Afghanistan used to be quite a popular travel destination in the 70's when hippies would go overland to India. Things have changed big time since then. In addition to the continuing civil strife, the country suffers from enormous poverty, a crumbling infrastructure, and widespread live mines. This means that you have to be brave in order to venture into Aghanistan. Tourists are not particularly welcome. It should be noted that attacks on foreigners have increased dramatically since 2003 and it would be highly unwise for foreigners to travel without an armed escort. The safest way to visit Afghanistan is to fly into Kabul and travel by air to major cities once in country. Travel outside of cities is not advised, and even major cities in the South and East should be avoided. Many of the major cities, including Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif and others in the North and West are relatively safe for visitors.
Kabul
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 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. 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, Kabul Zoo, Istalif (50 minutes drive out of Kabul) and Paghman (a valley 25km west of Kabul).
Mazar-i-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 is also a major market place for karakul and traditional Afghan carpets. The main sight in town is the great Blue Mosque, Tomb Of Hazrat Ali, cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad. The tomb was covered with earth to escape the ravage of Genghis Khan in 1220 and remained lost until it was uncovered during the rebuilding work in 1480s.
Herat
Herat is the second big city of Afghanistan. It is close to the Iranian border and there used to be a lot of cross border traffic. In the 70-s it was the place to enter Afghanistan for the hippies going to India. Enormous defensive walls and earthworks remain from ancient times. The Friday Mosque goes back to the 10th century. Nearby at Gazergah is a 1 000-year-old monastery and mausoleum. Other sights to visit in the city are the Citadel and the Mussala Complex.
Bamiyan
Bamiyan is one of the main tourist attractions in Afghanistan, largely due to the giant destroyed Buddha statues. It's also one of the most picturesque regions in the country. The ruined Buddhas are the main reason that most people visit Bamiyan. Created in the 6th century, they were once the largest in the world and a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Over the centuries they were slowly damaged by various invaders, and in 2001 the Taliban declared them 'un-Islamic', rolled in tanks and destroyed them completely. All that remains are the 'footprints'.
Bande Amir
Band-e Amir are said to be some of the most beautiful lakes in the world. There are 5 lakes, all worth seeing. Situated in the mountainous Hazarajat at an altitude of almost 3000m., 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.
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