British tourists are urged to visit ‘inspirational’ Afghanistan in new travel guidebook

Tourists are being encouraged to visit war-torn Afghanistan with a new guide published this month

For the first time in 20 years, a new travel guide is being published to inspire tourists to visit Afghanistan.

The war-torn country does not appear on most current travellers’ lists and the Foreign Office tells tourists they should not travel there. Afghanistan, once an important stop on the hippie path, has disappeared from travel itineraries recently. But mainstream publisher Brad believes now is the right time for the country to re-emerge on the map.

Author James Wilcox said, “At present almost the whole of Afghanistan can be visited, and with the right preparation, an inspiring range of trips is possible.

“We have tried to bring together an invaluable resource that gives readers a beneficial insight into the history and culture of Afghanistan, while also giving them the practical information they need to get there, visit and enjoy this misunderstood country.”

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The Jami Masjid, also known as the Great Mosque of Herat, in Herat features miniature art on its walls. (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

In recent decades, Afghanistan has become more famous for the war, the Taliban, and being the home of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden. And there are even more reasons not to go here: temperatures can reach 50°C in summer and -25°C in winter.

Beer is strictly banned in Afghanistan but can be obtained on the black market in Kabul. The £24.99 guide is being released on 20 February. Written by Wilcox and his colleague Dana Fakaros, the guide covers places like the famous Khyber Pass and activities ranging from mountain trekking with nomads to the goat-related sport of buzkashi.

It says it is “aimed at the curious and adventurous” and includes sites such as the riverside summit of the Minaret of Jam, a 12th-century structure 14 hours away from the nearest paved road, and the foothills of Bamiyan, where Buddha statues stood before their destruction by the Taliban.

farm in Afghanistan (Image: Getty Images)

A spokesman for Braid said, ”Afghanistan is a paradox: a country so famous internationally, yet so little explored that it has been effectively untouched by tourism since becoming a key stop on the hippie trail four decades ago.

“The countries of the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, China and the ex-USSR collide in Afghanistan. It is a graveyard of empires and one of the most hospitable countries in the world.

“From the scorching deserts of the south to the high peaks of the Hindu Kush, any journey here is challenging – but with the right preparation it is now extremely possible.

Afghanistan during the war (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

“Even the most well-travelled visitor will find spending time in Afghanistan stirring their soul and getting their blood pumping. With the new Bradt Afghanistan Guidebook to inform and inspire you, the offbeat holiday of a lifetime is in store.”

But the Foreign Office’s advice to tourists is clear: “You should not travel to Afghanistan.” It continues: “The security situation is volatile and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously led to violent clashes in border areas.

“Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous and many border crossings are not currently open.

“British citizens are at increased risk of being detained in Afghanistan. If you are a British citizen and you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years of imprisonment.”