Afghanistan Vacations

Overview

Afghanistan, or the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is famous for its mountainous terrain. The Hindu Kush Mountain Range divides Afghanistan into three very different geographic regions: Central Highlands, Northern Plains and the Southwestern Plateau. The altitude, climate and soil conditions vary in different parts of the country. Afghanistan is a landlocked country bordered by Pakistan on the South and East, Iran on the West and Turkmenistan and Tajikistan on the North. The far northeast borders are shared by China. The name Afghanistan translates to "Land of Afghans."

Activities & Attractions

There are numerous, popular tourist destinations in Afghanistan. Several historical locations and religious monuments are popular among tourists. The Kabul or Afghanistan National Museum is one of the most visited tourist attractions. Built in 1920, the museum is home to rare religious artifacts. Another popular site is Tora Bora, where the forces of the United States fought Al Qaeda and Taliban during the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Tora Bora, which means black dust, is a cave complex in the White Mountains situated in eastern Afghanistan.

You can visit ancient cities built during the time of Alexander the Great. Travelers who enjoy hiking and camping can do so amongst Kyrgyz and Kuchi nomads. Climbers can scale the height of Noshaq, one of the world's highest mountains. Adventure travelers can enjoy the natural beauty of the country and the hospitality of its people.

Lodging

A variety of lodging facilities are available in Afghanistan. The hotels, as well as bed and breakfasts, in major cities of Afghanistan are quite reasonably priced. As a result, the average traveler can easily afford them. Most of these lodging places are quite friendly and reliable. There are many good hotels in the capital city, Kabul. Some of them are the Kabul Hotel, Safi Landmark Hotel Suites, and Heetal Plaza Hotel.

Transportation

One can use different modes of transport for getting around the country. Air transport is limited to flights between Kabul and Herat. In the city, it is possible to use public transport or bicycles. If you prefer to drive a vehicle, then it is mandatory for you to carry your international driving license. However, it is not advisable to drive yourself on long trips. It is better to hire drivers or opt for rental vehicles. Afghanistan does not have any rail network.