For other places with the same name, see Jalalabad (disambiguation).

A panoramic view of a section of Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

Jalalabad (Pashto: جلال آباد) is a city in eastern Afghanistan with a population of nearly 900,000 people.

Understand

Jalalabad is the capital of Nangarhar province. It is next to the Kabul and Kunar rivers, a short distance from the Khyber Pass. It is linked by an approximately 90 mi (140 km) highway with Kabul to the west and about the same distance with Peshawar in Pakistan to the east.

Weather in Jalalabad is very hot in summer: 45-50° C.

The city is famous for orange trees and palm trees.

Get in

Jalalabad is on the major highway that links Kabul to Pakistan. A lot of trucks use this route to supply Kabul with food and other products. The main highway was reconstructed in 2006, which is the busiest in Afghanistan. A bus service between Jalalabad and Peshawar is available everyday.

It is theoretically possible to get to Jalalabad from Kabul in 1 hour 45 minutes. Many Afghans lose their lives trying this, as many traffic accidents occur on the highway between Jalalabad and Kabul, making it one of the most dangerous in the world.

See

Sherzai Cricket Stadium (under construction)

Mausoleum of King Amanullah Khan

With plenty of greenery and water, Jalalabad is considered one of the most beautiful cities of Afghanistan. About 15 km from Jalalabad, a new city called Ghazi Amanullah Khan City is under development. Named after King Amanullah Khan, it is said to be the first, the biggest and the most modern city in the history of Afghanistan.

Jalalabad is considered the capital of Afghan cricket, with many of the national players coming from the surrounding areas. Construction has begun near the city on one of Afghanistan's cricket stadium. It is hoped that this ground will serve the domestic competition and attract international teams.

• A large reservoir near Sarobi, located on the way to Kabul.
• Hada Museum south of Jalalabad contains exhibits related to pre-Islam period.
• Palace (Shahi Qasar) - the winter palace of the former king Zahir Shah
• Sherzai Cricket Stadium (under construction)
• Youth Park Zwanano Park
• Bridge See the main historical bridge, the only connection to other three provinces
• Darwanta Dam - famous for fresh fish and green environment with fresh air, its park for women and youth, hotels, restaurants and all type of dishes
• Ghazi Amanullah Khan City

Mausoleums

• 1 Mausoleum of King Amanullah Khan. Tomb of Amānullāh Khān, who was the sovereign of the Kingdom of Afghanistan from 1919 to 1929, first as Emir and after 1926 as Malik (king). (updated Feb 2020)
• Mausoleum of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan. (updated Feb 2020)
• Mausoleum of Mohammad Gul Khan Momand. (updated Feb 2020)
• Nangarhar University
• Ameer Shaheed Garden.

Do

• Go for fishing along river side.
• Go swimming.

Buy

• Handicrafts - including clothes, carpets and cotton-made gifts.
• Mangee - many types of ceramics, such as tableware and decorative items
• Pakool - Waskat - traditional Afghan clothing, normally including a special hot and warm hat and special black jacket

Money

• Afghanistan International Bank (AIB) has a branch in Jalalabad.
• New Kabul Bank has a branch in Jalalabad.
• Azizi Bank has a branch in Jalalabad.
• Afghanistan National Bank has a branch in Jalalabad.
• Western Union has several offices in Jalalabad.

Eat

• Go for special "Pakoras" on Hindu Street.
• Cheese, Paneer, is the main product of Jalalabad and the surrounding areas. It is famous over all Afghanistan.
• The many olive gardens in Jalalabad supply the markets with high-quality olives.
• Olive Oil - mostly used in common dishes. Jalalabad is famous for its high-quality olive oil.

Drink

• Juice shops in "Mokhaberat Chowk" serve tasty and fresh juices for each season

Sleep

• The government hotel 'Spingar' is on the eastern side of the city is basic. There are other guest houses which may be better.

• 1 Spinghar Hotel (سپين غر هوټل). Historic hotel nestled in the city's largest park. While clean and quite safe, amenities is quite basic. (updated Feb 2020)
• Taj Mahal Guesthouse, ☏ +93 700 60 33 83. Warm, welcoming guesthouse on the edge of Jalalabad. Free Wi-Fi internet, swimming pool in summer, and home to the Tikibar - the only bar in Eastern Afghanistan, when alcohol is in supply. Meals and laundry service included. US$80. 

Stay safe

See the warning at the Afghanistan article for information on the security situation.