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A panoramic view of a section of Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
Travel Warning WARNING: Travel to Afghanistan, including Jalalabad, is extremely dangerous. It is, therefore, strongly discouraged, and all foreigners are in danger of kidnapping, murder, and general armed violence. If you must go, please see war zone safety.

Jalalabad (Pashto: جلال آباد) is a city in eastern Afghanistan with a population of nearly 900,000 people. It is the capital of Nangarhar province, located next to the Kabul and Kunar rivers, a short distance from the Khyber Pass. It is linked by approximately 90-miles highway with Kabul to the west and about the same distance with Peshawar in Pakistan to the east.

Get in

Jalalabad is on the major highway that links Kabul to Pakistan. A lot of trucks use this route to supply Kabul with food and other products. The main highway was reconstructed in 2006, which is the busiest in Afghanistan. A bus service between Jalalabad and Peshawar is available everyday.

It is theoretically possible to get to Jalalabdad from Kabul in 1 hour 45 minutes. Many Afghans lose their lives trying this, as many traffic accidents occur on the highway between Jalalabad and Kabul, making it one of the most dangerous in the world.

The Jalalabad Airport was built for dual-use, civilian and military. It is designed to serve the population of Nangarhar Province and neighboring provinces for domestic flights. The airport is currently used by NATO-led forces.

Get around

See

Sherzai Cricket Stadium (under construction)
Mausoleum of King Amanullah Khan

With plenty of greenery and water, Jalalabad is considered one of the most beautiful cities of Afghanistan. About 15 km from Jalalabad, a new city called Ghazi Amanullah Khan City is under development. Named after King Amanullah Khan, it is said to be the first, the biggest and the most modern city in the history of Afghanistan.

Jalalabad is considered the capital of Afghan cricket, with many of the national players coming from the surrounding areas. Construction has begun near the city on one of Afghanistan's cricket stadium. It is hoped that this ground will serve the domestic competition and attract international teams.

  • A large reservoir near Sarobi, located on the way to Kabul.
  • Hada Museum south of Jalalabad contains exhibits related to pre-Islam period.
  • Palace (Shahi Qasar) - the winter palace of the former king Zahir Shah
  • Sherzai Cricket Stadium (under construction)
  • Youth Park Zwanano Park
  • Bridge See the main historical bridge, the only connection to other three provinces
  • Darwanta Dam - famous for fresh fish and green environment with fresh air, its park for women and youth, hotels/restaurants and all type of dishes
  • Ghazi Amanullah Khan City
  • Mausoleums
    • Mausoleum of King Amanullah Khan
    • Mausoleum of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
    • Mausoleum of Mohammad Gul Khan Momand
  • Nangarhar University
  • Ameer Shaheed Garden.

Do

  • Go for fishing along river side.
  • Go swimming.

Buy

  • Handicrafts - including clothes, carpets and cotton-made gifts.
  • Mangee - many types of ceramics, such as tableware and decorative items
  • Pakool - Waskat - traditional Afghan clothing, normally including a special hot and warm hat and special black jacket

Money

Eat

  • Go for special "Pakoras" on Hindu Street.
  • Cheese, Paneer, is the main product of Jalalabad and the surrounding areas. It is famous over all Afghanistan.
  • The many olive gardens in Jalalabad supply the markets with high-quality olives.
  • Olive Oil - mostly used in common dishes. Jalalabad is famous for its high-quality olive oil.

Drink

  • Juice Shops in "Mokhaberat Chowk" serve tasty and fresh juices for each season

Sleep

  • The government hotel 'Spingar' is on the eastern side of the city is basic. There are other guest houses which may be better.
  • Taj Mahal Guesthouse, +93(0)700 60 33 83. Warm, welcoming guesthouse on the edge of Jalalabad. Free wifi internet, swimming pool in summer, and home to the Tikibar - the only bar in Eastern Afghanistan, when alcohol is in supply. Meals and laundry service included. $80.

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