For the first time in almost 20 years, a new travel guide to Afghanistan has been published by a mainstream publisher.
From the searing deserts of the south to the high peaks of the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan has long been the graveyard of empires, yet it is also a country with a rich tradition of hospitality.
Once a key stop on the hippie trail, Afghanistan has almost disappeared from travel itineraries in recent years. It strikes an interesting paradox: a nation so well-known on the world stage, yet one so rarely explored.
Yet publisher Bradt feels the time is now right for the country to re-emerge onto the traveller map.
Written by James Willcox and frequent Wanderlust contributor Dana Facaros, the guide covers locations such as the legendary Khyber Pass and activities from mountain trekking with nomads to the goat-related sport of buzkashi.
Aimed at the curious and the adventurous, this guide covers locations such as the graceful riverside spire of the Minaret of Jam, a 12th-century structure 14 hours from the nearest paved road, and the Niches of Bamiyan, where the Buddha statues once stood, before their destruction by the Taliban.
Alternatively, the guide recommends heading into the Pamir mountains with the Kyrgyz nomads, or watching buzkashi beneath the wide blue skies and vast grasses of the steppe, a sport where riders on horseback attempt to place a goat carcass in the opposition goal.
Author James Willcox said: “Nearly all of Afghanistan can currently be visited and, with the right preparation, an inspiring range of trips is possible.
“We’ve tried to bring together an invaluable resource which gives readers a good grounding in Afghanistan’s history and culture, along with the practical information they need to get there, get around and enjoy this much misunderstood country.”
Willcox, founder of the travel company Untamed Borders, which specialises in providing unparalleled access to some of the world’s most inaccessible places, has worked in tourism in Afghanistan since 2008.
He helped pioneer ski tourism in the country, took part in organising Afghanistan’s first National Marathon race, and trained and employed the country’s first (and only) female tour guide.
The Afghanistan guide leads readers to spend their nights in chaikhanas, communal tea houses that are largely unchanged from the time of Silk Road traders.
Next, the guide invites you to take a swan-shaped pedalo out onto the crystalline blue waters of the lakes at Band-e Amir, the country’s first national park.
Hiking is also possible through the river-lined valleys and densely forested peaks of Nuristan, a region rarely visited by non-Afghan visitors
Dana Facaros added: “After all the guidebooks I’ve been involved with, including guides to Mars and Hell, this was a new challenge with a difference.
“It’s been a pleasure helping travellers to discover this ancient destination anew.”
Facaros is a prolific travel writer, with 40 guidebook titles currently in print.
This latest title adds to Bradt Guides’ extensive guidebook coverage, with over 150 worldwide destinations. Wanderlust members receive a 30% discount on all Bradt guides. Log in to the member area for more details.
Could Afghanistan be back on the travel map for curious explorers?
More information: Bradt Guides
