• Regions
• Cities
• Other destina...
• Understand
• Talk
• Get in
• Get around
• Do
• Eat
• Drink
• Stay safe
• Get out

The Shamali Plain (or Shomali Plain) is north of Kabul. Shamali, meaning 'windy' is a green plain which produced a lot of the food for central Afghanistan. From Kabul it extends north through Charikar, Parvan province to Jabal os Saraj. Food production was largely stopped during the wars, but it is now beginning to recover. The Plain remains largely green during the long hot summer.

Shamali Plain

[edit] Regions

[edit] Cities

• Charikar the main city of the Parvan province, which covers most of the Shamali Plain.
• Jabal os Saraj is a small town at one end of the plain, at the foot of the Salang Pass.

[edit] Other destinations

• Panjshir Valley is at the northern end of the Shamali Plain. Famous as the base of the commander Ahmed Shah Massoud.

[edit] Understand

The Taliban destroyed the irrigation systems and it is only just beginning to recover. The local population suffered particularly badly under the Taliban and during the various wars. The Plain was the front line between waring factions during Afghanistan's many conflicts.

[edit] Talk

[edit] Get in

The main road heading north from Kabul passes through the plain. It has been reconstructed and is in good condition.

[edit] Get around

[edit] See

The safest way to see the Plain is to drive north from Kabul. There are various viewpoints, with some of the best views from Jabal os Saraj.

[edit] Itineraries

[edit] Do

[edit] Eat

Local produce such as grapes and other fruit are very good.

[edit] Drink

[edit] Stay safe

The area was the scene of major battles during the various wars. Major routes have been demined. However, more remote areas can still pose a risk. Seek local advice and training.

[edit] Get out

Shamali Photo Gallery on Shamali's Website http://www.shamalionline.com/shamali/gallery/