bigtravelbuzzParwan is a province in Afghanistan, located in the central region of the country. It is known for its historical and cultural significance, as well as its natural beauty. Here are some things to know if you’re planning to travel to Parwan:
Safety: Before traveling to Parwan, it’s important to research the security situation and stay informed about any potential risks. Check with your embassy and local authorities for updates and advice.
Transportation: The best way to get around Parwan is by car or taxi. There are also public buses and minibuses available, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable. It’s a good idea to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Accommodation: Parwan has a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to upscale hotels. It’s a good idea to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during the peak season.
Food: Parwan has a rich culinary tradition, with plenty of delicious dishes to try. However, it’s important to be cautious when eating street food or drinking tap water. Stick to bottled water and avoid eating raw or undercooked food.
Language: The official language in Afghanistan is Dari and Pashto. It’s a good idea to learn some basic phrases before your trip, especially if you’re planning to explore off-the-beaten-track destinations.
Culture: Afghan culture is deeply rooted in tradition and respect. It’s important to be aware of local customs and traditions, and to show respect to the local people and their beliefs.
Weather: Parwan experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is mild and dry.
Sightseeing: Parwan has a rich history and plenty of cultural and natural attractions to explore. Some of the must-visit destinations include the ancient city of Bagram, the Qargha Lake, and the Salang Pass.
Photography: While photography is generally allowed in Afghanistan, it’s important to be respectful of people’s privacy and beliefs. Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo, especially women and children.
Currency: The official currency in Afghanistan is the Afghan afghani (AFN). It’s a good idea to exchange some cash before your trip, as credit cards are not widely accepted outside major cities.
Places to Visit in Parwan
Parwan is a province in Afghanistan with a rich history and plenty of cultural and natural attractions to explore. Here are some places to visit in Parwan:
Bagram: Bagram is an ancient city located in the center of the province. It was an important center of the Kushan Empire, and later served as a major military base for the Soviet Union and the United States.
Qargha Lake: Qargha Lake is a beautiful lake located just outside of Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan. It’s a popular destination for swimming, boating, and picnicking.
Salang Pass: The Salang Pass is a mountain pass located in the Hindu Kush range, connecting Kabul with northern Afghanistan. It’s a scenic drive with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Panjsher Valley: The Panjsher Valley is a beautiful valley located in the northeast of Parwan. It’s known for its natural beauty and hospitable people.
Charikar: Charikar is the capital city of Parwan, located in the center of the province. It’s a bustling city with a rich history and plenty of markets, shops, and restaurants.
Istalif: Istalif is a picturesque village located in the foothills of the Hindu Kush mountains. It’s known for its pottery and handicrafts, as well as its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
Jabal Saraj: Jabal Saraj is a district located in the west of Parwan. It’s known for its apple orchards and scenic mountain views.
Jabal ul Siraj: Jabal ul Siraj is a town located in the north of Parwan. It’s known for its historic landmarks and beautiful gardens.
Pule Khumri: Pule Khumri is a city located in the northeast of Parwan. It’s known for its natural beauty and historic landmarks, including the famous “Buddha of Bamyan” statue.
Shibar Pass: Shibar Pass is a mountain pass located in the south of Parwan, connecting Kabul with southern Afghanistan. It’s a scenic drive with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Best Time To Visit Parwan
The best time to visit Parwan is during the spring and fall seasons, from March to May and from September to November, respectively. During these seasons, the weather is mild, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The spring season is especially beautiful, with blooming flowers and greenery, while the fall season is great for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing.
Parwan experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The summer season, from June to August, can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) in some areas. The winter season, from December to February, can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing in some areas.
It’s important to note that Parwan, like the rest of Afghanistan, has a volatile security situation, so it’s important to stay informed about any potential risks and follow the advice of local authorities and your embassy. Additionally, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or interacting with local people.
Things to Do in Parwan
Parwan province in Afghanistan offers a range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions for visitors. Here are some things to do in Parwan:
Visit the ancient city of Bagram: Bagram is an ancient city that was once an important center of the Kushan Empire. It’s known for its historic landmarks and archeological sites, including the famous Bagram Airfield.
Explore the Panjsher Valley: The Panjsher Valley is a beautiful valley located in the northeast of Parwan. It’s known for its natural beauty, hospitable people, and scenic hiking trails.
Take a dip in Qargha Lake: Qargha Lake is a beautiful lake located just outside of Kabul. It’s a popular destination for swimming, boating, and picnicking.
Visit the Salang Pass: The Salang Pass is a mountain pass located in the Hindu Kush range, connecting Kabul with northern Afghanistan. It’s a scenic drive with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Explore the Istalif Village: Istalif is a picturesque village located in the foothills of the Hindu Kush mountains. It’s known for its pottery and handicrafts, as well as its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
Visit the Jabal ul Siraj Town: Jabal ul Siraj is a town located in the north of Parwan. It’s known for its historic landmarks and beautiful gardens.
Take a scenic drive through the Shibar Pass: Shibar Pass is a mountain pass located in the south of Parwan, connecting Kabul with southern Afghanistan. It’s a scenic drive with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Go apple picking in Jabal Saraj: Jabal Saraj is a district located in the west of Parwan. It’s known for its apple orchards and scenic mountain views.
Visit the Pule Khumri City: Pule Khumri is a city located in the northeast of Parwan. It’s known for its natural beauty and historic landmarks, including the famous “Buddha of Bamyan” statue.
Explore the Charikar City: Charikar is the capital city of Parwan, located in the center of the province. It’s a bustling city with a rich history and plenty of markets, shops, and restaurants.
How to get around in Parwan
Getting around in Parwan can be challenging due to the lack of public transportation and the volatile security situation in the region. However, there are some options available:
Private Car: Hiring a private car with a driver is a popular option for getting around in Parwan. This allows you to have more flexibility in your schedule and to travel at your own pace. You can hire a car through a travel agency or with the help of your hotel.
Taxi: Taxis are available in Parwan, but they are not always reliable or safe, so it’s important to take precautions when using them. Make sure to agree on a fare before starting your journey and only use licensed taxis.
Shared Taxi: Shared taxis are a common mode of transportation in Parwan. They are cheaper than private taxis and can be found at taxi stands in most towns and cities.
Local buses: Local buses are available in some parts of Parwan, but they can be overcrowded and uncomfortable.
Walking: Walking is a good option for short distances within towns and cities, but it’s important to be aware of the security situation and to avoid walking alone at night.
Motorbike: Motorbikes are also available for hire in Parwan, but they can be dangerous due to the poor condition of the roads and the chaotic traffic.
It’s important to keep in mind that the security situation in Parwan is volatile, so it’s important to follow the advice of local authorities and to stay informed about any potential risks. Additionally, it’s important to respect local customs and traditions, and to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or interacting with local people.
Where to eat in Parwan
Parwan is not known for its restaurants or food scene, but there are some options available for visitors looking to try local cuisine. Here are some places to eat in Parwan:
Local street food vendors: Parwan has many street food vendors that offer a variety of local dishes, including kebabs, naan bread, and Afghan-style rice. Street food is a great way to experience local cuisine and is usually inexpensive.
Hotel restaurants: Many hotels in Parwan have their own restaurants that serve a range of dishes, including Afghan, Indian, and Western cuisine. Some popular hotel restaurants in Parwan include the Parwan Guesthouse and the Parwan Hotel.
Cafes and tea houses: There are many cafes and tea houses in Parwan that offer a relaxing atmosphere and a chance to try local tea and snacks. Some popular cafes in Parwan include the Kabul Bagh-e-Zenat Cafe and the Kababish Cafe.
Local markets: Parwan’s local markets are a great place to sample fresh produce, spices, and other ingredients used in Afghan cuisine. Some popular markets in Parwan include the Charikar Bazaar and the Jabal Saraj Market.
It’s important to keep in mind that alcohol is not widely available in Parwan, as it is not allowed under Islamic law. Additionally, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to dress modestly when visiting restaurants or interacting with local people.
Famous street stalls in Parwan
Parwan is not known for its street food scene, but there are some popular street stalls that offer local dishes to visitors. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Parwan:
Naan-e Afghani: This popular street stall is located in the town of Charikar and serves traditional Afghani naan bread. The naan is cooked in a tandoor oven and is served hot and fresh with a variety of toppings, such as sesame seeds or butter.
Kebab-e Mashwi: This street stall is located in the town of Bagram and serves delicious Afghan-style kebabs. The meat is marinated in a mix of spices and grilled over an open flame, giving it a smoky and charred flavor.
Bolani: Bolani is a type of stuffed flatbread that is popular in Afghanistan. This street stall, located in the town of Jabal Saraj, serves a variety of bolani fillings, such as potatoes, spinach, and pumpkin.
Samosa: This street stall, located in Charikar, serves freshly fried samosas filled with a spicy potato mixture. Samosas are a popular snack in Afghanistan and are often served with chutney or yogurt sauce.
Afghan-style rice: Many street food vendors in Parwan serve Afghan-style rice, which is cooked with spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat. This dish is often served with a side of naan bread and is a staple of Afghan cuisine.
It’s important to keep in mind that street food can be risky for travelers, as it may not be prepared in hygienic conditions. It’s recommended to choose stalls that have a high turnover of food, as this ensures that the food is fresh. Additionally, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to dress modestly when visiting street stalls or interacting with local people.
Where to stay in Parwan
Luxury accommodation
Parwan is not a popular tourist destination, and as such, there are limited options for luxury accommodation. However, there are some options available for visitors looking for comfortable and upscale accommodation. Here are some luxury accommodation options in Parwan:
Parwan Hotel: The Parwan Hotel is located in the town of Charikar and is one of the most popular hotels in the region. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV. There is also a restaurant on-site that serves a range of local and international dishes.
Parwan Guesthouse: The Parwan Guesthouse is located in the town of Jabal Saraj and offers comfortable and well-appointed rooms with modern amenities. The guesthouse has a beautiful garden and outdoor seating area, and there is also a restaurant on-site that serves delicious local cuisine.
Bagram Airfield Inn: The Bagram Airfield Inn is located near Bagram Airfield and is a popular choice for visitors to the region. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV. There is also a restaurant on-site that serves a range of local and international dishes.
Camp Warehouse: Camp Warehouse is a military base located near Bagram Airfield that offers comfortable and secure accommodation for visitors to the region. The camp offers a range of amenities, including Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a gym.
It’s important to keep in mind that the security situation in Parwan is volatile, and it’s important to follow the advice of local authorities and to stay informed about any potential risks. Additionally, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to dress modestly when visiting hotels or interacting with local people.
Where to stay in Parwan
Budget accommodation
Parwan is not a popular tourist destination, but there are some budget accommodation options available for visitors looking for affordable and comfortable accommodation. Here are some budget accommodation options in Parwan:
Charikar Guesthouse: The Charikar Guesthouse is located in the town of Charikar and offers affordable rooms with basic amenities, including free Wi-Fi and shared bathrooms. The guesthouse has a shared kitchen and dining area, and there are many restaurants and shops located nearby.
Qasr-e-Shirin Guesthouse: The Qasr-e-Shirin Guesthouse is located in the town of Jabal Saraj and offers affordable rooms with basic amenities, including free Wi-Fi and shared bathrooms. The guesthouse has a shared kitchen and dining area, and there are many restaurants and shops located nearby.
Bagram Guesthouse: The Bagram Guesthouse is located near Bagram Airfield and offers affordable rooms with basic amenities, including free Wi-Fi and shared bathrooms. The guesthouse has a shared kitchen and dining area, and there are many restaurants and shops located nearby.
Camp Phoenix: Camp Phoenix is a military base located near Bagram Airfield that offers affordable and secure accommodation for visitors to the region. The camp offers basic amenities, including Wi-Fi and laundry facilities.
It’s important to keep in mind that the security situation in Parwan is volatile, and it’s important to follow the advice of local authorities and to stay informed about any potential risks. Additionally, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to dress modestly when visiting guesthouses or interacting with local people.