How to Find Hotels in Kabul, Afghanistan

Kabul, despite its beauty, ancient traditions and friendly people, remains a fairly unstable and dangerous place to visit. For the adventurous traveler, however, the city may represent an unforgettable experience.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet connection
• Passport
• Visa

Find Hotel Accommodations

1. Rest easier. After 9/11 and the subsequent overthrow of the Taliban government by the United States, Kabul enjoyed a rare moment of stability, and the city responded by growing and modernizing. However, in recent years the Taliban have been on the rise and have increased their insurgent attacks.

2. Book modern accommodations at more places than ever before; many large, modern hotels have opened in the last three years.

3. Secure a three-star hotel at an inexpensive rate. Because of general security concerns, it's better to err on the side of caution and get the nicer room.

4. Relish luxury at one of Kabul's first four-star hotels. Prices are moderate by U.S. standards.

Find Guesthouse Accommodations

5. Experience a slice of Afghan life and stay at a privately run guesthouse. You will most likely get home-cooked meals and friendly service.

6. Save money by staying at a guesthouse. Prices tend to be inexpensive.

Travel To and Around Kabul

7. Prepare for delays departing for Afghanistan. Once you arrive in Kabul, the lack of general security makes it relatively easy to have your passport processed.

8. Take minibuses or yellow-and-white taxis everywhere. Neither is expensive.

Tips & Warnings

• The Afghan Tourist Organization doesn't maintain a Web site for accommodations booking, nor does it provide a booking phone number.
• Attempt to reserve your Kabul accommodations through a third-party site or your hotel's site to get the best pricing.
• Before you leave, register online with the U.S. Embassy in Kabul through the State Department Web site (see Resources below). Registering lets the embassy know you're there and facilitates the dissemination of important information should you need it during your stay.
• Because many NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) currently supply aid to Afghanistan, learn where their staffs stay as a starting point for finding Kabul accommodations.
• Because of the security situation in Kabul, walking is not recommended.
• In Kabul, you can't put a price on safety, and it really pays to stay in a larger establishment.
• The security at Kabul guesthouses is usually nonexistent.
• The U.S. government has reopened civilian travel to Afghanistan, but still recommends against it. The Taliban insurgency is directed at foreigners, and as a tourist, your chance of being targeted is high.
• Kabul is the most stable of all Afghanistan destinations, as many rural locations (especially those to the south and east) are currently war zones.
• The international airport in Kabul is operational, but the visa process might take longer than the standard three months.