Afghanistan is a landlocked country of mountains and valleys in the heart of Asia.
Afghanistan has been the centre of many powerful empires for the past 2,000 years. However, in the last 40 years the country has been in chaos due to major wars—from the Soviet invasion of 1979 to their withdrawal in 1989 and from warlordism to the removal of the Taliban in 2001 and the ensuing US/NATO invasion. Economically, Afghanistan is considered poor compared to many other nations of the world. The country is going through a nationwide rebuilding process.
English spellings of Afghan place names vary. For example, Q may replace K as in Qandahar or Qunduz. Kunduz will be seen spelled as Konduz, Qunduz, Qundoz, Qundoze and variations on these. Bamiyan is often spelled as Bamian or Bamyan. Khowst may be spelt as Khost.
Understand
Capital. Kabul
Currency. Afghan afghani (AFN)
Population. 36.6 million (2020)
Country Code. +93
Afghanistan has been in the news since the late 1970s for all the wrong reasons. While visiting has not been advisable for several years, it has much to offer the intrepid traveller. But even the more adventurous should consider looking elsewhere for thrill-seeking.
Climate. Temperatures in the central highlands are below freezing for most of the winter, and snow is common at higher elevations. Summertime highs in lower elevations (such as Jalalabad or Mazar-e Sharif) can exceed 50°C/120°F. In higher areas such as Kabul, summer temperatures can be 30°C/90°F and winter around 0°C/30°F. The most pleasant weather in Kabul is during April, May and September.
Terrain. Mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest. The Hindu Kush mountains run northeast to southwest, dividing the northern provinces from the rest of the country, with the highest peaks found in the northern Wakhan Corridor. South of Kandahar is desert.
The lowest point is Amu Darya at 258 m, and the highest is Nowshak at 7,485 m.
Afghanistan is bordered by Pakistan to the south and east, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to the north. There is a short border with China to the far northeast, but in extremely inaccessible terrain.
PEOPLE. Afghanistan is an ethnically diverse country. Tribal and local allegiances are strong, which complicates national politics immensely. The largest ethnic group is the Pashtun, followed by Tajik, Hazara, Uzbek and others.
Baloch tribesmen, still largely nomadic, can be found anywhere between Quetta in Pakistan and Mashad in Iran, including much of western Afghanistan. They make marvellous rugs, if somewhat simple.
Hazaras in the central mountains look much more Asiatic than other Afghans. According to some theories, they are descended from Genghis Khan’s soldiers.
The two largest linguistic groups speak Pashto and Dari (Afghan Persian). Pashto speakers predominate in the south and east, Dari in the north, west and central Afghanistan. About 11% of the population have Turkic languages, Uzbek. or Turkmen, as their first language. Many of them are in the north, near Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Minor native language groups include Nuristanis, Pashais and Pamiris, found in small pockets in the east and northeast.
There are also thousands of Hindus and Sikhs living in different cities but mostly in Kabul, Jalalabad, and Kandahar.
The Afghan Girl. The June 1985 cover of National Geographic showed the most haunting image of the Afghan War: a young Afghan girl, with piercing sea-green eyes and a dilapidated hijab. The photo, taken by Steve McCurry in Pakistan in 1984, became the icon of the troubles in Afghanistan. But, for 17 years, no one knew the girl’s name. Then in 2002, following the defeat of the Taliban, National Geographic finally located the girl and her identity: Sharbat Gula. She vividly recalled being photographed and recognized her face as the one in the photo. Today, in her honour, NG now runs a fund to educate young Afghan girls, who were denied education under the Taliban.
HISTORY
Being the Silk Road’s gateway between the Middle East and East Asia, Afghanistan has been so difficult to conquer for history’s great armies, that it is known as the Graveyard of Empires. The country has a long history of warfare, mostly against invaders such as Darius I, Alexander of Macedon, Persians, Arabs, Turks, Mongols, and the British. Its recent history is no exception. The modern-day country was founded when Mirwais Hotak rose up against the Persians in 1709 and established the Hotak dynasty, with its capital at Kandahar. It later included what is now Iran and Iraq but the Hotaki dynasty collapsed in 1738. In 1747, Ahmad Shah Durrani re-established Afghanistan and expanded it to include much of Pakistan as well as northeastern Iran and the Western parts India.
In 1919, Afghanistan established independence as an emirate until a kingdom was proclaimed by Amanullah Khan. As king, he attempted to modernise the country through Western designs. In 1933, Mohammed Zahir Shah succeeded to the throne and ruled the country until 1973, when the constitutional monarchy was overthrown in a coup, and the country became a republic.
After the April 1978 revolution and successful coup by pro-Communist forces, the Soviet Union invaded in December 1979 to support the new socialist regime. War ensued. By February 1989 all Soviet forces withdrew from the country but fighting continued between Soviet-backed Afghan government forces and mujahideen rebels, who were funded by the United States, Saudi Arabia and others while trained by Pakistan and Iran.
The Taliban grew out of this chaos in late 1994, providing a solution to what was by this time a civil war. Backed by foreign sponsors, and inspired by a conservative sect of Islam, the Taliban developed as a political force to end the civil war and bring security to the country. They seized the capital of Kabul in late 1996 and controlled most of the country by 2000, aside from some areas in the northeast.
After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US, the Taliban refused to hand over Osama bin Laden or other al-Qaeda militants to the United States, though they did offer to try Osama in their own shariah court if the US government shared “solid evidence” of his alleged guilt with them, and also expressed willingness in principle to consider extraditing Osama to a neutral country for a trial before a shariah court there if such an action would stave off US-led invasion. The US refused to share whatever evidence they had with the Taliban and considered the Taliban’s offers insufficient, so they and their allies chose to take military action with support from anti-Taliban Afghans — mainly Kazakhs and Kirghiz from the north of the country who fought in the Northern Alliance — causing the Taliban’s regime to fall in December 2001.
The same month, representatives from all ethnic groups of Afghanistan met in Germany and agreed to form a new government with Hamid Karzai as Chairman of the Afghan Interim Authority. Following a nationwide election in 2004, Hamid Karzai was elected as President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. A year later, in 2005, legislative elections were held and the country’s parliament began functioning again. In addition to occasionally violent political jockeying and ongoing military action to root out anti-government elements, the country suffers from widespread election fraud, poverty, corruption, and opium cultivation.
In 2005, Afghanistan and the US signed a strategic partnership agreement committing both nations to a long-term relationship. In 2012, Afghanistan and the US signed another more important strategic partnership agreement. It also signed strategic partnership agreements with India, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and many other nations. In the mean time, around US$50 billion is being spent on the reconstruction of the country.
Electricity. There are three types of electrical outlets, the old British standard, the newer British standard and the European standard.
Read.
Afghan Scene Magazine
A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush by Eric Newby – a hilarious account of pioneer trekking in Nuristan in the 1950s
The Places in Between by Rory Stewart – a fascinating post 9/11 travelogue of Stewart’s walk from Herat to Kabul just after the fall of the Taliban.
The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini – a beautiful and heartbreaking tale of childhood in Afghanistan
Good Morning Afghanistan by Waseem Mahmood – a true account of the setting up of the first public radio station in Kabul after the Taliban fell.
An Unexpected Light: Travels in Afghanistan by Jason Elliot—a travelogue from the period between the expulsion of the Soviets and the ascension of the Taliban. He went everywhere.
For a Pagan Song by Jonny Bealby – a brilliant account of the author’s journey to retrace the footsteps of Rudyard Kipling’s heroes in The Man Who Would Be King to discover the land of Kafiristan and the people who inhabit the region.
Talk. Pashto and Dari (an Afghan dialect of Persian) are the official languages of Afghanistan; many Afghans speak both. The latest CIA country profile mentions that Dari is spoken by about 50%, mainly in the Kabul, Herat, Mazar-e Sharif and Central Afghanistan regions. Pashto is spoken by 35%, mainly in the south and east; it is also spoken in neighbouring Pakistan. The remaining are Turkic native language, primarily Uzbek and Turkmen, and there are also 30 minor languages such as Balochi. You’ll find a few people in Kabul who speak a little English, but otherwise it isn’t widely understood.
The English language is at its apex in Afghanistan. The percentage of those who now speak some English has reached unprecedented rates. President and his cabinet are fluent in English. English was taught in the past from the 7th grade, but now is taught from the fourth grade. Signs in English in the streets are becoming common now all over the country. English is the second foreign language in Afghanistan. Thanks to the influence of Bollywood and cordial relations of Afghanistan and India, many Afghans,especially in Kabul are interested in learning Hindi,which is also widely understood.The number of Hindi speakers in Afghanistan has risen dramatically.So if any Indian wants to visit Afghanistan can try their luck speaking Hindi.
GET IN
Visas. Most visitors need to apply for a visa in advance, and they are often easier to obtain than you might expect. See the Afghanistan Foreign Ministry’s visa webpage.
By plane. Kabul International Airport (KBL) in Kabul is the main entry point to the country. In late 2008, the barely functioning old terminal was refurbished and is now for domestic flights, while the brand new Japanese-constructed terminal is for international flights.
The national carrier, Ariana Afghan Airlines, is flying with a small fleet of about 14 Airbuses and Boeings. They have daily flights from Dubai, and periodic flights from Frankfurt, Islamabad, Delhi, Istanbul, Baku and Tehran. Ariana is particularly bad at keeping to schedules — flights can be cancelled or delayed without notice.
A better option is the independent operator Kam Air, which has twice daily flights from Dubai, twice weekly flights from Delhi and weekly flights from Almaty, Istanbul and Mashad. Some of the flights on the Dubai to Kabul route stop in Herat if you’d prefer to enter the country there. Safi Air also provides flights between Dubai and Kabul. They are the only safety-accredited airline in Afghanistan. Safi is the only Afghan airline allowed to fly into Europe and has direct flights to Frankfurt. The service is good and planes are sound. Staff are professional.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flies four times per week from Islamabad and once per week from Peshawar to Kabul. Another route in may be via through Tehran or Mashad in Iran. Iran Air has periodic flights from Tehran to Kabul. Air India operates six flights a week from Delhi to Kabul. Turkish Airlines also began flights between Kabul and Istanbul in 2011. Air Arabia used to fly four times per week from Sharjah — however, they have suspended operations.
Flights to other cities such as Mazar-e Sharif may be available if you can hook up with the charter company PACTEC; however, seating is very limited.
By car. The famous Khyber Pass is not advised as a route in or out of the country. From 2007, it was closed for many years to third-country nationals, however, since 2017 there have been reports that the border is open and travellers have been able to cross. This is easier in the Afghanistan -> Pakistan direction, and in either direction requires significant planning. A greater concern is the threat from Taliban near the pass, who have been known to kill/kidnap Westerners and other foreigners. You are strongly discouraged from passing through the Khyber Pass.
There are a number of roads into Afghanistan:
From Peshawar, Pakistan, via the Khyber Pass to Jalalabad, in the east. See above for details.
From Quetta, Pakistan, to Kandahar, in the south. This crossing is closed to third-country nationals.
From Mashad, Iran to Herat, in the west. This border is open to foreigners.
From Termez, Uzbekistan to Mazar-e Sharif, in the north. This border is open to third-country nationals.
From Tajikistan to Kunduz, in the northwest. The security situation at this border is not considered conducive to passage as of 2019.
As of 2020, none of these routes should be considered especially safe.
By bus. Buses run regularly between Jalalabad and Peshawar, Pakistan. Also, between Herat and Mashad, Iran. Afghani buses are thoroughly checked by Iranian border police for possible drugs, so expect delays.
By train. Afghanistan has never had a national railway network and while there are a few spur lines from neighboring countries, most notably to Mazar-e Sharif, there are no passenger trains as of 2020. However there are several border towns with passenger trains, from where it’s possible to continue into Afghanistan on foot or by taxi.
Across the border from Northwest Afghanistan, the city of Termez in Uzbekistan sees trains from both Moscow and Tashkent. From Pakistan, it’s possible to take a train from Quetta to the border town of Chaman and continue into South Afghanistan.
GET AROUND
By plane. Planes fly between Kabul and the major cities (Kandahar, Herat and Mazar-e Sharif) at varying frequency. If weather is suitable, flights are operated daily. Most flights depart cities in the mornings before 11:00 only. Civilian airplanes are not operated after sundown.
By car. There is a growing network of public transportation between the country’s cities. Buses ply some routes and Toyota vehicles have a near monopoly on minivan (HiAce) and taxi (Corolla) transportation.
A new highway connects Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif. The highway is in good condition and is considered “relatively” safe. The trip takes a minimum of 5 hr. The highway goes through the famous Salang Mountains and cross the Hindu Kush mountain ranges. If you hire a relatively new Toyota Corolla, this would cost you about USD100 (if bargained by a local) for one direction from the Mazar Station in Kabul to anywhere in Mazar-i-Sharif.
There is no metered taxi in large parts of Afghanistan. Taxis are yellow and clearly identifiable. You should normally strike a deal with the driver before you take a seat. You can consider 2–3 km of road in ideal conditions to be around USD1 worth (AFN50).
Jeeps and Land Cruisers are available for hire along with drivers who speak some English (do not keep your hopes high that you might bump into one of them). There are tour operators in Kabul that can provide a car and guide; these people are available for hire at the Kabul International Airport itself. Petrol stations are scarce in the countryside, and fuel is expensive.
Paved roads are the exception, not the rule, and even those roads can be in poor repair. Once outside the major cities expect dirt roads (which turn to mud during rain or snow melt). The highway between Kabul and Bagram is dominated by military convoys and “jingle trucks”.
Stay out of the way of military convoys. They travel slowly and are heavily armed. You are not permitted to overtake these vehicles. Driving too close or approaching quickly from behind will be interpreted by them as a hostile act, and they will open fire. Do not attempt to take photographs of these vehicles or attempt to operate your cell phone when they are around. They may assume you have a remote bomb-detonator and will feel threatened, and it is highly likely they will open fire at you.
A new highway links Kabul to Kandahar. The highway is in good condition but should not be considered safe due to frequent attacks by anti-government forces such as the Taliban who often plant powerful mines (bombs) next to highways in which civilians are killed, and the poor standard of driving. The trip takes a minimum of 5 hours.
Money. The Afghani (AFN) is the currency of Afghanistan, denoted by the symbol “Afs” or “؋” (ISO code: AFN).
Carpets. Afghanistan’s most famous products are carpets. There are carpets described as “Afghan”, but also at least two other carpet-weaving traditions. The Baluchi tribes in the south and west weave fine rugs, and the Turkoman tribes in the north do as well; both groups are also found in neighbouring countries. All three types tend to use geometric patterns in the design, usually with red as the background colour and with repeated elements called “guls” to make the pattern. Generally, these are not as finely woven as carpets from the cities of neighbouring Iran. However, many of them are quite beautiful and their prices are (assuming good haggling) well below those of the top Iranian carpets.
Baluchi rugs are usually small since nomadic people cannot use large looms; sizes up to 1.5 by 2 metres are common and are popular with travellers because they are fairly portable. Afghan sheepskin coat. These have the wool on the inside and often have lovely embroidery but this may hide flaws in the leather; top-quality coats will have little or no embroidery. Australian customs incinerate these coats on arrival
Eat. Afghan cuisine includes a blend of Central, Eastern, South Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Nearly all the dishes are non-spicy.
Drink. Since Afghanistan is an Islamic country, alcohol consumption is illegal. However, it is tolerated in Western restaurants in Kabul.
Sleep. Hotels and guesthouses are available in all major cities, and while some may not meet international standards they are usually friendly and reliable.
Work. Many foreigners are finding well-paid work in Afghanistan as part of the reconstruction efforts. Often with the UN or other non-governmental organisations. Most of these jobs are within Kabul.
STAY SAFE
No part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence, and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted or random, at any time. Remnants of the former Taliban regime and the al-Qa’ida terrorist network, as well as other groups hostile to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) military operations, remain active. Afghan authorities have a limited ability to maintain order and ensure the security of Afghan citizens and foreign visitors. Travel in all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe due to military combat operations, landmines, banditry, armed rivalry between political and tribal groups, and the possibility of insurgent attacks, including attacks using vehicle-borne or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The security situation remains volatile and unpredictable throughout the country, with some areas, especially in the southeast, experiencing substantially increased levels of violence.
Afghanistan is a volatile country, and downright dangerous in the southern and eastern areas. Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged. Banditry is somewhat of an ancient tradition in many parts of the country, including in the northern areas. In addition to that, the Taliban insurgents have declared abduction of foreigners to be one of their primary goals. In July 2007, 23 South Koreans were kidnapped from a public bus in Ghazni province, south of Kabul. Two of them were murdered while the rest were set free several weeks later after controversial negotiations with the South Korean government.
The northern part of the country is considered to be safer than the south and east; however, occasional incidents can still occur anywhere and a seemingly safe place can become the opposite in an instant. Several reporters for German media were killed in the northern parts of Afghanistan, most likely by criminals or anti-westerners. 10 doctors (8 foreigners and 2 translators) were murdered in August 2010.
Landmines and other UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) remain a problem across the country, so plan to stick to well-worn paths, avoid red and white painted rocks, and do not touch or move any suspicious-looking item. According to the Afghan Red Crescent Society, approximately 600-700 people are injured or killed every year in accidents due to landmines and UXO. This is greatly reduced from over 1,600 in 2002. While travelling in Afghanistan you are likely to see mine clearance organisations at work.
Insects and snakes are also something to be careful of, and the mountainous country has many vicious tiny creatures such as scorpions, spiders, centipedes, bees, etc.
In some areas, altitude sickness is a significant risk.
Homosexual activity between consenting adults is punishable by an assortment of harsh punishments, including death, under Afghan law. LGBT travelers should exercise tremendous discretion.
If, after considering the risks, you still choose to travel in Afghanistan, hiring an armed escort or travelling with an experienced guide are ways to decrease the risks. You should also check with your embassy, and be clear on what they can and cannot do for you in an emergency.
Health. Afghanistan has its fair share of health issues, and it would be wise to consult a travel doctor ahead of your trip about vaccinations and health risks. Respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis and food-related illness are common, and malaria is a risk in many parts of the country.
Afghanistan is one of the dustiest countries in the world, and you should be prepared to be covered in it and breathing it for most of your stay, even in the major cities. Pollution from diesel engines can also make life unpleasant.
Flies are notoriously heinous here, likely due to poor sanitation. Winter brings some relief, but they come back full-strength when spring arrives.
Food should be approached with a discerning eye, as hygiene standards can often be lacking. Hot, freshly cooked food is generally safer. Bottled water is also advised, unless you have your own purification system.
Bring any prescription medicine you may need from your home country, and don’t count on being able to find it locally. You may also consider carrying pain relievers and anti-diarrheals, as they’ll be hard to find outside of major cities.
Squat toilets are the norm, with toilet paper optional and sometimes scarce. Western-style toilets are seen occasionally in newer buildings and some private homes.
RESPECT
While the majority of women across Afghanistan still wear the burqa or chadori, in cities like Kabul and Herat many opt for the Middle Eastern style hijab. Western women are highly encouraged to wear any type of head scarf (especially outside Kabul). As a general rule, the people get more conservative as you move further south.
CONNECT
Fixed line service is available in major cities (digital in Kabul) and mobile phones in most cities. SIM cards are available and international calls to Europe/US typically cost less than USD0.5/minute. Outside of major cities your options are limited to a satellite phone.
An Afghanistan number should is of the form +93 30 539-0605 where “93” is the country code for Afghanistan, the next two digits are the area code and the remaining 7 digits are the “local” part of the subscriber number that can be called from within that particular area code using abbreviated dialing. You need to dial “0” in front of the geographic area code (of 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 for fixed lines) from outside that particular area code (but when still within Afghanistan).
Mobile phones. Mobile numbers in Afghanistan must always be dialled with all digits (10 digits, including a “0” prefixing the “70n” within Afghanistan), no matter where they are being called from. The 70n is a mobile prefix, not an “area code”, as such and the third digit (the n part) denotes the original mobile network assigned. An example mobile number looks like +93 700-202-496.
Roshan +93 79 997 1333. The most reliable service with the widest coverage. SMS is possible to most countries. SIM cards cost USD5, local calls are Af 5/minute.
Afghan Wireless Privately owned with 20% ownership by the government. AWCC has the only communications ring around the country offering high speed mobile and data services throughout all provinces. AWCC also offers the highest speed fibre-based connections to the outside world, with roaming to over 300 other operators in 120 countries. Services include Voice, FAX, GPRS and EDGE data services along with WiMAX and dedicated high speed internet service with 45MB links to NYC and 45MB links to Paris. SIM cards cost USD1, local calls are Af 4.99/minute billing in seconds.
Areeba/MTN +93 77 222 2777. The cheapest cell service, offers the least coverage. SIM cards cost USD3, local calls are Af 5.5/minute.
Etisalat +93 78 688 8888. A large network provider from the UAE, is the latest GSM network in Afghanistan. It became the first company to begin 3G services in early 2012.
NM AFGHANISTAN
Experiences
Experience Buzkashi
Jeshyn-Afghan Day
Play/hear rubab
Borders
Afghanistan-Tajikistan proper
Afghanistan-Turkmenistan
Afghanistan-Uzbekistan
Afghanistan-Iran
NOMAD MANIA Afghanistan – Northeast (Kabul, Nuristan, Badakhshan, Takhar, Parwan)
M@P
Wakhan Corridor
Northeast (Kabul, Nuristan, Badakhshan, Takhar, Parwan)
Tentative WHS: Bagh-e Babur (02/11/2009)
Borders:
Afghanistan-Tajikistan proper
Afghanistan-Tajikistan Gorno Badakhshan
XL
Panjshir Valley
Tora Bora
Wakhan corridor
Roads, Road Bridges and Tunnels: The Khyber Pass
Vestiges of the Past
Mes Aynak
Surkh Kotal
World of Nature
Nuristan Nature Reserve
Pamir-i-Buzurg Wildlife Reserve
Wakhan Corridor Nature Refuge
Rivers
Kabul River
Kunar River
Cities of Asia and Oceania
JALALABAD
TALOQAN
KABUL World Cities and Popular Towns World Capitals
Airports: Kabul (KBL)
Museums
National Museum of Afghanistan
OMAR Mine Museum
Castles, Palaces, Forts
Darul Aman Palace
Tajbeg Palace
Religious Temples
Abdul Rahman Mosque
Shah-e Doh Shamshira Mosque
Zoos: Kabul Zoo
Markets
Ka Faroshi Bird Market
Pul-e Khishti Bazaar
Urban Legends: Chicken Street
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++NOMAD MANIA Afghanistan – Central (Bamiyan, Sari Pol, Ghor, Dai Kundy, Uruzgan, Wardak)
M@P: Afghanistan – Bamyan province south ‘panhandle’ (Waras)
World Heritage Sites
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley
Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam
Tentative WHS: Band-E-Amir (08/09/2004)
Vestiges of the Past
Bamiyan Buddhas Ruins
Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam
Shahr-i-Zuhak
World of Nature
Band-e Amir
Qarah Khaval: Bande Pitaw Wildlife Refuge
Lakes: Band-e Amir National Park Lakes
Rivers: Harirud River
Indigenous Peoples: Hazaras
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NOMAD MANIA Afghanistan – North (Mazar, Faryab, Kunduz, Baghlan, Samangan)
Tentative WHS: City of Balkh (antique Bactria) (17/08/2004)
Cities of Asia and Oceania
KUNDUZ
MAZAR-I-SHARIF World Cities and Popular Towns
Airports: Mazar-i-Sharif (MZR)
Castles, Palaces, Forts: Mazar-i-Sharif: Qala-i-Jangi
Religious Temples: Mazari Sharif: Shrine of Ali (The Blue Mosque)
Roads, Road Bridges and Tunnels
Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge
Salang Tunnel
Tajik-Afghan Friendship Bridge
Religious Temples: Balkh: Masjid Sabz (Green Mosque)
World of Nature: Ajar Valley Nature Reserve
Rivers
Amu Darya
Murghab River
Pyandzh River
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NOMAD MANIA Afghanistan – West (Herat, Farah, Badgis)
Tentative WHS: City of Herat (17/08/2004)
Rivers
Harirud River
Kushk River
Cities of Asia and Oceania
HERAT World Cities and Popular Towns
Airports: Herat (HEA)
Museums: Jihad Museum
Castles, Palaces, Forts: Herat Citadel
Vestiges of the Past: Musalla Complex
Religious Temples: Jama Masjid
Markets: Herat bazaar
Monuments: Soviet Tank Monument
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NOMAD MANIA Afghanistan – Southeast (Kandahar, Helmand, Nimruz, Ghazni, Zabul, Khost)
Museums: Ghazni: Museum of Islamic Art
Religious Temples: Khost: Khost Mosque
Rivers: Helmand River
Cities of Asia and Oceania
KANDAHAR World Cities and Popular Towns
XL: Kandahar
Airports: Kandahar (KDH)
Religious Temples
Red Mosque
Tomb of Ahmad Shah Durrani and Friday Mosque