Afghanistan

Jan 18, 2010 10:22 PM
Yakkalot

last reply
May 16, 2013 2:17 PM
loswiaheros

153 replies
39,374 views
location: Afghanistan

Pages 1 2 3 4 ... 11

Afghanistan FAQ & Security Thread

Since the demise of the old security thread, and the number of frequently asked I thought it might be a good idea to start a new 'Afghan FAQ' thread attempting to cover the most frequently asked questions and provide up to date information in one thread on not only security, but the most frequently asked questions about flights, travelling the Khyber pass and the classic 'is it safe?', since so many gems of information get lost in individual threads.

Hopefully everyone here, both our regulars and recently present tourists and workers will contribute here with areas they know best, experience, and handy tips and we'll try compile a great resource on the amazing country that is Afghanistan.

Can we try and keep politics and personal issues out of this thread too, as much as possible.

Intro: Afghanistan is Awesome. There, you heard it here first folks. It is a truly amazing desti... more »

Apr 23, 2013 9:29 PM
lynn_tink

last reply
Apr 30, 2013 5:46 PM
lynn_tink

5 replies
388 views
location: Afghanistan

visiting the Wakhan Corridor

This fall I'll be returning to Afghanistan (Kabul) and would love to see part of the Wakhan Corridor. I've heard the flight to Faizabad is very unreliable, and that driving from Kabul to Faizabad would probably not be a good idea security wise.

Has anyone done this trip recently? Would it be actually easier to fly from Kabul to Dushanbe, and drive to the Wakhan corridor area from there? Are there any agencies you would recommend that help organize trips there? Thanks so much for any suggestions -

Apr 2, 2013 7:53 PM
anitayusof

last reply
Apr 23, 2013 4:56 AM
anitayusof

9 replies
515 views
location: Afghanistan

From Termiz border to Torghundi

Hello,
I will be visiting Central Asia starting 22nd May 2013. I shall start in Tashkent, and will travel overland to Almaty - Bishkek - Dushanbe. I wanted to visit Turkmen as well (only Merv, Asghabat and Dervaza Craeter) before returning to Tashkent for my flight home. However, to apply for a transt visa, I must enter Turkmen and exit Turkmen from different country (to apply for a tourist visa and guided tour is too pricey for me). SinceTajik is bordering with Uzbek (my exit point fr Turkmen) and Afghan, in order to apply for the transit visa, I hv no choice but to enter Turkmen via Afghan.
The idea is to enter Afghan via Termiz border (in Uzbek), take a public transportation to Mazar I Shariff, and then a flight to Herat, and from Herat by public transport to Torghundi, and enter Turkmen via Serhetabat.
Has anyone done this recently? How easy / difficult is the process of getti... more »

Apr 2, 2013 7:40 PM
anitayusof

last reply
Apr 2, 2013 7:40 PM
anitayusof

0 replies
126 views
location: Afghanistan

From Termiz border to Torghundi

Hello,
I will be visiting Central Asia starting 22nd May 2013. I shall start in Tashkent, and will travel overland to Almaty - Bishkek - Dushanbe. I wanted to visit Turkmen as well (only Merv, Asghabat and Dervaza Craeter) before returning to Tashkent for my flight home. However, to apply for a transt visa, I must enter Turkmen and exit Turkmen from different country (to apply for a tourist visa and guided tour is too pricey for me). SinceTajik is bordering with Uzbek (my exit point fr Turkmen) and Afghan, in order to apply for the transit visa, I hv no choice but to enter Turkmen via Afghan.
The idea is to enter Afghan via Termiz border (in Uzbek), take a public transportation to Mazar I Shariff, and then a flight to Herat, and from Herat by public transport to Torghundi, and enter Turkmen via Serhetabat.
Has anyone done this recently? How easy / difficult is the process of getti... more »

Mar 31, 2013 7:42 AM
Odetta77

last reply
Apr 23, 2013 6:36 AM
possopo

19 replies
1,185 views
location: Afghanistan

Pages 1 2

Kabul-Herat-Mazar-I-Sharif in 2013 with 'Afghan Logistics & Tours'

Hello to the brave travellers!
We, the group of 6-10 people, are planning to visit Afghanistan either this May or September/October.
We contacted the 'Afghan Logistics & Tours' company as we were advised by quite a few people that they are the most safe tour guide company.
I would like to ask if anyone here has any experience with them? The price is quite high and this includes the security guard to accompany us during all trip. We visited Pakistan last October as 6 people team for 23 days during which we covered all Northern Pakistan and rode all Karakorum Hwy up to Sost. And all trip costed three times less than offered trip to Afghanistan for the same duration.
Before we agree to their offer, we would like to be confident about this tour guide and also about the reasonability of the high prices visiting Afghanistan accompanied with the guides.

Thank you much in advance for ... more »

Mar 26, 2013 9:08 PM
eupilgrim

last reply
Apr 25, 2013 3:01 PM
Gregus

13 replies
1,305 views
location: Afghanistan

Afghanistan Travel Report March 2013

Hi,

I'm just finishing my trip to Afghanistan and since I relied heavily on emmeff's post http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?messageID=20775903, which is extremely accurate (thanks!), I thought I'd try to improve it a bit to help others, please read her post first so the info below makes more sense:

Flight from Islamabad
The price ranges from $250 - $300, extremely expensive for a one-hour flight, but you have few other options as Khyber Pass is closed to foreigners and Kandahar/Quetta crossing is dangerous. Only PIA flies this route, if you are coming from Dubai or elsewhere, it might be much cheaper. One-way flights from Dubai are around $140.

Security
Security is very good at the moment in all places emmeff has mentioned, absolutely no worries about coming to Afghanistan and doing a similar route. I am an European male in 30s and I have walked around i... more »

Mar 19, 2013 1:09 PM
lady_aquarius

last reply
Apr 25, 2013 3:07 PM
Gregus

8 replies
646 views
location: Afghanistan

Kabul & Herat area- transport, gh and safety issues

Hi all,

I wonder at travel to Afghanistan again, this time Kabul and Herat area (in the summer). Actually I don`t want to stay in Kabul too long. I`d like to spend some time in small villages which are accesible with public transport from Kabul/Herat and offer accommodation (guest house, other) for solo woman.
Main concern is security of course. Actually, my question should be: are in Kabul/Herat surroundings any villages without taliban presence or is it always a lottery? As far as I know there are security problems to access a lot of places by land, even villages are safe. Could you please advise?
Second option- north part, eg. Zebak or Lake Shiveh area but it require travel from Tajik side (because of Kunduz, Wardoge). Or maybe ther`s quite safe option reach them from Kabul?

thanks in advance for sharing your own experience

Mar 16, 2013 7:58 PM
Mossa

last reply
Apr 13, 2013 1:48 PM
colchis

1 replies
316 views
location: Afghanistan

Wakhan corridor/Noshaq base camp

Has anyone had experience with Adventure Wakhan? I am planning to trek to Noshaq base camp and was wondering if anyone had experience with this tour company or with the trek itself, i.e. anything in particular to watch out for/make our time easier.

Thanks

Mar 13, 2013 2:53 AM
mateocarames

last reply
Apr 15, 2013 10:56 AM
kostan

8 replies
617 views
location: Afghanistan

getting a visa for afghanistan

Hello,
I am trying to get a visa for Afghanistan. I live in Spain and I've got in touch with the embassy here, but they're doing everything possible not to give me one. Does anyone know of anywhere I could get a letter of invitation or a company to sponsor me? any other ideas of how to get a visa?

is the border with tadjikistan (ishkashim) open?

I really want to go!!!

thank you for your help,
Mateo

Mar 9, 2013 2:18 PM
Gregus

last reply
May 8, 2013 2:44 PM
Gregus

7 replies
548 views
location: Afghanistan

Kunduz

I prepare for travel in north Afghanistan in april this year as a local. I think I looked good all topics about Afghanistan and I have great information. One problem is - I will arrive from tajik side through Kunduz. I read is really no good place to stay and even is a stronghold for Taliban on north. It looks I must stay there for one night. What do you think about it experienced travelers? ;-)

I appreciate any answer.

Peter - Slovakia

Mar 8, 2013 10:20 PM
yoda9999

last reply
Apr 25, 2013 3:15 PM
Gregus

5 replies
665 views
location: Afghanistan

Is Kandahar "safe" now?

Okay for tourists now, or still no go?

Mar 6, 2013 2:56 AM
timmytimmytimmy...

last reply
Apr 23, 2013 10:30 AM
colchis

3 replies
507 views
location: Afghanistan

Wakhan Valley April 2013 - Safety + Travel buddy

Hi everyone,

this april im looking at crossing from tajikistan into the Wakhan Valley for some trekking, maybe a week or so. Does anyone have any up to date info on safety there or general safety advice for the region? has there every been problems there?

also looking for a travel buddy if someone's up for some adventure.

cheers timmy

Mar 4, 2013 3:22 PM
ketaler

last reply
Mar 5, 2013 1:19 AM
emmeff

1 replies
444 views
location: Afghanistan

Herat Mazar-e-Sharif etc Visit

I want to visit Afghanistan to Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif and Baltkh.

1. What is the current safety situation there?

2. Any advice on decent hotels or b&b

3. Is overland travel safe between Mazar - Balkh? Islam-Qala - Herat? Or better go by air?

5. Any advice on local support re. transport, guides

Thanks

Feb 28, 2013 1:40 AM
hexe

last reply
Mar 4, 2013 10:02 PM
hexe

2 replies
398 views
location: Afghanistan

Kabul

Hi,

I have been asked to travel to Kabul for some filming somewhen this year and am little reluctant. How does beeing in this city feels these days?

We would be filming in a childrens hospital and I believe we are going to be taken good care of during work. Beside that - would it be stupid to explore the city on our own? If not: What is a must see?

Tanks and best wishes,
Katharina

Feb 24, 2013 1:54 PM
snowleopardjs

last reply
Apr 6, 2013 10:25 PM
TomDJoyce

3 replies
466 views
location: Afghanistan

Travel companion for a Wakhan trip wanted.

Greetings and thank you for viewing my post. I am seeking one or two travellers for an approximately 22 day Wakhan trip during September this year. Unfortunately at this point in my travels time is more of a consideration than money so this will be fully organized by a U.K. based agency. I am arranging a variation of their set( fully booked ) itinerary. It will be a combined trekking/horseback tour with emphasis on spending as much time with the Afghans as possible. All suggestions and preferences welcome; we have time to specify the way we would like this to happen. I am easy going and I live in a ski resort so less oxygen and cool temps are daily events for me. Best regards, Jon

Feb 6, 2013 12:42 PM
jonbart

last reply
Feb 12, 2013 8:16 AM
JakJones

1 replies
450 views
location: Afghanistan

Tourist Visa Extension

So the answer is "YES", you can get your 1-month single-entry tourist visa renewed for an additional month in Kabul.
Here is how:
1. On an A4 paper, have someone write a simple letter in Dari (or Pashtu I guess) to the Department of Tourism of the Ministry of Information & Culture, as if it were written by you saying something like "my name is ____ and I would like to request a one-month extension to my visa so that I may visit ____(insert location such as Herat, Bamyan, etc...). The term used in Dari (and I think Pashtu as well) for the letter is "ariza".

2. Go to the Ministry of Culture in Kabul with the letter, signed and dated by you (remember that government offices are closed on Thursday and Friday, have a lunch break, and are usually closed by 4pm, so probably best to go early in the morning) and go up to the tourism office on the 3rd floor. The woman there will take the l... more »

Thorn Tree Forum

Afghanistan FAQ & Security Thread

visiting the Wakhan Corridor

From Termiz border to Torghundi

From Termiz border to Torghundi

Kabul-Herat-Mazar-I-Sharif in 2013 with 'Afghan Logistics & Tours'

Afghanistan Travel Report March 2013

Kabul & Herat area- transport, gh and safety issues

Wakhan corridor/Noshaq base camp

getting a visa for afghanistan

Kunduz

Is Kandahar "safe" now?

Wakhan Valley April 2013 - Safety + Travel buddy

Herat Mazar-e-Sharif etc Visit

Kabul

Travel companion for a Wakhan trip wanted.

Tourist Visa Extension

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