I have been on excursion to the eastern Nangarhar province many times with my friends, and we usually schedule our outing during the winter time and early spring time as the weather is much nicer there. There are a couple of picnic spots in Nangarhar that we have visited such as Daroonta, Pul-e-Sayad, Ghazi Amanullah Town; and these are among the places most often frequented by national tourists. In Daroonta and Pul-e- Sayad, there exist more restaurants serving typical Karayee* and fish. Ghazi Amanullah Town which is located an hour to the south of Jalalabad city, is also a very worthwhile trip for tourists. The busiest seasons are around the Nowruz Festival, Afghanistan’s Independence Day, and during the two Eid festivals. 

Regarding the accommodation and other expenses for visitors (such as, lunch and dinner, transportation and other basic expenses), both are much cheaper in comparison to Kabul. I believe $60 is enough to stay for a night and a day in Nangarhar city, going for the best hotels such as White House and Spin Ghar. I love the outdoor environment of Spin Ghar hotel, you will enjoy strolling for hours in the big garden with grass and flowers everywhere, tall trees, and the exhilarating perfume of orange blossoms in early spring time.

In Nangarhar, there does not exist any particular holiday game or activity. Like me, I believe other tourists too enjoy the mountainous, green, and riverside ambience of the Kabul-Jalalabad highway. Some go in springtime; especially to enjoy the natural scent of the orange blossoms as there exist lots of orange trees. In different places on the way, most drivers carrying tourists stop for picnic spots and there are motels where tourists can go and order food, or enjoy short stays.

My favorite spots, where I usually stop to enjoy the special nature, are Mahipar and a very beautiful waterfall just down the Mahipar Pass (see the photo, showing me and two of my colleagues.) I bet no one will get bored with the three-hour long trip to Jalalabad, but I don’t recommend this for expats due to current security issues.

More importantly, all who drive on the Kabul-Jalalabad highway must be experienced drivers and have good knowledge of the road because it is very crowded, and very dangerous as there are lots of sharp turns that cause accidents. Slightest mistake can lead to death!

_{* Karayee is a famous dish in eastern provinces; it’s a beef kebab/steak.}