Guillaume BarreauGo to Profile Icon

guide to

Maymana

03/10/2011

03/24/2011





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Step 4/6: Afghanistan - Maymana

Maymana photo by Guillaume Barreau

About Maymana

Maymana is the capital of the North-Western province of Faryab. Close to the Turkmen border, its population is majorly Uzbek, as you’ll notice through the typical Uzbek hats worn by local men. Maymana was an independent Khanate governed by Uzbeks, until the Afghans rampaged the city and many of its inhabitants exiled. Today’s remnants of these wars’ era is the public park in the centre of the city, sat on a former citadel. The surroundings are beautiful, with barren hills that become magnificently green in the Spring. The districts surrounding Maymana, specifically en route to Herat, are particularly dangerous, with common abductions and other security incidents. The greatest care is strongly advised if going out of the city. If you go for a walk in the highlands, make sure you’ll get the approval from trustworthy people.
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How I got here ?

Price: 200 $

Traveling time: 1 hours

UNHAS flight / need a NGO or IO card to book and board. Chartering PACTEC flights is also possible. Some (Norwegian) PRT flights fly to Kabul once in a while

Tips & Tricks

  • Foreigners in a burqa are still easily spotted. A discreet headscarf will do.
  • Security situation is rather unstable around the city, be extremely cautious.

Things to see

Streets of Maymana 10 /10
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Streets of Maymana photo by Guillaume Barreau

User's opinion
The atmosphere is that of a quiet, peaceful enough city with a life which seems like in a village. Carpets and Killims are particularly good quality in Maymana. Look for NGO-supported shops to find good locally produced and women-sensitive items.
Walk in the Highland 10 /10
0 €
Walk in the Highland photo by Guillaume Barreau

User's opinion
Be extremely careful when selecting the direction you choose. It is obviously easy to trust the locals, so don't try and wander about aimlessly. Follow trustworthy locals - or at least their advice. In the Spring, the hills get even more beautiful, taking on a light green dress.
Maymana City Park 10 /10
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Maymana City Park photo by Guillaume Barreau

User's opinion
Set on the ruins of the old citadel, the park is also the highest part of the city centre, next to the main mosque, and has a laid-back atmosphere. Groups of men chill out in the grass while you can still see a few women enjoying a walk.

Practical