The city is believed to have been founded between 2000-1500BC. It is mentioned in Hinduism's sacred Rigveda text (ca.1700-1100BC) as a vision of paradise set in the mountains. It was an important center of Zoroastrianism and later Buddhism. The city remained of little importance for much of the first three millennia of its existence. It was controlled variously by: the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Seleucid Empire, the Mauryan Empire, the Bactrians, various Hellenistic kingdoms, the Sassanid Empire, and by the 5th century AD was its own kingdom known as Kabul-Shahan. This last kingdom before the Islamic conquest built a large wall to protect the city from invasion when the Arabs arrived at the edge of the kingdom; parts of the wall have survived to this day and are visible above ground within the city.
In 871 Kabul fell to the Islamic invasion (nearly 200 years after invading Muslims reached modern-day Afghanistan). The Kabulistan empire was formed covering much of Afghanistan and parts of western modern-day Pakistan. The city once again passed uneventfully through the hands of several empires, including the Samanids, Ghaznavids, Ghorids, Timurids, Mughols, Durranis, and the Barakzais, before conquest by the Mongols in the 13th century. The famous Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta visited the city in 1344, noting:
:"We travelled on to Kabul, formerly a vast town, the site of which is now occupied by a village inhabited by a tribe of Persians called Afghans."
Under the rule of Tamerlane in the 14th century, the city developed into a regional center of trade. In 1504, the city was captured by the Mughal emporer Babur.
In 1747, Kabul came under control of the Durrani (or Afghan) Empire. In 1776, Kabul would become the empire's capital, although the empire soon fell into tribal civil war. In 1839, the region was claimed by the British and Kabul was established as the location of British government and the British Indian Forces. They were very unpopular amongst local tribes who revolted and in 1841. Within a few days, a series of events led to the massacre of all but one of the 16,000 occupying British and Indian civilians and soldiers within miles of Kabul as they attempted to flee to Jalalabad, a famous blunder known as the Massacre of Elphinstone's Army. The British returned in 1878 and 1879, but were both times thousands of them were killed and they were forced to retreat.
In the early 20th century, electricity was introduced to the city and the Darul Aman palace was constructed for the royal family. The 1930s-60s were good times in Kabul. Kabul University was opened; the roads were paved; modern shops, offices, & schools were opened; shopping centers and a cinema were opened; and the Kabul Zoo opened. The city also saw a vibrant tourism industry appear, largely due to the [wiki=293c341efe53f85d4f421b063e2ba39f]Istanbul-New Delhi "Hippie Trail"[/wiki] which passed through Kabul in the 1960s-70s.
The 1970s-80s brought a turn for the worst. The city hosted two coups, in 1973 & 1978. The second coup was carried out by the Marxist PDPA, which a year later invited the Soviet Union military to maintain their power over the country. From 1979-1989, the Soviet Union maintained headquarters for military and government in Kabul. After the Soviets left, the government collapsed in 1992 and left local warlords to fight over the city leaving tens of thousands dead and (according to the UN) 90% of the city's buildings destroyed. By 1994, the city was without electricity or water. In 1996, the political movement known as the Taliban captured the city, publicly hanging the former (pre-1992) president and imposing notoriously strict Islamic rule over the country.
A United States led military force invaded Afghanistan in October 2001, bombing strategic installations throughout the city to rout out the governing Taliban, who quickly fled the city. The city was named the capital of the Afghan Transitional Authority and subsequently the capital of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The city saw many suicide bombings between 2002-2007, but they have become rare since 2008. In late 2008, control of the city's security was passed from the NATO ISAF force to Afghan National Police and the Afghan National Army. Since 2001, billions of dollars in aid and foreign investment have been used to improve the city. Most of the major roads have been paved and improved, government building have been extensively renovated, new hotels and shopping malls have opened, the zoo and many museums have reopened, and utilities have been extensively reconstructed.
Kabul's climate is greatly influenced by its location in a valley at 1800m (5900ft). Summers (June-Sept) are hot and dry, averaging from the high 20s to the mid-30s (80-95F) with next to no precipitation. Autumn (Oct & Nov) is temperate and sees very little precipitation. Winters (Dec-Mar) are cold and the time of year which sees the most precipitation (mostly snow, but also ice, freezing rain, and sleet on warmer days). January is the coldest month, averaging 4/-7 (39/19F). Spring (late Mar-early June) is temperate with lots of rain tapering off by early May.
Keep in mind that the city lies in a valley and some villages on the edge of the city are a few hundred meters higher and thus cooler in the summer and colder and snowier in the winters. Many roads leading to/from the city are regularly blocked by high snowfall in winter (although the city's importance to the US presence means they will be cleared relatively quickly), the most notorious is the highway north towards [wiki=cd10adc72e8cba2b0e799643e45fd014]Kunduz[/wiki].
The city of Kabul is divided into 18 sectors, each sector consisting of a handful of adjacent neighborhoods.
Kabul International Airport , +93 9251-61001, is a short drive east of the city center. The new international terminal is now fully open, whilst the old terminal is now used for domestic flights. The airport is a hub for Ariana Afghan Airways, Kam Air, Safi Airways, & Pamir Airways. Airport facilities include banks, restaurants, post office and car parking (all very basic).
Foreigners will need to get a foreigner registration card - after immigration go to the room with the sign 'duty free' behind the baggage carousel and complete the form - if you have 2 passport photos with you then you can complete the registration there. Otherwise you'll have to finish your registration at the Ministry of Interior later (a major hassle - best to make sure you have those photos). Registration services are also available at the Kabul Police station.
When arriving taxis are available to the city center (Afs 400), but it is safer to meet someone whom you know. Alternatively, Afghan Logistics (+93-777 443311, see below in Get Around) and the other taxi firms offer an airport pick-up for about $25.
The Foreigner Registration card is sometimes required and taken from you when you exit Afghanistan, and a big fine / bribe is in some cases required if you haven't got it when you fly out, though sometimes arguing that no one was at the desk to issue the Foreigner Registration card will work. The registration card is free. Some people feel it necessary to 'tip' everyone at the airport when flying out, but tip one guy for putting your bag through the x-ray scanner and everyone will be on you for their share. A polite 'no thank you' usually suffices.
When flying out you will probably end up in Car Park C - and will have to get the shuttle bus to the terminal building. When flying out expect long queues and multiple ticket / passport / baggage checks, although things are now much better with the new terminal, principally because there is much more space.
International carriers and destinations include include:
* Ariana Afghan Airlines [url=http://www.flyariana.com]]- to Ankara, Baku, Delhi, Dubai, Dushanbe, Islamabad, Istanbul-Atatürk, Jeddah, Moscow-Sheremetyevo, Riyadh, Sharjah, Tehran-Imam Khomeini, & Ürümqi.
* Safi Airways [url=http://www.safiairways.com[/url]]- flies to Delhi, Dubai, & Kuwait City.
* Kam Air [url=http://www.flykamair.com[/url]]- to Almaty, Delhi, Dubai, Dushanbe, Islamabad, Mashhad, Peshawar, & Urumqi & Delhi.
* Pamir Airways [url=http://www.pamirairways.net[/url]]- to Delhi & Dubai. Now abandoned.
* Emirates [url=http://www.emirates.com[/url]]daily to Dubai.
* Air India [url=http://www.airindia.com[/url]]to Delhi.
* Pakistan International Airways [url=http://www.piac.com.pk[/url]]- to Islamabad & Peshawar.
* Fly Dubai [url=http://www.flydubai.com[/url]]- to Dubai & Delhi
* Air Arabia [url=http://www.airarabia.com[/url]]- to Sharjah
* Gulf Air [url=http://www.gulfair.com[/url]-to]Bahrain
* Turkish Airlines [url=http://www.turkishairlines.com[/url]-]Daily flights to Istanbul.
* Spice Jet [http://www.spicejet.com[/url]-to New Delhi
While Kabul International Airport is not bad for a third world country, expect very basic conditions at other Afghan airports. As of November 2009:
* Ariana Afghan Airlines to [wiki=26821452e9ac5eb56e4d3859da82dd0a]Herat[/wiki], [wiki=acaefc6f2eee63e3a597d8a68254323d]Kandahar[/wiki], & [wiki=9ceecd093ef83e18cb13bd9c66426fd3]Mazar-e-Sharif[/wiki].
* Kam Air to Herat, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif, & [wiki=b6fef5725fe7b9940f41dc808615c68c]Tarin Kowt[/wiki].
* Pamir Airways to [wiki=92b2f4be3517e0f326540055b341593a]Faizabad[/wiki] & Herat.
* Safi Airways to Herat,Kandahar, & Mazar-e-Sharif.
The highway from [wiki=acaefc6f2eee63e3a597d8a68254323d]Kandahar[/wiki] has been rebuilt, but travelling on it is very dangerous because of the Taliban.
* The highway from [wiki=b2b66695ac2dd1e643de2e726493c663]Mazar-e Sharif[/wiki] and the North via the [wiki=4529e46cebf3f3002429723e4691fce7]Salang Pass[/wiki] is open, although one has to be careful travelling on it during the winter months.
* The newly rebuilt highway from [wiki=e0244bf1f4f8d402aa589f5234671037]Jalalabad[/wiki] is open which has reduced the journey time to 2-3 hours, however since 2008 the security on this road has deteriorated considerably.
* From [wiki=51f658a8d9e9ce3f844c7d89f1f52bb7]Bamiyan[/wiki] it is advisable to take the longer northern route, as the southern route (through Wardak province) is of questionable safety.
Private operators serve most destinations in fairly comfortable Mercedes buses. Safety can be a problem, with frequent accidents.
There is the Millie Bus which operates many routes around Kabul, but it is faster and more comfortable to use taxis. Some buses are relatively new, but many are old as one might expect in a 3rd world country.
Taxis are plentiful and to hire the whole car should cost around 30 to 50 Afg depending on destination and bargaining skills. Some drivers have learned basic English, but such drivers may try to charge a slightly higher price and are most likely to be found loitering near Westerner-friendly locations (airport, major hotels). While the city is fairly safe, it isn't a bad idea to be proactive and avoid catching a taxi near any sensitive location (embassy, military facilities, 5-star hotels). It is customary for women to always sit in the back seat. After dark local yellow taxis become a rarity, so keep a few taxi numbers in your phone as a backup.
Afghan Logistics & Tours [http://www.afghanlogisticstours.com] 700 277 408, 700 288 668, 700 479 435, 799 391 462. Catering mostly to expats they are probably the safest way to get around town. 24 hour minicabs are available as well as airport pickups and dropoffs. $5-7 around town, $15 to airport, $20 from airport.
There are only a couple places to rent a car in Kabul, one of which is:
* Afghan Logistics & Tours [http://www.afghanlogisticstours.com] 700 277 408, 700 288 668, 700 479 435, 799 391 462. Rents late-model Toyota cars, SUVs, trucks, & minivans along with a driver who doubles as a mechanic (very important on Afghanistan's harsh roads).
Downtown Kabul is relatively compact and walkable - a good option in the spring and fall - summers bring intolerable heat and dust, whilst winters bring snow and mud. Pavements are few, and you need to keep your wits about you when crossing roads.
If you are nervous about your safety walking around areas such as Wazar Akbar Khan and Taimani (to a restaurant etc.) is fine day or night - central Kabul at night is walkable but be sure you know where you are going, and how to get back to your guesthouse. Given the volatile security situation always be aware of any demonstrations, gathering crowds, etc. which could spiral out of control quickly. Keep a low profile, wearing simple clothes and (for ladies) covering your hair with a scarf or shawl. It is also wise to vary your routes frequently to reduce the threat of kidnapping. People are generally helpful and polite if you ask for directions.
Be wary walking around traditional residential areas (eg near the city wall) - conservative Afghans are suspicious of anyone snooping around their house, and children may start throwing stones / setting their dog on you.
A few ATMs that accept international cards are scattered around the city, and most dispense both Afghanis and US dollars. However, credit cards are unlikely to work or be accepted anywhere in the city, except a couple of the top end hotels.
*Standard Chartered Bank [url=http://www.standardchartered.com/af/index.html]]is in Wazir Akbar Khan.Standara Chartered Bank is no longer operating in Kabul.
*Afghanistan International Bank (AIB) [url=http://www.aib.af/[/url]]has a few machines around Kabul, including one inside the Kabul City Center shopping mall. They dispense in Afghanis and US dollars, however they are often reluctant to part with any cash and sometimes dispense old, ripped notes.
*Kabul Bank [url=http://kabulbank.af/html/index.aspx[/url]]has many branches in the city.
*Azizi Bank [url=http://www.azizibank.af/[/url]]has many branches in the city.
*Western Union [http://www.westernunion.com/[/url] has many branches across the city.
*Money Changers - some people prefer to exchange their money for Afghanis through the local money changers that stand on the road. There is no fee to exchange money this way, but make sure you know the exchange rate before attempting this.
Cafe, in the basement of Kabul City Center, Share-e Naw. Burger and banana drink for less than US$3.
*A great local place for a tasty lunch. They only serve one type of food; Pakistani style flat chapli kebabs, but they do it well and it will only set you back Afs 100 or so.
* Fast Food cuisine, English menu. Phone orders available.
* Fast Food cuisine, English menu. Phone orders/ home delivery available.
* Afghan Fried Chicken, clean western-style fast food restaurant.
* Kabul Fried Chicken, clean west-style fast food restaurant.
* Street stalls, abound, and good ones can be found around Shahr-e Naw Park and near the Pul-e Khisti bridge in the old town. However, the hygiene is questionable particularly in the summer.
The vast numbers of foreigners in Kabul has lead to the city being perhaps the best place to eat in the region, and in the mid-range bracket there are dozens of good places to eat for US$15-25 per person for an evening meal.
* Good pizza. Destroyed during the May 2006 riots, but has since been rebuilt and has a new chef.
* UN security clearance. Great Indian and Asian cuisine. English menu, English speaking staff. Phone orders - take-away and delivery available.
* French cuisine, French and English menu. Phone orders available. Garden dining and swimming pool. Closed on Sundays.
* Italian and Mexican cuisine, English menu. Phone orders available.
* Italian food. Good pizzas and pastas. Expensive mains. Good appetisers. English menu.
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* Mexican cuisine, English Menu. No phone orders/home delivery
*Run by a French couple, good French cafe food with a bakery.
*This restaurant provides fast food; burger and pizzas.
* Great Indian food including a US$6 thali. Indoor seating is intimate and spread through 3 rooms, or sit outside in the spacious garden.
* European cuisine, English menu. No phone hours/home delivery.
* Chinese seafood restaurant. Garden dining in the summer, Sheesha, Karaoke and English breakfast on Fridays. Phone orders for take away and home delivery. http://www.goldenkeykabul.com
* Lebanese food in pleasant garden surroundings, mixed clientèle.
* Good Chinese food.
* Excellent Turkish cuisine, English menu. Clean, pleasant and frequented by middle class Afghans - a great place to sample good food and a slice of local Kabul life. Phone orders available.
* Afghan and Italian cuisine, English menu. No phone orders/home delivery.
* Thai cuisine, English menu and English speaking staff. The reincarnation of 'Lai Thai. Inside is very nice or you can sit outside. Park outside on the dirt road. Good prices.
*Now moved to a new location, but the food is still excellent quality. Good selection of Korean dishes, including excellent kimbab (Korean sushi).
* Romantic restaurant and Divan lounge Bar. Catering, take away, provides for parties and ceremonial events.
* Offers an excellent and cheap buffet.
* Provides a good Afghan buffet.
* English menu, good pizza and pastas. Phone orders available.
* Pizza and assorted Italian/Western fare, and has a weekly quiz night on Mondays.
* Serves grilled meat, seafood, steak, pizza, soups and salads. Serves brunch in the rose garden during the summer months.
* Afghan classic dishes such as Mantoo, Quabeli Piaw. Live music evenings in the garden.
* European and Italian cuisine, English menu. No phone orders/home delivery. Expensive, but the food is some of the best in Kabul.
Raven Restaurant
* Grilled meat, seafood, steak and pizza. Vietnamese spring rolls and coffee served in the rose garden around back on Fri-Sat 10AM-3PM. Restaurant is closed on Monday.
* Tasty high-end international food and nice atmosphere, one of the nicest restaurants in the city. Their large buffet is probably the best in the country.
* Specializes in South-east Asian food, in a luxurious atmosphere.
*One of Kabul's classiest establishments serving a varied menu in a nice atmosphere. Alcohol is very expensive, even by Afghan standards, but that can be forgiven given the fairly reasonable food prices.
Reasonably clean, shared bathrooms, friendly manager (Bashir) speaks English. Most rooms have cable TV and a fan.
Nice, quiet, and relaxing place.
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*Very good and very secure hotel in Shar-i-Naw. It is located in a back street, behind the Kabul City Centre/Safi Landmark Hotel. There is a pool in the basement. Internet is intermittent. Buffet dinner costs $20.
* Nice by Kabul standards and includes nice common gardens, swimming pool and bar, dinner buffet is US$6.
* Better than average guesthouse popular with UN staff. Little garden with water feature and peacocks.
* Low-profiled with furnished rooms. Meals, wifi, laundry and daily room cleaning are provided. Own restaurant on premises, the Raven Rose Garden.
* Low-profile and safe guest house with all amenities including meals, wifi, laundry service, generator, AC/heater, and restaurant. Popular with embassy staff due to location.
* This whitelisted guesthouse offers ten fully equipped apartments. All of them have a/c, heating, refrigerator, and wifi. Breakfast is included and laundry service is available.
Mostly targeted towards businessman and organization workers. Amenities include fitness center, wifi, cafe, hookah, and buffet. Good service and security.
* Offers comfortable andmodern living accommodation suitable for long-termed expatriate residents. Amenities include fitness center, meals at next door Raven Restaurant and wifi. Also have spaces for meetings and conferences.
* Undoubtedly the best hotel in the city, clean and modern 5 star hotel with three great restaurants. Was target for an attack by the Taliban in January 2008. The hotel has since increased its security.
* Clean and modern 4 star hotel, with restaurant, conference hall, a small gym, and high speed internet in each room. Damaged during insurgent attacks on 15th April 2012.
* Nice, quiet, relaxing and cozy place. However, avoid the restaurant.
* 5 star hotel with nice restaurants and a swimming pool. The latest hotel to be targeted by Taliban suicide bombers (June 2011).
* Large conference hall, restaurant and gym area, apartments also available. Damaged by bombing in February 2010.
There are numerous internet cafes around the city, so getting access should not be too hard.
* Assa II Net Cafe, Muslim St. On the ground floor of Assa II Guesthouse, they have several computers with semi-reliable connections. 25 Afs. or $1 per hour. Staying overnight in Assa 2 guesthouse is not recommended due to increased criticism regarding the staffs behavior against foreigners.
Kabul Coffee House and Flower Street Cafe both have wireless internet for customers.
Internet Club, Haji Yaqob Hanjala Mosc, Past Shar E Nae Park at the West end of Suhl Road. 7 am to 10 pm daily.
The cellular telephone system in Kabul is excellent. American and European phones do work on the local system. 3G services are available by Etisalat.
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