Kandahar.
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Overview

Kandahar (Pashto: کندهار) is the capital of Kandahar province, and the largest city in Southern Afghanistan. Kandahar is also the second largest city in Afghanistan after the capital Kabul, and was the first capital of the modern state of Afghanistan in the 18th century.

Understand

Kandahār or Qandahār (Pashto: کندهار; Persian: قندهار) is one of the largest of Afghanistan's thirty-four provinces and is located in the southern region of the country. The province connects with Pakistan's Balochistan province through the Spin Boldak-Chaman border crossing. The city of Kandahar was the capital of Afghanistan prior to 1776. It is an economic and political hub of Afghanistan and has always played a major role in the nation's history.

Kandahar's residents are Pashtuns (Pashto: پښتون Paṣ̌tun, Pax̌tun) of various tribes, with small communities of Tajiks, Turkmens, Uzbeks, Hazaras, Baloch and others scattered in and around the city. They have lived in harmony each other throughout history. The people of Kandahar enjoy humor and laughter, and they often talk about sports, history and geopolitics. Many influential Afghan rulers, such as Mirwais Khan Hotak, Ahmad Shah Durrani, Abdur Rahman Khan, Amanullah Khan, and Hamid Karzai, originate from Kandahar. The city has also produced a number of prominent Afghan poets, singers, scholars, intellectuals, academics and businessmen.

Kandahār is about 1,005 m (3,297 feet) above sea level. The Arghandab and Tarnak rivers run along the city. These major rivers turn into numerous smaller rivers, lakes, ponds, creeks, streams and canals in and around the city. They create lush green gardens and enhance the natural beauty of the city.

Kandahar province has a population of around 2 million people, with over one million residing in its capital city. The majority of Kandahār people are engaged in agriculture, import and export, real estate, small businesses, and government services. Kandahār is a major exporting center of fresh and dried fruits. It has a small but growing industrial park.

Like other Afghan cities, Kandahār is slowly developing. It has a very large international airport. The city is linked by main roads to nearby cities such as Tareen Kot in the north, Ghazni in the northeast, Quetta in Pakistan in the south, and Lashkar Gah in the west.

Get in

Kandahar International Airport. now has flights on Ariana Afghan Airlines & Kam Air between Kandahar, Dubai every Wednesday Ariana & Monday Kam Air; as well as three domestic flights per week between Kabul and Kandahar and one Domestic flight from Kandahar-Herat-Kandahar every Tuesday by KamAir. Flights are also available by the UN & ICRC but are only open to UN staff and other approved organisations.

The A01 highway links Kandahar with Kabul. It is one of the busiest in Afghanistan. The highways in Afghanistan are sometimes dangerous due to militant activities but the militants do not necessarily target tourists. Total drive between Kandahar and Kabul is approximately 6 hours. The highway from Kandahar to Herat is sometimes dangerous, especially where it passes in Helmand and Farah provinces. Highway A75 runs southeast towards Spin Boldak, which is the last town in Afghanistan before the start of a Pakistani highway.

By bus There is a large national bus station called "Kabul Adda" (meaning Kabul Junction) and is located a block north of Durahi Circle in the affluent Aino Mina section of the city. The buses take passengers to Kabul, Lashkar Gah, Zaranj, Herat, and Spin Boldak. Smaller vehicles are also available at this station to take passengers to other destinations within the province and beyond.

Get around

To get around the city visitors can use taxis or rent a vehicle, which usually comes with a reliable driver but special arrangements can be made to exclude the driver. The basic requirement for such special rental is insurance for the vehicle.

See

There are a number of historical sites to visit in and around Kandahar.

Mosque of the Cloak of the Prophet Mohammad. One of the holiest sites in Afghanistan, contains what is said to be a cloak/robe worn by Prophet Mohammad during his famous night journey. The cloak is locked away inside and has not been taken out since 1996.

Chil Zena. Historical site located in the Sarpuza neighborhood. Climbing the 40 steps is dangerous. As such, children and elders should not climb them.

Kandahar Museum. Contains the paintings of Ghiyassuddin, regarded as one of the most important Afghan painters of all time.

Tomb of Ahmad Shah Durrani. Resting place of Ahmad Shah Durrani, the founder of the state of Afghanistan.

Shrine of Hassan Abdal. Hassan Abdal, also known as Baba Wali, a poor man of unknown origin performed miracles for people, is buried at this site. Nobody has been able to determine who he was or where he came from. When he died, the people of Kandahar decided to bury him at this site.

Shrine of Mirwais Khan Hotak. Located east of the city near Etehad Mosque before reaching Bagh-e Pool (Bridge Park).

Do

There are many outdoor places to swim in Kandahar. There are no alligators in Kandahar but various types of snakes, scorpions and spiders do exist. The people of Kandahar traditionally enjoy family picnic trips. This sometimes involves driving to other districts of the province, usually where their farms are located.

Kandahar International Cricket Stadium, inaugurated in 2017, in Aino Mina. Kandahar Football Stadium, located in the Shahr-e Naw neighborhood next to the Ghazi family park.

Buy

All business transactions in Kandahar are done by using cash and only in the nation's currency, the Afghani.

Afghanistan International Bank (AIB), Afghan United Bank, Afghan Milli-e-Bank, Azizi Bank, and New Kabul Bank all have branches in the city with cash machines. Western Union service is available in various locations in the city.

Eat

There are a growing number of restaurants. Most of them serve Afghan cuisine. The popular items include roasted chicken, mutton, lamb, and beef, along with rice dishes, cooked vegetables, and plenty of fresh fruits. Fast food places that serve pizzas, burgers and other sandwiches are also growing. The best street food in Kandahar is fried fish and samosas along with several styles of freshly-baked local bread.

Budget Mano Salwa Restaurant, in Share New neighborhood.

Mumtaz Restaurant. Indian, Chinese and Afghan cuisine, in a large hotel.

Lamar Restaurant. 5-star rated restaurant with Indian, Continental and Afghan cuisine.

Drink

Selling alcohol is illegal in Afghanistan, but this rule is not strictly enforced like in Saudi Arabia. Smoking hashish (marijuana) is common in Afghanistan, and it does not lead to an arrest.

Sleep

Armani Pashtun Hotel. B&B accommodation, speaking several languages.

Continental Guest House. In center of city, has air conditioning and Internet access inside rooms. Food is available from own restaurant.

Dubai Inn. Food is available from own restaurant.

Etemad Hotel and Restaurant. Food is available from own restaurant.

Mirwais Hotel. Food is available from own restaurant.

Royal Afghan Hotel. Food is available from own restaurant.