Travel Information
General Information
(Elizabeth Chatwin, introduction author of Afghanistan: A Traveler's Companion and Guide)
Whether for business or pleasure, Afghanistan offers countless adventures to the curious traveller. From bicycle trips and boat rides, to museums and shopping, to overland trips through breathtaking mountain terrain, an Afghanistan experience promises to delight and inspire.
For a taste of Afghanistan, consider the Gardens of Babur and accompanying museum. For one of the oldest and most stunning sights, one could visit the ancient walls of the citadel Balai Hissar. The Valley of Paghman, an hour by road west of Kabul and, to the north, the gardens of Karez-i-Amir or a bit farther to Charikar are all well worth the visit. For those who make the journey, the mountains, valleys, and lakes provide dramatic scenery. Consisting of two huge mountain ranges, the Hindu Kush is a wild and remote region. Although traveling by car is possible, the Hindu Kush is best left for travelers prepared to rough it.
Ghazni, one of the central provinces, hosts many tombs of noted poets and scientists, such as Al-Biruni. The Bamiyan valley is lined with cave dwellings cut out of the cliffs by Buddhist monks. While the statues were destroyed by the Taliban, their enormous outlines remain one of the most visited sights in Central Asia. The area also has grottoes decorated with wall paintings in Greco-Buddhist styles. The Red City (Shahr-i-Zahak), about 18 kilometers from Bamiyan, is home to the remains of another ancient citadel. The Minaret of Jam, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in Ghowr province. Ghowr was also the center of the Ghurid dynasty in the 12th and 13th centuries. The remains of their capital Firuzkuh promises an unforgettable journey.
Afghanistan is an exciting place to be. Its eye-opening experiences and breathtaking sights can change a visitor's life. Regardless of how or with whom you come, traveling to Afghanistan is guaranteed to lead to a new adventure every step of the way.
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.
KABUL
In Afghan folklore it is 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 marketplace 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 centre 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 which is a 35 minute drive from centre 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.
Some of the major tourist spots in Kabul include:
″ TV Tower Hill
″ Darulaman Palace
″ Kabul Museum
″ King Nadir Shah's Tomb
″ Money Market
″ Chicken Street
″ Kabul Zoo
″ Shamali Plain
″ Istalif, 50 minutes drive north of Kabul
″ Paghman, is a valley 25km west of Kabul.
COUNTRY LIFE, A MAJOR CHARACTERISTIC OF AFGHANISTAN
Since 80% of Afghanistan's economy is agrarian, rural life is still the centre of the country's socio-economic activities. Even as Afghan agriculture has been improved with modern technology, one gets the feeling that the land and the people who work it are still in perfect harmony.
MAZAR SHARIF
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 Now Ruz, the Afghan New Year, observed on March 21st – the beginning of spring. Mazare Sharif 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 Sharif that is overshadowed by memories of past glory. Here, Zoroaster first preached, and it was at or near Balkh that Alexand 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 Heart's city walls Alexander built a mighty fortress; today a citadel, although altered many times, 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. Genghis Khan and Tamer Lane each wreaked havoc upon the city, but Herat persevered to live a period of unequalled splendour 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.
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 Genghis Khan in the thirteenth century.
KANDAHAR
The birthplace of modern Afghanistan, Kandahar is thriving commercial and industrial centre. 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 Ghaznavi 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.
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.
BANDE AMIR
Without fail, visitors to Afghanistan have marvelled at the country's natural beauty. The formidable Hindu Kush, the vast expanse of the Turkistan plains, and the seclusion of the Southern desert have impressed travellers 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 3000m., and 75 km from Bamiyan, these majestic blue lakes are of legendary beauty.
VISAS AND CUSTOMS
VISAS
All visitors to Afghanistan must posses a valid passport and an Afghan visa. The basic tourist visa entitles a traveller to 30 days stay in Afghanistan. It is recommended that this one-month visa be obtained prior to travelling to Afghanistan. Visas may be obtained at any Afghan Consulate or Embassy around the world.This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ' ); //-->
ACCOMMODATION
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.
The latest addition to Afghan lodging is the five-star Kabul Serena Hotel, which has four restaurants, a gift shop, fitness center, internet café, and meeting facilities.
TRANSPORTATION
ROADS
Most road building occurred in the 1960’s, funded by the U.S. and other international partners. In 1964, a road and tunnel was built through the Salang, connecting northern and southern Afghanistan. A highway connecting the principal cities of Heart, Kandahar, Ghazni, and Kabul with links to highways in neighbouring countries Pakistan and Iran 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. There is a newly built high way that connects Kabul via Jalalabad to Khyber Pass.
TAXI
There are more than forty thousand taxies in Kabul. Fares are negotiated with the driver before boarding.
BUSES
Many buses are available inside Kabul and its suburban areas.
AIR TRAVEL
Airlines based in Afghanistan:
ARIANA AFGHAN AIRLINES
Ariana is Afghanistan’s national airline. They run domestic and international routes, including flights to New Delhi, Islamabad, Dubai, Moscow, Istanbul, Tehran, and Frankfurt. For further information on airfare and flight schedules, visit:
Website: http://www.flyariana.com
Airlines based outside Afghanistan that serve Afghan cities:
AIR ARABIA
Travel between 28 cities in the Middle East & South Asia. Direct flights from Sharja, UAE to Kabul.
Website: http://www.airarabia.com
AZERBAIJANI AIRLINES
Azerbaijani Airlines flies from Baku and Azerbaijan to 15 regional cities in Europe, Asia, & the Middle East. Flights run very Monday & Wednesday from Baku to Kabul.
Phone 1: +994 (12) 493-4004
Phone 2: +994 (12) 493-7121This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ' ); //-->
Website: http://www.azal.az
PACTEC INTERNATIONAL
This humanitarian organization flies individuals from Islamabad to Kabul once a week.
Tel: +93 (70) 260-203
E-mail: [email protected]
TRAVEL AGENCIES AND TOURISM
Afghanistan is steadily regaining its past reputation as a beautiful country with hospitable people. Up until the 1970’s, Afghanistan was a popular destination for its unique culture and diverse terrain. Recent travellers often remark that Afghanistan’s historical legacy and stark landscape is the initial reason they visit. However, they leave with a newfound respect for the enduring spirit of the people. Attractions in Afghanistan centre on its diverse history, culture and beautifully rugged terrain.
Eco-travel agencies are already operating in Afghanistan. Avid mountain climbers and skiers are delighted by Afghanistan’s imposing mountains of the Hindu Kush. Global Exchange (www.globalexchange.org), a non-profit organization, was one of the first organizations to provide a packaged tour in 2002 for those interested in surveying and developing a sense for understanding Afghanistan’s culture and environment. Global Exchange is currently promoting upcoming reality tours for 2006/2007. Tours provided by Distant Horizons (www.distant-horizons.com) also offers eager explorers a unique opportunity to journey to Afghanistan with a knowledgeable tour guide and detailed itinerary.
Banks
Afghanistan’s Central Bank has licensed twelve commercial banks to date. Out of twelve, seven banks are full-fledged commercial banks and the remaining five are branches of foreign banks.
SHOPPING
Handicrafts and 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 traveller to lighten his or her wallet. Afghanistan’s fruits and nuts are second to none in flavour. Gemstones are also a major commodity. However, travellers are urged to be cautious when purchasing items of questionable origin. Exportation of antiques requires authorization from the appropriate authorities. Purchase of artefacts belonging to the Kabul museum or heritage of Afghanistan is punishable by law and artefacts 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, colours and materials—sometimes wool, silk or a mix, are unique and quite remarkable.
Grocery stores in Afghanistan stock an assortment snacks from around the world: fruit juice from Uzbekistan, jam form 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!
Other places in Kabul to shop include the Kabul City Centre, Shahr-e-Naw Shopping Centres, Market-e-Jamhoryat, Afghan Super Store, Flower Street, and the new Kabul Mall. (Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/charisse/199482006/).
Istalif is a district in Koh Daman valley which is 54 km from Kabul. This district is known for its blue pottery, ceramics, cotton prayer rugs, and intricately carved wooden chests. People not only in Afghanistan but also around the world are familiar with the unique and dazzling products of this district. The products sold in Istalif bazaar are also available in Chicken Street and Flower Street of Shari Naw in Kabul City.
RESTAURANTS & CHAI-KHANA IN KABUL
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, kebab, a pot of green or black tea, and just sit and relax in the exotic atmosphere.
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 Kabob (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.
The following restaurants and cuisines have been prepared in accordance to the following guidelines:
INTERNET SERVICES
Major hotels such as the Inter-Continental and Mustafa hotel, as well as numerous internet cafes around Kabul offer internet connection. There are many Internet Cafés around the city which cost US$ 1 per hour. Most guest houses and hotels also have internet services.
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile phones, inter-changeable SIM Cards and calling cards can be purchased all over Kabul. Afghan Wireless and Suraya vendors can be spotted throughout the city. Three major mobile companies who offer prepaid services are presently active, with a fourth on its way.
Afghan Wireless: http://www.afghanwireless.com
Roshan: http://www.roshan.af
Areeba: http://www.areeba.com.af
Shipping Outlets
Federal Express has three offices in Afghanistan. All are open 9:00am-5:00pm. DHL also has three offices; hours vary and are listed below.
• FedEx International
Tel 1: 1 (800) Go-Fed-Ex
Tel 2: 1 (800) 463-3339
Web Site: www.fedex.com
1. Kabul Office
Karte 3, Khai Street House#326
North of Ministry of Commerce
Kabul, Afghanistan
Phone: +93 (20) 250-0525
Fax: +93 (20) 250-024
Mobile 1: +93 (70) 286-028
Mobile 2: +93 (70) 286-029
Email: '[email protected]This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ' ); //-->
Website: http://www.fedex.com
2. Herat Office
Bank-e-Khoon Road, Haji Ayoub Square
Kajj Street
Heart, Afghanistan
Phone: +93 (40) 220-301
Fax: +93 (20) 250-024
Mobile: +93 (70) 29446
3. Kandahar Office
Noor Jahan Hotel
1st Floor
Shaheedan Square
Shahr-e-Naw Street
Kandahar, Afghanistan
Tel: +93 (70) 303-257
Fax: +93 (20) 250-0524
Mobile: +93 (70) 29446
• DHL International
Website DHL Australia: www.dhl.com.au
1. Kandahar Office
Kandahar Airbase
Kandahar, Afghanistan
Hours: Sat-Fri 11:00-19:00
Holidays: 12:00-19:00
2. Bagram Office
Bagram Airbase
Bagram, Afghanistan
Hours Sat-Fri 12:00-18:00:
Holidays: 12:00-1800
3. Kabul Office
Wazir Akbar Khan
Street 10
Kabul, Afghanistan
Hours: Sat-Thu 09:00-18:00
Holidays: Closed
Afghanistan Embassy in Brussels, Belgium Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(Elizabeth Chatwin, introduction author of Afghanistan: A Traveler's Companion and Guide)
Whether for business or pleasure, Afghanistan offers countless adventures to the curious traveller. From bicycle trips and boat rides, to museums and shopping, to overland trips through breathtaking mountain terrain, an Afghanistan experience promises to delight and inspire.
For a taste of Afghanistan, consider the Gardens of Babur and accompanying museum. For one of the oldest and most stunning sights, one could visit the ancient walls of the citadel Balai Hissar. The Valley of Paghman, an hour by road west of Kabul and, to the north, the gardens of Karez-i-Amir or a bit farther to Charikar are all well worth the visit. For those who make the journey, the mountains, valleys, and lakes provide dramatic scenery. Consisting of two huge mountain ranges, the Hindu Kush is a wild and remote region. Although traveling by car is possible, the Hindu Kush is best left for travelers prepared to rough it.
Ghazni, one of the central provinces, hosts many tombs of noted poets and scientists, such as Al-Biruni. The Bamiyan valley is lined with cave dwellings cut out of the cliffs by Buddhist monks. While the statues were destroyed by the Taliban, their enormous outlines remain one of the most visited sights in Central Asia. The area also has grottoes decorated with wall paintings in Greco-Buddhist styles. The Red City (Shahr-i-Zahak), about 18 kilometers from Bamiyan, is home to the remains of another ancient citadel. The Minaret of Jam, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in Ghowr province. Ghowr was also the center of the Ghurid dynasty in the 12th and 13th centuries. The remains of their capital Firuzkuh promises an unforgettable journey.
Afghanistan is an exciting place to be. Its eye-opening experiences and breathtaking sights can change a visitor's life. Regardless of how or with whom you come, traveling to Afghanistan is guaranteed to lead to a new adventure every step of the way.
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.
KABUL
In Afghan folklore it is 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 marketplace 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 centre 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 which is a 35 minute drive from centre 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.
Some of the major tourist spots in Kabul include:
″ TV Tower Hill
″ Darulaman Palace
″ Kabul Museum
″ King Nadir Shah's Tomb
″ Money Market
″ Chicken Street
″ Kabul Zoo
″ Shamali Plain
″ Istalif, 50 minutes drive north of Kabul
″ Paghman, is a valley 25km west of Kabul.
COUNTRY LIFE, A MAJOR CHARACTERISTIC OF AFGHANISTAN
Since 80% of Afghanistan's economy is agrarian, rural life is still the centre of the country's socio-economic activities. Even as Afghan agriculture has been improved with modern technology, one gets the feeling that the land and the people who work it are still in perfect harmony.
MAZAR SHARIF
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 Now Ruz, the Afghan New Year, observed on March 21st – the beginning of spring. Mazare Sharif 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 Sharif that is overshadowed by memories of past glory. Here, Zoroaster first preached, and it was at or near Balkh that Alexand 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 Heart's city walls Alexander built a mighty fortress; today a citadel, although altered many times, 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. Genghis Khan and Tamer Lane each wreaked havoc upon the city, but Herat persevered to live a period of unequalled splendour 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.
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 Genghis Khan in the thirteenth century.
KANDAHAR
The birthplace of modern Afghanistan, Kandahar is thriving commercial and industrial centre. 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 Ghaznavi 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.
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.
BANDE AMIR
Without fail, visitors to Afghanistan have marvelled at the country's natural beauty. The formidable Hindu Kush, the vast expanse of the Turkistan plains, and the seclusion of the Southern desert have impressed travellers 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 3000m., and 75 km from Bamiyan, these majestic blue lakes are of legendary beauty.
VISAS AND CUSTOMS
VISAS
All visitors to Afghanistan must posses a valid passport and an Afghan visa. The basic tourist visa entitles a traveller to 30 days stay in Afghanistan. It is recommended that this one-month visa be obtained prior to travelling to Afghanistan. Visas may be obtained at any Afghan Consulate or Embassy around the world.This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ' ); //-->
ACCOMMODATION
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.
The latest addition to Afghan lodging is the five-star Kabul Serena Hotel, which has four restaurants, a gift shop, fitness center, internet café, and meeting facilities.
TRANSPORTATION
ROADS
Most road building occurred in the 1960’s, funded by the U.S. and other international partners. In 1964, a road and tunnel was built through the Salang, connecting northern and southern Afghanistan. A highway connecting the principal cities of Heart, Kandahar, Ghazni, and Kabul with links to highways in neighbouring countries Pakistan and Iran 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. There is a newly built high way that connects Kabul via Jalalabad to Khyber Pass.
TAXI
There are more than forty thousand taxies in Kabul. Fares are negotiated with the driver before boarding.
BUSES
Many buses are available inside Kabul and its suburban areas.
AIR TRAVEL
Airlines based in Afghanistan:
ARIANA AFGHAN AIRLINES
Ariana is Afghanistan’s national airline. They run domestic and international routes, including flights to New Delhi, Islamabad, Dubai, Moscow, Istanbul, Tehran, and Frankfurt. For further information on airfare and flight schedules, visit:
Website: http://www.flyariana.com
Airlines based outside Afghanistan that serve Afghan cities:
AIR ARABIA
Travel between 28 cities in the Middle East & South Asia. Direct flights from Sharja, UAE to Kabul.
Website: http://www.airarabia.com
AZERBAIJANI AIRLINES
Azerbaijani Airlines flies from Baku and Azerbaijan to 15 regional cities in Europe, Asia, & the Middle East. Flights run very Monday & Wednesday from Baku to Kabul.
Phone 1: +994 (12) 493-4004
Phone 2: +994 (12) 493-7121This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ' ); //-->
Website: http://www.azal.az
PACTEC INTERNATIONAL
This humanitarian organization flies individuals from Islamabad to Kabul once a week.
Tel: +93 (70) 260-203
E-mail: [email protected]
TRAVEL AGENCIES AND TOURISM
Afghanistan is steadily regaining its past reputation as a beautiful country with hospitable people. Up until the 1970’s, Afghanistan was a popular destination for its unique culture and diverse terrain. Recent travellers often remark that Afghanistan’s historical legacy and stark landscape is the initial reason they visit. However, they leave with a newfound respect for the enduring spirit of the people. Attractions in Afghanistan centre on its diverse history, culture and beautifully rugged terrain.
Eco-travel agencies are already operating in Afghanistan. Avid mountain climbers and skiers are delighted by Afghanistan’s imposing mountains of the Hindu Kush. Global Exchange (www.globalexchange.org), a non-profit organization, was one of the first organizations to provide a packaged tour in 2002 for those interested in surveying and developing a sense for understanding Afghanistan’s culture and environment. Global Exchange is currently promoting upcoming reality tours for 2006/2007. Tours provided by Distant Horizons (www.distant-horizons.com) also offers eager explorers a unique opportunity to journey to Afghanistan with a knowledgeable tour guide and detailed itinerary.
Banks
Afghanistan’s Central Bank has licensed twelve commercial banks to date. Out of twelve, seven banks are full-fledged commercial banks and the remaining five are branches of foreign banks.
SHOPPING
Handicrafts and 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 traveller to lighten his or her wallet. Afghanistan’s fruits and nuts are second to none in flavour. Gemstones are also a major commodity. However, travellers are urged to be cautious when purchasing items of questionable origin. Exportation of antiques requires authorization from the appropriate authorities. Purchase of artefacts belonging to the Kabul museum or heritage of Afghanistan is punishable by law and artefacts 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, colours and materials—sometimes wool, silk or a mix, are unique and quite remarkable.
Grocery stores in Afghanistan stock an assortment snacks from around the world: fruit juice from Uzbekistan, jam form 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!
Other places in Kabul to shop include the Kabul City Centre, Shahr-e-Naw Shopping Centres, Market-e-Jamhoryat, Afghan Super Store, Flower Street, and the new Kabul Mall. (Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/charisse/199482006/).
Istalif is a district in Koh Daman valley which is 54 km from Kabul. This district is known for its blue pottery, ceramics, cotton prayer rugs, and intricately carved wooden chests. People not only in Afghanistan but also around the world are familiar with the unique and dazzling products of this district. The products sold in Istalif bazaar are also available in Chicken Street and Flower Street of Shari Naw in Kabul City.
RESTAURANTS & CHAI-KHANA IN KABUL
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, kebab, a pot of green or black tea, and just sit and relax in the exotic atmosphere.
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 Kabob (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.
The following restaurants and cuisines have been prepared in accordance to the following guidelines:
INTERNET SERVICES
Major hotels such as the Inter-Continental and Mustafa hotel, as well as numerous internet cafes around Kabul offer internet connection. There are many Internet Cafés around the city which cost US$ 1 per hour. Most guest houses and hotels also have internet services.
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile phones, inter-changeable SIM Cards and calling cards can be purchased all over Kabul. Afghan Wireless and Suraya vendors can be spotted throughout the city. Three major mobile companies who offer prepaid services are presently active, with a fourth on its way.
Afghan Wireless: http://www.afghanwireless.com
Roshan: http://www.roshan.af
Areeba: http://www.areeba.com.af
Shipping Outlets
Federal Express has three offices in Afghanistan. All are open 9:00am-5:00pm. DHL also has three offices; hours vary and are listed below.
• FedEx International
Tel 1: 1 (800) Go-Fed-Ex
Tel 2: 1 (800) 463-3339
Web Site: www.fedex.com
1. Kabul Office
Karte 3, Khai Street House#326
North of Ministry of Commerce
Kabul, Afghanistan
Phone: +93 (20) 250-0525
Fax: +93 (20) 250-024
Mobile 1: +93 (70) 286-028
Mobile 2: +93 (70) 286-029
Email: '[email protected]This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ' ); //-->
Website: http://www.fedex.com
2. Herat Office
Bank-e-Khoon Road, Haji Ayoub Square
Kajj Street
Heart, Afghanistan
Phone: +93 (40) 220-301
Fax: +93 (20) 250-024
Mobile: +93 (70) 29446
3. Kandahar Office
Noor Jahan Hotel
1st Floor
Shaheedan Square
Shahr-e-Naw Street
Kandahar, Afghanistan
Tel: +93 (70) 303-257
Fax: +93 (20) 250-0524
Mobile: +93 (70) 29446
• DHL International
Website DHL Australia: www.dhl.com.au
1. Kandahar Office
Kandahar Airbase
Kandahar, Afghanistan
Hours: Sat-Fri 11:00-19:00
Holidays: 12:00-19:00
2. Bagram Office
Bagram Airbase
Bagram, Afghanistan
Hours Sat-Fri 12:00-18:00:
Holidays: 12:00-1800
3. Kabul Office
Wazir Akbar Khan
Street 10
Kabul, Afghanistan
Hours: Sat-Thu 09:00-18:00
Holidays: Closed
Afghanistan Embassy in Brussels, Belgium Ministry of Foreign Affairs
