Travel Guide
Kabul travel guide
Kabul, Afghanistan's ancient capital, sits at 1,800m amidst mountains at the crossroads of Central and South Asia. Once on the Silk Road, the city holds the National Museum (surviving looting and wars), Babur's Gardens, and resilient people. Currently under Taliban rule—travel is extremely dangerous and not recommended.
Language
Dari, Pashto
Currency
Afghan Afghani (AFN)
Timezone
AFT (GMT+4:30)
Best time
April to June, September to October (theoretical)
Budget/day
$20-50/day
When to visit
Jan
-5 to 5°C
Feb
-3 to 7°C
Mar
4 to 14°C
Apr
9 to 20°C
May
13 to 26°C
Jun
17 to 32°C
Jul
19 to 34°C
Aug
18 to 33°C
Sep
13 to 29°C
Oct
7 to 22°C
Nov
1 to 14°C
Dec
-3 to 7°C
Safety
Extreme RiskExercise extreme caution at all times. Follow government travel advisories closely and avoid all non-essential movement.
Women travellers
Exercise standard precautions. Research specific areas before visiting. Use registered transport services. Avoid isolated areas at night.
Culture & etiquette
- + TRAVEL NOT RECOMMENDED UNDER CURRENT CONDITIONS
- + If pre-2021: Babur Gardens—peaceful oasis
- + National Museum—remarkable given history
- + Friday Mosque—important Islamic heritage
- - Don't display expensive items
- - Don't share too much with strangers
- - Don't ignore local customs
- - Don't assume everyone speaks English
Food to try
Kabuli pulao
Afghanistan's national dish—aromatic basmati rice slow-cooked with lamb, topped with caramelized carrots, raisins and fried onion rings; traditionally served at weddings and celebrations
Mantu (dumplings)
Steamed dumplings filled with minced beef and onion, served topped with a tangy yogurt-tomato sauce and dried mint; a labor-intensive dish considered a marker of a skilled cook
Bolani
Thin flatbread stuffed with seasoned potato, leeks or spinach, pan-fried crisp and golden; eaten as street snack or starters dipped in chutney; sold by roadside vendors throughout Kabul
Kebabs
Skewered lamb or beef grilled over charcoal at roadside stands, served wrapped in fresh naan with coriander chutney; Kabul's kebab street near Shahre Naw is the authentic experience
Green tea
The social bedrock of Afghan culture—served with cardamom in flowered glass cups at every gathering; chai-khanas (tea houses) are where deals are made and stories shared
Hidden gems
Details are indicative and may change. Verify visa, safety, and entry requirements before travel.