Kunduz and to the Hindu Kush, northern Afghanistan

Kunduz is a city in northern Afghanistan, to the east of Mazar-e-Sharif, on the road to Kabul and the gateway to the northeastern province of Badakhshan. It is the capital of the province with the same name, the most important agricultural region, producing wheat, rice, millet, and other products. It presently has a population of around 95,000 people. Kunduz was the last major city held by the Taliban before its fall to US-backed Afghan Northern Alliance forces on 26 November 2001.
Travelling in this fantastic country is an unforgettable experience, but not always a safe one as banditry is a problem in some areas, especially after the recent wars when lawlessness was the norm among different factions. However, back in 1973, when these photos were taken, it was still relatively safe and easy to get around by local buses, a great way to enjoy the scenery and meet the Afghan people.

The main square in the northern Afghan town of Kunduz, with a policeman directing the traffic.

A camel caravan in Kunduz evokes memories of the time when this was part of the Silk Route.

Winnowing grain by throwing it up in the air: the wind will blow the chaff away.

Mountain scenery on the road to Samangan, southeast of Mazar-e-Sharif, in the north of the country.

Mountain scenery and river on the road to Pul-e-Khumri, between Kunduz and Kabul.

People on the way to a buzkashi match near Pul-e-Khumri, between Kunduz and Kabul.

People on the way to a buzkashi match near Pul-e-Khumri, between Kunduz and Kabul, northern Afghanistan.

Mountain scenery and river on the road to the Hindu Kush, in the north east of the country.

A hotel in the snowy mountains on the Hindu Kush, in the north east of the country.

Coming from the north across the Kowtal-e-Salang, a pass in the Hindu Kush mountains, heading towards the Salang Tunnel, to the north of Kabul.

A village near the Salang Tunnel, to the north of Kabul.

A village along the road near the Salang Tunnel, to the north of Kabul.

A typical mountain village to the north of Kabul, on the southern slopes of the Hindu Kush.