bigtravelbuzzCharikar is a city located in the Parwan province of Afghanistan. It is situated approximately 60 kilometers north of the capital city, Kabul. Here are some things to know about Charikar:
History: Charikar has a rich history, dating back to the ancient Persian Empire. It has also been a strategic location for various conquerors and empires throughout history, including Alexander the Great and the British Empire.
Agriculture: Charikar is known for its fertile agricultural land, which produces a variety of fruits and vegetables. Some of the most popular crops grown in the area include grapes, apricots, and almonds.
Salang Pass: Charikar is located near the Salang Pass, which is a major mountain pass that connects northern and southern Afghanistan. The pass is known for its treacherous conditions, including heavy snowfall and avalanches during the winter months.
Bagram Airfield: Bagram Airfield, one of the largest military bases in Afghanistan, is located near Charikar. The base has been used by various military forces throughout history, including the Soviet Union and the United States.
Local Markets: Charikar has several local markets where visitors can buy a variety of goods, including fruits, vegetables, spices, and textiles. Some of the most popular markets in the area include the Charikar Bazaar and the Jabal Saraj Market.
Places to Visit in Charikar
Charikar is a beautiful city with many interesting places to visit. Here are some of the top places to see in Charikar:
Qala-e-Bost: This ancient fortress is believed to have been built during the Kushan Empire and is located in the center of Charikar. It is an impressive structure with walls that are over 10 meters high.
The Charikar Bazaar: This bustling market is a great place to experience local life and shop for traditional goods such as spices, fabrics, and handicrafts.
The Bagram Airfield: Located just a few kilometers from Charikar, the Bagram Airfield is a major military base used by various armies throughout history. Visitors can tour the base and learn about its fascinating history.
Jabal Saraj: Jabal Saraj is a scenic valley located just outside of Charikar. It is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including the snow-capped mountains, lush green hills, and crystal-clear streams.
The Salang Pass: This high mountain pass connects northern and southern Afghanistan and is located just a short distance from Charikar. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, but can be treacherous to travel during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.
The Chashma-i-Shahi Gardens: These beautiful gardens were built in the 17th century and feature a large pool, fountains, and colorful flowers. They are a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Best Time To Visit Charikar
Charikar is the capital city of the Parwan province in Afghanistan. The best time to visit Charikar depends on your preferences and interests. Here are some factors to consider:
Weather: Charikar has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit Charikar is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Festivals: Charikar celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. If you want to experience the local culture and festivities, it is best to visit during these festivals.
Tourist season: Charikar is not a popular tourist destination, and there is no specific tourist season. However, if you prefer to avoid crowds, it is best to avoid visiting during the summer months.
Availability of accommodations: Charikar has limited accommodation options, and it is advisable to book your stay in advance. You may find it easier to secure accommodations during the offseason.
Overall, the best time to visit Charikar is during the spring or fall seasons when the weather is mild, and you can experience the local culture and festivities.
Things to Do in Charikar
Charikar is the capital city of the Parwan province in Afghanistan, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Here are some things you can do in Charikar:
Visit the Bagram Airfield: This is a former military base located about 11 miles from Charikar. It is home to the largest collection of ancient Buddhist artifacts in the world, including the famous Bagram Buddha.
Explore the ancient city of Paghman: Paghman is an ancient city located about 10 miles from Charikar. It is known for its beautiful gardens, historic monuments, and traditional bazaars.
Visit the Minaret of Jam: The Minaret of Jam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 200 miles from Charikar. It is a beautifully preserved 12th-century minaret and one of the tallest in the world.
Take a hike in the Hindu Kush Mountains: The Hindu Kush Mountains are located to the north of Charikar and offer breathtaking views and excellent hiking opportunities.
Explore the Charikar Bazaar: The Charikar Bazaar is a traditional market that offers a variety of goods, including clothing, jewelry, spices, and handicrafts. It is a great place to experience the local culture and meet the friendly locals.
Visit the Parwan Museum: The Parwan Museum is a small museum located in Charikar that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. It has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that offer a glimpse into the history of Parwan province.
Overall, Charikar offers plenty of opportunities to explore the region’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and local traditions.
How to get around in Charikar
Getting around Charikar can be a bit challenging, as there is no public transportation system in place. However, there are some options for getting around:
Taxis: Taxis are available in Charikar, and they are the most convenient way to get around the city. You can either hail a taxi on the street or arrange for one through your hotel or accommodation.
Walking: If you’re staying in the city center, walking is a great way to explore Charikar. It’s a small city, and most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Car rental: You can rent a car in Charikar, but it can be quite expensive. It’s also important to note that driving in Afghanistan can be challenging, especially for foreigners.
Private drivers: You can hire a private driver to take you around Charikar and the surrounding areas. This can be arranged through your hotel or accommodation.
It’s important to exercise caution when getting around in Charikar, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. It’s best to arrange transportation through a trusted source, such as your hotel or a reputable taxi company.
Where to eat in Charikar
Charikar offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Afghan cuisine to international cuisine. Here are some of the best places to eat in Charikar:
Afghan Fried Chicken: This popular restaurant serves delicious fried chicken and other fast food items. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite to eat.
Haji Abdul Satar: This traditional Afghan restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including kebabs, rice, and stews. It’s a great place to try authentic Afghan cuisine.
Aria Restaurant: This restaurant offers a mix of Afghan and international cuisine, including pizza, pasta, and burgers. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for something familiar.
Bakhtar Bakery and Cafe: This cafe serves a variety of baked goods, including bread, pastries, and cakes. It’s a great place to go for breakfast or a snack.
Safi’s Pizza: This pizza restaurant offers a variety of pizza toppings, including traditional Afghan toppings like lamb and vegetables. It’s a great place to go for a casual meal.
Royal Continental Hotel: This hotel offers a restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, including Afghan, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. It’s a great place to go for a more upscale dining experience.
Overall, Charikar offers plenty of dining options, and there’s something for everyone’s taste and budget. It’s important to note that alcohol is not available in most restaurants in Charikar, as it is prohibited in Afghanistan.
Famous street stalls in Charikar
Charikar is known for its street food, and there are several famous street stalls in the city that offer delicious snacks and meals. Here are some of the most popular street stalls in Charikar:
Zardak Tea Stall: This tea stall is located in the center of Charikar and is a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy a cup of tea. They also serve a variety of snacks, including samosas and pakoras.
Tawa Kebab: This street stall serves delicious kebabs cooked on a hot plate (tawa). The kebabs are made with ground beef or lamb, and they’re served with bread and chutney.
Quroot: Quroot is a traditional Afghan cheese that is served with bread and tea. There are several street stalls in Charikar that sell quroot, and it’s a great way to experience the local cuisine.
Bolani: Bolani is a traditional Afghan flatbread that is stuffed with potatoes, onions, and spices. There are several street stalls in Charikar that sell bolani, and it’s a popular snack among locals.
Sambosa: Sambosa is a fried pastry that is stuffed with vegetables, meat, or cheese. There are several street stalls in Charikar that sell sambosa, and they’re a great snack to have on the go.
Overall, street food is an important part of the local culture in Charikar, and there are plenty of stalls and vendors to explore. It’s important to be cautious when trying street food, however, and make sure that the food is fresh and cooked properly.
Where to stay in Charikar
Luxury accommodation
Charikar is a small city, and there are limited options for luxury accommodation. However, there are a few hotels in the city that offer upscale amenities and comfortable rooms. Here are some of the best luxury accommodation options in Charikar:
Royal Continental Hotel: This hotel is located in the city center and offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, a fitness center, and a sauna. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the hotel offers excellent service.
Pamir Hotel: This hotel is located near the bazaar and offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a 24-hour front desk. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with comfortable beds and modern decor.
Panjshir Guest House: This guest house is located in the Panjshir Valley, about 30 minutes from Charikar. It offers a peaceful retreat from the city, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the guest house offers a variety of activities, including hiking and horseback riding.
Overall, Charikar is not known for its luxury accommodation options, but the hotels and guest houses listed above offer a comfortable and enjoyable stay. It’s important to note that security can be a concern in Afghanistan, and it’s important to choose a reputable hotel and take necessary precautions during your stay.
Where to stay in Charikar
Budget accommodation
Charikar offers several budget accommodation options that are suitable for travelers on a tight budget. Here are some of the best budget accommodation options in Charikar:
Kawsar Hotel: This hotel is located in the city center and offers basic amenities, including a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with shared bathrooms.
Grand Salam Hotel: This hotel is located near the bazaar and offers simple rooms with basic amenities, including a shared bathroom and a restaurant. The hotel is clean and comfortable, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Salsal Hotel: This hotel is located in the city center and offers simple rooms with basic amenities, including a shared bathroom and a restaurant. The hotel is clean and comfortable, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Al-Khair Hotel: This hotel is located in the city center and offers basic amenities, including a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with shared bathrooms.
Overall, Charikar offers several budget accommodation options that are suitable for travelers on a tight budget. It’s important to note that security can be a concern in Afghanistan, and it’s important to choose a reputable hotel and take necessary precautions during your stay.
Travel Tips Charikar
If you are planning a trip to Charikar, here are some travel tips that can help you make the most of your visit:
Check the weather: Charikar experiences extreme weather conditions, with hot summers and cold winters. Make sure to check the weather forecast before your trip so that you can pack accordingly.
Dress modestly: Afghanistan is a conservative country, and it’s important to dress modestly, especially if you are a woman. It’s recommended to wear long sleeves, loose-fitting clothes, and a headscarf when in public.
Be respectful: Afghan culture is based on hospitality and respect for others. It’s important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions, and to avoid behavior that could be seen as disrespectful.
Stay informed about security: Afghanistan is considered a high-risk country, and it’s important to stay informed about the security situation in Charikar and the surrounding areas. Check the latest travel advisories and consider hiring a local guide for your trip.
Learn some basic phrases in Dari: Dari is one of the official languages of Afghanistan, and it’s spoken in Charikar. Learning some basic phrases can help you communicate with locals and show respect for their culture.
Try the local cuisine: Charikar is known for its delicious street food, and trying the local cuisine is a great way to experience the culture of the city. Make sure to choose reputable vendors and avoid food that has been sitting out for too long.
Overall, Charikar offers a unique and rewarding travel experience, but it’s important to take necessary precautions and be respectful of the local culture.