18 Unseen Tourist Places In Afghanistan | How To Reach | Best Time To Visit

The Afghanistan located both Central and Southern Asia is a country with rugged mountains, ancient cities and rich cultural heritage. It used to be a very important component of the Silk Road, and today, it provides insights into the past through the great monuments, mosques, and archaeological sites.

Herat is associated with the magnificent Islamic architecture, and Bamiyan with giant Buddha statues reminds of the Buddhist history of the country. The capital Kabul is a mixture of modernity and tradition and can boast of both colorful bazaars and historical sites. The stunning views of Hindu Kush mountains and calm Band-e Amir National Park are the attractions of nature lovers and adventurers.

The people of Afghanistan are hospitable and warm in spite of the conflicts that existed in the past. Having a better security situation and the restoration of heritage sites, the country has tremendous potential to be the exclusive place to visit by individuals who would like to experience the authentic culture and the natural beauty without interference.

Here are the top tourist places to visit in Afghanistan and how to reach them:

1. Kabul : The Capital City

Main Attractions :

The National Museum

Babur Garden

Darulaman Palace

Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque

How to Reach : Kabul International Airport (Hamid karzai International Airport) is the Gateway of Afghanistan. This Airport is well connected by air to other major international cities. Local Taxis and Buses are easily available to reach nearby destinations in Kabul.

2. Herat

Main Attractions :

Herat Citadel

Friday Mosque

How to Reach : Herat has International Airport and continuous flights are available from Kabul to Herat. By road, long distance Buses are available from Kabul to Herat.

3. Bamiyan Valley

Main Attractions :

Ancient Buddha Statues

Scenic Beauty

How to Reach : Bamiyan has Domestic Airport and flights are available from Kabul to Bamiyan or drive by road which takes 5 to 6 hour to reach Bamiyan through Central Highland Route.

4. Mazar-i-Sharif

Main Attractions :

Blue Mosque (Shrine of Hazrat Ali)

How to Reach : Regular Domestic Flights are available from Kabul to Mazar-i- Sharif airport. By Road, Buses and Taxis are available from Kabul which take about 8 hours to reach.

5. Kandahar : A Historic City

Main Attractions :

Aino Maina

Entrance To Aino Maina

How to Reach : Kandahar has International Airport and flights are available from Kabul or other major cities. Regular Buses and taxis are available from Kabul to kandahar.

6. Band-e Amir National Park

Main Attractions :

Chain of Turquoise Lakes

Natural Beauty

How to Reach : Take a Domestic flight from Kabul or Kandahar to Bamiyan. From Bamiyan the local transport is available by road to reach National Park which is 75 km.

7. Panjshir Valley

Main Attractions :

Picturesque Landscapes

Historical Significance

How to Reach : Panjshir Valley is about 150 km North from Kabul. By Road, Taxis and Buses are available which take 3 to 4 hour to reach Panjshir Valley through Salang Highway.

8. Ghazni

Main Attractions :

Islamic Architecture

Ancient Minarets

Fortresses

How to Reach : Ghazni city is about 145 km South from Kabul, which is easily accessible by road through Taxi and Buses and takes 3 hours to reach.

Best Time To Visit

March to May (Spring) : This time is considered as the most pleasant in Afghanistan because the weather is mild and comfortable and temperature ranging between 15°C to 25°C. During this season tourist can enjoy the blooming flowers, green valleys and snow caped mountains. This is the perfect time to visit places like Bamiyan Valley, Band-e Ameer National Park and Kabul.

September to November (Autumn) : During these time the temperature is moderate ranging between 10°C to 20°C which is ideal for sightseeing. In this season the color of mountains become beautiful and its good time for outdoor exploration. Tourist can visit such a attractive places like Herat, Mazar-i- Sharif and kandahar to explore.

Main Festivals

1. Nowruz (Persian New Year)

Significance : This festival is celebrated countrywide in Afghanistan on 21 March specially in Mazar-i-Sharif. This festival is the beginning of Persian New Year and arrival of spring. This is one of the most important and joyful festival in the Afghanistan where people clean their houses, prepare special dishes like Haft Mewa which is the kind of seven fruit mixture and visit friends and relatives. In Mazar-i-Sharif the festival is celebrated by raising of the Jahenda (Holy flag) at the Blue Mosque. This festival is celebrated with music dance and traditional Sports like Buzkashi (goat grabbing game).

2. Eid al-Fitr

Significance : This festival is celebrated at the end of Holy month Ramadan according to Islamic lunar calendar. In this festival people attend the special prayers at the mosque. They wear new clothes, exchange gift and share festival meal with family and neighbours. People celebrate festival by thanksgiving, forgiveness and joy. Festival is celebrated all over Afghanistan and charitable acts such as giving Charity to poor peoples which called as Zakat al-Fitr, is the essential part of the celebration.

3. Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

Significance : Festival is celebrated in the remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. This festival is celebrated after 2 months of Eid al-Fitr. In Festival family sacrifice animals such as goat and sheep and other available animals and distribute the meet among all relatives, neighbours and poor peoples. In this festival families gather together and feasting.

4. Ashura

Significance : His festival is celebrated on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram. This festival is mainly celebrated by Sia community in the Afghanistan. They hold processions, prayers and remembrance ceremonies. Ashura is the important day for Shia Muslims because martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of prophate Mohammed at the Battle of Karbala.