"Seeing Afghanistan for yourself" Herat by carl_fitz

Herat Travel Guide: 14 reviews and 21 photos

Getting A visa

<<Travel to HERAT IS NO LONGER RECOMMENDED>>

Obtaining a tourist visa is possible at the consulate in Mashhad, Iran. It cost me $USD 30 dollars and a 3 business day wait. Knowing what I know now I could have probably got it the same day. Many at the consulate will think you're important as a western visitor to Afghanistan is rare. Stress your need for urgency and dont forget to be assertive if you're in a hurry.

At the Border

Visiting a warlord

<<Travel to HERAT IS NO LONGER RECOMMENDED>>

Taxis can be taken from Mashhad to the border for a cost of 12-16 Thousand Toman approximately 17-23USD. Its possible to get a shared taxi and to split the cost up to five ways. Seatbelts are supossedley compulsory along the Iranian highways now and Police will leap off a median strip with a stop sign to see if you are complying.
You must walk over the border and seemingly submit to some locals carrying your bags on ther trolleys for over three sectors. The charge is 1,500 toman each, pretty rediculous when you could go across town in a taxi for the same cost.
Have your wits about at the border as there is a flood of people waiting there to beg for money. They are insistent and will seem offended if you dont part with at least something.

People and Customs

You will get used to the guns

<<Travel to HERAT IS NO LONGER RECOMMENDED>>

It's best to go with someone you know. English is rare - although many learn it in the schools, they will have difficulty understanding you. Westerners are a big novelty in town. You will draw a lot of attentiion to yourself wherever you go. It remained to be seen whether this would have any bad consquences if I was unacompanied.
Be aware that people are limited in their exposure to oher customs. Cultural practices are entrenched to such a degree in which they seem rigid and pointless. Women are highly guarded against strangers.
On the whole the Afghans were a very laid back carefree and hospitable people where very little was done with a sense of urgency.

Last visit to Herat: Jan 2004
Intro Updated Jan 1, 2009
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Reviews (3)

The line up to get back into Iran - Herat

Getting Trapped Tourist Traps (1)

You could be unfortunate to be stuck in Herat. The line up for the locals to get back iinto Iran was a very slow moving... more travel advice

Ghabriel - traditional village outside Herat - Herat

Looking but being careful Things to Do (1)

Lots to look at but be careful! There are landmines and some very close to town. Never venture of the beaten track by... more travel advice

Staying in Herat Hotels (1)

I stayed with a family at their home. Tourist accomodation is possible but you may need to learn the signs. Bed bugs are... more travel advice

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Comments (3)

carl_fitz Apr 28, 2008 at 5:08 AM Report Abuse

Hi Marina, I've been twice with the last trip being in June 2005. A week at a time is usally long enough due to the almost certainty of getting ill. Next time I go, I'll be sure to post something more substantial on the place.
Ina22Marina Feb 8, 2008 at 9:23 AM Report Abuse

Hi there! Sounds like a rare trip and nice seeing your photos - how long were you in Herat for? Cheers, Marina
mikarov99 Sep 22, 2006 at 10:37 PM Report Abuse

intersting page, but you enter to Afghanistan from Iran, and you return back?... how obtain a multiple entry iranianvisa for this??...