Location: Southern Asia, bordering Pakistan, Iran, China and the central Asian states of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
Capital: Kabul
Tourist Attractions: Afghanistan has just emerged from years of war and civil unrest. Tourists are advised to avoid military zones, be aware of landmines and be extra-careful about security at all times. Afghanistan is known for its spectacular mountainous landscapes, ancient archeological sites, and medieval Islamic architecture. Tourist attractions in Afghanistan include the magnificent Hindu Kush and Pamir mountain ranges, the ruined capital city of Kabul, the fascinating medieval towns of Balkh, Ghazni, Mazar-e-Sharif and Kandhar; and the ancient town of Bamiyan. Other tourist attractions include the 5th century fortress of Bala Hissar and City Walls in Kabul, the scenic Panjshir Valley, and the Band-e-Amir Lake in Bamiyan. Afghanistan also offers excellent conditions for hiking and mountain trekking.
Access: Many airlines including Air India, Pakistan International Airlines and Aeroflot operate regular flights to Kabul from South Asia, Middle East, and Europe. Tourist can also cross borders from Pakistan and Iran, but this is not recommended at present.
Climate: Afghanistan enjoys a semi-desert climate with extremely cold winters and excessively hot summers, moderated according to altitude. The country experiences a hot and dry summer from June to October with temperatures touching 49° C and a cold winter from November to March. Most of the rainfall occurs during the winter.