"Krazy for Kabul" Top 5 Page for this destination Kabul by Wanderboy43

Kabul Travel Guide: 139 reviews and 289 photos

Downtown Kabul, viewing the hillside. - Kabul

The scene

I arrived in Kabul from Peshawar, Pakistan. The trip over the Kyber Pass was great, but nothing compared to the mountain passes just before arriving in Kabul. I've done a separate travellog with some of the photos.

On my first evening, electricity went out various times. By 10p, the streets are pretty much deserted and my hotel was gated up.
On the second morning I walked around, and stopped for tea. In the back courtyard, 50 or so men we're yelling/cheering; turns out it was a cockfight.

There is definitely evidence that life here has not been the easiest as of late. Children and adults begging (and shop owners generally giving money to them). Lots of activity around the sale of basic stoves/fuel. No working street lights/crosswalks.

One highlight has been the incredible number of kites in the sky.

Downtown Kabul (17 Oct 03)

It was great to walk around the city, watching the day to day life, and avoiding stepping in the drainage ditch between the road and sidewalk

A third street scene (with chickens for sale)

Pros and Cons

Pros:Signs of rebuilding. Friendly people, feels safe during the day
Cons:Many signs of destruction from the last decade, still not completely safe
In a nutshell:Very interesting city; glad I went

Last visit to Kabul: Oct 2003
Intro Updated Oct 20, 2004
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Reviews (14)

Take the bus Transportation (1)

After taking a taxi out to the (closed) Kabul Museum, I took a bus back into the center. I was surprised how nice it... more travel advice

Kids selling books, maps, newspapers Tourist Traps (1)

Yea, it's not really a tourist trap, but I found it annoying that on Chicken Street kids were selling the only English... more travel advice

Nice postcards on 'Chicken Street' Shopping (2)

THere's a bookshop with tons of photos (some, like this one is a reproduction on thinner paper) more travel advice

Not what I thought I'd find in Kabul - Kabul

Pizza, Burgers, and Beer Restaurants (1)

Yea, this place was somewhat disappointing, and I did get sick the next day (though my friend who ate there didn't). So,... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All Security situation has changed. see...
Things to Do (3)
See All Check out the Palace across from the...
Nightlife (2)
See All Try an internet cafe

Off The Beaten Path (1)
Go fly a kite
Hotels (1)
$10/night
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Comments (12)

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victorwkf Aug 29, 2009 at 9:20 AM

Great information and photos of Kabul, hopefully life will improve significantly for the Afghanistan people
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bijo69 Oct 5, 2004 at 2:10 PM

Always very intersting to read about places where few people go. Thanks a lot!
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Tijavi Sep 23, 2004 at 4:01 AM

This page deserves a 5-star rating not just for the helpful tips and colorful pics, but also for having the courage to visit this wonderful city. Wish I have your courageous and adventurous spirit, too. Thanks.
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husain Feb 16, 2004 at 10:00 PM

very keen to see what kind of stuff they manage to put together for the museum... great page!
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Pakistaniguy Nov 28, 2003 at 2:37 AM

ExCeLlEnT Page and Tips ! A appreciate ur bravery to visit Kabul when most of the tourist including me, avoid such places !
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tini58de Nov 16, 2003 at 1:36 AM

VERY Interesting, indeed - sounds strange to read about tourist places in Kabul! Thanks for sharing, Michael and good luck on your trip!
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AndreSTGT Nov 13, 2003 at 4:27 AM

Very interesting!!! When i was in Peshawar a couple of years ago it was still next to impossible to cross the Khyber.
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Vintom Nov 12, 2003 at 9:17 AM

Very good and full of interest. Will read the rest of your trip account for sure.
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SirRichard Nov 10, 2003 at 8:09 AM

Great first hand tips on this interesting & unknown country recovering from a war... Interesting to see how the after-war goes!
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Nourin Nov 2, 2003 at 1:07 AM

The park behind Cinema Park is simply called Park Shahr-e Naw. There has not been a curfew in Kabul this new to my knowledge, are you sure?