Afghanistan is a country that today is primarily associated with war, the Taliban, hardship and misery. But that was not always so. The country was once rich in cultural diversity and Afghanistan also has a lot to offer in terms of landscape. Magnificent mountains and fresh mountain air – especially the Hindu Kush is very impressive. Afghanistan borders Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, the People’s Republic of China and Pakistan. See andyeducation for education in Afghanistan.

Fast facts to know

• Many attractions and sights destroyed by Taliban.
• Before traveling to Afghanistan is warned because of the insecure situation.
• Hardly any medical care.
• Diseases such as malaria and cholera are widespread.
• High number of landmines in large parts of the country.
• Once rich cultural diversity is hardly reflected.
• Beautifully landscaped mountain regions.

Exciting cities in Afghanistan

• Acceptance
• Herat
• Bamiyan

History of Afghanistan

• Once belonged to the Persian Empire.
• Rise of the Pashtuns.
• Independent Pashtun kingdom founded in 1747.
• 19th century various wars with the colonial power Great Britain.
• 1979 Russian invasion, 10 years of proxy war followed.
• 2001 American invasion of Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks with the aim of overthrowing the Taliban.
• Islamic Republic since 2004.
• Since 2015, in addition to the violence of the Taliban, it has also been threatened by the Islamic State.

Climate & travel weather in Afghanistan

• Temperate climate in the north, subtropical in the south.
• Extreme climate differences from 53° C in the south to -59° C in the highlands of central Afghanistan.
• Hot and dry summers, cold and humid winters.
• Best travel time:
  • April, May, October, November.

Ideas for trips in Afghanistan

• The minaret and ruins of Jam.
• Cultural Landscape and the Archaeological Sites of the Bamiyan Valley.

Eating & Drinking in Afghanistan

• Influenced by Turkish, Persian and Indian cuisine.
• The most important staple foods are bread (naan), and rice is also of great importance.
• The preferred meat is lamb, but goat, beef, camel, poultry and venison are also popular.
• Meat often cooked with fruits, walnuts and rhubarb.
• Yoghurt as the most important milk product.
• Desserts, cakes, sweets are luxury and rare.
• Most important drink: black and green tea with lots of sugar.
• Typical dishes:
  • Palau (brown rice).
  • Qabeli (rice with lamb).
  • Boolanee (Baked Leek Pockets).
  • Kebab (chunks of meat grilled on a skewer).
  • Mantu (pastries).
  • Aschak (purchased Lauchtaschen).

Particularly scenic

• Mountain landscape of the Hindu Kush.
• desert landscapes of the south.
• Sapphire blue lakes along the Bamiyan Valley.
• Pamir mountains.