Kabul
Discover Kabul
Kabul has been the capital of Afghanistan since about 1776. The city was badly damaged during the various wars since 1979, particularly its western parts. Since the Taliban’s recapture of Kabul in August 2021, reconstruction efforts have slowed significantly, with limited progress on modern infrastructure. Some modern-style tower blocks and a handful of glitzy shopping malls appeared in the years prior to 2021, but new construction is now minimal due to economic constraints and Taliban restrictions. Many roads, particularly the main feeder routes, were reconstructed and upgraded before 2021. However, in outlying areas, roads and other infrastructure remain in poor condition. Electricity supplies in Kabul, while previously reliable, are now inconsistent due to reduced international aid and maintenance challenges. Kabul is believed to have been founded between 2000 and 1500 BCE, possibly making it the one of the oldest living cities in central- south Asia. It is mentioned in Hinduism's sacred Rigveda text (c1700-1100 BCE) as a vision of paradise set in the mountains. It was an important center of Zoroastrianism and later Buddhism. The city remained of little importance for much of the first three millennia of its existence. It was controlled variously by: the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Seleucid Empire, the Mauryan Empire, the Bactrians, various Hellenistic kingdoms, the Sassanid Empire, and by the 5th century CE was its own kingdom known as Kabul-Shahan. This last kingdom before the Islamic conquest built a large wall to protect the city from invasion when the Arabs arrived at the edge of the kingdom; parts of the wall have survived to this day and are visible above ground within the city.
What to Experience in Kabul
Taste of Kabul...
There are many places to eat delicious food in Kabul without needing to spend too much money. Restaurants can crudely be split into "places for locals" and "places for expats", with the latter having higher quality, higher prices, and higher security. Restaurants that are UN-approved are particularly expensive. There are vendors on almost every street in the city. Restaurants open and close with surprising frequency, so it is a good idea to check whether a place is still operating before heading out. The vast numbers of foreigners in Kabul has led to the city being perhaps the best place to eat in the region, and in the mid-range bracket there are dozens of good places to eat for US$5-10 per person for an evening meal. Kabul is not a cheap place to stay, principally due to the costs of running a generator and providing security. The hotels are good if you are just passing through, however for long term stays opting for a guest house is more popular. There are several in Wazir Akbar Khan and Shar-i-Naw, often in huge Pakistani style mansions. It is wise to look closely at the security arrangements for any of these hotels. Many, especially those in the Splurge section, have been attacked by Taliban or other insurgent groups. Always think about escape routes and safe places to shelter. Kabul Coffee House and Flower Street Cafe both have wireless Internet for customers. See the warning on the Afghanistan article for information about the security situation.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Kabul into what it is today.
Kabul is believed to have been founded between 2000 and 1500 BCE, possibly making it the one of the oldest living cities in central- south Asia. It is mentioned in Hinduism's sacred Rigveda text (c1700-1100 BCE) as a vision of paradise set in the mountains. It was an important center of Zoroastrianism and later Buddhism. The city remained of little importance for much of the first three millennia of its existence. It was controlled variously by: the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Seleucid Empire, the Mauryan Empire, the Bactrians, various Hellenistic kingdoms, the Sassanid Empire, and by the 5th century CE was its own kingdom known as Kabul-Shahan. This last kingdom before the Islamic conquest built a large wall to protect the city from invasion when the Arabs arrived at the edge of the kingdom; parts of the wall have survived to this day and are visible above ground within the city. In 871 Kabul fell to the Islamic invasion (nearly 200 years after invading Muslims reached modern-day Afghanistan). The Kabulistan empire was formed covering much of Afghanistan and parts of western modern-day Pakistan. The city once again passed uneventfully through the hands of several empires, including the Samanids, Ghaznavids, Ghorids, Timurids, Mughols, Durranis, and the Barakzais, before conquest by the Mongols in the 13th century....
Climate
Kabul's climate is greatly influenced by its location in a valley at 1,800 m (5,900 ft). Summers (Jun-Sep) are hot and dry, averaging from the high 20s to the mid-30s °C (80-95 °F) with next to no precipitation. Autumn (Oct-Nov) is temperate and sees very little precipitation. Winters (Dec-Mar) are cold and the time of year which sees the most precipitation (mostly snow, but also ice, freezing rain, and sleet on warmer days). January is the coldest month, averaging 4/-7 °C (39/19 °F). Spring (late Mar-early June) is temperate with rain tapering off by early May. The city lies in a valley and some villages on the edge of the city are a few hundred meters higher and thus cooler in the summer and colder and snowier in the winters. Many roads leading to/from the city are regularly blocked by high snowfall in winter, the most notorious is the highway north, through the Salang Pass. The main highways are cleared less reliably under Taliban rule due to reduced resources and maintenance.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsTaxis are available but less reliable since 2021, with fewer drivers and higher prices due to economic constraints. Women must adhere to strict dress codes (full-body covering, such as a burqa) upon arrival. A foreigner registration card is sometimes required and taken from you upon your exit from Afghanistan. The registration card is free. Under Taliban rule, expect stricter security checks and potential delays due to enhanced scrutiny of foreigners. When flying out you will probably end up in Car Park C, and will have to get the shuttle bus to the terminal building. When flying out expect long queues and multiple ticket, passport and baggage checks, although things are now much better with the new terminal, principally because there is much more space. While the airport is not bad for a third world country, expect very basic conditions at other Afghan airports....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Maps of Kabul are available from Afghanistan Information Management Services who can print out custom wall maps of the city. The Millie Bus operates routes in Kabul, but services are unreliable, and many buses are old. Taxis are a faster and safer option, especially for foreigners, given the heightened security risks. Taxis are available but less plentiful since the Taliban’s takeover. Hiring a car costs AFN 30–50, depending on destination and negotiation. Some drivers speak basic English, but they may charge more and are often found near major hotels or the airport. Avoid taxis near sensitive locations (e.g., government or military sites) due to increased Taliban surveillance. Women must sit in the back seat and wear full-body coverings. After dark, taxis are scarce, so keep trusted taxi contacts as a backup. Services have largely ceased catering to expats due to reduced foreign presence. Airport pickups and dropoffs are unreliable, and prices have increased significantly.
Where to Stay
Kabul is not a cheap place to stay, principally due to the costs of running a generator and providing security. The hotels are good if you are just passing through, however for long term stays opting for a guest house is more popular. There are several in Wazir Akbar Khan and Shar-i-Naw, often in huge Pakistani style mansions. It is wise to look closely at the security arrangements for any of these hotels. Many, especially those in the Splurge section, have been attacked by Taliban or other insurgent groups. Always think about escape routes and safe places to shelter. Kabul Coffee House and Flower Street Cafe both have wireless Internet for customers. See the warning on the Afghanistan article for information about the security situation. The security situation in Kabul has deteriorated significantly due to the Taliban's control since August 2021.
Money & Budget
You can change currency (i.e. US$ to Afs) in banks or at local money changers on the street (in certain parts of the city, i.e. Shahr-e-Naw). If you do it at local money changers, there is no fee, but make sure you know the exchange rate before attempting. There are many places to eat delicious food in Kabul without needing to spend too much money. Restaurants can crudely be split into "places for locals" and "places for expats", with the latter having higher quality, higher prices, and higher security. Restaurants that are UN-approved are particularly expensive. There are vendors on almost every street in the city. Restaurants open and close with surprising frequency, so it is a good idea to check whether a place is still operating before heading out.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
See the warning on the Afghanistan article for information about the security situation. The security situation in Kabul has deteriorated significantly due to the Taliban's control since August 2021. While Kabul remains relatively safer than other parts of Afghanistan, the risk of bombings, kidnappings, and targeted attacks persists, particularly for foreigners and expats. The presence of expats and visitors continues, but incidents, though rare, can be severe. Exercise extreme vigilance: avoid traveling after dark, minimize time in public spaces like hotel lobbies, and vary daily routes and schedules for longer stays. Protests and riots, though less frequent, can escalate quickly, with authorities often responding with lethal force—avoid these at all costs. Female visitors: The Taliban enforces strict dress codes. Women must wear a full-body covering, such as a burqa or chador, that conceals the face and body, starting from arrival at Kabul Airport until departure.
Glimpses of Kabul
AFGHANISTAN 🇦🇫 KABUL 🤩 Photographer: Mohammad Husaini More Photos Facebook: @Mohammadhu2 Instagram: @Mohammadhu1 Youpic: Mohammad Husaini 500px: Mohammad Husaini
Shah-Do Shamshira mosque,The name translates to mosque of two swords,is a yellow two-story mosque in Kabul, Afghanistan on Andarabi Road,just off the Kabul River and the Shah-Do Shamshira bridge in the center of the city. it was built during the reign of Amanullah khan.
Shah-Do Shamshira mosque,The name translates to mosque of two swords,is a yellow two-story mosque in Kabul, Afghanistan on Andarabi Road,just off the Kabul River and the Shah-Do Shamshira bridge in the center of the city. it was built during the reign of Amanullah khan.
ARG, Presidential Palace Royal Palace
KABUL AFGHANISTAN 🇦🇫 Photographer: Mohammad Husaini More Photos Facebook: @Mohammadhu2 Instagram: @Mohammadhu1 Youpic: Mohammad Husaini 500px: Mohammad Husaini
a group of cars parked in front of a tall building
AFGHANISTAN 🇦🇫 KABUL 🇦🇫 BY: MOHAMMAD HUSAINI
You are never too old to Set another goal or to Dream a new dream. C.S.LEWIS
a large body of water surrounded by mountains
Nader Khan Hill one of the oldest and historical places of Kabul, Afghanistan.
AFGHANISTAN 🇦🇫 KABUL 🤩 Photographer: Mohammad Husaini More Photos Facebook: @Mohammadhu2 Instagram: @Mohammadhu1 Youpic: Mohammad Husaini 500px: Mohammad Husaini
Shah-Do Shamshira mosque,The name translates to mosque of two swords,is a yellow two-story mosque in Kabul, Afghanistan on Andarabi Road,just off the Kabul River and the Shah-Do Shamshira bridge in the center of the city. it was built during the reign of Amanullah khan.
Shah-Do Shamshira mosque,The name translates to mosque of two swords,is a yellow two-story mosque in Kabul, Afghanistan on Andarabi Road,just off the Kabul River and the Shah-Do Shamshira bridge in the center of the city. it was built during the reign of Amanullah khan.