Afghanistan (Kandahar, Kabul, Bamiyan) Solo female backpacker (no tour) – Trip Report

[girlgonetolive]

This post has been deleted for my own privacy. If you'd like to see it or for advice please contact me privately via www.marshajean.com

[jacoblab1]

Great report Marsha!! Very informative and helpful.

I'm glad you had a good time there now I want to see your photos!

[Katharine_1993]

Amazing report !!!

[Christian77]

Thanks for another great report.

I would like to add that the road you took had a big Taliban roadblock very recently and they checked every car (hoping to catch some locals who work for NGOs/IOs or embassies), and attacks semi-regularly over the last few years. There is no safe way to get to Bamiyan aside from flying. One week no problem; next week a one-way ticket to a Haqqani dungeon in Pakistan for 5 years.

As for passing for a Hazara, I've talked to a few people from East and Southeast Asia who travelled in Afghanistan... they passed for Hazara until they talked. But one who spoke basic Dari could not convince (non-Hazara) people that he wasn't Hazara.

[girlgonetolive]

Thanks for the input Christian. Yes you are right I should have emphasized more all land routes are risky. Flying really is the safest way.
Yea, when I walk on the streets and go to a shop some people talk directly to me in Dari, assuming im a local. The moment they pay attention they can already know I'm not a local without even hearing me speak.

[gaz457]

Hi Jean! I sent you a message on Insta but not sure if you saw it. I'm interested to know more about obtaining the Afghan visa in Islamabad on a UK passport. I'm hoping to do it soon. Thanks!