Afghanistan has been on the top of many travelers’ bucket
lists since it was first explored by Westerners back in the mid-1800s, but few
people have ever made it to this rugged country, in part because it has been
ravaged by violence and political instability in recent decades. Still, if
you’re looking for an adventurous travel destination that has more of an
undiscovered feel than most other places in the world, Afghanistan may be just
the place you’re looking for. Here are some reasons why you should visit
Afghanistan as soon as possible!
Why visit?
Despite being one of the poorest countries in the world,
Afghanistan offers a rich experience of cultures and nature that is truly
unique. With Taliban no longer controlling much of the country, there are plenty
of tourism places to visit including historic landmarks, world heritage sites,
and natural wonders. The Afghan tourism industry has been growing steadily
since the US led invasion in 2001. In 2016 alone, Afghanistan saw 2 million
tourists for the first time ever. The Afghani government continues to push
tourism as a way to grow their economy, which still struggles from war and
unrest. There are many historical sites such as the Bamiyan Buddhas, or
Buddhist statues carved into cliff faces in the mountains. Visitors can also
take day trips out into nature with stunning views of snow-capped mountains.
Getting there & when to go
There are many ways to enter and exit the country, but since
Afghanistan has very little tourism, travelers are best advised to stick with
tried-and-true modes of transportation. Entry by air is one option; the busiest
airport is Kabul International Airport, though it operates limited service
during off-peak hours. Visitors can also enter by rail or road from neighboring
countries such as Iran and Pakistan. Due to its lack of tourist attractions,
most visitors travel in Afghanisthan for business purposes.
The best time to visit Afghanistan is between November and
March when there’s less rain and a lower chance of snowfall.
Where to stay
Kabul is a bustling city, and has plenty of accommodations
to choose from. But in the event that you are looking for something more
secluded, head over to the northern areas of Kabul or Herat provinces. There
are many luxurious hotels and resorts in these areas if you don't want to rough
it too much, but there are also some beautiful rural villages where you can
still experience Afghan culture away from the hustle and bustle of a big city.
Keep in mind that all of these areas have an ongoing risk of violence. The
north is usually safer than other parts of the country, so keep your travels
focused on those regions.
What to do?
Afghanistan is one of the most beautiful countries in the
world, but unfortunately it doesn't get the same amount of visitors as other
popular tourist destinations. I'd love to see more people coming to experience
everything this country has to offer! Below are just a few highlights.
*Visit Kabul The city was the cultural and economic hub of the country back in its prime, and even now it still has a lot to offer with stunning historic buildings and beautiful modern architecture.
* Spend time with the locals I recommend visiting some of the traditional villages that surround Kabul. It'll be a great opportunity to learn about Afghan culture and what life is like outside of big cities like this one.
* Explore Kandahar
Kandahar City is located on the southern border near Pakistan, so you'll have
plenty of opportunities for activities in that area including whitewater
rafting and horseback riding through lush green pastures - or you can head over
to neighbouring Pakistan for some surfing on their white sand beaches!
My Experience
It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I would
never have traded my time in the country for anything. What makes this place
such a gem? It's full of life, beauty, color and some wonderful surprises.
Anyone interested in world cultures should consider adding it to their list of
places to visit at least once in their lifetime. There are so many reasons why
you should visit Afghanistan: the great shopping deals, being treated like
royalty by locals because you're a foreigner and meeting people who will
welcome you with open arms.
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