| Page Views: 15,434 Last Visit to Afghanistan: May, 2003 | Afghanistan - 2003 by Wakhan - last update: Aug 9, 2004 |
Writing in english is really a pain for me, I try to do my best at least, so please forgive me for that bad style and the numerous mistakes.
This page is still under construction. Come again for more tips and photos.
Visiting Afghanistan was a dream for a long time. The first time I vaguely contemplate to go there, in the eighties, the Russians were still occupying the country. After they left, there has been a long period of civil war until the take of Kabul by the Taleban in september 1996. In november 2001 at last when the Taleban fled Kabul, I started to consider going there more seriously.
At this time there was no civil flights to Kabul. You had to enter Afghanistan overland either from Pakistan ( from Peshawar or from Quetta ) or from Iran ( Mashhad to Herat ). Civil flights resumed progressively since then but my plan was set from mid 2002: I would enter Afghanistan by road from Iran.
Obtaining a tourist visa was uncertain but I succeeded in getting one from the afghan embassy in Paris. I needed an iranian visa also, which was more difficult than I expected : due to the US / Iraq war the iranian government was reluctant to give visas to the independent travelers. Finally I got mine a few days before my flight to Tehran.
I spent one week in Iran for visiting some iranian friends whom I met last year. Of course, like my family, friends and colleagues in France they told me that I was crazy to go in such a place. Not reassuring but it was too late anyway ..
Finally, on May 10th 2003 I was in the eastern city of Mashhad some 230 km from Afghanistan. I took a taxi to the border. The iranian officer stamped my passport, I left the checkpoint and in only one step I fell in the Third World.
More to read in the next days ... weeks ... months ??? |
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| Pros: | "Landscape, a taste of adventure .." | | Cons: | "Security is seriously deteriorating" |
Wakhan's Afghanistan Travel Tips
 Comments for Wakhan about Afghanistan | | | | |
Maria_75 Thu Sep 30, 2004 21:45 UTC
What a interesting place! Great pages. | freya_heaven Mon Aug 9, 2004 09:39 UTC
Very Interesting page Norbert, Some wonderful photos you have. An enjoyable read, well done (~_~) | canuckmike Fri Jul 16, 2004 08:33 UTC
I wish I can go there. Maybe someday but for now I will settle for your page. Good job. | hongmingd Sat Dec 20, 2003 08:08 UTC
your mines photo is very impressive. how can you take photo of exploding mine? good job, mate |
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