Travel Afghanistan: tentative explorations of a war-torn land

Terrorised by the ongoing war, which has lasted thirty years, Afghanistan has never lost hope in restoring peace, which has always been its most uncertain asset until now. Although the country has known more turbulent days, tourists are still prone to kidnappings, so those who do travel to Afghanistan must check all the latest advice before they go. In the past, crossed by the legendary Silk Road, 99% of Afghan territory is mountainous. The majestic mountain chain of Hindu Kuch has peaks towering into the sky up to 24,600 ft of altitude, sumptuous landscapes and is laced by deep valleys. Human folly has not even spared the priceless Buddha statues of Bamiyan. Sculpted directly into the mountain face in the 3rd and 5th centuries, even this crucial cultural heritage has not been spared from Taliban violence.