Afghanistan

Eco-friendly travel guide to Afghanistan advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Afghanistan, Asia.

Traditional houses outside Herat, Afghanistan

Air quality: 3.9 / 5

Bus connections: 3.8 / 5

Train connections: 3.7 / 5

Hitchhiking: 4 / 5

National parks: 4 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3.9 / 5

Locals' English level: 3.8 / 5

Safety: 3.8 / 5

Accommodation: US$800 - $900

Budget per day: US$600 - $700

Responsible Travel

Officially known as the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, this country is bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, and China to the northeast. The natives or inhabitants of this country are called Afghans or Afghanistani. The country is known for holding various interesting facts that are not known by many. World’s largest Buddhas were first built in this country.

Besides, the world’s first oil paintings were drawn in the caves of Bamiyan located in Afghanistan. Dari and Pashto are the official languages of Afghanistan. The country’s national game is Buzkashi, in which players in two teams try to catch a goat while riding a horse. It is a mountainous country with plains in the north and southwest. Kabul is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan.

Being an eco-friendly tourist, you should opt to stay in the green hotels that are available across the city. Its positive role to use recyclable goods helps to reduce the waste and maintain the pollution level to a limit.

To contribute positively to the economy of the locals, make sure to visit the local markets for food and lodging.

Make sure you wisely use the resources available across the city. This will help to preserve the resources for the locals so they can use them in the future.

As an eco-friendly tourist, you should follow some of the positive steps to effectively contribute your role to the environment of the city, in addition to providing support to the locals.

Use eco-friendly modes of transportation to explore the short-distance localities inside the city.

You must opt to taste the street foods served in the city lanes. This will help you to understand the traditions of the city.

Using local transport to explore the city will provide support to the transportation system in the city. Therefore, rented cars and taxis are some of the best options.

You should visit the national parks to experience the wildlife that is reserved, apart from exploring the major attractions of the city. Also, you can enjoy the beauty of nature in the widely spread environment of flora.

You should consider scouting non-popular areas to make it familiar among the other visitors. This will help you to highlight the unknown places. Further, it supports the hidden shops of these areas and helps to earn.

Air Quality and Pollution

Afghanistan has many sources of pollution, coming from both industrial areas as well as general day-to-day habits of its citizens, which include the use of personal vehicles or home activities. Other causes of rising pollution in the country are the use of brick kilns. These are operated on large-scale industrial levels all the way down to family-owned businesses, based out of people’s homes. There are other small-scale operations that when added together give off large amounts of pollution such as smelting and foundries. Further, the recycling of used goods such as plastics and electronics floods the air with noxious fumes during their processing.

During the colder months, the pollution levels skyrocket due to the increased burning of materials such as wood, coal, and even synthetic materials to provide heat. As the levels of pollution continue to rise from the burning of these materials, much of the pollution gets trapped on a ground level due to the colder air remaining at a low altitude. Under more normal circumstances during months that are more temperate, the warmer polluted air can rise higher into the atmosphere where it can be dispersed with greater ease. But as mentioned during colder months this tends not to happen, which creates a vicious cycle of more generated pollution and more of it gets trapped. This leads to disastrous levels of air quality.

Therefore, the authorities are repeatedly working to provide a better life in the city. They have managed to reduce pollution to a certain level, with the help of several measures. Hence, air quality and pollution are very much in control. You can plan a comfortable trip to this landlocked country, Afghanistan.

Respect the Culture

Afghanistan is a multicultural and multi-ethnic country. The nation has a complex history that has survived either in its current cultures or in the form of various languages and monuments. Afghanistan contains many remnants from all ages, including Greek and Buddhist stupas, monuments, Islamic minarets, monasteries, and temples. Carpet weaving is an ancient practice in Afghanistan, and many of these are still handmade by tribal and nomadic people today. Carpets have been produced in the region for thousands of years and are traditionally done by women. Pottery has been crafted in Afghanistan for millennia. The village of Istalif, located in the north of Kabul is a major center, which is known for its unique turquoise and green pottery, and their methods of crafting have remained the same for centuries.

Afghan classical music has close historical links with Indian classical music and uses the same Hindustani terminology and theories like a raga. Genres of this style of music include ghazal and instruments such as the Indian tabla, sitar, and harmonium. Besides, local instruments like zerbaghali, as well as dayereh and tanbur which are also known in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East are also quite popular in the country. The rubab is the country's national instrument and precurses the Indian sarod instrument.

Attan is the national dance of Afghanistan. It is a group dance popularly performed by Afghans of all backgrounds. The dance is considered part of Afghan identity. Classic Persian and Pashto poetry are a cherished part of Afghan culture. One of the poetic styles is called Landay. A popular theme in Afghan folklore and mythology is devs, monstrous creatures. They celebrate poetry night on Thursdays in the western city of Herat. People of all age groups gather there to share modern and ancient verses of poetry and indulge in some nice food along with some sweet tea.

New Year is celebrated by Afghans on 21st March and is called Nawroz. It is a pre-Islamic festival that is celebrated by a gathering of thousands of travelers from across Afghanistan to the city of Mazar-e-Sharif. There is a mosque in the center of the city. It is known as the Blue Mosque or the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, the cousin, and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Yalda is another nationally celebrated ancient tradition, which commemorates the ancient goddess Mithra and marks the longest night of the year on the eve of the winter solstice. During this festival, families gather together to recite poetry and eat fruits that particularly consist of the red fruits watermelon, and pomegranate, as well as mixed nuts.

Religious festivals are also celebrated in the country. Islamic events and festivals such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Ashura are widely celebrated annually in Afghanistan. The Sikh community celebrates the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi and the Hindu community celebrates the Hindu festival, Diwali.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Tourism is a small industry in Afghanistan, yet several foreign tourists visit the country annually. It holds various sites of attractions where you will get some beautiful spots that have the most attractive views for your holiday trip. So, continue to read to check some of the interesting names that are worth visiting, during your tour to the city.

Bamyan Valley – Bamyan is the largest town in the central Afghanistan region of Hazarajat. There are many statues of Buddha that are carved into the sides of cliffs facing Bamyan city. The valley is marked as the most westerly point of Buddhist expansion. It was a place where the East met West and its archaeology reveals a blend of Indian, Persian, Chinese, Turkic, and Greek influence. This is one of Afghanistan's most touristic places. This is an important region for domestic and international tourism, which includes lakes, canyons, and historical sites.

Wakhan Valley – This valley is a rugged, mountainous part of the Pamir, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram regions of Afghanistan. Located in the extreme north-east of Afghanistan, Wakhan has become a destination for adventurous trekkers, and several tour companies offer trips to the area. The entire Wakhan was designated as the protected Wakhan National Park. Further, this area is recommended as a place to take a wonderful and relatively safe holiday.

Hippie Trail – It is the name given to the overland journey taken by members of the hippie subculture and others from the mid-1950s to the late 1970s, between Europe and South Asia, mainly through Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. The hippie trail was a form of alternative tourism, and one of the key elements was traveling as cheaply as possible, mainly to extend the length of time away from home.

Band-e Amir National Park – This national park is located in the Bamyan Province of central Afghanistan. It is a series of six deep blue lakes separated by natural dams made of travertine, a mineral deposit. These lakes are situated in the Hindu Kush Mountains, west of the famous Buddhas of Bamiyan. Grazing of livestock, collection of shrubs for fuel, and winter fodder and rain-fed farming are still widely practiced within the park boundary. A park office with a park warden and a group of rangers was installed to manage the conservation and protection of park natural resources.

The Minaret of Jam – Located in a remote and nearly inaccessible region of the Shahrak District, Ghor Province, next to the Hari River, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in western Afghanistan. It was entirely built of baked bricks and is famous for its intricate brick, stucco, and glazed tile decoration, which consists of alternating bands of Kufic and Naskhi calligraphy, geometric patterns, and verses from the Qur’an.

Kirka Sharif – Also known as Shrine of the Cloak, this Islamic Shrine is located in present-day Kandahar, Afghanistan. The shrine houses the mantle or cloak of Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. The cloak was worn by the Islamic prophet Muhammad during the famous Night Journey in the year 621. It is one of the most revered relics in the Muslim world.

Herat Citadel – Also known as the Citadel of Alexander, this fort is located in the center of Herat in Afghanistan. Locally, it is known as Qala Iktyaruddin. The National Museum of Herat is also housed inside the citadel, while the Afghan Ministry of Information and Culture is the caretaker of the whole premises. The citadel was used as a royal residence, treasury, prison, and arsenal under the Hotaki dynasty or the Durrani Empire.

Blue Mosque (Mazar-i-Sharif) – Also known as the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, this is a mosque located in the center of Mazar-i-Sharif in the northern Balkh Province of Afghanistan. Also, the site is a place where many pilgrims annually celebrate Nowruz (Persian New Year). The annual Jahenda Bala ceremony is celebrated, in which a holy flag is raised in honor of Hazrat Ali. People touch the flag for luck in the New Year.

Kandahar – Located at the crossroads where southern Afghanistan meets the mountains of the country’s heartland, this is the revered home of the Mosque of the Sacred Cloak. It was the traditional seat of Pashtun power and the capital of the last Afghan empire during the years of Ahmad Shah Durrani. Currently, the place is filled with mosques, shrines, and mausoleums to luminaries from the national past.

Balkh – This is a town in the Balkh Province of Afghanistan. It was historically an ancient center of Buddhism and Zoroastrianism and one of the major cities of Khorasan, since the latter’s earliest history. There are numerous places of interest that are to be seen today aside from the ancient ruins and fortification. This includes the Madrasa of Sayed Subhan Quli Khan, Tepe Rustam and Takht-e Rustam, the tomb of the poet Rabi’a Balkhi, the Nine Domes Mosque, and many others.

Bamyan Valley

Explore

Above are the mentioned top ten tourist attractions, which you can opt to pay a visit while traveling to Afghanistan. In addition, there are some other places in the city like parks and museums that you can consider checking out during your tour in the city. Here is a list of such places that you can explore.

City Parks

Qargha Lake – This Lake holds an amazing view near Kabul city. It is a partially frozen lake that gives a lifetime view. Families can go for a picnic day and night without fear, this is really a beautiful and stunning lake giving an exhilarating view.

City Park – This is an amusement park located in Kabul city. The park has tremendous fun rides including the Ferris wheel, spinning teacups, bumper cars, roller coaster, and even a mascot that’s a dead-ringer for Minnie Mouse. This park remains crowded, especially on Friday afternoons, after the Islamic day of prayer.

Qargha Lake

National Parks

Wakhan National Park – This Park comprises the entire district of Wakhan, extending along the Wakhan Corridor between the Pamir Mountains and the Hindu Kush, bordering Tajikistan to the north, Pakistan to the south, and China to the east. The flora of this region includes more than 500 plant species, whereas the fauna of this region consists of the lynx, red fox, urial, snow leopard, stone marten, ibex, wolf, Marco Polo’s sheep, and Pallas's cat.

Beaches

Being a landlocked country, there are no beaches in Afghanistan. But there is a lake named Lake Qargha, which is located at a distance from Kabul.

Landmarks

Babur Gardens Mosque – Locally known as Bagh-e-Babur, is a historic park in Kabul. It is also the final resting-place of the first Mughal emperor Babur. These are built of a mix of traditional hand-laid earth (pakhsa) and sun-dried bricks on stone foundations. Currently, the garden has been managed by the independent Baghe Babur Trust, with support from Kabul Municipality, the Afghan Ministry of Information and Culture, and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

Shahr-e-Zahak – Also known as The Red City, this is a historic city ruin in Bamyan, Afghanistan. This city used to be a primary defense for the basin. The citadel was destroyed by Genghis Khan.

Babur Gardens Mosque

Museums

The National Museum of Afghanistan – Located in the southwest of the center of Kabul in Afghanistan, this museum is also known as the Kabul Museum. The museum's collection had earlier been one of the most important in Central Asia, with numerous items dating back several millennia, including items from Persian, Buddhist, and Islamic dynasties. Many treasures of ivory are stored there, such as antiquities from Kushan, early Buddhism, and early Islam. One of the most famous pieces in the museum, and known to have survived the turbulent period in the 1990s is the Rabatak Inscription of King Kanishka.

Museum of Islamic Art – This museum is located in Ghazni. It was first opened by the Italian Archaeological Mission in 1966 in the restored sixteenth-century Mausoleum of Abd al-Razzaq to display artifacts of the Islamic period.

The National Museum of Afghanistan

Eat

This country is known for serving Afghan cuisine, which is largely based on the nation’s chief crops. This includes cereals like barley, wheat, maize, and rice. Besides, the country also serves dairy products like yogurt and whey, in addition to various nuts, and native vegetables, and fresh and dried fruits. Kabuli Pulao is a traditional Afghan food. It is a mixture of steamed rice and lamb, its flavor enhanced with the addition of raisins, carrot, and a range of sweet spices. Another famous dish of the country is the Boranee Banjan, which is an eggplant dish that is topped with yogurt alongside garlic, tomatoes, and mint. Due to the flexibility of the dish, you will be able to taste a different kind of eggplants yet still being able to savor the delicious core of the dish all at the same time. Saji Kabab is another loved dish of Afghanistan cuisine. Usually, it is served as a whole lamb or in skewers, marinated in salt. To add flavor to the dish, many like to add green papaya paste or rice to accompany the dish. Some versions of the kabab use chicken instead of lamb. Further, it is also often eaten with Kaak, which is a special type of bread, or naan.

Sheer Khurma is one of the best food in Afghanistan. It is a healthy meal that is a must for the holy month of Ramadan. Traditionally, this dish is served in the morning of Eid as breakfast after the prayer. It is also a popular meal served for guests throughout the day. Sheer Khurma is made out of nylon vermicelli cooked with milk and topped with dry fruits. For added flavor, saffron is a popular ingredient the locals like to use to give it a unique taste. Another such popular dessert of the country is the Haft mewa, which is a very symbolic fruit salad for the locals. Besides, this dish is often used in the local celebration of Nawroz. The base recipe of this dish is made out of dried fruits and nuts, mixed into a bowl together. The more common types of dried fruits that are used in the dish include hazelnuts, walnuts, raisins, almonds, or apricots. Other famous dish served in the country includes Aushak (leek and scallion dumplings), Bolani (flour dough with fillings), Lavash (thin bread with cheese or meat), Korme Kofta (lamb meatballs), Chalow (rice with meatballs), Afghan Lamb Kebab, and Manto (meat dumpling).

Drink

Traveling through the country can be tiring for many. Hence, getting something to refresh your mind would be so great. At times like this, you can opt to try out the drinks that are widely available across the country. You can try the most common drink of Afghanistan is chai (tea). Green tea is considered as the Desi Pepsi. It is also very healthy and people love to start their breakfast with Prata and green tea. The country also serves dairy products like lassi and yogurt. Lassi is a sort of thin yogurt which is served with lunch and dinner. It is also called Desi Sharab (urban drinking). The Afghanis believe that eating is incomplete without having Lassi with it. The dough is another famous drink of Afghanistan. It is a yogurt drink that is flavored with mint and cucumber. Further, you can opt to taste Shorwa, which is a traditional soup extensively available in Afghanistan.

Tap-water

More than 65 percent of Afghans have clean drinking water through improved drinking water sources that are protected from outside contamination. Households without access to an improved source take water from streams and rivers, open wells, and unprotected springs, all of which are also often polluted. In rural areas, women and girls walk long distances to fetch water. Further, hand pumps are very common in most parts of Afghanistan. You are suggested to ask the locals about the usability of the tap water in different regions across the country. Besides, you are recommended to use bottled water that is widely available in the country.

Activities

There are many things to do in Afghanistan. Besides exploring the popular destinations. You will get to experiences various other amazing things. The ancient cities, the historical monuments, the desert area will make you acquire something fascinating and equally interesting. Therefore you can opt to go for trekking to the sacred sites through the breath-taking mountains. This will gain you a thrilling experience one can have in Afghanistan. Further, you can consider visiting the ruins of Bamiyan Buddhas and the chain of lakes Bans-e Amir. This would be an astonishing experience. You can explore cities like Herat, Kabul, etc. to see the views of the historic sites along with ancient monuments and architectural art. The countryside beauty with mountains offers driving routes and trails, and other geological formations that cannot be found anywhere else.

In addition, you can also consider paying a visit to the unusual attractions located widespread across the country. These include Stupa of Takht-e Rostam (an unusual subterranean stupa and adjacent cave monastery), Omar Mine Museum (a sobering museum dedicated to landmines and the personnel working to remove them from Afghanistan), Chilzina and the Forty Steps of Kandahar (Rock-cut chamber at the top of an out croup, reached by a mountain stairway of forty steps), Darul Aman Palace (the symbol of a shining Afghan future, which is now a bombed-out ruin), Marjan the Lion Memorial (this monument honors the life of a long-suffering lion whose story captivated the world), and Tajbeg Palace (an abandoned palace that stands as a wounded but proud beacon of Afghan hope).

Accommodation

Getting a complete and comfortable rest is all you want when you are on a vacation. The accommodation structure of the country is truly engrossing. Whether you opt to live in rural or urban areas, you will find many options here ranging from expensive to cheap ones. There are a number of tourists who visit Afghanistan every year. In the past few years, the number of visitors has increased incredibly. However, to keep the city pollution-free and reduce waste, this country offers lodging facilities such as green hotels, apartments, hostels and guest houses. Therefore, you can choose the type of accommodation according to your preferences.

Green Hotels

Green hotels have become very popular in the last few years and is one of the best accommodations for eco-friendly tourists. They not only maintain the cleanliness of the country but also assure the safety of your health. These hotels are much like the average hotels but they use eco-friendly methods and recyclable items to keep the country clean from waste. Some of the green hotels are available at a low price while others are expensive. Further, all the different types of benefits are available, keeping in mind the health of the visitors. Make sure to play your part positively while staying in these hotels to keep them clean and pollution-free.

Hostels and Guest Houses

Many hostels and guest houses are available throughout the country. If you are planning to stay for a few weeks in this country, then opt for lodgings that are not very expensive. Hostels and guest houses are the best choices for you as they will provide you with a comfortable stay. Further, it will also assist you to save your money. These lodgings are available from high to low costing. In spite of having a very low cost, they do not compromise on their facilities and benefits. You will get almost all the basic benefits along with some extra benefits from them. It helps to save a lot of money and at the same time provides a comfortable rest for the customers. Options such as sharing rooms are also available to divide the room charges with others.

Apartments

An apartment is the best choice for you if you are planning to stay for some months in the country. Staying in other accommodation options for months can be very expensive. Renting apartment options are also available, starting at a low price. This helps you to save a lot of money during your long stays. As Honduras is a very popular destination for tourists, you will get several options while renting an apartment for your stay in almost every city in this country. There are many cheap to expensive apartments available in different ranges which provides some premium features to the tourists. In most of the apartments, you will be surrounded by local people who will help you to know and observe their lifestyle more closely.

Couchsurfing

This accommodation option is getting popular in the world and is available in almost all countries. You will be able to gain a lot of knowledge about the country and other information by choosing it. Hence, it is the best way for tourists to save money and explore the culture more closely in the travel location. Afghanistan is one of the countries where Couchsurfing is widely available. It is completely safe and a very good option for your stay in the country as long as you want. Choosing this way to stay in the country will help you a lot in enjoying some benefits such as knowing the different places in the country, observing the lifestyle of local people closely, know the traditions, taste the local dishes, learn the language, and many more.

However, if you are thinking of Couchsurfing, then make sure to look for it from a very early time to get all the things prepared before starting the journey.

Camping

Camping is one of the best ways to admire the open sky and enjoy the mesmerizing views of different mountains, forests, and lakes. Afghanistan has few camping spots in different corners of the region. You will be able to get a good experience while camping in this country. Some of the camping spots have all the basic facilities like toilets, food arrangements, and others. They are available at affordable prices and provide very eye-catching and amazing views that tourists look for. While staying in the camps, you will also be able to take part in many outdoor activities like bonfires, walking on the hills, trekking, and others based on the location.

Regions

Cities

Getting There and Moving Around

Afghanistan is well connected to all the transport facilities. If you are traveling from one city to another, you can opt for various transportation means such as airways and public transports. The fares of all these means of transportation vary. Buses and cars are some of the common modes of transport here. In accordance with the law, citizens of all countries require a visa to visit Afghanistan. The only exemptions are travelers born in Afghanistan or born to Afghani parents or parents born in Afghanistan. A visa on arrival facility is available at Hamid Karzai International Airport for business visitors, journalists, athletes, airline staff and passengers in transit from countries that do not have a diplomatic mission of Afghanistan.

Air

Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul is the main entry point to the country. In the early 2000s, the barely functioning old terminal was refurbished and is now being used for domestic flights, while the brand new Japanese-constructed terminal is up and running and fielding international flights. There are several other flights that serve different places across the world. They include Ariana Afghan Airlines is Afghanistan’s national carrier that flies with a small fleet of about 14 Airbuses and Boeings including Antonovs.

They have daily flights from Dubai, and periodic flights from Delhi, Istanbul, Ankara, Kuwait and Jeddah; Spicejet, which is an Indian low-cost carrier flies three times to Kabul directly from Delhi. It operates alternative days like Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; Kam Air operates daily flights to Dubai, and less frequent connections to Delhi, Tehran and Mashad; Air Arabia flies five times per week from Sharjah; Safi Airways is the first fully internationally safety-certified airline in Afghanistan. It offers two daily flights to Dubai and four weekly connections to Delhi; Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flies five times per week from Islamabad and one time per week from Peshawar to Kabul; Emirates flies daily from their hub in Dubai to Kabul; Air India operates four flights a week from Delhi to Kabul; Fly Dubai flies daily from their hub in Dubai. This is a cheaper option than Emirates; Maulana Jalaluddin Balkhi International Airport in Mazar-e-Sharif is north Afghanistan’s main airport; Turkish Airlines offers daily flights to Istanbul; Ariana Afghan Airlines flies from Mazar-e-Sharif to Moscow; Bagram Airfield in Bagram; Ariana Afghan Airlines flies to Dubai, Delhi, and Jeddah; Turkish Airlines offers flights from Istanbul Atatürk Airport; Gryphon Airlines offers flights to Kuwait and Dubai, and Kandahar International Airport in Kandahar.

Evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport

Bus

Buses run regularly between Jalalabad and Peshawar, Pakistan. Also, between Herat in Afghanistan and Mashad in Iran. Buses of both these countries are thoroughly checked by border police for possible drugs or weapons, so there may be delays.

Coach bus in northern Afghanistan

Train

Currently, there are no passenger trains running on the territory of Afghanistan, although there are some cargo lines. The famous Khyber railway pass in Pakistan, which runs up to the border with Afghanistan through the Khyber Pass, has had a rocky history. And, is currently not in use once more, as heavy floods have washed away the part of the tracks and repairs are likely to take a long time.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is a method of taking a lift on the way from people who are heading toward the country. Besides being one of the best ways to travel to any destination without spending much money. You will gain some of the best experiences on your way to the country as there are plenty of views to admire along the way. Although it takes time to reach the country, it provides a good adventurous journey with a view to the destination. As Afghanistan is well connected through roads, you will easily be able to hitchhike your way through the country. Almost all the roads are busy and you don’t have to wait long on the road.

Others

Apart from airways, buses, trains, the country provides the facility to travel by car. There is a number of roads that are linked to Afghanistan. They include roads that link from Peshwar, Pakistan through the Khyber Pass to Jalalabad, in the East. The Torkham Gate serves as the border crossing, there is a heavy presence of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) on the Afghan side. Other roads involve routes from Quetta, Pakistan to Kandahar, in the South; from Mashad, Iran to Herat, in the West; from Uzbekistan to Mazar-e Sharif, in the North; and from Tajikistan to Kunduz, in the North-West.

Sustainable Shopping

Shopping is an important part as it helps you to understand the culture very closely and become more conscious about their tradition. Instead of casual shopping, people around the world are now opting for sustainable shopping that helps to shop lovely things at low costs and decreases the waste of the city. Purchasing some of the unique things such as souvenirs or items for loved ones is a very common activity for tourists.

You will be able to see some of the popular markets in the country that offer antique and vintage items. From clothes to accessories, you will find various types of items while exploring the markets of the country. Therefore, purchasing items from the small shops will support them a lot, as most of them are dependent on tourism. Make sure to visit the markets early, so you can get the best items before they go out.

Recycling

The recycling process of Afghanistan has been taken care of very effectively. The government is planning to increase the recycling product percentage to bring change to the country. They have taken various measures in the last few years to recycle as much they can and make the country free from wastes. Hence, they had made a lot of progress in a short time. Recycling is a very important way of living as it provides a source of living for thousands of people. Municipal waste is used for recycling that keeps the environment clean.

Many local people here, contributed to the gathering of the wastes that are found in different regions of the country such as coastal areas, cities, lakes, and others. These recycled products are used in different production industries to ensure the betterment of the atmosphere. Measures have been taken to improve the process and use the wastes in different places as recycled. Further, as an eco-friendly tourist, you must make sure that you are playing your part positively while you stay in this country during your trip.

Waste

Waste production is a very critical issue that is arising in most countries. However, many countries have taken the necessary steps to improve the environment and reduce waste collection. Afghanistan has taken the steps to improve the condition. In comparison to other countries, they have started this process early and the waste products of the country are dumped in open dumps. The audiences learned through an eye-opening presentation how the U.S. Embassy in Kabul has made an effort to reduce waste by recycling plastic bottles, aluminium cans, and cardboard, which are made into household products locally. The DI manages recycling initiatives through the waste management subcontractor in Afghanistan. Hence, they have managed to recycle over 340 thousand pounds of plastic, cardboard, and aluminium in past few years.

Work and Study Abroad

Many tourists are not familiar with the working and student culture in the county. This land offers attractive courses to foreign students. During your tour of the country, you will be able to see a lot of students from different countries who are staying in the country to complete their education. Besides, there are many universities available across the country which offer benefits like exchange students that help the students to study in the country at a low cost. Apart from this, there are many migrants as well who are working and earning their living pretty well. Plenty of jobs are available in the country that helps workers from different countries to earn a lot. Here are some of the things that will help you to know more about the benefits and facilities that are available for foreign students.

Exchange Student

Exchange students are considered to be one of the most effective benefits that can help the students to study in other universities at a low price. The best thing about this facility is that students can study at foreign universities only with the college fee. Therefore, it is getting popular around the world. Most of the universities in different parts of the world have partnerships to offer this facility to their students. Many students are living in the country to complete their education successfully with the help of the exchange student. To get this benefit, you will have to get nominated by your home university. You can check which colleges or universities in Afghanistan have partnerships with your college using online services. And only if you are nominated, and your university has a partnership with Afghanistan’s universities, then you will be able to study there using this exchange student program.

Au Pair

Au Pair is a helpful job facility, especially for foreign students and workers. Most of the people take the help of this facility in the early stage of their settling down in the country. This will also help you to avoid all the end-moment trouble that one might face while reaching the country. It is available in most of the cities of Afghanistan. The benefit of this facility is that it will provide you with the convenience to be able to get shelter, food, and even some pocket money. In exchange for all these, you will have to take care of the house, children, or elderly person. You need to make sure that you are contacting the host earlier, as the procedure takes some time. Also, you will get the chance to know their way of living better.

Volunteering

As an eco-friendly tourist, you can volunteer for different jobs in the country. It is known to be one of the best ways to give your contribution to the country and make it a safer and cleaner place for tourists. This volunteering program includes many work idea that starts from keeping the famous attractions of the country clean to teaching English or any other languages to the local people. Another such program involves pet caring, health worker, environment monitoring, social volunteering, etc.