Shiberghan - Discovering Afghanistan

Travelling to Shiberghan

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Shiberghan, a pretty good destination in Afghanistan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Shiberghan and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Shiberghan, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Afghanistan, here's everything to know about Shiberghan for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Shiberghan

Shiberghan is a city located in the northern Afghan province of Jowzjan. It is the capital of Jowzjan province and has a population of about 100,000 people. The city is situated on a plain surrounded by mountains and has a dry, continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Shiberghan is known for its agriculture and is a major producer of natural gas in Afghanistan. The city has a rich history and is home to several important cultural and historical sites, including the ancient city of Takht-e-Rustam and the Bala Hissar Fortress. Despite its historical and cultural significance, however, Shiberghan has been affected by conflict and insecurity in recent years.

What to visit in Shiberghan

Shiberghan is the capital city of Jowzjan province in Afghanistan. Here are some of the tourist attractions in Shiberghan: 1. Qala-i-Zal Fortress: It is a historical fortress located 15 kilometers north-west of Shiberghan city. The fortress dates back to the 18th century and has a triangular shape with three walls. Qala-i-Zal Fortress served as a defense mechanism against foreign invaders.
2. Abiwardi Karez: It is an underground water supply system in Shiberghan city that was built in the early period of Islamic history. The system consists of underground aqueducts and tunnels that collect and transport water from its source to the city. The water supply system is still functioning today.
3. Rostam Bagh Park: It is a public park located in the center of Shiberghan city. The park is a popular spot for families to relax and walk around. It features a children's playground, benches, and a small lake.
4. Jowzjan Museum: It is a small museum located in the city center of Shiberghan. The museum contains collections of ancient coins, historical weapons, and artifacts from the Jowzjan province.
5. Sultan Khwaja Bazaar: It is a colorful market in Shiberghan city that sells local handicrafts, textiles, and traditional clothing. There are also food vendors and tea stalls.
6. Qara Qul Lake: It is a beautiful lake located in the Darzab district of Jowzjan province, about 50 kilometers from Shiberghan. The lake is famous for its stunning views and migratory birds that can be seen here during winter. Overall, Shiberghan has a rich history and natural beauty that can be explored by tourists who are interested in learning about Afghan culture and traditions.

When to go on holiday to Shiberghan

It is important to keep in mind that Shiberghan, located in northern Afghanistan, is a region with strong seasonal variations. The best time to visit Shiberghan is during the spring between April and June, and in the fall from September to November when the weather is mild with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 25°C (50 to 77 °F). During these seasons, there is less rainfall and the skies tend to be clear, making it easier to explore the area's natural beauty, including the Hindu Kush mountains and the vast open plains. Summers in Shiberghan, from June to August, can be very hot with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) so be prepared for high temperatures if you visit this area during this time. Winter in Shiberghan, from December through February, is very cold and snowy, which makes it difficult to visit the area's natural beauty.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Shiberghan

The best way to get to Shiberghan, Afghanistan is by taking a flight to Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport (MZR) or the Balkh Airport (OAS) from Kabul. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or hire a private car to get to Shiberghan. The distance between Mazar-i-Sharif and Shiberghan is about 260 km, and the journey by car takes around 4-5 hours, depending on road conditions. It is important to note that Afghanistan is a high-risk destination, and travel to the country is not recommended unless it is essential, and travelers should take necessary precautions while traveling in the region.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Shiberghan, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Shiberghan

Sure, here are some typical foods of Shiberghan, Afghanistan: 1. Mantu: A popular dish made of steamed dumplings filled with minced beef or lamb, onions, and spices. Served with a tomato-based sauce, yogurt, and dried mint.
2. Qabuli Pulao: A hearty, aromatic rice dish made with lamb or chicken, carrots, raisins, and a variety of spices. It is usually garnished with almonds or pistachios and served as a main course for special occasions.
3. Ashak: A vegetarian dish consisting of pasta shells stuffed with herbs such as scallions, cilantro, and spinach, then served with a tomato sauce and mint-garlic yogurt.
4. Kabuli Uzbeki: A slow-cooked savory meat dish made with beef or lamb, chickpeas, and a variety of spices. Served with fluffy basmati rice and naan bread.
5. Bolani: A type of flatbread stuffed with a filling of mashed potatoes, leeks, or pumpkin. Often served as an appetizer or snack with yogurt dip or chutney. 6. Sheer Pira: A sweet traditional dessert made of fried dough balls soaked in a sugary syrup and flavored with cardamom, rose water, or nuts.
7. Kofta: A savory dish made of ground beef or lamb mixed with onions, herbs, and spices, then formed into meatballs and cooked in a tomato-based sauce. Served with rice or bread. These are just a few of the many delicious foods you can try in Shiberghan, Afghanistan!
You can find general info about typical foods in Afghanistan here.

Is Shiberghan an expensive destination for tourists?

Shiberghan is not a popular tourist destination, and there are limited tourism infrastructure and services available in the area. However, in terms of general living expenses, Shiberghan is considered one of the cheaper cities in Afghanistan, with a low cost of living. Therefore, it may be possible to have an affordable trip to Shiberghan, but this would depend on factors such as transportation, accommodation, and activities. It is important to note that travel to Afghanistan can be unsafe and unpredictable, and visitors are advised to take extreme caution and seek advice from professional travel agencies.

Where to find accomodation in Shiberghan

Unfortunately, due to safety concerns, Shiberghan is not currently a safe place for tourism or travel. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Afghanistan, which includes Shiberghan. It is important to prioritize your safety and avoid all travel to the region until the situation improves.
You can check hotel prices at Shiberghan here:
Booking.com

Is Shiberghan a safe destination for tourists?

As a travel website, I don't have access to current news, statistics or updates on the safety of travel destinations. However, it is important to note that Afghanistan is a country that has experienced significant political unrest and violence in recent years. In general, the US Department of State and many other countries advise against travel to Afghanistan due to ongoing security concerns from terrorism, kidnaping, crime, and armed conflict. It is always recommended to check with your country's travel advisory or embassy before planning any travel to Afghanistan or any other countries where safety concerns might exist.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Afghanistan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Shiberghan.

What type of travelers will enjoy Shiberghan the most?

Shiberghan is the capital of Jowzjan Province in Afghanistan and mainly attracts travelers who are interested in experiencing the local culture, historical landmarks, beautiful scenery and natural landscapes. It may not be the best destination for couples or young people seeking entertainment and nightlife as the nightlife options are limited. Also, due to security concerns in Afghanistan, families may not feel safe to visit Shiberghan. However, if you are a traveler who is interested in Afghanistan's cultural heritage, history and natural beauty, Shiberghan can offer a unique and authentic experience. It is advisable to consult with a professional travel agency or local authorities for the latest security updates and travel advisories before planning a trip to this region.

How to get around Shiberghan

The most common mode of transportation in Shiberghan, Afghanistan is by taxi or private car. You can easily find taxis on the streets, and most of them are shared taxis that can accommodate several passengers at a time. However, you can also hire a private car for more comfort and flexibility. Another option is to rent a bike or a motorbike if you are comfortable with two-wheeled transportation. Keep in mind that the road conditions may not be the best, and traffic can be chaotic, so it's recommended to travel during daylight hours and use caution while traveling.

What to see around Shiberghan

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Shiberghan: 1. Tashkurgan Historical Castle: This castle is a historical site that was built during the 13th century and is located 20 km west of Shiberghan city.
2. Gezgushan Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a protected nature reserve that has a diverse ecosystem and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
3. Tomb of Sheikh Ahmad Jam: It is an important cultural heritage site that is visited by many people for its architectural and historical significance.
4. Qala-e-Naw City: It is the capital of Badghis province and has a lot to offer including historical and cultural sites, markets, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
5. Qushtepa Town: It is a charming little town located about 25 km northwest of Shiberghan that is famous for its vineyards, orchards, and almond trees.
6. Shibar Pass: It is a mountain pass that offers stunning views of the Amu Darya River and the surrounding mountain ranges. The pass is located about 30 km east of Shiberghan.
For every travel information about Afghanistan you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.