Kapisa is a province located in the northeastern part of Afghanistan. It is situated around 60 kilometers northeast of Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan. The province has a population of over 400,000 people and is divided into seven districts.
Kapisa is known for its beautiful landscapes and historical sites, including the famous Safi Landmark Hotel and the ancient city of Kapisa. The province is also famous for its agriculture, particularly for the production of pomegranates, grapes, and almonds.
Kapisa is a relatively peaceful province in Afghanistan, but travelers should exercise caution and stay informed about the security situation before traveling to the area. It is recommended to travel with a local guide or tour company and to follow local customs and traditions.
Places to Visit in Kapisa
Kapisa is a beautiful province in Afghanistan that is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Here are some of the top places to visit in Kapisa:
Kapisa Museum: The Kapisa Museum is located in the provincial capital of Mahmud-i-Raqi and houses a collection of ancient artifacts and relics that date back to the Gandhara and Kushan periods. The museum is a great place to learn about the rich history and culture of the region.
Tagab Valley: The Tagab Valley is a beautiful valley located in the eastern part of Kapisa. The valley is surrounded by towering mountains and is known for its lush greenery, fruit orchards, and natural springs. It is a great place for hiking and picnicking.
Safi Landmark Hotel: The Safi Landmark Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the city of Mahmud-i-Raqi. The hotel features modern amenities and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is a great place to relax and unwind.
Pule Hisar: Pule Hisar is an ancient fort located in the district of Koh Band. The fort dates back to the 3rd century and was built by the Kushan Empire. It is a great place to explore and learn about the region’s rich history.
Parwan-e-Se: Parwan-e-Se is a beautiful park located in the district of Nijrab. The park features lush greenery, natural springs, and picnic areas. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
These are some of the top places to visit in Kapisa. It is recommended to travel with a local guide or tour company and to follow local customs and traditions when visiting these sites.
Best Time To Visit Kapisa
The best time to visit Kapisa is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant. The spring season in Kapisa starts in March and lasts until May, while the fall season begins in September and lasts until November.
During the spring season, the weather is cool and the landscapes are lush green and blooming with flowers. This is a great time to explore the natural beauty of Kapisa, go hiking, or have a picnic in one of the parks.
During the fall season, the weather is also mild and pleasant, and the landscapes are filled with vibrant colors as the leaves change. This is a great time to explore the cultural and historical sites in Kapisa, such as the Kapisa Museum and Pule Hisar.
It is important to note that Kapisa is located in the northeastern part of Afghanistan, and the weather can be unpredictable. Travelers should keep themselves informed about the weather conditions and any potential safety concerns before visiting the region.
Things to Do in Kapisa
Kapisa is a province in Afghanistan that is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Here are some of the top things to do in Kapisa:
Visit the Kapisa Museum: The Kapisa Museum is located in the provincial capital of Mahmud-i-Raqi and houses a collection of ancient artifacts and relics that date back to the Gandhara and Kushan periods. It is a great place to learn about the region’s rich history and culture.
Explore the Tagab Valley: The Tagab Valley is a beautiful valley located in the eastern part of Kapisa. The valley is surrounded by towering mountains and is known for its lush greenery, fruit orchards, and natural springs. It is a great place for hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the region.
Visit the ancient fort of Pule Hisar: Pule Hisar is an ancient fort located in the district of Koh Band. The fort dates back to the 3rd century and was built by the Kushan Empire. It is a great place to explore and learn about the region’s rich history.
Relax at the Safi Landmark Hotel: The Safi Landmark Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the city of Mahmud-i-Raqi. The hotel features modern amenities and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is a great place to relax and unwind.
Enjoy a picnic at Parwan-e-Se: Parwan-e-Se is a beautiful park located in the district of Nijrab. The park features lush greenery, natural springs, and picnic areas. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
These are some of the top things to do in Kapisa. It is recommended to travel with a local guide or tour company and to follow local customs and traditions when visiting these sites.
How to get around in Kapisa
The best way to get around Kapisa is by private car or hired taxi. There are also local buses that run between the major towns and cities in the province, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable.
If you are traveling to Kapisa as a tourist, it is recommended to hire a private car or taxi with a local driver who is familiar with the area. This will allow you to explore the region at your own pace and visit remote areas that are not accessible by public transportation.
It is important to note that Kapisa is located in northeastern Afghanistan, and travel can be unpredictable due to security concerns and road conditions. It is recommended to check with local authorities and travel advisories before visiting Kapisa, and to travel with a reputable tour operator or guide.
Where to eat in Kapisa
Kapisa is a province in Afghanistan that is known for its traditional cuisine. Here are some of the best places to eat in Kapisa:
Kebab shops: Kebabs are a popular street food in Kapisa and can be found at numerous kebab shops throughout the province. The kebabs are typically made from lamb, chicken, or beef and are cooked over an open flame.
Rice dishes: Rice dishes are a staple of Afghan cuisine, and Kapisa is no exception. Some of the popular rice dishes in Kapisa include palau, qabili palau, and chalaw.
Tea houses: Tea houses are a popular gathering place in Kapisa, where locals come to socialize and enjoy a cup of tea. Some of the tea houses also serve traditional snacks such as bolani (stuffed flatbread) and samosas.
Restaurants: There are several restaurants in the provincial capital of Mahmud-i-Raqi that serve traditional Afghan cuisine, as well as international dishes. Some of the popular restaurants in the city include the Kabul Restaurant and the Chaman Restaurant.
It is important to note that alcohol is not widely available in Kapisa due to religious and cultural reasons. It is also recommended to check with local authorities and travel advisories before visiting Kapisa, and to follow local customs and traditions when dining out.
Famous street stalls in Kapisa
As Kapisa is a rural province of Afghanistan, it may not have a lot of street stalls that are famous or well-known. However, there are some small food vendors and street stalls that sell traditional Afghan snacks and street food. Here are some examples:
Bolani vendors: Bolani is a popular Afghan street food that is a type of stuffed flatbread. It is typically filled with potatoes, onions, and herbs, and then fried until crispy. There are several bolani vendors in Kapisa that sell this delicious snack.
Fruit vendors: Kapisa is known for its orchards and produces a variety of fruits, such as apples, apricots, and pomegranates. You can find fruit vendors selling fresh and dried fruits along the roadside.
Tea stalls: Tea is a popular beverage in Afghanistan, and there are several small tea stalls in Kapisa that serve hot tea and traditional snacks, such as nuts and dried fruits.
Kebab vendors: Kebabs are a popular street food in Afghanistan and can be found at numerous small food vendors and street stalls throughout the province.
It is important to note that as Kapisa is a rural province of Afghanistan, the street stalls and food vendors may not always meet Western hygiene standards. It is recommended to be cautious when eating street food and to choose vendors that appear clean and reputable.
Where to stay in Kapisa
Luxury accommodation
Kapisa is a rural province in Afghanistan, and there are not many luxury accommodations in the area. However, there are some comfortable and well-equipped guesthouses and hotels that offer a good level of service. Here are some of the top options for luxury accommodations in Kapisa:
Chaqmaq Hotel: Located in the provincial capital of Mahmud-i-Raqi, the Chaqmaq Hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, such as air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves traditional Afghan cuisine.
Mazar Hotel: This hotel is located in the city of Nijrab and offers spacious and well-appointed rooms. The hotel has a restaurant that serves Afghan and international cuisine, as well as a fitness center and a spa.
Kandahar Lodge: The Kandahar Lodge is located in the village of Mir Bacha Kot and offers comfortable rooms and suites with modern amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves traditional Afghan dishes.
Green Park Hotel: This hotel is located in the city of Mahmud-i-Raqi and offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The hotel has a restaurant that serves Afghan and international cuisine, as well as a fitness center and a garden.
It is important to note that due to the security situation in Afghanistan, it is recommended to check with local authorities and travel advisories before booking accommodations in Kapisa.
Where to stay in Kapisa
Budget accommodation
As Kapisa is a rural province of Afghanistan, budget accommodation options may be limited. However, there are a few budget-friendly guesthouses and lodges that offer basic amenities and affordable rates. Here are some options for budget accommodation in Kapisa:
Gholam Ali Guest House: This guesthouse is located in the city of Mahmud-i-Raqi and offers basic rooms with shared bathrooms. The guesthouse also has a restaurant that serves traditional Afghan cuisine.
Qargha Lodge: This lodge is located in the village of Qargha and offers basic rooms with shared bathrooms. The lodge has a restaurant that serves Afghan and international dishes.
Arabestan Guest House: This guesthouse is located in the city of Mahmud-i-Raqi and offers basic rooms with shared bathrooms. The guesthouse also has a restaurant that serves Afghan cuisine.
Baba Jan Guest House: This guesthouse is located in the village of Baba Jan and offers basic rooms with shared bathrooms. The guesthouse has a restaurant that serves Afghan and international dishes.
It is important to note that due to the security situation in Afghanistan, it is recommended to check with local authorities and travel advisories before booking accommodations in Kapisa. Additionally, budget accommodations in the area may not always meet Western hygiene standards, so it is recommended to be cautious and choose reputable guesthouses or lodges.
Travel Tips Kapisa
Kapisa is a rural province in Afghanistan, and as such, there are a few things to keep in mind when traveling there. Here are some travel tips for Kapisa:
Check the security situation: Due to the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, it is important to check the security situation in Kapisa before traveling there. Consult with local authorities and travel advisories to stay up-to-date on any potential risks.
Dress modestly: Afghanistan is a conservative country, and it is important to dress modestly, especially for women. This means covering the head, arms, and legs in public places.
Learn some basic phrases in Dari: Dari is the official language of Afghanistan, and learning some basic phrases can go a long way in communicating with locals and showing respect for their culture.
Bring cash: Credit cards are not widely accepted in Kapisa, so it is important to bring enough cash for your trip. ATMs may be available in the larger cities, but it is recommended to withdraw cash before traveling to more remote areas.
Respect local customs and traditions: Afghanistan has a rich cultural heritage, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions. This includes asking for permission before taking photos of people or religious sites, not drinking alcohol in public, and being mindful of prayer times.
Be prepared for basic facilities: Kapisa is a rural province, and travelers should be prepared for basic facilities such as limited access to running water, electricity, and medical facilities.
Hire a local guide: Hiring a local guide can be a great way to navigate the area and learn about its history and culture. It is recommended to use a reputable guide service and to negotiate the price beforehand.
As always, it is important to be respectful and open-minded when traveling to new places. With these travel tips, you can have a safe and rewarding trip to Kapisa.