Things To Do
in Afghanistan

Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees; women should consider carrying a headscarf, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites.

Show deference to elders, follow gender-segregation norms where they apply, and be mindful during prayer times and religious observances such as Ramadan.

Avoid photographing military, police, government buildings, and people (especially women) without explicit permission; asking politely is essential.

Accepting tea or an invitation to a home is an honor; small gifts are appreciated and reciprocation is common. Avoid public displays of affection.

Tipping is appreciated but modest; small tips (5–10% in restaurants or a few Afghani for porters and drivers) are common. In teahouses and small stalls tipping is not expected but rounding up is polite.

The official currency is the Afghani (AFN). Cash is king — carry local currency for most transactions. Major hotels and some international services may accept cards or USD, but availability is limited; ATMs are scarce and can be unreliable outside major cities.

Milder temperatures and blooming valleys make spring one of the most pleasant times to visit; roads at higher elevations may still be affected by snow melt and mud.

Lowland areas can become hot and dry, while highlands are pleasantly warm; summer is also a time for festivals and travel to mountain lakes, but expect dust and occasional summer storms.

Cooler, clear weather with autumn colors in montane areas; a good season for trekking before winter snows begin.

Harsh in the mountains with heavy snow and road closures; lowland winters are cold and dry — many remote routes and passes (e.g., Salang) may be impassable.

Challenging high-altitude routes with dramatic landscapes; suitable for experienced trekkers with local guides and seasonal timing (late spring to early autumn preferred).

Day hikes and valley walks around Bamyan’s cliffs, archaeological sites and rural villages; culturally rich and scenic.

Short hikes and rim walks around the terraced lakes offering excellent viewpoints and photo opportunities; check local access conditions for conservation rules.

Accessible mountain landscapes north of Kabul with hiking possibilities; weather and road safety can affect access, especially in winter.

The main international gateway servicing Kabul; operations and access can be subject to security and political conditions. Travelers should confirm flights and entry procedures in advance.

Services regional flights and occasional international connections; useful for western Afghanistan and access to Herat’s historic sites.

Serves northern Afghanistan and provides access to the Blue Mosque and surrounding region; operations vary with security conditions.

A major southern hub for military and civil flights; access and services can vary and are influenced by local security.

One of the largest ethnic groups, primarily in the south and east, speaking Pashto and with strong tribal structures.

Predominantly Dari-speaking group concentrated in the northeast and major urban centers; involved in commerce and cultural life.

Many reside in central highlands around Bamyan; predominantly Shia Muslim with distinct cultural traditions and facial features.

Turkic-speaking minorities located mainly in the north, with their own cultural practices and languages.