Nangarhar & Jalalabad Guide: Afghanistan's Warm East

By Al Hamid Tour and Travel · Updated 2026-07-23 · Kabul, Afghanistan

Drop down out of the mountains east of Kabul and the air turns warm and the land turns green — this is Nangarhar, and its capital Jalalabad is the country's mild, garden-filled winter escape. Famous for citrus orchards, palm-lined avenues, and a relaxed pace, the east is a lovely contrast to the highlands. Here is what to see and how to plan a visit.

What to see

• Jalalabad's gardens and green public spaces — the reason it's a favorite winter getaway.
• The orange, lemon, and olive orchards that surround the city.
• Lively bazaars selling citrus, sugarcane juice, and eastern specialties.
• The dramatic drive itself, descending from the mountains toward the Khyber region.

Getting to Jalalabad

Jalalabad is reached by road from Kabul — a scenic two-to-three-hour drive that winds down out of the mountains toward the warm eastern plains. It makes a rewarding day trip or an easy overnight, and pairs well with time in Kabul. We arrange the private vehicle, driver, and an English-speaking guide, and plan the timing around the best light and conditions.

Best time to visit

Winter and spring are the ideal seasons. While Kabul and the highlands are cold, Jalalabad stays warm and green, which is exactly why Afghans have long treated it as a winter retreat. Summers on the eastern plains are very hot, so we usually plan Nangarhar for the cooler months of the year.

Practical tips

• Dress modestly; the east is traditional, and your guide will advise on etiquette.
• Go in winter or spring for the pleasant weather — summers are very hot.
• Always ask before photographing people or sensitive sites.
• Carry cash in afghanis for the bazaar, juice stalls, and small purchases.

Jalalabad is an easy, rewarding add-on to a Kabul trip, especially in winter. Tell us your dates on WhatsApp and we'll arrange it. See our tour packages, how to get around Afghanistan, or the best time to visit guide.