Khost is a province located in southeastern Afghanistan. It is situated in the eastern part of the country, bordering Pakistan. Khost is known for its beautiful mountains, traditional culture, and historic sites. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Khost:
Gardez City: Gardez is the capital of Khost province and is located in the heart of the province. It is home to several historic sites, including the Gardez Citadel and the Gardez Museum, which displays artifacts from the region’s history.
Zazi Maidan District: Zazi Maidan is a district in Khost that is known for its scenic beauty. It is home to the stunning Zazi Maidan Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing and picnicking.
Sabari District: Sabari is another district in Khost that is known for its natural beauty. The Sabari River runs through the district, and there are several hiking trails and scenic picnic spots in the area.
Khost City Center: The city center of Khost is a bustling hub of activity, with shops, restaurants, and markets. It is a great place to experience the local culture and interact with the friendly locals.
Mountain trekking: Khost is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and trekking is a popular activity in the region. Some of the top mountains to climb in Khost include Mount Zambarak and Mount Dayer.
Traditional handicrafts: Khost is known for its traditional handicrafts, including hand-woven carpets, embroidery, and woodcarvings. Visitors can shop for these unique items in the local markets and bazaars.
Khost Airfield: Khost Airfield is a military airfield that was used by the US military during the war in Afghanistan. Visitors can take a tour of the airfield and learn about its history.
Local cuisine: Khost is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes traditional Afghan dishes such as qabili palaw (rice with meat and vegetables) and mantu (dumplings with meat and vegetables).
Khost is a beautiful and culturally rich province with plenty to see and do. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Khost has something to offer.
Places to Visit in Khost
Khost is a province located in southeastern Afghanistan and is home to several historic sites, scenic spots, and cultural attractions. Here are some of the top places to visit in Khost:
Khost City Center: The city center of Khost is a bustling hub of activity with shops, restaurants, and markets. It is a great place to experience the local culture and interact with the friendly locals.
Khost Airfield: Khost Airfield is a military airfield that was used by the US military during the war in Afghanistan. Visitors can take a tour of the airfield and learn about its history.
Gardez City: Gardez is the capital of Khost province and is located in the heart of the province. It is home to several historic sites, including the Gardez Citadel and the Gardez Museum, which displays artifacts from the region’s history.
Zazi Maidan District: Zazi Maidan is a district in Khost that is known for its scenic beauty. It is home to the stunning Zazi Maidan Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing and picnicking.
Sabari District: Sabari is another district in Khost that is known for its natural beauty. The Sabari River runs through the district, and there are several hiking trails and scenic picnic spots in the area.
Mountain trekking: Khost is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and trekking is a popular activity in the region. Some of the top mountains to climb in Khost include Mount Zambarak and Mount Dayer.
Tani District: Tani is a district in Khost that is known for its beautiful valleys and scenic beauty. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Khost Mosque: Khost Mosque is a beautiful mosque located in Khost city. It is a popular spot for prayer and attracts visitors with its stunning architecture.
Ali Shir Nawaie Tomb: Ali Shir Nawaie Tomb is a historic tomb located in Khost city. It is dedicated to Ali Shir Nawaie, a famous poet and scholar who lived in the region in the 15th century.
Khost is a province with a rich history and natural beauty. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Khost has something to offer.
Best Time To Visit Khost
The best time to visit Khost is during the spring and autumn months, from March to May and September to November respectively. During these months, the weather is mild, with temperatures averaging around 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the day, making it comfortable to explore the region’s many outdoor attractions.
In the summer months of June to August, temperatures in Khost can rise to over 35°C (95°F), making it hot and uncomfortable for outdoor activities. The winter months from December to February can be cold, with temperatures dropping to around 0°C (32°F) and snowfall occurring in some areas, which can make travel difficult.
Overall, the spring and autumn months offer the best weather and climate for visitors to explore Khost and enjoy its many attractions.
Things to Do in Khost
Khost is a beautiful region in Afghanistan with several tourist attractions that you can visit. Here are some of the things you can do in Khost:
Visit the Tani Lakes: The Tani Lakes are a stunning natural wonder located in Khost. You can enjoy a picnic or go fishing at the lakes.
Explore the Gurbuz District: The Gurbuz District is a historical and cultural center of Khost, where you can find many monuments and historic sites.
Visit the Zazai Maidan District: The Zazai Maidan District is home to the Spin Kala Fortress, a fascinating historic site with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Trek the Tani and Waze Zadran Mountains: Khost has many beautiful mountains that you can trek and hike. The Tani and Waze Zadran Mountains offer stunning views of the region.
Visit the Khost Mosque: The Khost Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Afghanistan and is an important religious site in the region.
Explore the Ali Shir Nawayi Shrine: The Ali Shir Nawayi Shrine is a famous Sufi shrine in Khost that attracts many visitors and is a great place to learn about Sufism.
Enjoy traditional Afghan food: Khost is famous for its delicious food, including kababs, pilaf, and kebbeh. You can find many local restaurants and street food vendors serving traditional Afghan cuisine.
These are just a few of the many things to do and see in Khost. The region is full of natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural attractions that you can explore during your visit.
How to get around in Khost
Getting around in Khost can be challenging due to the rugged terrain and lack of public transportation. The best way to get around is by hiring a private car or taxi. You can easily find a taxi or car for hire in Khost city or at the airport.
Another option is to rent a car and drive yourself, although this can be challenging due to the poor condition of many of the roads in the region. If you choose to drive yourself, it’s important to have experience driving in difficult terrain and to be familiar with local driving laws and customs.
If you plan to travel to more remote areas of Khost, you may need to hire a local guide or driver who is familiar with the region and can navigate the terrain. This is especially important if you plan to hike or trek in the mountains.
Overall, getting around in Khost can be challenging, but with careful planning and the right resources, you can explore the region and enjoy its many attractions.
Where to eat in Khost
Khost is known for its delicious Afghan cuisine, with a variety of traditional dishes that are popular among locals and visitors alike. Some of the best places to eat in Khost include:
Khost City Restaurant: This popular restaurant in Khost city offers a range of traditional Afghan dishes, including kebabs, rice dishes, and stews.
Shekofa Restaurant: Located in the center of Khost city, Shekofa Restaurant is known for its delicious lamb and chicken dishes, as well as its vegetarian options.
Shashlik Restaurant: This restaurant in Khost city is popular for its grilled meat dishes, including lamb and chicken kebabs.
Baba Restaurant: Located on the main road in Khost city, Baba Restaurant is known for its tasty Afghan-style burgers and sandwiches.
Noshakh Restaurant: This popular restaurant in Khost city offers a range of Afghan and Pakistani dishes, including biryani, kebabs, and curries.
In addition to these restaurants, there are also a number of street food stalls and vendors throughout Khost that offer a range of traditional Afghan snacks and meals. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as bolani (stuffed flatbread), ashak (dumplings), and shorwa (soup).
Famous street stalls in Khost
Khost is known for its street food culture, with a variety of street stalls and vendors offering a range of traditional Afghan snacks and meals. Some of the most popular street stalls in Khost include:
Bolani Wala: This street vendor is known for its delicious bolani, a type of stuffed flatbread that is popular throughout Afghanistan. Bolani Wala offers a variety of fillings, including potato, spinach, and pumpkin.
Kabuli Pulao: This street stall in Khost city is known for its tasty Kabuli pulao, a rice dish that is cooked with lamb, carrots, and raisins.
Samosas: There are a number of street vendors in Khost that offer delicious samosas, which are fried pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables.
Kebab Stalls: There are several kebab stalls throughout Khost that offer a variety of grilled meat dishes, including lamb and chicken kebabs.
Tea Stalls: Tea is an important part of Afghan culture, and there are a number of tea stalls and vendors throughout Khost that offer a variety of teas, including chai and green tea.
These street stalls and vendors are popular among locals and visitors alike, and offer a great opportunity to sample some of the delicious flavors of Khost’s street food culture. However, as with any street food, it’s important to be cautious and make sure that the food is prepared and cooked safely.
Where to stay in Khost
Luxury accommodation
Khost is a city in eastern Afghanistan, and as such, there are limited options for luxury accommodations in the area. However, there are a few options for travelers looking for upscale accommodations in Khost:
Safi Landmark Hotel & Suites: This is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Khost city. It offers comfortable and spacious rooms and suites, as well as a range of amenities, including a restaurant, gym, and 24-hour room service.
Paiman Hotel: This is another luxury hotel in Khost that offers comfortable and well-appointed rooms and suites. It features a restaurant, conference facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
Khan Palace Hotel: This hotel is located in the center of Khost city, and offers a range of luxurious amenities, including an indoor pool, gym, and sauna. The rooms and suites are spacious and well-appointed, with modern amenities and 24-hour room service.
It’s worth noting that while these hotels are considered luxurious by Khost standards, they may not meet the same standards as luxury hotels in other parts of the world. However, they do offer a comfortable and upscale option for travelers visiting Khost.
Where to stay in Khost
Budget accommodation
For budget accommodation options in Khost, here are a few recommendations:
Khost Hostel: This hostel is located in the heart of Khost city and offers budget-friendly accommodation in dormitory-style rooms. It features a shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and a terrace with views of the city.
Al Madinah Hotel: This is a budget hotel located in the center of Khost city. The rooms are basic but clean and comfortable, and the hotel offers amenities such as a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service.
Aryub Hotel: This hotel is located in the outskirts of Khost city and offers budget-friendly accommodation in simple but clean rooms. It features a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service.
Ariana Guest House: This guesthouse is located in the center of Khost city and offers budget-friendly accommodation in simple but clean rooms. It features a shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and a terrace with views of the city.
Keep in mind that while these budget options are more affordable, they may not offer the same level of amenities and services as higher-end hotels. However, they do provide a comfortable and affordable option for travelers on a budget.
Travel Tips Khost
Here are some travel tips for visiting Khost:
Respect local customs and traditions: Khost is a conservative area, and visitors should dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions. Women should dress conservatively and cover their heads in public.
Be aware of security concerns: Khost has experienced security issues in the past, so it is important to stay up to date on the current security situation and follow local news and travel advisories. Visitors should also exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, particularly when traveling outside of the city center.
Plan ahead: There are limited tourist facilities in Khost, so it is important to plan ahead and make arrangements for transportation, accommodations, and tours in advance.
Try the local cuisine: Khost is known for its delicious cuisine, which is a blend of Afghan, Pakistani, and Indian influences. Be sure to try some of the local dishes, such as kebabs, biryani, and chapli kebab.
Learn some basic Pashto: Pashto is the primary language spoken in Khost, so learning some basic phrases can help visitors communicate with locals and make their stay more enjoyable.
Respect photography restrictions: Photography restrictions may be in place in some areas, particularly those of military or strategic importance. Visitors should be aware of these restrictions and respect them to avoid any potential problems.
Be prepared for power outages: Power outages are common in Khost, so visitors should be prepared with backup batteries or chargers for their electronic devices.
Be respectful when visiting religious sites: Khost is home to a number of important religious sites, and visitors should be respectful when visiting these sites. Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering mosques or other religious buildings.