How to get to Mazar-i-Sharif

Mazar-i-Sharif is a major city in northern Afghanistan and serves as the country's most significant spiritual and cultural centre. In spring, the region literally blossoms: the city and its surroundings are covered in a carpet of red flowers, setting the stage for the famous Tulip Festival, which fills the streets with a festive atmosphere and vibrant colours.

The main architectural jewel of the city is the Blue Mosque (Rawza-i-Sharif), whose turquoise tiles and domes are admired for their elegance and masterful craftsmanship. Travellers here can expect not only magnificent monuments of architecture but also the living history of the ancient Balkh region, bustling oriental bazaars, and a unique local atmosphere that is impossible to confuse with anywhere else.

The primary way to reach the region by air is to take a flight to Mazar-i-Sharif Airport (MZR). This transport hub handles both domestic transfers and international flights, serving as an important aerial gateway to the northern part of the country. The terminal is located relatively close to the city limits, making arrival here maximally convenient for starting your journey.

Alternatively, you may consider flying into neighbouring cities if a direct route is unavailable. The closest option is Termez, located just 42 kilometres away; however, one must consider the logistics of crossing the border. Additionally, airports in the cities of Kunduz and Bokhtar operate within a radius of two hundred kilometres, which can serve as starting points for a subsequent ground transfer.

Direct passenger railway connections to the city for international tourists are currently not available. For travellers choosing trains, it is most convenient to plan a route via the Uzbek city of Termez, located right at the border and possessing a developed railway network.

Upon arrival at the station in Termez, the remainder of the journey must be covered by car or taxi, crossing the border checkpoint. Alternatively, one can consider a route through Tajik Bokhtar; however, the ground transfer from there to the destination will take significantly more time and effort.

The most popular route for ground travel lies through the Uzbek city of Termez, located just 60 kilometres from the destination. The trip usually takes about two to three hours, including border control procedures, offering travellers a view of the famous bridge across the Amu Darya River. It is also possible to arrive from the Tajik city of Bokhtar: a journey of about 230 kilometres will require 5–6 hours on the road but will provide an opportunity to see the picturesque landscapes of Central Asia.

For those moving within the region, a convenient option is the bus service connecting with the city of Kunduz. The distance between the settlements is approximately 170 kilometres, which transport covers on average in 3–4 hours along a busy highway. A bus trip is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local rhythm of life and enjoy the rugged beauty of the foothills and plains.

The fastest route for car travellers lies through the Uzbek city of Termez: the distance is only about 60 kilometres, however, you should allow 2–3 hours for the journey, taking into account the border crossing via the Friendship Bridge. A more scenic but longer route leads from Tajik Bokhtar, from where you will have to drive approximately 230 kilometres, which will take about 5–6 hours along the Panj River valley.

For trips within the region, the highway from Kunduz, spanning 170 kilometres, is convenient; travel time on this route usually does not exceed 3–4 hours. Private drivers and shared taxis are the main method of transport, and it is customary to negotiate the cost of the trip in advance, as there are no fixed meters here. The road offers the chance to see authentic landscapes of the northern plains and feel the true spirit of travelling in the East.

A trip to Mazar-i-Sharif is an immersion into the ancient history and culture of Afghanistan, requiring careful preparation. To ensure your journey is comfortable and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth learning about local customs and rules of conduct in advance.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: Adherence to a conservative dress code is mandatory. Clothing must be modest, loose-fitting, and opaque, covering arms and legs. Men should not wear shorts, and women require a headscarf. Summers here can be very hot, so choose light natural fabrics, while a warm jacket will be useful in winter.
2. Transport: The most convenient way to get around the city is by taxi or auto-rickshaw. Public transport is often overcrowded and may be unfamiliar to a tourist. It is important to remember that cars usually do not have meters, so the price of the trip must be agreed upon with the driver in advance, before boarding.
3. Finance: The national currency is the Afghani. The city's economy is built predominantly on cash transactions, and bank cards are accepted almost nowhere. It is recommended to carry a sufficient supply of cash (US Dollars or Euros), which can be exchanged at banks or special exchange points in the bazaars.
4. Health and Safety: Drink exclusively bottled water and use it even for brushing your teeth. The sun in the region is very intense, especially in the open squares near mosques where light reflects off the bright tiles, so be sure to use sunscreen and wear headgear.
5. Communication: The main language of communication in the region is Dari. English is not widely spoken outside of hotels, so having an offline translator or phrasebook will be a big plus. Learn a few phrases, such as "Salam" (greeting), to show respect to the locals.
6. Local Etiquette: Greetings are often accompanied by placing the right hand over the heart and a slight bow. When entering any home, as well as mosques and mausoleums, it is mandatory to remove your shoes. It is customary to eat food using only the right hand.
7. What to Avoid: It is strictly not recommended to photograph local residents, especially women, without their explicit permission. Also, avoid public displays of affection between men and women, and do not photograph administrative buildings or people in uniform.
8. Time to Visit: Plan your visit to the main attraction—the Blue Mosque—for the early morning or pre-sunset hours. During the day, the marble courtyard heats up significantly, while the soft morning or evening light will allow for the best photos of the famous turquoise architecture.

Observing these simple recommendations will help you show respect for the region's traditions and avoid awkward situations. The local residents are known for their hospitality, and with polite, modest behaviour, you are sure to meet a warm welcome.