Northeast Afghanistan, Afghanistan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Northeast Afghanistan, Afghanistan? If you're planning to go to Northeast Afghanistan, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Northeast Afghanistan, Afghanistan

Based on the climate and weather in Northeast Afghanistan, Afghanistan, the best time to go is May. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Northeast Afghanistan, Afghanistan

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northeast Afghanistan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Northeast Afghanistan, Afghanistan by month

January

In January, Northeast Afghanistan is brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Northeast Afghanistan, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Afghanistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northeast Afghanistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

If you are traveling to Northeast Afghanistan in February, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain or snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Afghanistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northeast Afghanistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to get the correct type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

March

March in Northeast Afghanistan can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) to high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Afghanistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northeast Afghanistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Northeast Afghanistan is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Afghanistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northeast Afghanistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

In May, Northeast Afghanistan is extremely warm. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Northeast Afghanistan, with most of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Afghanistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northeast Afghanistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

June

If you are traveling to Northeast Afghanistan in June, you will notice that it is scorchingly hot. Expect it to rain nearly every day this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Afghanistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northeast Afghanistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the right type. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

If you visit Northeast Afghanistan during July, you may notice that it is unbearably hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain almost every day of the month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Afghanistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northeast Afghanistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

August

If you visit Northeast Afghanistan during August, you are likely to see that it is sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Afghanistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northeast Afghanistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

September in Northeast Afghanistan is really hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains almost every day of the month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Afghanistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northeast Afghanistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the correct type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

In October, Northeast Afghanistan is warm. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Northeast Afghanistan, with most of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Afghanistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northeast Afghanistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

November

November in Northeast Afghanistan is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Afghanistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northeast Afghanistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the necessary type. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

December

In December, Northeast Afghanistan can be brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Northeast Afghanistan, with most of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Afghanistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northeast Afghanistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Northeast Afghanistan, Afghanistan

Despite the persistent instability in various parts of Afghanistan, the Northeast province remains quite safe for travelers to visit. If you're looking to plan a trip to this historic region of Afghanistan, here are the top tourist attractions to add to your itinerary.

1. The Minaret of Jam

Situated in the middle of the desert, the Minaret of Jam has been standing tall for over 800 years. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, known locally as the "Ghur Minar," was built in the 12th century as part of a mosque complex by the Ghurid sultan, Ghiyath al-Din Muhammad. Its intricate, geometric brickwork and unique design make it one of the top historical sites in Afghanistan.

2. Blue Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif

Located in the bustling city of Mazar-i-Sharif, the Blue Mosque is one of the most stunning religious buildings in Afghanistan. The mosque was built in the 15th century by Sultan Husayn Mirza Bayqara and is named after the blue-tiled mosaics that cover the exterior walls. The mosque is still used for worship and visitors are welcome to explore the beautiful architecture and intricate tile work.

3. Band-e-Amir National Park

Located about 60 miles from the city of Bamiyan, the Band-e-Amir National Park is Afghanistan's first national park. It is a stunning natural wonder consisting of six turquoise blue lakes situated amidst a series of rugged cliffs and valleys. The park is a popular destination for hikers, trekkers, and nature lovers and offers breathtaking views and a peaceful, serene atmosphere.

4. Tashkurgan Palace

Tashkurgan Palace is an ancient Persian palace that dates back to the 11th century. It was built by the Ghaznavid king, Mahmud of Ghazni, as a royal palace and later served as a military base for the British during the 19th century. The palace is located in the city of Faryab and is still one of the most popular tourist attractions in Afghanistan.

5. The Buddha statues of Bamiyan

Located in the Bamiyan Valley, the Buddha statues were carved out of sandstone cliffs in the 6th century. They stood over 100 feet tall and were some of the largest Buddha statues in the world until they were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. Despite this loss, the Bamiyan Valley is still a popular destination for tourists who come to see the magnificent natural surroundings and learn about the history of the statues.

6. Badakhshan Province

Badakhshan Province is known for its natural beauty and diverse culture. The province boasts some of the highest peaks in the Hindu Kush mountain range, including the tallest, Noshaq at 7,492 meters. Visitors can also visit the ancient cities of Khorog and Ishkashim, which have long been important trading centers for the region.

In conclusion, Northeast Afghanistan is a region filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. Although it has been plagued by decades of conflict, these tourist attractions are a testament to the resilience of the Afghan people and make it worth visiting for any adventurous traveler.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Kunitachi, Japan, Jam, Afghanistan, Amasra, Turkey, Palić, Serbia, Wels, Austria, Harlingen, Texas, United States of America, Dilworth, Minnesota, United States of America, Mataró, Spain, Combarro, Spain, Gamba, Gabon, and Lycksele, Sweden.