Difference between revisions of "Afghanistan"

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Earth > Asia > Southern Asia > Afghanistan
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'''Afghanistan''' is a country in [[Asia]]. The capital is [[Kabul]]. It has borders to [[Iran]], [[Turkmenistan]], [[Uzbekistan]], [[Tajikistan]], [[China]] and [[Pakistan]]. Part of the [[Silk road]] and formerly part of the so-called [[Hippie trail]], it has since been invaded by the Soviets, ruled by the Taliban and attacked by the United States.  
 
'''Afghanistan''' is a country in [[Asia]]. The capital is [[Kabul]]. It has borders to [[Iran]], [[Turkmenistan]], [[Uzbekistan]], [[Tajikistan]], [[China]] and [[Pakistan]]. Part of the [[Silk road]] and formerly part of the so-called [[Hippie trail]], it has since been invaded by the Soviets, ruled by the Taliban and attacked by the United States.  
  
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[[Category:Afghanistan]]

Revision as of 13:55, 3 December 2009

Flag of Afghanistan Afghanistan
Information
Language: Dari (Persian) and Pashto
Capital: Kabul
Population: 28,150,000
Currency: Afghani (AFN)
Hitchability: from Senseless.png (senseless) to Average.png (average)
Meet fellow hitchhikers on Trustroots
<map lat='34.05' lng='67.1' zoom='5' view='0' height='300' country='Afghanistan' />

Afghanistan is a country in Asia. The capital is Kabul. It has borders to Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China and Pakistan. Part of the Silk road and formerly part of the so-called Hippie trail, it has since been invaded by the Soviets, ruled by the Taliban and attacked by the United States.

Little people speak English or Russian, and there is an anti-Western feeling throughout the country.

Hitchhiking culture

According to Lonely Planet, hitchhiking equals taking a taxi in Afghanistan, as people use to flag cars down that go in there direction, and are taken against a fee. Some Afghans might let you hitch a ride out of curiosity, though. In some regions resp. seasons, hitching on trucks is the only way to travel. Most NGOs are banned from picking up hitchhikers, more specifically UN-based of large humanitarian organisations (but still, it's mainly NGOs picking up). If you choose to hitchhike, be prepared to be questioned by the police over and over again. It is unusual for people to understand a "sign", peope hitchhiking with one still get questioned about their destinations.

Afghanistan has the lower rate of cars per inhabitant in the world. Travelling by public transport or staying in hotels is rather expensive compared to Central Asia.

Maps

Cities

  • Kabul
  • Herat
  • Kandahar
  • Mazar-e Sharif
  • Jalalabad
  • Ghazni
  • Kunduz

Public Transport

Collective taxis with fixed fares travel between cities once they are filled with passengers. Travelling with a backpack there means extra cost, but that's where you can bargain. There are also minibuses, a bit cheaper but much more crowded.

Safety

It's probably quite an unsafe country to travel to let alone to hitchhike even though Muslim hospitality might make up for that. Be aware that land mines are widespread in the country. Known landfields are marked with cobblestones painted red (towards the field) and white (safer zone). They are identified MF (Mine Field) and LM (Land Mines). Another concern is around the opium traffic route - through the Panj river.

In 2006, a Russian hitchhiker traveling in Afghanistan went missing. For more information, read here.

Women

It goes without saying that women are advised to cover as much hair and skin as possible when travelling in Afghanistan. It's not only a matter of safety, but it's a matter of respect too. Consider a Salwar Kameez with proper headwear. Afghan women do not chat up men in public, or make eye contact with them, or smile to them. Keep in mind that your behaviour and body language might send strong messages to men. Avoid all bodily contact in public. It is generally advised to travel with a male companion.

Women travelling alone in group taxis generally have to pay for two seats at the front rather than sitting by a man's side.

While researching on the topic, perilisk couldn't find any woman's account of hitchhiking in Afghanistan.

Border Crossing

Hitchhikers have crossed to Afghanistan:

  • from Iran via Eslam Qal`eh. Advice given by locals is to reach Kabul using the ring road via Kandahar in the South since it is a main road used by international peace keeping forces.
  • from Pakistan, via Torkham. The trip from Peshawar to Kabul takes about 7 hours.You must obtain a free permit the morning of the departure and a have a bodyguard accompanying you to the border. There is also a checkpoint via Chaman.
  • from Tajikistan, via Panji Poyon.
  • from Turkmenistan
  • Some people allegedly tried to cross from Uzbekistan, via Termez on the Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge, but were refused, as only NGOs are allowed to cross there (no tourists).

Eating & Drinking

Accomodation & Sleeping

Other Useful Info

English News Websites

wikipedia:Afghanistan wikitravel:Afghanistan