS IN KABUL
International and Afghan dishes are readily available in many of Kabul’s modern restaurants. Afghanistan is known for its variety of palaws (rice cooked with meat, chicken, or vegetables in various ways), which are found throughout the country. Afghan kebab (charbroiled skewered meat), bolani and ashak (Afghan-style ravioli stuffed with leeks topped with yogurt and cooked ground beef) are a few of the many tasty dishes. Also refer to UN cleared restaurants.

L' atmosphere Restaurant
French cuisine
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Str.4, Qala-e- fatullah 0799-300264
Phone: 070-224982
Phone orders

Dehli Darbar Restaurant
Indian cuisine
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Moslim Str., near Assa Guest House
Phone 1: 0799-324899
Phone 2: 0799-833238
Phone orders

Popolano Restaurant
French cuisine
Opening hours 09:00 – 22:00
Charahi Ansari Kabul
Phone: 070-288116
Phone orders

Lai Thai Restaurant
Thai cuisine
Opening hours: 11:00 –21:00
Str15 Wazir Ak Khan House No.124
Phone 1: 070-297557
Phone 2: 070-278640
No phone orders/home delivery

B's Place Restaurant/Guest.House
Italian and Mexican bcuisine
Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00
Str.2, Qala-e- fatullah House No.3
Phone 1: 070-276416
Phone 2: 070-276711
Phone orders
Elbowroom Restaurant/Bar
Continental/Europe cuisine
Opening hours: 10:30 – 22:00
MOFA street 0799-352538
Phone: 070-254432
No phone orders/home delivery

Vila Velebita Restaurant/Bar
European cuisine
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Str 10 Wazir Ak khan
Phone: 0799-160368
No phone orders/home delivery

Istanbul Restaurant
Turkish cuisine
Opening hours: 08:00 – 21:00
Macroian2, Matba block 104
Phone 1: 070-200116
Phone 2: 0799-356282
Phone orders

Escalades Restaurant
European cuisine
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
1st Qala-e-Fateullah
Phone: 0799-473763
No phone hours/home delivery

Golden Key Seafood Restaurant
Chinese cuisine
Opening hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Str.13, Wazir Akbar Khan Kabul
Phone 1: 0799-002800
Phone 2: 0799-016591
No phone orders/home delivery

Kulba Afghan
Afghan and Italian cuisine
Opening hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Shar-e-now, Esmat Moslim Str. 3rd floor
Phone 1: 0799452151
Phone 2: 070034979
No phone orders/home delivery

Shar-e-Now Burger
Fast Food
Opening hours: 09:00 – 21:00
Shar-e-now, opposite the park
Phone 1: 0799-300797
Phone 2: 070-255788
Phone orders

Everest Pizza
Fast Food
Opening hours: 09:00 – 21:00
13 Str.Wazir Akbar Khan, Kabul
Phone 1: 0799-317979
Phone 2: 070-263636
Phone orders/home delivery

Samarqand Restaurant/Bar
International cuisine
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Qala Musa, near Panalpina
Phone 1: 0799-234646
Phone 2: 0799-118460
No phone orders/home delivery

Carlitos Restaurant/Bar
Mexican cuisine
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Str 15 Wazir Ak Khan
Phone 1: 0799-159697
Phone 2: 0799-167824
No phone orders/home delivery

Kabul Inn Guest House/Restaurant
International cuisine
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Qala-Fateullah, near Zarghoona school
Phone 1: 0799-359355
Phone 2: 020-2201407
No phone orders/home delivery

Red Hot Sizzlin Restaurant
International cuisine
Opening hours: 11:00 – 21:00
Old macrorian, ARC Yuksel Camp

Taverne du Liban
Middle Eastern cuisine
Opening hours: 11:00 – 22:00
Str 10 Wazir Akbar Khan

Flower Street Café/Restaurant
Californian cuisine
Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00
House No.57, Str#7
Qala-e-Fatullah
Phone 1: 070293124
Phone 2: 0799356319
Phone orders

Shandiz Restaurant
International cuisine
Opening hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Wazir Akbar Khan
Phone 1: 0799-342928
Phone 2: 070-284026
Phone orders

Deutscher Hof Kabul Restaurant & Guest House
German cuisine
Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:30
Kalai Fattulah, Street 3, House 60
Phone: 0799-322582
No phone orders/home delivery

Baku Azerbaijani Restaurant
Azerbaijani cuisine
Opening hours: 11:00 – 22:00
Street 15, Lane 5, House, 329 WAK
Phone 1: 0799-083918
Phone 2: 0799-827313
No phone orders/home delivery

Café Zarnegar
International cuisine (buffet and á la carte)
Opening hours: 06:30 – 22:00
Kabul Serena Hotel, Froshgah Street
Phone: 0799-654000 ext. 4553
Phone orders

Silk Route
South East Asian cuisine (set menu available)
Opening hours: 18:00 – 22:00
Kabul Serena Hotel, Froshgah Street
Phone: 0799-654000 ext. 4554
Phone orders

Serena Pastry Shop
Freshly baked pastries and bread
Opening hours: 07:00 – 20:00
Kabul Serena Hotel, Froshgah Street
Phone: 0799-654000 ext. 4560
Phone orders

Anar Restaurant
Indian/Chinese cuisine
Opening hours: 11:00 – 22:00
Str14, Lane 3 WAK
Phone: 0799-567291
No phone orders/home delivery

Taverne du Liban
International cuisine
Opening hours: 11:00 – 22:00
Str14, Lane 3 WAK
Phone: 070-210651
No phone orders/home delivery

Korean Restaurant
Korean cuisine
Opening hours: 11:00 – 21:00
Str.2, house No.120, Karte-She, Kabul
Phone 1: 0799 199509
Phone 2: 0799 007546
Phone orders

Sufi Restaurant
International cuisine
Opening hours: 11:00 – 22:00
Aryoob Cinema, 2nd part of Karte Parwan
No phone orders/home delivery

Shamiana Restaurant
Multi Cuisine
Opening hours: 07:00 – 23:00
Kabul City Center
Phone: 020-2203131
No phone orders/home delivery