"KABUL CITY" a Afghanistan Travel Page by jimmykranke1

First of all a warning to anyone considering a visit without official sponsorship and protection. Kabul is still struggling to keep its head above water. In a country that is striven by conflict, it's future outlook is still uncertain.

Corruption here is rife, and although the government has tight control of the city, it is never the less a dangerous place to visit. Criminal kidnappings take place on a daily basis, and assassinations of NGO's are not uncommon. Often the result of individuals allowing themselves to believe they are safe. In addition the insurgents regularly conduct attacks within the city centre, often with devastating effect.

However there is also another side to the city. The afghans are great people, and if you make a friend, its for life. They are intelligent, witty and have a wry outlook on their situation. They are also industrious and great innovators. If the conflict could be resolved they would have a great future.

Kabul has two climates...Hot or Cold.

Winter arrives quickly in late October. a sudden drop in temperature heralds its arrival. By late Dec early Jan the snow is beginning to fall, with sporadic rain and sleet. Its wet, muddy although without the wind of some other locations. Good quality lightweight boots with a goretex lining are ideal if your out and about. Shemagh's are worn by the locals most of the time, firstly to protect from the biting cold, but more importantly to prevent the ever present choking smog from entering their lungs. This a continuing theme in the summer months.

In the summer you can expect scorching heat during the day, followed by rapidly dropping temperatures during darkness. Summer normally materialises towards the end of March...it just appears!! In Kabul summer is a dusty dirty experience, often you will experience sudden dust storms, which can be quite ferocious. Clothing requirements are fairly basic, I would suggest good quality cotton/mix garments, preferably quick drying, as the dust clings to everything. Lightweight footwear with a good sole and support, and of course the obligatory shemagh.