Places / Asia / Afghanistan
Kandahar
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The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Afghanistan. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Afghanistan
- Region
- Kandahar Province
- Population
- 600,000
- Best time to go
- October to April
- Main airport
- Kandahar International (KDH)
- Coordinates
- 31.63°N, 65.74°E
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Overview
Kandahar is Afghanistan's second city and the traditional heartland of the Pashtun south. Founded, refounded and fought over many times, it became the first capital of modern Afghanistan under Ahmad Shah Durrani in the 18th century.
This guide looks ahead to a time when visiting is safe again. The city is set among irrigated orchards on a dry plain, and its pomegranates, grapes and historic shrines are what most travellers would come for.
Things to see
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Photo: Mahbubur, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Durrani
The domed tomb of the founder of the Afghan state, decorated with blue tilework in the heart of the city.
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Photo: Brian H. Neely (U.S. Department of State), Public domain Shrine of the Cloak
A revered shrine beside the mausoleum that houses a cloak said to have belonged to the Prophet Muhammad.
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Photo: Sir Benjamin Simpson (1831-1923), Public domain Chilzina
Forty steps cut into a rocky ridge west of the city, leading to a chamber carved with a Mughal-era inscription.
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Photo: Karla Marshall, Public domain Old Kandahar
The ruined citadel of the older city, flattened in the 18th century, on the plain to the west.
Things to do
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Photo: USAID Afghanistan, Public domain Taste Kandahar pomegranates
The region is famous across South Asia for its large, sweet pomegranates, sold from carts in autumn.
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Photo: , Public domain Walk the bazaars
The covered markets around the old centre sell spices, dried fruit, cloth and the region's distinctive embroidery.
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Photo: Karla Marshall, Public domain The Arghandab valley
Green orchards and vineyards along the river north-west of the city, a contrast to the surrounding desert.
Where to stay
City centre
Close to the shrines and bazaars, with the few hotels and guesthouses within reach of each other.
Hotels in City centreAino Mina
A planned residential district east of the centre, quieter and more modern.
Hotels in Aino Mina
Getting around
Taxis and auto-rickshaws are the main transport; ask your hotel to arrange a trusted driver.
The airport lies about 15 km south-east of the city, roughly half an hour by car.
When to go
Winters are mild and dry, making October to April the most comfortable months. Summers are extremely hot, often well above 40°C.
Plan your trip to Kandahar
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.