Is Winter a Good Time to Visit Afghanistan?
The peak Autumn shoulder season will soon be over in Afghanistan - it is the most popular time of year to travel for good reason. But should you consider visiting Afghanistan in the winter?
For me there is nothing more exciting than stepping off a plane early in the morning at Kabul International airport on a crisp winter morning. The Hindu Kush mountains dusted with snow frame the city, and you’re immediately hit by the smell of wood smoke in the air. The atmosphere immediately feels different and in an increasingly homogenous, boring world you know that you’ve arrived somewhere deeply special.
The city itself in winter feels darker and more intriguing. Afghan men wrapped in traditional woolen pattushuddle round braziers at taxi stands and herders block the street as they retreat from their high pastures through the city to market.
An early morning stroll on the famous “Wall Walk” also can’t be beaten – you’ll probably be guided by Khalid on the walk who has been a friend of mine since 2012. Bring good walking boots as you’ll probably find yourself bashing a path through the snow.
Khalid on the wall walk in Kabul
Bamiyan transforms in the winter into a white wonderland. A visit to the buddhas in the snow is even more magical than usual and best of all you’ll find that you’re probably the only visitor. There isn’t a better time to visit Kandahar and the south – November is peak pomegranate season in Arghandab and our friends in the valley are waiting to welcome you.
Ice fishing on Band-E-Amir lake. The practise is illegal as the park is in theory protected, but these men told us they had been encouraged to catch lunch for a visiting Taliban delegation.
If you’d like to consider a winter trip to Afghanistan this winter – we are able to offer private tours with Qudratullah Noory for as little as $300USD per night. Please get in touch now so we can issue you your visa invitation – if your stuck for ideas about what to do then our Afghan Long Weekender trip is a great starting place.