Afghanistan can appear to be a daunting travel destination – one of the most asked questions by both men and women when planning a trip is ‘What should I wear in Afghanistan?’
While Afghanistan is quite modest and conservative in terms of dress and behavior, this guide will help you prepare what to pack for Afghanistan!
Table of Contents
What to pack for Afghanistan – Clothing
In terms of weather, the temperatures vary depending on the time of year. In the winter months, there is significant levels of snow in higher altitude places and Afghanistan is generally really cold and at times freezing! In the summer months, the temperature is very hot and often humid – with levels of more than 50 degrees!
You will need to be dressed conservative despite the weather. In winter, you can bring thermals to wear under your abaya for women and underneath traditional Afghan perahan tunban. The weather can be windy and it can rain a lot, so it is best to bring a warm and water resistant raincoat.
In summer, it is better to purchase a thin abaya and wear loose clothing underneath. By Afghan law, you must wear a hijab at all times – try a thin but full coverage chador or scarf that covers your head (and also protects you from the sun!). For men, you can opt for a traditional Afghan hat or scarf to cover your head.
You can be less strict about your attire at the hotel, however a scarf casually draped across your hair, long pants, skirts and shirts is still advisable for women and long pants and shirts for men is the best option.
Shoes
There will be lots of different surfaces and possible conditions you’ll be walking in, whether exploring some abandoned Buddhist caves, kicking a football with some local kids, hiking up hills or strolling through cities. Sensible sturdy good walking shoes are generally recommended. It really won’t be a fashion contest given the rest of the clothes you’ll be wearing anyway. Also make sure your shoes are easy to take off and put back on. You’ll be doing that quite a lot!
Luggage
Any suitcases or bag is fine, but for your convenience it is always best to pack on the light side.
As far as a day pack or backpack goes, it’s best to move around as lightly and inconspicuously as possible and therefore a backpack or large handbag isn’t probably the best idea. All you really need is your camera/phone and some cash when you’re exploring the markets, going to museums or visiting a mosque. Once again you’ll have a car or van and guide with you to travel around and thus anything else can be left in the vehicle.
Extras
Torch: The power often goes out at hotels and while it might only be for 10 minutes, sometimes it can be a couple of hours, so a torch usually comes in handy if you don’t have a phone. Of course, everyone has a phone so you probably don’t need a torch, but those with torches are usually well admired for their resourcefulness.
Suncream: If you’re traveling in summer, sunscreen will stop you turning in to a tomato. That Afghan sun can sure be harsh.
Hat: This one is especially for the men – while the women are required to wear hijabs that protect us from the sun, men should consider bringing a hat!
Camera: Make sure you let us know in advance what camera and lenses you are thinking of bringing and we can offer advice!
Jersey/ hijab cap: For the ladies – a jersey cap helps a hijab scarf slip less while being worn underneath. It also helps protect your hair from damage. You can pick up one in most Middle Eastern souqs, at abaya shops or online!
Medicine: Pharmacies will still have all the basics you may need whether its pain killers, anti-inflammatories, something to help block you up or something to unblock you. However if you have some serious conditions that require medicine make sure you bring extras and the relevant scripts as well. As always, it is best you travel with a reserve of the run-of-the-mill medications to save yourself the hassle.
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