Things To Do
in Chārīkār

Afghanistan’s signature rice dish with lamb or beef, carrots and sweet raisins; available at most midrange restaurants and family eateries.

Must-Try!

Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and onions, topped with yogurt and a tomato-based sauce; common in restaurants and at special meals.

Grilled skewered meat (lamb or beef) served with naan and salad—widely available at street grills and restaurants.

Stuffed flatbread (potato, spinach or lentil) fried on a skillet; a popular street/tea-house snack.

The city’s main market where sellers offer fresh fruit, dried nuts and spices—try seasonal apples, roasted nuts and fresh naan from stalls.

Small grill stalls and tea houses serve kebabs, bolani and samosas; these are casual places to sample local flavors but check hygiene and eat freshly cooked items.

Dress conservatively: long sleeves and covered legs for both genders; women should carry a headscarf for visits to mosques or conservative areas.

Use formal greetings (salam) and right-hand handshakes with same-gender contacts; wait for women to extend their hand first in mixed-gender encounters.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and military installations; photographing government or military sites is sensitive and may be prohibited.

Be mindful of prayer times and Ramadan practices; avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours in Ramadan out of respect.

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; small tips for restaurant staff, drivers and guides (a few hundred afghanis or a couple of dollars) are customary if service is good.

Cash (Afghan afghani - AFN) is the primary payment method; US dollars may be accepted in some places but local currency is preferred. ATMs are limited outside major cities — bring sufficient cash and confirm current exchange rates.

Mild temperatures and blossoming orchards make spring (March–May) comfortable for walking and photography; occasional rain showers are possible.

Warm to hot days with cooler nights at higher elevations; summer (June–August) is suitable for valley trips but can be dusty—carry sun protection and water.

Harvest season (September–November) brings pleasant weather, colorful orchards and abundant fruit markets—an excellent time to visit for food and landscapes.

Cold winters with potential snowfall in surrounding mountains; some mountain roads and passes may be closed or unsafe—expect colder temperatures and limited day-trip options.

A major military airbase close to Charikar that historically handled military and some charter flights; access is restricted and civilian use is limited—travel here typically requires coordination through authorities or military channels.

The main international airport serving the region, reachable by road from Charikar; many travelers route through Kabul for international connections, though security and checkpoints apply on the road.

The most popular sport throughout Afghanistan, widely played and watched in Charikar at informal fields and school grounds.

Traditional mounted games are culturally important in Afghanistan; while larger matches happen elsewhere, the sport remains a part of rural life and cultural heritage.