How Do I Get Around In Afganishtan

Getting Around Afghanistan: My Personal Travel Experience
By Arif

When I first decided to travel to Afghanistan, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. It was a country with so much history and a culture I knew so little about. My main concern was how to get around, especially since Afghanistan isn’t the easiest place to navigate. But as I soon learned, getting around was part of the adventure. Here’s what I experienced during my trip:

1. Private Car with a Driver: A Comfortable Start

The journey started with a private car and driver, something I thought was the safest and most convenient option. In Kabul, I hired a local driver named Ahmad, and we quickly became friends. Driving through Kabul felt like a mix of chaos and beauty—the streets were always full of life. Ahmad told me stories about Kabul’s history, and we often stopped at small cafés to drink tea. One day, he took me to a hill on the outskirts of Kabul, where I saw the entire city below. It was a moment that made me feel at peace, surrounded by such rugged beauty.

During one of our tea stops, Ahmad explained, “The best way to know a place is through its people and its food.” And he was right. The kebabs we shared that day were some of the best I’d ever tasted. It was in that simple moment that I began to appreciate how hospitality runs deep in Afghan culture.

2. Public Buses: An Adventure with Locals

I wanted to try something different, so I hopped on a public bus from Kabul to Mazar-i-Sharif. The bus was packed—like sardines in a can. I squeezed into a seat next to a woman who immediately offered me a pomegranate. The taste was so fresh and sweet, I could tell it was grown right there in Afghanistan. She smiled and said, “In our culture, we share everything.” Her kindness made the bumpy, long ride much more enjoyable.

I spent the entire journey talking with the locals. One gentleman sitting across from me started telling me about the old days in Afghanistan. He spoke of peaceful times, of Afghanistan before the wars, and his face lit up as he shared memories of his childhood. I wasn’t just on a bus ride; I was traveling through stories and experiences that I would never have learned from a guidebook.

3. Taxis: The Fast and Fun Option

Taxis in Kabul are like a fast-paced ride through history. One afternoon, I decided to take a taxi across the city. My driver, Sami, was lively and full of energy. As we weaved through traffic, he shared his thoughts about Kabul and its people. We had a great conversation about the city’s growing art scene, and I learned that Kabul had a thriving culture of artists and musicians, even amidst the struggles.

At one point, Sami pulled over to grab some tea from a street vendor. He insisted that I join him. Sitting on a plastic chair at a roadside tea stall, sipping on strong Afghan tea, I felt a sense of community in the simplest of moments. Sami’s taxi may have been a bit bumpy and the ride unpredictable, but that tea break was one of the highlights of my day.

4. Minivans: The Local Way to Travel Between Cities

For longer distances, I took a shared minivan from Kabul to Jalalabad. The ride was long, and the minivan was packed with people, luggage, and even a few chickens in baskets. It was a bit cramped, but the experience was worth it.

Next to me, there was a father and his young daughter. The father didn’t speak much English, but his smile said it all. We shared some bread, and though we didn’t have much in common language-wise, the connection was there. The daughter played with a small toy, and I couldn’t help but admire how calm and joyful they were, even during a long, bumpy ride. It reminded me that no matter where we are, simple moments like this can make you feel at home.

As the minivan crossed the mountains toward Jalalabad, the view was incredible. Vast valleys stretched out below us, and small villages dotted the landscape. The ride was bumpy, but the sights made up for it. By the time we reached Jalalabad, I felt like I had seen a side of Afghanistan that few people would ever experience.

5. Camels and Donkeys: Exploring the Countryside

When I traveled to more remote parts of Afghanistan, I had the chance to witness the traditional methods of transport—camels and donkeys. In the deserts near Herat, I watched as locals loaded up camels with heavy goods and set off across the arid landscape. I was invited to hop on a camel for a short ride, and I couldn’t resist.

The camel was steady and calm as it moved slowly through the desert. I could feel the heat of the sun and the vast emptiness around me, and in that moment, I felt like I was connected to a piece of history. It’s humbling to see how these animals have been used for centuries to navigate the harsh Afghan terrain.

In the villages, donkeys were the main source of transportation. I saw farmers using them to carry firewood and crops. Their steady pace and strength were impressive, and it made me realize how reliant the rural people are on these animals. It was a beautiful thing to witness, something that felt timeless and simple.