The most spectacular mountains of Afghanistan

[Tripatini]

 

In travel terms, Afghanistan is still mostly a destination for adventurous and experienced backpackers, unshaped by mass tourism, and those interested in visiting should carefully monitor all current travel advisories and message boards as to safety/security concerns, especially as international forces leave the country by early September 2021. But if you are interested in visiting, the main thing is to avoid Taliban-controlled areas, and many key parts of the country are relatively safe to visit, such as capital Kabul (including the Panjshir Valley), as well as the Bamiyan Valley in the centre of the country (about two hours and 40 minutes from Kabul); Herat city and province out west (depending on your speed, an eight to 16-hour drive from Kabul but just an hour 15 minutes by air); Kandahar city in the south (eight hours by car, just under an hour's flying time); Mazar-e-Sharif up north (including the nearby towns of  Balkh and province of Samangan; an hourlong flight and six hours by car), and the Wakhan Corridor in the far northeast (ironicallly more easily accessible from neighbouring Tajikistan than from Kabul).

Highlights include cultural tourism, fascinating historical sites, and a staggeringly beautiful landscape, especially when it comes to mountains. In the east and northeast, the imposing Hindu Kush range offer find everything your mountaineering heart desires: summit heights from 4,000 to almost 7,500 meters (13,123-24,606 feet), with unique biodiversity of flora and fauna. The Panjshir Valley is another marvelous region to explore.

And now here are the Afghan peaks that offer the most fantastic experiences:

read post