Things To Do
in Kunduz

Afghan pilaf made with rice, raisins, carrots and lamb—often the celebratory national dish; available at larger restaurants and family eateries.

Must-Try!

Steamed dumplings filled with spiced minced meat and onions, served with yogurt and a tomato-based sauce — common at local restaurants and special meals.

Pan-fried stuffed flatbread (potato, pumpkin or greens) sold by street vendors and at bazaars—great as a snack or light meal.

A simple meat and vegetable soup served across homes and eateries, especially comforting in cooler months.

The main market where you can buy fresh fruit, nuts, spices, bread stalls and occasional street snacks like bolani and sambosa; best visited in the morning for fresh produce.

Small vendors and tea houses near the river sell tea, flatbreads and simple kebabs—good for people-watching and relaxed breaks.

Dress conservatively: men should avoid shorts in public, and women should cover arms, legs and hair with a headscarf in many public settings to show respect and reduce attention.

Respect prayer times and mosque etiquette—remove shoes where required, avoid entering prayer spaces during services unless invited, and ask permission before photographing worshippers.

Interactions between unrelated men and women are conservative—keep public behavior formal and avoid physical contact; women travelers should be particularly mindful of local norms.

Hospitality is highly valued—accepting tea or small refreshments when offered is polite. Use both hands or the right hand when giving or receiving items, and decline modestly before accepting if offered repeatedly.

Tipping is modest and discretionary; rounding up bills, leaving small change for service staff or a few hundred afghanis for attentive service is appreciated. In tea houses and small restaurants a small tip is fine; for guides or drivers a more substantial tip is customary if service was good.

Cash (Afghan afghani - AFN) is dominant; carry sufficient small notes. Bank cards and ATMs are limited and may not be reliable—plan to bring cash and check availability of ATMs beforehand. Mobile payments are not widely accepted for visitors.

Hot and dry: daytime temperatures can be high, often in the 30s–40s °C (high 80s–100s °F). Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and use sun protection. Dust and occasional heat waves are common; lightweight, modest clothing is recommended.

Pleasant temperatures and clear skies make autumn one of the best times to visit; harvest activity colors the agricultural landscape and mornings/evenings are crisp.

Winters can be cold with chilly nights and occasional frost or snow in and around the city; heating and some services may be limited. Pack warm layers and be prepared for reduced comfort in basic accommodations.

Mild weather and blooming flora make spring attractive for outdoor exploration; seasonal agricultural work increases activity in rural areas and markets offer fresh produce.

A significant portion of the urban population; Dari-speaking communities active in trade and services.

Present in Kunduz and surrounding areas, contributing Central Asian cultural influences to language, food and commerce.

Pashtun communities live in and around the province, with distinct cultural and tribal structures influencing local dynamics.

Small numbers of Turkmen and other groups add to the ethnic mosaic, particularly in rural and trading communities.

The most popular recreational sport among youth and adults; informal matches are common in open spaces and school grounds.

Horse-related traditions and local riding for transport or cultural events are part of rural life; organized games are less visible but horseback skills remain valued.

Vegetarian options exist (rice dishes, bolani with vegetable filling, lentil stews) but meat is common; always ask about ingredients and request plain rice, breads and vegetable sides. Carry snacks if needed, as specialized vegetarian restaurants are rare.

Language barriers and informal food preparation mean cross-contamination is possible—bring essentials, communicate restrictions clearly in Dari/Pashto if possible, and avoid high-risk street foods if you have strict allergies.