A Guide to Kandahar, Afghanistan's Capital City (updated 2024)
Kandahar, also spelt Qandahar, is the second-largest city in Afghanistan.
It serves as the capital of Kandahar Province.
You can find out more about what it’s like to visit Afghanistan’s most conservative city here.
Kandahar Introduction
Kandahar Geography & Climate
Kandahar History
Kandahar Demographics
Kandahar Economy
Visiting Kandahar
Kandahar Infrastructure
Where to Stay in Kandahar
Introduction to Kandahar
Located in the southern part of the country, it is a historically significant city.
It is also known as a central hub of Pashtun culture.
Kandahar has and continues to play a crucial role in the history of Afghanistan and the wider region.
Name of Kandahar, Afghanistan
The name "Kandahar" is thought to derive from the ancient Persian word "Gandhara," referring to the ancient region of Gandhara. This existed in what is now northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan.
Some sources attribute the name to Alexander the Great, who allegedly founded the city during his conquest of the region in the 4th century BCE.
Geography and Climate of Kandahar, Afghanistan
Kandahar is located in southern Afghanistan, near the Arghandab River.
It lies at an altitude of approximately 1,010 meters (3,313 feet) above sea level.
The city covers an area of around 273 square kilometres.
Located in the south of Afghanistan, the Kandahar region has hot summers and mild winters.
Average temperatures in Kandahar in the summer can reach up to 40°C (104°F), while winter temperatures average around 5°C (41°F). Rainfall is sparse, averaging only about 200 mm annually. Most of this rain falls between November and April - similar with the rest of Afghanistan.
History of Kandahar
Kandahar in the Ancient Era
Kandahar has a long history dating back over 2,000 years.
Some say Alexander the Great founded it in 330 BCE, during his conquest of the Persian Empire.
In ancient times, various cultures and empires influenced the area. This includes the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom and the Mauryan Empire, the Indo-Greek Kingdom, and the Kushan Empire.
Kandahar in the Medieval Period
During the medieval period, Kandahar became a battleground for various powers. This includes the Saffarids, the Ghaznavids, and the Timurids.
The city fell under the control of the Mughal Empire in the early 16th century, before being conquered by the Safavid Empire.
Kandahar in the Modern Period
In the 18th century, Kandahar became a focal point in the rise of the Durrani Empire.
Ahmad Shah Durrani, the founder of modern Afghanistan, was crowned in Kandahar in 1747.
The city remained an important centre for Afghan rulers and played a significant role during the British-Afghan Wars in the 19th century.
More recently, Kandahar was a Taliban stronghold in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Kandahar Today
Kandahar city continues to be known as the home of the Taliban. Because of this, visiting Kandahar can be a little sensitive. Indeed, as the home of the Taliban, it is commonly known as Afghanistan’s most conservative city.
Demographics of Kandahar
As of the most recent estimates, Kandahar has a population of approximately 614,000 people, predominantly consisting of ethnic Pashtuns. Other ethnic groups, such as Hazaras, Tajiks, and Uzbeks, also reside in the city, though in smaller numbers.
Pashto is the primary language spoken, with Dari being used as well. The majority of Kandahar’s residents are Sunni Muslims, though there is a small minority of Shia Muslims.
Economy of Kandahar
Kandahar’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, trade, and services.
The surrounding region is known for the cultivation of pomegranates, grapes, and apricots, which are exported to neighbouring countries. The city also has a modest manufacturing sector, focused on textiles, food processing, and small-scale industries.
Despite this, the economy of Kandahar has been known to be struggling for some years, with high poverty rates.
Visiting Kandahar
As Afghanistan’s most conservative city, it is important to do your research before visiting Kandahar. Women should dress appropriately.
Although not necessary under law, it is advised to dress in dark or neutral tones when visiting so as to not stick out too much.
Women may also consider a face covering. Most women in public will wear a burqa (often in a light blue colour).
Visiting Kandahar is closest to what you might hear about in the news about Afghanistan.
Despite it being highly conservative, there are some good sites to see in Kandahar which make it worth visiting. Plus, it gives an insight into how life is in one of the most conservative areas of the country.
Kandahar Historical Sites
Kandahar offers several sites of historical significance, including the Shrine of Ahmad Shah Durrani, the founder of the modern Afghan state.
The city is also home to the mausoleum of Mirwais Hotak, a local hero who led a successful rebellion against the Safavid Empire in the early 18th century.
Kandahar 40 Steps / Chehel Zina
Cost: N/A
Details: Chehel Zina means "Forty Steps”. It is an ancient site featuring a series of stone steps leading up a hill to a fort.
Gate of Aino Mina Township
Cost: N/A
Details: Aino Mina is a modern residential area in Kandahar.
Kandahar Religious Sites
Tomb of Ahmad Shah and the Sacred Cloak
Cost: N/A
Details: The tomb of the founder of modern Afghanistan - a significant historical and religious site.
The sacred cloak housed here is believed to have belonged to the Prophet Muhammad. Notes: 1hr here max. Best to visit on a Friday if possible, more will be open.
Baba Wali Hotak (Baba Sahib)
Cost: N/A
Details: Shrine of Baba Wali Hotak. Notes: Another nice area to walk around and you can go inside.
Kandahar Natural Attractions
The Arghandab River, located near Kandahar, provides scenic views and is popular for local picnics and recreational activities.
While tourism is limited due to security concerns, the natural beauty of the region attracts a small number of adventurous visitors.
View from the Forty Steps in Kandahar
Getting to Kandahar
Kandahar is served by the Kandahar International Airport, which provides domestic flights and limited international service. You can fly here from Dubai in the UAE.
Road infrastructure in the city has also improved in recent years.
Where to Stay in Kandahar
Kandahar Milat Hotel
Cost: 1,500 for twin room.
Location: 20 min from central market.
Nice with good options for twin sharing and social space. Located in the centre of town.
AC & WiFi, no breakfast included. Breakfast cost 300 for 2 people. Squat toilets only. No hot water.
Koryo Tours
Afghanistan Travel Guide
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