Things To Do
in Sharan
Sharan is the provincial capital of Paktika Province in eastern Afghanistan, set among rugged hills and winding river valleys near the border with Pakistan. The city functions as a modest trading and service hub for surrounding communities, with markets, guesthouses, and family-run eateries shaping daily life. Life here moves at a measured pace, centered on hospitality, local craft, and community networks that connect visitors with regional traditions.
Travelers should be mindful of security considerations and plan to coordinate with trusted guides or organizations when moving around the area.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Sharan and meet your friendly local guide at the dusty airstrip. Wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar as the morning light filters through colorful awnings. Inhale the aroma of fresh spices and listen to shopkeepers calling out their wares.
Enjoy a simple lunch of freshly baked bread and goat cheese at a family-run stall. Meander deeper into narrow alleys where artisans handcraft copper bowls and intricate embroidery. Practice your bargaining skills as you haggle for a handwoven carpet.
Climb to a nearby rooftop café to watch the sun set over the rugged mountains. Sip steaming green tea sweetened with local honey while street musicians play traditional rubab tunes. Return to your guesthouse to stargaze and share stories with fellow travelers.
Step into the Sharan Cultural Heritage Museum to admire ancient pottery and tribal jewelry. Follow the curator through exhibits that showcase centuries of regional history. Admire faded murals depicting legendary Afghan heroes.
Stroll through the heart of town to find the Governor’s Square, a hub of civic life and local festivals. Pause for lunch at a terrace restaurant serving quroot soup and saffron rice. Observe government buildings draped in colorful banners and mosaic tiles.
Join a local historian on a twilight walking tour of colonial-era architecture. Watch vendors light oil lamps and vendors set out trays of roasted chickpeas. End the evening with a honey-sweetened sherbet under the glow of lanterns.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $1-3 |
| ☕Tea or coffee | $0.25-1 |
| 🚕Local transport (short ride) | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🏨One night in budget hotel | $15-30 |
| 🧶Local crafts souvenir | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural traditions and hospitality
- Stunning mountain and river landscapes
- Authentic, small-city Afghan experience with limited tourist crowds
- Security risks and travel restrictions can limit access
- Limited infrastructure and healthcare options in the city
- Language barriers and variable connectivity
- "Salam" - Hello
- "Tashakkor" - Thank you
- "Lotfan" - Please
- "In che qadr ast?" - How much is this?
- "Toilet kojast?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Komak!" - Help!
- "Khodahafez" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Sharan
Visit one of these nice places.
A vantage point along the river valley offering broad views of the surrounding hills and farmland, especially striking at dawn or dusk.
Colorful market scenes with textures, textiles, and daily life bathed in warm light just before sunset.
Rugged ridgelines and open skies ideal for landscape photography and wide-angle shots of the valley.
Remnants of historic structures that offer silhouettes against the hills and a sense of the region’s past.
Food in Sharan
Sharan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed dumplings filled with meat and onions, topped with yogurt and a tomato-based sauce.
Must-Try!
A fragrant pilaf of rice with meat, carrots, and raisins; a staple centerpiece for gatherings.
Stuffed flatbread filled with potatoes or vegetables, fried until crispy and served with chutney or yogurt.
Dumplings filled with leeks or chives, topped with meat sauce and yogurt.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market where traders sell produce, bread, nuts, spices, and prepared snacks.
A cluster of stalls offering fried snacks, sweets, and tea to-go—great for a quick bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect local norms by avoiding tight or revealing clothing in public spaces; covering shoulders and knees is advisable.
A polite greeting and a handshake are common; wait for the other person to initiate a conversation in formal settings.
Dress and behavior should be considerate around mosques and religious sites; remove shoes where required and observe local rules.
Seek permission from people before photographing individuals or private spaces; respect refusals.
Safety
Tipping in Sharan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for service in hospitality settings; small tips (a few dollars or equivalent in local currency) can be given to guides, cooks, and staff after service.
Cash in Afghanis is most reliable; USD may be accepted in some places, but cash is essential for most purchases and services.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot days with low humidity; carry water, wear a hat, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. Dust can be common; use protective gear and sunglasses.
Mild days with fresh greenery and occasional rain; good for outdoor walking and market visits, but showers can occur.
Dry and comfortable with cooler evenings; ideal for hiking and photography, but nights can be chilly.
Cold temperatures with possible snowfall in higher elevations; some routes may be less accessible; pack warm layers and plan for shorter daylight hours.
Sharan at Night
Hiking in Sharan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rugged trails and scenic viewpoints suitable for day hikes with proper guidance and safety precautions.
Airports
How to reach Sharan by plane.
Regional hub with domestic flights to Kabul and other major cities; international service is limited and schedules vary.
Kabul-based international airport; farther away but offers broader international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic group in the region; Pashto is widely spoken and cultural traditions are strong in daily life.
Smaller minority communities present in broader Afghan region; languages and customs vary by group.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; casual games occur in towns and schools.
Popular among youths and communities; informal matches are common in open spaces.
Traditional polo-like equestrian game occasionally observed in rural areas and during special events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sharan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist in lentil and vegetable dishes; request dairy or yogurt-based preparations; some stews may be meat-based, so ask for vegetable versions and confirm ingredients to avoid meat stock or ghee combinations.