Afghanistan Travel Guide | Travel to Afghanistan |Afghanistan Tourism information

Holiday in Afghanistan translates into beautiful rugged countryside, incredible landscapes, the towering mountain range of the Hindu Kush looming in the background, friendly locals and clear fresh mountain air. Always being a part of the notorious hippie trail, Afghanistan has always been all about adventure. Though in recent times the adventure has shifted from nature oriented to a more selfish man created. Post 9/11 Afghanistan has become the centre of ire of the United States of America and the rest of the world because of the presence of the radical Islamist group called the Taliban. Osama Bin Laden who is considered as being the mastermind behind the 9/11 catastrophe has taken shelter under the aegis of the Taliban. This resulted in the bombing of Afghanistan by the US in an attempt to eliminate Osama along with the Taliban strong force. In due course the natural and historical beauty of Afghanistan took a hit which left Afghanistan scarred and battered. Though the war is over now but still with thousands of troops involved in peace keeping stationed around Afghanistan it looks like it will be some more time before Afghanistan regains back some of its lost former glory. With most countries having issues travel advisories for all those wanting to tour Afghanistan. The normal traveler will have to wait for some time for normalcy to regain in the country and to make it traveler friendly.

The region of Afghanistan has always played a strategic link between the Middle Eastern region and India, China and south east Asia. Owing to this the country has always been under the rule of some kingdom. To start off with it was the Persian Empire which relinquished control over Afghanistan only to be followed by Alexander. It was from AD50 under the Kushan rule that Buddhism made its presence felt in the country. it was during this time that the famous statues of Buddha were carved out of mountains at Bamian. the Persians later on again regained control over Afghanistan and the Arab bough with them the teaching of Islam in the region. The strategic geographical location of Afghanistan has made it a part of several battles and wars.

When one looks at the present war ravaged state in Afghanistan post 2001, it becomes very difficult for them to imagine the glorious past that once used to be associated with the country. most of the historical monuments, national treasures and relics have been damaged in the war and reduced to rubble. The Bamian region housing the statues of Buddha which date back to the second to the fifth century are examples of one such great monumental treasure which had to pay the price of the war. The Taliban forces bombed these archeological treasures to rubble leaving the entire world community in shock. Still there are some regions which have been spared from the assault and can be visited. These include the Valley of Paghman which is situated near the capital city of Kabul. The mountain ranges surrounding the valley present some incredible sights and views which are capable of mesmerizing anyone. Also present nearby are the regions of Charikar, Karez-i-Amir and the Valley of Chakardara. Stunning sceneries of the rugged landscape, the rolling valleys and the clear blue skies provide a combination of nature so rare and pure that it can leave anyone breathless. The Hindu Kush mountains surround Afghanistan and the adventure seeking travelers can climb up the steep edifices of this range to get the best scenic view of the valleys, towns and rivers situated below.

Beauty scarred by man is what remains in Afghanistan. Slight ruffling of the layers will unravel the beautiful past that made Afghanistan the pearl of every traveler’s eye.

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