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Kabak

Kabak is a small village in Lycia, Turkey. It's a great place on the Turkish Mediterranean to have a truly laid-back experience away from the package tourist groups.

Understand

As it doesn't have sufficient population to be designated as a "village", Kabak is a neighbourhood of Uzunyurt. As such, it's often omitted from maps, even quite detailed ones.

Kabak consists of two physically separate sections. The settlement proper is a small agglomeration of two-story buildings along the road, clinging to a mountainside way above the coastline with a dazzling view of the Mediterranean. Below, the second part consists of the cluster of guesthouses between the coast and the canyon known as Kabak Koyu. With pine groves, waterfalls, and coastline, Kabak Koyu is quite similar to the much more famous Butterfly Valley of nearby Faralya; however physical access to it is a little easier.

The state of development in Kabak is in major flux. There are still places catering to backpackers and families that are truly interested in keeping Kabak beautiful (Full Moon, Reflections, Sultan, Kabak Valley Camping, and a few more), but they are being pushed out of the way by developers who just want to make a buck quickly and have no interest in the long-term future of Kabak. Someone who visited in, say, 2005 would find Kabak different today if they returned. If you want to stay at a place that is helping Kabak stay beautiful, choose wisely.

Get in
There are minibuses (dolmuş) running from Fethiye to Kabak via Ovacik, Ölüdeniz and Faralya. The trip from Fethiye takes a little more than an hour. Buses are relatively frequent, leaving from Fethiye every hour from 07:00 to 18:00 (except 08:00 and 12:00). Buses from Kabak return hourly from 08:30 to 19:30 (except 09:30 & 13:30) along the same route. The fare is 7.25 TL from Fethiye and 4 TL from Ölüdeniz. Note they might be less frequent offseason.

A winding road, about 25 km in length, connects Kabak with Ölüdeniz and passes through Faralya on the way. The condition of the road is good through the upper village of Kabak, but it becomes a rough dirt track as it descends into the valley.

The Lycian Way, a waymarked hiking trail, passes through the village, providing a strenuous but peaceful connection with Ovacik, a suburb of Ölüdeniz. Detouring through the mountains, you'll enjoy many impressive vistas and pass through off-the-beaten-path hamlets. Most hikers break this 22km section into two days, with an overnight stay in one of Faralya's guesthouses.

Get around
You can follow the Lycian Way, indicated by red and white painted stones, for about 20 minutes downhill all the way to the beach and beyond. Along the way, you'll pass by many places to stay and most have restaurants if you are feeling hungry. Another branch of the Lycian Way passes around the upper part of the valley.

On the approach from Faralya, about 2 km away from the village, there is a dirt road that branches off the main road and leads into the canyon and the coast. However, if you have the smallest bit of love for your car, avoid driving on that road — think of a rocky downslope where the soft topsoil has all been bulldozed. A better option is to park your car in the upper village and take a minibus the rest of the way. Keep in mind that they don't run on a fixed schedule — they're ready to go as soon as you pay; but you may have to wait for one returning from the coast first — and the flat rate of 35 TL is per trip, not per passenger: if you're lucky, you might split the fare with fellow travellers waiting along with you at the stop, but if you're alone you're on the hook for the entire tab. Ask at the grocery store at the upper village for more information.

See and do
You can swim in the Mediterranean, perhaps take a cheesy yoga course offered by many of the guesthouses on the coast, or else take a short hike out of the village to see the canyon itself as well as a number of waterfalls along its sides (see below). If you are fit and keen on some tough physical exercise, a longer hike along the Lycian Way to a neighbouring settlement is also a possibility. Other than that, you there's not much to see or do — but doing nothing is exactly what Kabak has to offer (and isn't that way you came in the first place?).

Waterfalls
To hike to some great waterfalls, first follow the red and white stones all the way to the beach. From the left side of the beach (looking toward the sea), take a 20-35 minute walk, continuing to follow the stones. You will see a big directional sign (erected by Mustafa, owner of the Full Moon Camp) that shows the Lycian Way to the right and waterfalls to the left. You will be able to follow the pipeline and river as far as the waterfall. Beware: this is not a real hiking path; it's quite rough and requires some climbing in a few places that may be dangerous. Be sure to wear a pair of good shoes and leave your hands empty for the climbing. There are six or seven pools successively higher. From the waterfall, you can either return the way you came, or you can follow the red painted stones until that path rejoins the Lycian Way with red and white stones. When it rejoins, going left will return you to Kabak around the back side of the valley, and going right will return you to the beach.

Buy
There are small grocery stores both in the upper village and near the beach. Since they mainly cater to tourists, don't expect to find much there except for cookies, soda & water — all at a slightly inflated price compared to the city. As you might expect, they don't accept credit cards.

There is no ATM in the village, either, so bring enough cash. The nearest ones are in Ölüdeniz, and a little further away in Fethiye.

Eat and drink
You'll have your meals in one of the guesthouses. In general, you can stop at just about any guesthouse/campground/bungalow area, have a look at their food menu, and decide if you want to eat there. Many only provide breakfast and dinner service, but all of them offer food to buy for lunch. If you are not staying overnight, you can easily negotiate a price for dinner.

Sleep
Both the upper village and the beach area have a number of guesthouses, some of which consist of wooden bungalows. Most also offer campgrounds in their yards, although you can camp in the wild for free on the beach or in the isolated parts of the canyon. Overall, Full Moon is the closest to the minibus stop, but far from the beach. The rest are closer to the beach, but it's a bit of a walk back up to the bus stop. Follow the trail of red and white painted rocks all the way to the beach, through which you will pass several locations with bungalows and camping spaces. There are plenty more to find, so contribute if you stay at any of them!

See the Understand section above for more info about the tourism development in the Kabak Valley. Full Moon, Reflections, Sultan, and Kabak Valley Camp are the businesses that seem most interested in preserving Kabak's pristine ambience.

Note: Prices given here are almost all for a minimum of two people sharing. If you are alone and don't have your own tent, you'll struggle to find accommodation for less than 50 TL (Jungle Campsite is one exception, see below).

Connect
As of June 2023, Kabak and the road from Ölüdeniz have 4G from Turkcell and Türk Telekom, but the signal from Vodafone gives out south of Faralya. 5G has not rolled out in Turkey.

Go next
As far as anything running on wheels is concerned, Kabak is the end of the line—the road coming from Ölüdeniz dead-ends here, giving way to the complete wilderness of Yediburunlar (literally "seven headlands"), the remotest section of the Lycian coast.

However, for hikers, the fun has just started—the remote mountain hamlets of this rugged and seemingly inaccessible area are connected to each other by the Lycian Way, which turns and twists along the sides of the mountains, following the coastline from a distance. Within about three days' time, after enduring some sharp descents and ascents and enjoying stunning vistas unchanged for thousands of years, you will be back to "civilization" on the beach of Patara, just south of the modern town of Kınık (or Xanthos, as it was known to ancient Lycians) on the other side of Yediburunlar.

title: Kabak


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Kabale

Kabale is a small city in Western Uganda near Lake Bunyonyi.

Understand
Kabale's about 420 km (260 mi), by road, southwest of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city and lies 2,000 m (6,600 ft) above sea level.

Kabale is a market town and a transport hub as the main road from Kampala continues through the town, to the border with Rwanda at Katuna, 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Kabale. Another road continues westwards to Kisoro, where travellers may continue to either the Democratic Republic of the Congo or the Rwandan town of Ruhengeri. Kabale is often used as a stop-off point for people visiting Lake Bunyonyi but is a far less convenient base than Kisoro for those who want to visit the two parks famous for mountain gorilla tracking: Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Virunga Mountains along the Rwandan border are visible from the town.

Get in
Horizon and Gateway buses have buses to and from Kampala takes around 8 hours. Buses to and from Fort Portal take around 8 hours. Buses to and from Mbarara take around 3 hours. Kasese 7 hours. Kisoro 2 hours. Kabale to Kigali Rwanda is 104.3 km.

Sleep

 * Lake Bunyongyi is 7 km away.

Go next

 * Lake Bunyonyi
 * Rwanda
 * Kisoro
 * Mbarara
 * Fort Portal

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Kabale


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Kabankalan

Kabankalan is a city in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines.

Understand
According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 182,000.

Get in

 * Ceres liner buses have their own bus terminal.
 * Ceres liner buses from Bacolod City 102 km. Buses every 30 min.
 * Ceres liner buses from Dumaguete City 114 km.
 * Ceres liner buses from Sipalay 66 km.

See

 * Pating Cave
 * Hinagdanan Cave
 * Magballo Falls
 * Augustina Falls
 * Magballo Cave

Do

 * La Bamba Mountain Resort

Sleep
Zaycoland Resort and Hotel, has 16 luxurious guest rooms including family, bridal, and master suites, and amenities such as an Olympic sized swimming pool, kiddie pool, volleyball court, children's play area, and a restaurant. Tel. +63 34 4712 880, 7467 055 Mobile. +63 949 6262727. A.C. room with own bathroom and cable TV from.

Go next

 * Bacolod
 * Dumaguete
 * Sipalay
 * Cauayan — 50 minutes away from Kabankalan, Cauayan offers the first of the white sand beaches you will encounter when driving down south. Visit Punta Bulata White Beach Resort & Spa and Danjugan Island Marine and Wildlife Sanctuary.

title: Kabankalan


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Kabardino-Balkaria

Kabardino-Balkaria is a region in the Russian Caucasus bordering Karachay-Cherkessia to the west, Stavropol Krai to the north, North Ossetia to the east, and Georgia.

Cities

 * — the capital and largest city, home to a large Soviet era health spa/sanatorium full of orchards, parks, and hot spring baths
 * — second largest city
 * — this town is on the route to Mount Elbrus.
 * — this town is on the route to Mount Elbrus.
 * — this town is on the route to Mount Elbrus.

Other destinations

 * Europe's three highest mountains, in order:, , and
 * (near Elbrus)

Understand
Kabardino-Balkaria, a republic named after its native Kabardin and Balkar people, is one of Russia's poorest regions. Two ethnic territories form Kabardino-Balkaria: one predominantly of Kabardin (who speak a Caucasian language) and the other predominantly Balkar (who speak a Turkic language). There is also a significant Russian population. The Kabardians and the Balkars are Sunni Muslims. In 1944, Stalin accused the Balkars of collaborating with Nazi Germany and deported the entire population, removing their name from the republic's title. They were allowed to return only in 1957.

In 1992, the region was born. The republic felt pray to the instability afflicting other parts of the region and to the contagion of conflict in nearby Chechnya. In 2005, militants attacked security forces in the capital; many people were killed in the incident.

Almost all of the population live on agriculture, the main industrial backbone for the Kabardian economy. The tourism sector is rapidly growing, due to proper capital investment, but has attracted few tourists so far.

Talk
The Kabardin speak Kabardian, a northwest Caucasian language of which "Cherkess" is a dialect; the Balkar speak Balkar, a Turkic language virtually identical to "Karachay." Fortunately for the visitor, all are fluent in Russian. No English is understood, and this is not likely to change for a good while.

By plane
Virtually all enter via Nalchik, which is easily reached from the airport at Mineralnye Vody in Stavropol Krai.

By train
Trains from Moscow leave every day.

Do

 * Skiing

Mountain climbing
Mountain climbing is the biggest attraction of Kabardino-Balkaria, and here it's a serious sport. The most popular climb is undoubtedly Mount Elbrus, as it is one of the Seven Summits, and is a fairly easy climb in technical terms (Russian Grade: 2B). But bear in mind it's one of the world's deadliest climbs in terms of fatalities per climber—it's a long climb to the top and the mountain often has dangerous and unpredictable weather. Dykhtau and Koshtan-Tau are considerably more technically challenging climbs. Two of Georgia's highest peaks, Shkhara and Ushba, are also climbable from the Russian side. Although these climbs are illegal, since you cross the Russian-Georgian border, border enforcement is lax at. The Shkhara climb is a lot easier and safer on the southern face.

Because dealing with Russian officialdom is hellish bordering on impossible, it's best to embark on a mountaineering expedition via guided tour (the tour agencies pick you up from Mineralnye Vody or Nalchik right at the airport and act as your intermediary with all Russian officials. Russia-based tour agencies are much cheaper than Western ones:

Learn
Kabardino-Balkarian State University

Stay safe
While not as involved in the general conflict across the North Caucasus, Kabardino-Balkaria, especially Nalchik, has been attacked repeatedly by rebel and terrorist forces. Expect very tight security, realize that this is an unstable and dangerous part of the world, and make your travel plans accordingly.

The North Caucasus is an unstable and potentially dangerous region. Short-term travel restrictions are sometimes applied in relation to ongoing security operations with little or no notice. The border crossings to Georgia and Azerbaijan are subject to frequent, sometimes lengthy closures.

Mobile
In Kabardino-Balkaria there are three federal GSM operators (MTS, Beeline, Megafon) and they often have offers that give you a SIM card for free or at least very cheap. If you are planning to stay a while and to keep in touch with Kabardino-Balkarian or other North-Caucasus people, then you should consider buying a local SIM card instead of going on roaming. If you buy a SIM card from a shop you'll need your passport for identification. It only takes five minutes to do the paperwork and it will cost less than $10.

title: Kabardino-Balkaria


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Kabarnet

Kabarnet is a town in the Northern Rift Valley region of Kenya, close to Lake Baringo.

Get in
You can get in by public transport. Get a bus from Nairobi to Nakuru and then board a matatu to Kabarnet. However, public transport to and around Kabarnet is infrequent and it is advisable to hire or bring your own car. Driving from Nakuru, take the B4 north-bound towards Marigat. About 95 km from Nakuru you will get a right turn off towards Kabarnet. Drive on through the scenic Tugen Hills for about 38 km and you will get to Kabarnet town. Both the B4 and the road leading to Kabarnet (C105) are in good condition and have appropriate road signs.

You can also drive from Nakuru to Nabarnet through Eldama Ravine. You will take Saos-Tenges-Kabarnet Road (all paved)

According to the Kenyan Tourism Board, there is an airstrip near the town.

Get around
As mentioned, most roads are in good condition. However, public transport is scarce and infrequent. Best means of getting around is to hire a car or bring your own.

See

 * Lake Bogoria, where visitors can see boiling geothermal pools, hot springs and steam jets. Take a natural steam baths near the steam jets (but at an adequately safe distance). Lake Bogoria Hotel has a natural spa that might interest some visitors.
 * Lake Baringo, offers boat rides to view the wildlife around the lake mainly Hippos, Crocodiles and Fish Eagles. The rides can also be taken to the islands on the lake. One of the islands has an exclusive resort, Island Camp. There are several mid-range hotels around the shores where a visitor can eat, drink, swim or stay.

Drink
Kabarnet Hotel offers the best view of Kerio Valley as you take your drink. Here you can get Kenyan beer (Tusker) and imported wines and spirits.

Sleep

 * Kabarnet Hotel. This is a budget hotel within Kabarnet run by the Kenya Tourist Development Corporation. It is slightly out of the town, about 1½ km on the Kabarnet - Kabartonjo road. Prices as of April 2007 are Ksh 1200 for a single and Ksh 1800 for a double per night including breakfast.
 * Sinkoro Hotel. This hotel is privately and is in the town centre. Prices are Ksh 600 for a single and Ksh 1000 for a double per night including breakfast. There is limited parking so if you have your own car, it is advisable not to stay here.

Go next

 * Kerio Valley is outside of Kabarnet on the road towards Eldoret through Iten.

title: Kabarnet


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Kaberneeme

Kaberneeme is a small village on the northern coast of Estonia. It's 40 km east of Tallinn on Kaberneeme peninsula.

By bus
Bus schedules are easily available online – read more under Estonia.

Do

 * The beach is the biggest attraction of the village. It is 2 km long with pine tree forests edging right up to the shore.
 * Camp trails can be found in the forest.

Go next

 * Lahemaa National Park and all its sights.
 * Tallinn – The capital, and financial and cosmopolitan centre of Estonia, with a medieval Old Town. Beautiful and expensive.

title: Kaberneeme


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Kabli

Kabli is a small quiet coastal village in southwestern Estonia.

By car
The village is located next to the Tallinn-Riga highway around 10 km from the Latvian border.

By bus
Bus schedules are easily available online – read more under Estonia.

Do
The beach is the biggest attraction of the village.

Kabli is also a place where the birds migrate in May and October every year - they can be observed from the bird watchtower.

Go next

 * Pärnu – Estonia's 4th largest city and the summer capital of Estonia, popular for its balneo-therapy complexes and spa centres, surrounded by numerous beaches.
 * Valgeranna – Village with large beaches and an amusement park.

title: Kabli


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Kabul

Kabul has been the capital of Afghanistan since about 1776. The city was badly damaged during the various wars since 1979, particularly its western parts. For a few years, Kabul has been going through a period of reconstruction and development, with some modern style tower blocks and a handful of glitzy shopping malls appearing. Many roads, particularly the main feeder routes, have been reconstructed and upgraded. However, in outlying areas roads and other infrastructure remain in poor condition. Electricity supplies in Kabul are now quite reliable.

History
Kabul is believed to have been founded between 2000 and 1500 BCE, possibly making it the one of the oldest living cities in central- south Asia. It is mentioned in Hinduism's sacred Rigveda text (c1700-1100 BCE) as a vision of paradise set in the mountains. It was an important center of Zoroastrianism and later Buddhism. The city remained of little importance for much of the first three millennia of its existence. It was controlled variously by: the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Seleucid Empire, the Mauryan Empire, the Bactrians, various Hellenistic kingdoms, the Sassanid Empire, and by the 5th century CE was its own kingdom known as Kabul-Shahan. This last kingdom before the Islamic conquest built a large wall to protect the city from invasion when the Arabs arrived at the edge of the kingdom; parts of the wall have survived to this day and are visible above ground within the city.

In 871 Kabul fell to the Islamic invasion (nearly 200 years after invading Muslims reached modern-day Afghanistan). The Kabulistan empire was formed covering much of Afghanistan and parts of western modern-day Pakistan. The city once again passed uneventfully through the hands of several empires, including the Samanids, Ghaznavids, Ghorids, Timurids, Mughols, Durranis, and the Barakzais, before conquest by the Mongols in the 13th century. The famous Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta visited the city in 1344, noting, "We travelled on to Kabul, formerly a vast town, the site of which is now occupied by a village inhabited by a tribe of Persians called Afghans."

Under the rule of Tamerlane in the 14th century, the city developed into a regional center of trade. In 1504, the city was captured by the Mughal emperor Babur.

In 1747, Kabul came under control of the Durrani (or Afghan) Empire. In 1776, Kabul would become the empire's capital, although the empire soon fell into tribal civil war. In 1839, the region was claimed by the British and Kabul was established as the location of British government and the British Indian Forces. They were very unpopular amongst local tribes who revolted in 1841. Within a few days, a series of events led to the massacre of all but one of the 16,000 occupying British and Indian civilians and soldiers within miles of Kabul as they attempted to flee to Jalalabad, a famous blunder known as the Massacre of Elphinstone's Army. The British returned in 1878 and 1879, but both times thousands of them were killed and they were forced to retreat.

In the early 20th century, electricity was introduced to the city and the Darul Aman palace was constructed for the royal family. The 1930s to 1960s were good times in Kabul. Kabul University was opened; the roads were paved; modern shops, offices, & schools were opened; shopping centers and a cinema were opened; and the Kabul Zoo opened. The city also saw a vibrant tourism industry appear, largely due to the Istanbul–New Delhi "Hippie Trail" which passed through Kabul in the 1960s and 1970s.

The 1970s and 1980s brought a turn for the worse. The city saw two coups, in 1973 and 1978. The second coup was carried out by the Marxist PDPA, which a year later invited the Soviet military to maintain their power over the country. From 1979–1989, the Soviet Union maintained military and governmental headquarters in Kabul. After the Soviets left, the government collapsed in 1992 and left local warlords to fight over the city, leaving tens of thousands dead and (according to the UN) 90% of the city's buildings destroyed. By 1994, the city was without electricity or water. In 1996, the political movement known as the Taliban captured the city, publicly hanging the former (pre-1992) president and imposing notoriously strict Islamic rule over the country.

A US-led military force invaded Afghanistan in October 2001, bombing strategic installations throughout the city to rout out the governing Taliban, who quickly fled the city. The city was named the capital of the Afghan Transitional Authority and subsequently the capital of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The city saw many suicide bombings between 2002–2007, but they become rare after 2008. In late 2008, control of the city's security was passed from the NATO ISAF force to Afghan National Police and the Afghan National Army. After 2001, billions of dollars in aid and foreign investment were used to improve the city. Most of the major roads were paved and improved, government buildings were extensively renovated, new hotels and shopping malls opened, the zoo and many museums reopened, and utilities were extensively reconstructed.

On 15 August 2021, the Taliban recaptured the city after a 5-month-long campaign, and overthrew the government.

Climate
Kabul's climate is greatly influenced by its location in a valley at 1,800 m (5,900 ft). Summers (Jun-Sep) are hot and dry, averaging from the high 20s to the mid-30s °C (80-95 °F) with next to no precipitation. Autumn (Oct-Nov) is temperate and sees very little precipitation. Winters (Dec-Mar) are cold and the time of year which sees the most precipitation (mostly snow, but also ice, freezing rain, and sleet on warmer days). January is the coldest month, averaging 4/-7 °C (39/19 °F). Spring (late Mar-early June) is temperate with rain tapering off by early May.

The city lies in a valley and some villages on the edge of the city are a few hundred meters higher and thus cooler in the summer and colder and snowier in the winters. Many roads leading to/from the city are regularly blocked by high snowfall in winter, the most notorious is the highway north, through the Salang Pass. The main highways are cleared reasonably quickly.

Orientation
The city of Kabul is divided into 18 sectors, with each sector consisting of a handful of adjacent neighborhoods. There is also the 'Enhanced Security Zone' in the centre of Kabul which includes Wazir Akbar Khan and the embassy areas around the Radio Afghanistan compound/ISAF Headquarters. None of the main hotels are in this zone.

Arrival
Upon arrival taxis are always available to take you anywhere in the city. The prices are reasonable.

Departure
A foreigner registration card is sometimes required and taken from you upon your exit from Afghanistan. The registration card is free.

When flying out you will probably end up in Car Park C, and will have to get the shuttle bus to the terminal building. When flying out expect long queues and multiple ticket, passport and baggage checks, although things are now much better with the new terminal, principally because there is much more space.

International destinations
International destinations include:

 * Ariana Afghan Airlines – from Ankara, Delhi, Dubai, Istanbul-Atatürk, Jeddah, and Moscow-Sheremetyevo.
 * Kam Air – from Ankara, Delhi, Dubai, Islamabad, Istanbul, Jeddah, and Tashkent.
 * Fly Dubai – from Dubai
 * Air Arabia – from Sharjah

Domestic destinations
While the airport is not bad for a third world country, expect very basic conditions at other Afghan airports. As of April 2019:

 * Ariana Afghan Airlines from Herat, Kandahar, & Mazar-e-Sharif.
 * Kam Air from Bamyan; Bost; Chaghcharan; Faizabad; Farah; Herat; Kandahar; Maimana; Mazar-e-Sharif; Tirinkot and Zaranj..

By car

 * The highway from Kandahar has been rebuilt, but travelling on it is very dangerous.
 * The highway from Mazar-e Sharif and the North via the Salang Pass is open, although one has to be careful travelling on it during the winter months.
 * The rebuilt highway from Jalalabad is open which has reduced the journey time to 2–3 hours, however the security on this road is very poor.
 * From Bamiyan it is advisable to take the longer northern route, as the southern route (through Wardak province) is of questionable safety.

By bus
Private operators serve most destinations in fairly comfortable Mercedes buses. Safety can be a problem, with frequent accidents. Most drivers smoke hashish before driving, so bus trips are very dangerous.

Get around
Maps of Kabul are available from Afghanistan Information Management Services who can print out custom wall maps of the city.

By bus
There is the Millie Bus which operates many routes around Kabul, but it is faster and more comfortable to use taxis. Some buses are relatively new, but many are old as one might expect in a 3rd world country.

By taxi
Taxis are plentiful and to hire the whole car should cost around AFN30-50 depending on destination and bargaining skills. Some drivers have learned basic English, but such drivers may try to charge a slightly higher price and are most likely to be found loitering near Westerner-friendly locations (airport, major hotels). While the city is fairly safe, it isn't a bad idea to be proactive and avoid catching a taxi near any sensitive location (embassy, military facilities, 5-star hotels). It is customary for women to always sit in the back seat. After dark local yellow taxis become a rarity, so keep a few taxi numbers in your phone as a backup.

By private taxi

 * Afghan Logistics & Tours 700 277 408, 700 288 668, 700 479 435, 799 391 462. Catering mostly to expats they are probably the safest way to get around town. 24 hour minicabs are available as are airport pickups and dropoffs. US$5-7 around town, US$15 to airport, US$20 from airport.

By car
There are only a couple places to rent a car in Kabul, one of which is:

 * Afghan Logistics & Tours 700 277 408, 700 288 668, 700 479 435, 799 391 462. Rents new-ish Toyota cars, SUVs, trucks & minivans along with a driver who doubles as a mechanic (very important on Afghanistan's harsh roads).

Afghanistan drives on the righthand side of the road.

By foot
Central Kabul is relatively compact, so walking is a good option in the spring and fall. Summers bring intolerable heat and dust, whilst winters bring snow and mud. Pavements are few, and you need to keep your wits about you when crossing roads.

If you are nervous about your safety walking around areas such as Wazar Akbar Khan and Taimani (to a restaurant, etc.), it is fine day or night. Central Kabul at night is walkable but be sure you know where you are going, and how to get back to your guesthouse. Given the volatile security situation always be aware of any demonstrations, gathering crowds, etc., which could spiral out of control quickly. Keep a low profile, wearing simple clothes and (for women) covering your hair with a scarf or shawl. It is also wise to vary your routes frequently to reduce the threat of kidnapping. People are generally helpful and polite if you ask for directions.

Be wary walking around traditional residential areas (e.g., near the city wall). Conservative Afghans are suspicious of anyone snooping around their house, and children may throw stones or set their dog on you.

See

Museums

Do

Buy

The Share-e Naw area has some shops.

 * Roshan Plaza has some quite respectable clothes shops.
 * Chicken Street is famed for souvenirs (carpets, carvings, knives, etc.), and pirated CD/DVDs.
 * Chelsea Supermarket sells many types of Western foods and products.
 * Supreme Supermarket on the Jalalabad Road (near the British military base) has Western products, but no alcohol is available. It is not open to Afghans. A little further down the road is Ciano, an Italian commissary. There is frequently a security alert on the Jalalabad Road.
 * Spinneys Seems to cater to NGOs. Can buy most Western products and food.
 * Supreme Supermarket on the Jalalabad Road (near the British military base) has Western products, but no alcohol is available. It is not open to Afghans. A little further down the road is Ciano, an Italian commissary. There is frequently a security alert on the Jalalabad Road.
 * Spinneys Seems to cater to NGOs. Can buy most Western products and food.

Money
A few ATMs that accept international cards are scattered around the city, and most dispense both Afghanis and US dollars. However, credit cards are unlikely to work or be accepted anywhere in the city, except a couple of the top-end hotels.

 * Money changers – some people prefer to exchange their money for Afghanis through the local money changers that stand on the road. There is no fee, but make sure you know the exchange rate before attempting.
 * Money changers – some people prefer to exchange their money for Afghanis through the local money changers that stand on the road. There is no fee, but make sure you know the exchange rate before attempting.
 * Money changers – some people prefer to exchange their money for Afghanis through the local money changers that stand on the road. There is no fee, but make sure you know the exchange rate before attempting.
 * Money changers – some people prefer to exchange their money for Afghanis through the local money changers that stand on the road. There is no fee, but make sure you know the exchange rate before attempting.
 * Money changers – some people prefer to exchange their money for Afghanis through the local money changers that stand on the road. There is no fee, but make sure you know the exchange rate before attempting.

Eat
The thousands of foreigners in the city since the fall of the Taliban has gradually turned Kabul into something of a foodie haven. Restaurants can crudely be split into "places for locals" and "places for expats", with the latter having higher security, higher prices, but not necessarily higher quality. Restaurants that are UN-approved are particularly expensive. If you are looking for a place with a good mix of Afghans and expat diners the (dry) Lebanese, Turkish and Iranian restaurants are the ones to head towards.

Restaurants open and close with surprising frequency, so it is a good idea to check whether a place is still operating before heading out.

Budget

 * Afghan Fried Chicken, clean Western-style fast food restaurant.
 * Cafe, in the basement of Kabul City Center, Share-e Naw. Burger and banana drink for less than US$3.
 * Kabul Fried Chicken, clean Western-style fast food restaurant.
 * Street stalls, abound, and good ones can be found around Shahr-e Naw Park and near the Pul-e Khisti bridge in the old town. However, the hygiene is questionable particularly in the summer.
 * Street stalls, abound, and good ones can be found around Shahr-e Naw Park and near the Pul-e Khisti bridge in the old town. However, the hygiene is questionable particularly in the summer.
 * Street stalls, abound, and good ones can be found around Shahr-e Naw Park and near the Pul-e Khisti bridge in the old town. However, the hygiene is questionable particularly in the summer.
 * Street stalls, abound, and good ones can be found around Shahr-e Naw Park and near the Pul-e Khisti bridge in the old town. However, the hygiene is questionable particularly in the summer.

Mid-range
The vast numbers of foreigners in Kabul has led to the city being perhaps the best place to eat in the region, and in the mid-range bracket there are dozens of good places to eat for US$15-25 per person for an evening meal.

Splurge

Drink
Despite being illegal, alcohol is pretty easy to find in Kabul's expat restaurants - buying your own supply involves befriending someone working at an embassy or military base, or dipping into the murky world of expat black-marketeering. Beer and spirits are available at UNICA, but the selection is slim.

Sleep
Kabul is not a cheap place to stay, principally due to the costs of running a generator and providing security. The hotels are good if you are just passing through, however for long term stays opting for a guest house is more popular. There are several in Wazir Akbar Khan and Shar-i-Naw, often in huge Pakistani style mansions.

It is wise to look closely at the security arrangements for any of these hotels. Many, especially those in the Splurge section, have been attacked by Taliban or other insurgent groups. Always think about escape routes and safe places to shelter.

Splurge

Internet

 * There are numerous Internet cafes around the city, so getting access should not be too hard.
 * Assa II Net Cafe, Muslim St. On the ground floor of Assa II Guesthouse, they have several computers with semi-reliable connections. AFN25 or US$1 per hour.

Kabul Coffee House and Flower Street Cafe both have wireless Internet for customers.

Phones

 * The cellular telephone system in Kabul is excellent. American and European phones do work on the local system. 3G services are widely available.

Stay safe
See the warning on the Afghanistan article for information about the security situation.

Kabul is generally considered one of the safer parts of the country, and while bombings and kidnappings have waned considerably, they do remain a threat. That said, there are tens of thousands of expats and visitors to the city and considering that only a small handful have been victims of such attacks, you should be vigilant but not afraid. Avoid walking after dark, don't loiter in hotel lobbies, and (for long stays and expats), vary your routes and timings daily. Riots happen occasionally and are often accompanied by looting: stay well away from them as authorities will respond with lethal force.

Female visitors: Make sure you wear a headscarf before landing in Kabul Airport until you fly out.

While visiting Kabul or any other part of the country, having any kind of social interaction with local people should not be a problem, Afghan people are traditionally very kind and hospitable toward guests.

Cope
Read the Scene magazine for restaurant reviews and all sorts of useful info. It is free, although street sellers may charge for it. There are many FM radio stations. However, the only widely available English language broadcast is from the BBC World Service on 101.6 MHz. Tolo TV is perhaps the most popular TV station.

Embassies

 * 🇨🇦 Canada
 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇫🇮 Finland
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇯🇵 Japan
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 United States

Go next
Most expats take any opportunity they can to leave Kabul. Istalif in a side valley of the Shamali Plain makes for an excellent overnight or day trip destination. A day trip to the north (Shamali Plain, Salang Pass, Panjshir Valley and Jabal os Saraj), Qargha Reservoir to the west of Kabul.

You can fly to Dubai, Dushanbe or Delhi for the weekend also.

title: Kabul


text:
Kabwe

Kabwe is a city in Central Zambia. It is the capital of Central Province.

Understand
When Zambia was the colony of Northern Rhodesia, Kabwe's British name was Broken Hill, due to the hill just south of town which had a natural shaft going through it. This became the location of a large lead and zinc mine, which in turn became the major employer of the town. The mine was later closed, and now has only been partially reopened. Because of the amount of lead in the surrounding soil and local water, Kabwe today is one of the 5 most polluted places on earth.

During the mid-1900s Kabwe played an important role in Zambia's history, as it was here that the movement for independence from Britain really gained momentum and finally reached critical mass. Since then, the national and local government agencies have invested little in the city, and its infrastructure has deteriorated badly (in stark contrast to Lusaka's growth).

Get in
There is good luxury bus service going north from Lusaka and going south from the Copperbelt cities. One of the best companies running buses is Mazhandu - but be prepared to listen to (or try to ignore?) a loud preacher quoting from the Bible during the first half-hour or so on the rides leaving Lusaka. The "bus station", for all companies, is on the street in front of Big Bite.

Get around
In its heyday many of Kabwe's streets were paved and lighted. Today the light posts are still there but except for right in town the lights are all gone, and all but the main streets have deteriorated back into dirt roads with serious bumps and holes, so go slowly and carefully if you drive a car. Many locals use bicycles and most simply walk, and there are a lot of dirt-path "shortcuts" between the named streets, particularly going across the railway tracks between the suburb of Luangwa and the main part of town. The blue-and-white minibuses are to be found all over town and are a good value, and the driver will stop to pick you up wherever you stand, but be prepared to have to wait to get off only where he wants to stop. If you are driving, put lots of space between yourself and these guys, because they drive dangerously - all the locals will tell you this. In Zambia, as in most former British colonies, traffic on a 2-way street drives on the left side of the road.

See
There is generally really not much for the tourist to see in Kabwe, but it is so laid-back that it is a good way to see what life is like in a regular Zambian town, yet large enough that a tourist would not really feel out-of-place.

Do
One of the best things to do in Kabwe is to go hiking at the actual Broken Hill, just east of the railway tracks at the far south end of town. Hike up the hills to the lakes: these were the mine shafts, and are now very deep lakes which provide solitude in a beautiful setting.

Buy

As Kabwe is not really a tourist destination, there's nothing particular to be bought here. But of course there is a typical African market, south of Independence Avenue just west of the railway tracks, and you can get great fresh food at good prices. Be sure to use your negotiating skills - it's the normal way of doing business in Zambia outside of the town stores. Expect the seller's first price to be approximately double what he/she is willing to accept, and accordingly make your first counteroffer far below the acceptance price. If you can engage the seller in a bit of friendly arguing, better still.

Eat

 * If you are not a vegetarian, the best food to be found in Kabwe is freshly grilled sausages outside any number of "ghetto bars", i.e., those located within a compound. It's best to befriend a local who can guide and accompany you to these places.
 * If you want decent fast-food fried chicken meals, there is a Hungry Lion on Independence Avenue (the main street in town).
 * For K2500 per bag, you can buy really tasty crackers made by Best Line Bakers in Lusaka, from at least one general store in town. The plastic bag has printed on it: "Snacks - Quality - Tasty - Crackers".

Drink

 * For a cheap night out, Zhose-a-zhose (Pidgin-English for "Those are those") is an area on the south side of Ghana Avenue west of Luangwa Avenue, just across the street from the Kabwe Golf Club, which features several different bars, a butcher shop with a grill out front, and other stores - a Castle or Mosi beer here will cost you K5000, and different Zambian and American hip-hop songs will be blaring from the sound systems in the various bars.
 * In the various compounds (Makululu, Lukangwa, etc.), there are places similar to Zhose-a-zhose but a bit lower-class. One in Lukangwa has a main bar named Holly Hood.
 * Big Bite is a combination fast-food place and bar on the south side of Independence Avenue. Bars in Zambia by law close at 10:30PM, so if you want to party in public after that you need to go to a nightclub.
 * A great nightclub in town, on the north side of Freedom Way, is Chez-nTemba, which is run by Congolese and features mostly great Congolese and some Zambian music, and has a dance floor.

Sleep

 * Nyaka Guest House, near the mine, is one of several places in town which offers rooms, and it also has a cocktail lounge and a cheap bar. Ask around if you want to find a different similar place.

Go next
Several companies, notably Powertools, run buses south to Lusaka and north to the Copperbelt. The "bus station" is on the street in front of Big Bite on the south side of Independence Avenue.

If you are driving, Independence Avenue becomes Great North Road outside of Kabwe, leading north to the Copperbelt cities and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and leading south to Lusaka, Livingstone, and Zimbabwe. It is paved its entire length inside Zambia (but in mid-2010 the area between Zimba and Livingstone was being repaved and several places have a detour onto a parallel dirt road).

title: Kabwe


text:
Kaçanik

 Kaçanik/Kačanik, or Kaçaniku, in Kosovo, is a city of peace and quiet, its houses with pointed red roofs being scattered along the verdant mountain slopes.

Kaçanik is the first major Kosovar town en route when coming from North Macedonia, except for the border village of Hani i Elezit/Elez Han.b

The town of Kaçanik has 15,634 inhabitants, while the municipality has 33,409 inhabitants

Get in
The best way to get to Kaçanik is by bus from Pristina. You can also catch a bus from Skopje. Most bus companies that run from Istanbul to Pristina continue onward and terminate in Kaçanik. There are several direct buses from Belgrade (7 hours, 1 day bus & 2 night buses, run by Kosovo Albanian companies, cost about €10, stops depending on the route in Niš or Kruševac, Pristina and other towns on the road, information dates from February 2005). Additionally, on a very questionable road through the mountains you can arrive from Tirana.

You can reach Kaçanik from Pristina/ Ferizaj and Hani I Elezit by train. The train runs two times a day to both directions.

Taxis are driving you for €5 from Ferizaj to Kaçanik. You meet the drivers at the bus stop/train station in Ferizaj. Taxi from Skopje is around €10.

Get around
From the bus station everything is within walking distance. The community of Kaçanik (kaçanikas, kachanikas) is very kind and pleasant, so don't miss it, visit this beauty and peace city!

See
Visit the mosque Koxha Sinan Pasha. It is one of the oldest buildings in the town. The mosque is near the bus station and bridge (south). Take a walk at the river.

Do
Don't miss a walk over the promenade in the evening! All citizens of the town, doesn't matter if young or old, are strolling there in the evenings. Talk a walk - you won't forget it!

You can take a trip with the car to Ivajë and Shtraza. The landscape around the two small villages is beautiful.

Ask in a local bar/caffe for hiking tours. Many locals go for hiking every Sunday. The Sunday hiking tours are a tradition in Kaçanik.

Eat
If you are passionate about traditional good food, it is worth to visit "Guri i Zi" restaurant, located in south east of Kacanik. The forest location and the mountain view gives you a pleasant relaxing space where you can enjoy time and good food. They also offer renting small cabins for relatively cheap prices. Phone number is +383 46 181 200.

One of the best fish restaurants around Kaçanik, restaurant "Trofta" is located in Ivaja village.The fish are swimming next to your table in small pools and are caught when you order your meal. They serve the fish with salad and traditional bread.

Restaurant Fontana is a family place who celebrates weeding and another parties. Location : Kaqanik, Magjistrale. Phone Number : +383 45 641 740.

"Te Bunari" is a great place to eat and drink. It is located right in entrance of the city and the trees around around it are amazing for a summer breeze.

Drink
One of the best places to go to enjoy a drink are:
 * Titanik Bar Caffe/Restaurant, cheap prices and good environment.
 * Art Caffe is a good place! A lot of young people go there in the evening. Good music, cheap drinks.
 * Egzona Bar coffee is very good.
 * Tape Pub- night life friendly place.
 * Lagoon Bar-a night bar where youngsters socialize.

Sleep

 *  Hotel and Restorant Fontana is offering a double room for approx. €20 per night. The hotel is on the street to Pristina. You will find a basic hotel (Hiking Hotel) next to the train station.

Go next
South: Skopje in North Macedonia. You can go there by bus or taxi.

North: Pristina (capital) or Ferizaj. It is a nice trip by train to Ferizaj (ticket approx. €1.50).

West: Brezovica. It is a small village in the mountains. In winter you can go skiing.

title: Kaçanik


text:
Kaş

Kaş (pronounced Kaash) is a beach resort in Lycia on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It attracts a mixed crowd of British, German and Russian tourists but isn't on the package-holiday circuit, as its beaches are small and stony, and there are better beaches within a shorter transfer from the airports. In 2022 its population was 9084.

Understand
Kaş has beach activities, and ancient ruins in its hills, but is mostly a relaxing sort of place. Standing at 36°12′ N, on about the same latitude as Tunis in North Africa, it has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and sticky, with average daytime highs of 35°C, with very little rain. Winters are mild with daytime temperatures around 15°C, albeit with occasionally very heavy rains. September is a good time to visit, with warm seas but without the sweltering summer heat.

By plane
Dalaman Airport is the closest, with seasonal package flights from Europe and the UK. It's 180 km west of Kalkan, and the drive might take 2½ hours via D400 (toll tunnel). You could take the airport bus as far as Fethiye then change to the regular bus (below) or taxi.

By bus
Buses from Istanbul run 2 or 3 times a day and take 15 hr 30 min via Gebze, Bursa, Izmir, Aydın, Muğla, Akyaka, Dalaman, Fethiye and Kalkan. Bus lines include Pamukkale and Flixbus.

is the new bus station, 5 km east on the highway to Demre. In other Turkish out-of-town bus stations, a dolmuş ride downtown is included in your inter-city ticket. That appears not to apply here, but try asking when booking. The dolmuş will bring you to the old otogar in town centre (main square off Atatürk Bvd) but for accommodation on the peninsula you might as well take a taxi. Local buses along the coast (from as far away as Fethiye) may also bring you to the old otogar.

By boat
Meis Express and Meis Ferry Lines sail daily to the Greek island of Kastellorizo (Meis in Turkish), taking 20 min. A day-trip from Kaş gives you six hours in Kastellorizo, but the reverse day-trip is not possible. Kaş ferry pier is in the marina south end of town.

Get around
Kaş is small and easy to walk. Dolmuşes run to the peninsula, to villages such as Çukurbağ (for Phellos) and along the coast to Kalkan and Demre.

See

 * Town centre is modern, including the main mosque in retro-Ottoman style. Yeni Camii or New Mosque at the foot of the peninsula was a Greek Orthodox church, little altered.
 * is the ruins of the port for the inland city of Phellos (below). It was populated from the 4th century BC and outgrew Phellos but declined after an earthquake and tsunami in 141/2 AD. The main features are the amphitheatre, and the "king's tomb" the best of many sarcophagi and rock tombs. The site is free to explore 24 hours.
 * Rock tombs line the cliffs behind town, with a good selection accessible from Likya Cd.
 * Sleeping Giant (Uyuyan Dev) is the rocky ridge above the cliffs. You can hike up from the east, the direct approach from town is steep and hazardous.
 * is the straggling settlement that you come through to reach Phellos.
 * remains only as a few acropolis walls and tombs on the hill north of Çukurbağ. Wear long trousers, or the hawthorn undergrowth will rip your legs, and watch out for bears.
 * is the scattered remains of a city, by the village of Belenli. Around the 1st century AD its inhabitants abandoned it for Antiphellos on the coast.
 * is the scrappy remains of a Lycian city. Remarkably, it seems to have been built with the help of snails: their shells were found in such profusion that they were probably used as a source of lime. The site is free to access 24 hours but it's a long rough hike to get here, and most visitors come on a boat trip.
 * is another ruined city, on the hill south of Boğazcık and difficult to find.
 * Oninda 5 km northeast of Boğazcık is even harder to find, and not much there.
 * is a straggle of three ruined cities, on a ridge near Highway D400 so they're straightforward to reach by a hike, but you'll probably have them to yourself. There's a theatre and many tombs and sarcophagi.
 * See Demre for sights further east, such as the island of Kekova and ruins of Hoyran.

Do

 * Beaches are shingle, such as Çınarlar Beach in a cove just south of the marina, and Büyükçakıl ("Big Pebble") 2 km further south. But the water is clean for swimming and snorkelling.
 * Boat trips: over a dozen operators ply from the harbour.
 * Scuba diving: a dozen scuba shacks offer training, kit hire and dives in the area.
 * Lycian Way is a long-distance hiking route along the Med coast. Eastbound the local section is from Phellos into Kaş then on towards Demre.
 * Republic Day on October 29th is celebrated in the town square, with music, dancing and quaffing of rakı. Enjoy, because this marks end of season and a lot of businesses shut up shop thereafter.

Buy

 * Lots of small supermarkets, such as Carrefour at Atatürk Blv 32, open daily 08:00-22:00.
 * Uzunçarşı Cd is the main shopping street May-Oct for crafts and souvenirs. The name means "long market", and after rainfall you'll work out why it's nicknamed "slippery street". Its upper section, Doğruyol Cd, has a fine Lycian sarcophagus.
 * Street markets are held on Friday by the old otogar, and on Tuesday on the hill just west of the centre.

Eat

 * Lots of places with good ambiance, value for money and inexpensive.

Drink

 * Kaş has many free-standing bars, open until 03:00 during the April-October tourist season. Favourites include Mavi Bar by the marina and Red Point Cafe a block inland.

In town

 * Town centre has several pansiyons, but the main accommodation strip is the beachfront south along Hükümet Cd.

Çukurbağ Peninsula

 * The campsite is at the foot of the peninsula a short walk from town. Some 4 km further out are the pricier hotels.

Connect
Kaş and the coast road have 4G from all Turkish carriers. As of May 2024, 5G has not rolled out in Turkey.

Go next

 * Dolmuses run from the old otogar to towns such as Fethiye, Demre and Antalya.
 * Kınık to the northwest has the ruins of Xanthos and Letoon.
 * The island of Kastellorizo can be done as a day trip, but is linked by the Greek ferry network to Rhodes and beyond.

title: Kaş


text:
Kachemak Bay State Park

Kachemak Bay State Park is state park on the shores of Kachemak Bay across from the town of Homer in the state of Alaska.

History
This is Alaska's first and largest park including of park and wilderness areas.

Landscape
A collection of dramatic bays and steep rocky fjords in a mild maritime climate. A small annual rainfall of 30 inches and average summer temperatures in the 70's (°F) gave this lovely place the nickname "summerland" by the first Russians to arrive on her shores in the 1800s.

Flora and fauna
Inhabited by wildlife on land, in the air, and in the ocean, there is so much to see and do here that one could spend a lifetime exploring around. Mountain goats grace the cliffs of remote and beautiful Sadie Cove from the entrance and up to the wilderness lodge of the same name on the south facing shore. Black bears live high in the mountains and can also be seen in the springtime on the shores of the park searching for the first foods of the new season. Bald eagles fly above and in the ocean there are seals, sea lions, humpback whales, orcas, sea otters and sea birds.

Get in
To get to most areas of the park one needs to hire a water taxi from the town of Homer.

Get around
The park has a plethora of well maintained hiking trails for the novice as well as the experienced hiker.

See
The hiking trails, the glaciers, the Native villages of Seldovia, Port Graham, and Nanwallek, the artist community of Halibut Cove, the dramatically beautiful and remote Sadie Cove, and the head of Kachemak Bay.

Buy
You’ll probably want to do your shopping in Homer before you depart. Although there are several small villages in or near the park, retail prices are exceptionally high and variety exceptionally small, although Halibut Cove is known for its thriving arts scene and has several galleries.

Eat
The village of Seldovia has a couple of nice places to dine, and Halibut Cove has the famous Saltry restaurant, and Jim Nardelli's floating Espresso stand.

Camping
Permits for camping can be obtained through the Alaska State Parks website. Book early. Yurts are available for nightly rentals through Nomad Shelters in Homer.

Stay safe
This is a wilderness park. Visitor facilities are extremely limited. Bring extra food in case the unpredictable coastal weather delays you. Cell phones may not work in some areas. As always in Alaska, be mindful that you are in bear country and take appropriate precautions, including securing food and water at all times when not in immediate use.

Go next

 * Homer - The "halibut fishing capital of the world" is located just across the bay.

title: Kachemak Bay State Park


text:
Kadavu

Kadavu is an island in the south of Fiji. Kadavu is in the South Pacific Ocean and is part of the many islands that make up Fiji.

Understand
Kadavu island is volcanic in origin and rises 3,000 m from the ocean floor.

Surrounded by hundreds of miles of fringing coral, the island also has 50 miles of the Great Astrolabe barrier reef forming sheltered lagoons and steep outer reef drop-offs.

It has few roads, but some cell phones and limited internet access and is a quiet and tranquil traditional island sitting in the trade winds of the original South Pacific.

Kadavu is the fourth largest island of Fiji and is made up of smaller island like Ono an Galoa. Kadavu is 58-km long and 14-km wide and supports a population of 10,000 Fijian people. The main city in Kadavu is Vunisea, which hosts an air strip, hospital, post office and police station. Kadavu's weather is tropical and has an authentic island feel. Some of the natural resources of Kadavu include mountainous jungles and waterfalls, bays fringed by coral reefs and a mangrove forest that provides a habitat to a host of wildlife and birds, including the Kadavu musk parrot. Kadavu's seemingly untouched and natural state makes it a good remote vacation destination.

Kadavu has undergone very little development; it offers limited transportation and there are few if any surface roads that go through the island. The current system of transportation includes a system of boat taxis and ferries. Neither are there any dining out destinations, only some resorts. Most resorts have a relationship with neighboring villages that will allow one to sample traditional Fijian food during village tours, hikes or Meke nights. Kadavu totally integrates the wildlife, the locals and the tourism industry and is one of the leading places in the world for the promotion of environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.

Talk
In Fiji the islanders speak Fijian, an Austronesian language that was established by the 1997 constitution as the official language of Fiji. Some other languages spoken in Fiji and Kadavu are English and Hindustani. Standard Fijian is based on the language Bau which is associated with eastern Fiji. In Kadavu and other parts of Fiji different dialects have formed differentiating the areas of the island.

Get in
There are a variety of way to get to and travel in Fiji and Kadavu. The major ways of transportation are to travel by scheduled flight, ferry service, sea plane, yacht transfer or big game boat transfer.

By plane

Seaplanes allow a more personal experience of Fiji and Kadavu because of the flexibility it offers. Passengers of the seaplanes do not have to wait as long as others for a commercial flight and they are a more private form of travel. This also allows the tourist or guest to sightsee while traveling.

By ferry
The Ferry services only offers transportation form island to island in Fiji. Most ferry services are used as water taxis taking guests and visitors from the airports to their desired destination. The ferry service for Kadavu takes guests from Suva to Vunisea or from Vunisea to any other place on the island of Kadavu. These ferries do not only hold guest, live stock freight and goods are being carried aboard the ferries as well. The ferries are not constant and do not run all the time and other forms of transportation may need to be provided beyond the ferries. The Yacht Transfer offers travelers to have a boat experience and explore the waters of Kadavu. This is seen as Kadavu's safari of the sea. Lastly the Game Boat transfer allows for a more interactive experience if the guest likes to fish and have a personal adventure.

Get around
Within the island most resorts offer guest with Tour Guides or Locals that can takes patrons to the major attractions of the island. Since the road systems are underdeveloped most will experience Kadavu by foot. Trekking excursions offer a one on one experience with nature and a way to experience Fiji like the Fijians. To move from area to are one will other take kayaking trips or use a ferry service. Most travel is done with Long Boats made from fibreglass, using Yamaha motors.

See
Kadavu's rich wild life and natural resources allow for a wide range of activities to partake in on the island. Kadavu is known for being the ultimate diving site. Popular diving sites are the Naigoro Passage which is a massive marine reserve. Also the Manta Reef which inhabits the Manta rays, the Soso Passage where it offers the largest underwater coral garden and lastly the Nacomoto Passage which is home to the eagle rays and cabbage coral. Other activities include:
 * Visiting the waterfalls, bird watching, eco-experiences, sea kayaking, whale and dolphin watching, trekking, snorkeling and surfing.

Sleep
The Island only has a handful of resorts to choose from Matava Resort, Tiliva Resort, Papageno Resort, Waisalima Beach Resort and Dive Center, Mai Dive Astrolabe Reef Resort and Nagigia Island Resort. The Matava Resort is located in the southern island group which is totally devoted to sustainable tourism. The Tiliva Resort is located near the Astrolabe and Solo Reefs which allow tourist to be closer to the beaches and water activities. Papageno Resort has 350 acres of land for their Resort and remote feel for guest, on Papageno guest are able to see the volcanic mountains and beaches. Waisalima Beach Resort and Dive Center offer a more aquatic experience and caters to the needs and wants of the guest. The Waisalima Beach Resort is remote, isolated and tranquil. Mai Dive Astrolabe Reef Resort is located beach front and is a colonial style living rather than traditional Fijian bures. The Mai offers a more modern feel to Kadavu than other Resorts. Lastly the Nagigia Island Resort (pronounced "Na-Neen-Ya"), Nagigia Island is named after the Senagigia flower that is unique to Nagigia Island. Nagigia offers 10 separate 'bures' (Fijian style cottages) poised over the waters edge with great sea views. Each of the resorts promote the same attraction and have similar activities. The accommodations for Kadavu are solely based on how the guest would like to experience the island and what of feel they would like to have in the Resort they are staying at.

Matava
On the remote and magnificent island of Kadavu, Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort boasts secluded splendor which also satisfying ones craving for adventure and exploration. Bordered by the Great Astrolabe Reef Matava is a small and intimate getaway. Matava is designed to blend with the natural environment of Fiji and all it has to offer. Traditional Fijian bures are located in the Kadavu rainforest and are set around lush tropical surroundings. Matava accommodates up to 22 guests at one time and offer privacy, comfort and superb ocean views. Each guest will experience and amazing Kadavu experience which will be true to Fijian culture and customs. PADI Certified, Matava offers a unique diving experience and is located only a few minutes away from the Great Astrolabe Reef, Matava offers the perfect environment to scuba dive in Fiji, snorkel, surf, fish, kayak with opportunities to trek, visit villages, bird watch or simply relax and unwind.

Matava is an eco-hideaway designed to cause minimal impact on the environment and to promote conservation awareness within the local community. Matava is the genuine eco-adventure lodge, beautifully set off the beaten track which allows for privacy and isolation. The intimate resort has beautiful, comfortable rooms, outstanding cuisine and offers a full range of adventure and cultural activities that makes it the premiere resort on Kadavu.

Matava will cost you about the same as a five-star hotel. Your level of comfort will be similar to the Middle Ages. You will experience the absence of many basic services and necessities as part of the eco experience. Many basic comforts such as fan in your room, insect proofing bures, night lights, electricity after 5PM are missing at this resort. You are expected to be happy with cold showers, mud beaches and spiders in your room. After staying at Matava, I have developed a fear of the term "eco". It means poor service and having to put up with third world standards while paying exorbitant prices. If you ask for basic needs and comforts to be accommodated, you will probably be told that "NO, we are an eco resort! We do not provide that." (e.g., powerpoints in your room, cold water to drink, proper coffee).

The diving here is good. However, the locals live off the reefs and hunt them regularly. The large fish have been speared and the remaining fish are wary of divers.

On a positive note, the food is very good, the Fijian staff are excellent, the views are great, the diving operation is well run.

Stay safe
Safety while on the island is totally provided by the resorts. Each bures has informational packet about safety tips for the island and ways to stay away from danger. These information session also preserves the fragile environment of Kadavu and gives visitors advice on how guest can avoid damaging the wildlife. Each of these programs are put in place for the safety of the visitor and to preserve the island. All safety regulations go along with the islands Responsible Tourism Code of Conduct

Go next
Ono and Galoa are two other close destinations that are right off the coast of Kadavu and are easily accessible by boat.

title: Kadavu


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Kadji Say

Kadji Sai (кажы сай) is a small picturesque town in the middle of the south lakeshore of Issyk Kul.

Understand
It lies a few kilometres from the shore, where there is a bus stop. There is a long popular alley, an old building built by German war prisoners (actually the best-made building in town). Behind the town there is a stone wall.

Get in
All means of transport go by Kadji Sai along the highway between Karakol and Balykchy. A marshrutka from Bishkek costs around 350 soms (Sept 2009) and takes around 4 hr. Or head to Balykchy first and then take another transport towards Karakol along the southern shore.

See
Beautiful surroundings. There is also orphanage for ethnic Kyrgiz from all over the region of Central Asia. But most known is for its former surface uranium mine that is now practically deserted because of its low richness. It is not very secured, so when it rains (fortunately it is not often), radioactive water flows to the lake. But swimming there is excellent, with a bit of adventure.

Eat
There is a cafe in and a shop.

Sleep
Most places can be found in its twin village Kadji-Sai 2 at the highway, like:

title: Kadji Say


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Kadoka

Kadoka is a town in the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota.

title: Kadoka


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Kadyny

Kadyny is a village in Pomorskie in Poland. It is situated on the shore of the Vistula Bay and it is a small seaside resort.

Get in

 * by plane - the international Lech Walesa airport at Gdansk
 * by car - from Gdansk by the route E77 to Elblag and than just north along the south coast of the Vistula Bay by the 503.
 * by train - (PKP)
 * by bus - (PKS)

Get around
All is within the walking distance in the village also renting a bike would be a good idea.

Go next
Gdańsk Bay:
 * Pommeranian metropol Gdansk with a beautiful old town and the biggest gothic brick church worldwide
 * sea resort Sopot with the longest European mole
 * sea resort and port Gdynia with the biggest Baltic port
 * sea resort Puck

Vistula Bay:

 * medieval town of Elblag
 * sea resort and medieval town of Frombork with the grave of Nicolaus Copernicus

Kashubian Coast:

 * Slowinski Nationalpark with the biggest dunes in Europe
 * sea resort Rowy
 * sea resort Leba
 * sea resort Jastrzebia Gora
 * sea resort Rozewie
 * sea resort Wladyslawowo

On the Hel Peninsula:

 * sea resort Chalupy
 * sea resort Jastarnia
 * sea resort Jurata
 * sea resort Hel

On the Vistula Peninsula:

 * sea resort Krynica Morska

title: Kadyny


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Kaesong

Kaesŏng (개성, 開城) is a city in North Korea, only from the DMZ with South Korea. Twelve historic monuments and sites in Kaesong were inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013.

Understand
Kaesong is a small historical city that was a capital of the Koryo Dynasty (918–1392 CE) for several hundred years. It was also the only major city that changed hands between North and South Korea as a result of the Korean War.

It was well-known for a time for the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a "special economic zone", developed by Hyundai Asan with North Korea. In 2012 this special administrative industrial region had over 50,000 North Korean workers typically working for about 20% of the South Korean minimum wage in dozens of brand-new factories operated by more than 100 South Korean companies. Although relatively successful both economically and politically, it ceased operations in 2016 due to disagreements around North Korean nuclear tests, and as of 2024 has been almost completely officially abandoned as a project by both North and South.

Get in
The only realistic way to visit Kaesong is from Pyongyang, (which you can reach from Beijing as a part of an organized tour) by highway, about 2½ hours away. This is often combined with a North Korean DMZ visit.

There are connections to South Korea via road and rail through the DMZ, although these routes are heavily restricted and limited to business and diplomatic traffic only.

In the past there were group tour buses running daily from Seoul (taking about 2 hours), however this was stopped by North Korea some years ago and it is unclear when they will become available again.

By rail, there is the (built with South Korean funds) however it appears not to be in use.

Get around
Visitors to the city must be accompanied by a tour guide, and all your travel will be arranged for you.

Buy
Souvenirs such as DPRK stamps, books written by Kim Il Sung and Kim Jung Il, and Korean handicrafts are available, and not expensive. Stores selling souvenirs accept US dollars, euros and Chinese yuan.

Ginseng is grown locally and is a particularly good buy both because of its quality and low price.

Eat
The Kaesong Folk Hotel also has a restaurant, as do the Foreigner Hotel at Puk Gate by the Pakyon Falls and the Janamsan Hotel near the Sonjuk Bridge.

Go next

 * Panmunjom - surreal truce village on the border of North and South Korea

title: Kaesong


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Kafountine

Kafountine is a coastal village in the Casamance region of Senegal.

Get in
Cars go from Ziguinchor many times a day.

See
Kafountine has some nice beaches.

It is also just north of a national park, good for bird watching and boat trips down the river.

It is also possible to take boat trips to the nearby islands, some of which are used as marijuana plantations.

Do
Learn to plan a Djembe drum, or just enjoy a drum concert.

Sleep
There are many competing places to stay. Feel free to bargain for the price, you will often get a good deal.

title: Kafountine


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Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park is in the Kafue River Basin of Zambia. It is approx. 22,400 km² and is one of the largest parks in the country and the world. Its geography varies considerably from flood plains in the north to desert regions in the south.

Understand
A huge baobab tree is at "Treetops" Conservation School Camp not far from the Busanga Flood Plains. The school accepts small numbers of children in the dry season for short stays to help educate them about the park's wildlife. It became very run-down but was renovated by a group of schools from Lusaka because educating the next generation of Zambians about the country's remaining wildlife is vital for future conservation of the Park.

Flora and fauna
Kafue is extremely rich in animal life. Hippo abound in the rivers with good sightings of huge crocodiles. Many species of birds, large and small are abundant. Elephant too are on the come-back after extensive poaching and are frequently seen along the river banks and even venture into the camps and lodges. Hoofed animals are also thriving in the park especially Puku, Kudu, Red Lechwe, Impala, Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Oribi, Blue Duiker, Burchells Zebra and many others. Also to be seen are Warthogs, Mongooses, Nile Monitor Lizards, Porcupine, Cerval, Civet, Terrapin, Vervet Monkeys and Bush Babies as well as Cape Buffalo, Blue Wildebeest, Lion and Leopard. These are the main animals which live in the park but of course there are many more. The two animals of the "big five" which are missing from the northern areas are the Rhino and Giraffe. The Rhino was poached out and is the subject of debate as to whether to re-introduce it.

Baobob, Mahogan, Sausage, Sycamore Fig, Ilala Palm, Wild Date and Acacia are just a minute few of the varied trees and bushes that grow profusely in Kafue, many to a huge size in the northern areas because of the high rainfall.

Climate
The northern area receives more rain than the south so it is best visited in the winter months from July to October when the rainy season is over as many areas are impassable and flooded during the summer. The lodges only open in the winter months as the plains are totally awash and many roads are under water. The rivers too, rise to high levels, the evidence of which can still be seen after they've gone down, by the water-weed hanging high from the branches of the trees and by the damage to the road surfaces and small bridges, many of which need urgent repair before the area can be accessed again.

Get in
Getting there and getting around, the traveller has three choices. Firstly, you can fly in and stay at one of the better lodges where the staff will walk, drive or boat you around that area of the park. Secondly, you can drive yourself into and around the park. Thirdly, arrangements can be made with an outside agency or company to drive you into and around the park.

Fees and permits

 * International: US$40 per person per day (park entry fee plus bed night fee)
 * SADC: US$30 per person per day (park entry fee plus bed night fee)
 * Citizens: K40,320 per person per day (park entry fee plus bed night fee)
 * Residents: K158,400 per person per day (park entry fee plus bed night fee)

Do
The jewel in Kafue's crown is the Zambezian flooded grasslands ecoregion in the north, including the Busanga Swamp and plains. These support large herds of herbivores and their predators. In the dry season the animals keep close to the swamps and marshy creeks and are easily seen. The area is also noted for its birdlife.

Go on a walking safari with Phil Jeffery of Jeffery and McKeith Safaris. His knowledge will astound you.

Go for daily boat trips along the Lufupa and Kafue Rivers near Musekese Camp and Lufupa Lodge with a long serving, very knowledgeable skipper. Watch enthralled, as he invites a totally wild Fish Eagle (nicknamed "Wilbur"), to swoop down to scoop up the fish he throws to land on the water not yards from the boat. Whilst out on the water, try a spot of fishing and have your catch served up to you for lunch or dinner.

Take early morning and late afternoon/early evening game drives to be shown an abundance of wildlife that abounds in the area, by experienced and very knowledgeable spotters and drivers.

Enjoy a dip in the pool at Lufupa Lodge when the heat of the day is enticing you to do so.

Take a walk or drive to hot springs, or canoe on Kafue River

Birdwatching in Kafue National Park, Zambia is a highlight for anyone wanting to go birding in Africa.

The fish species that makes fishing rewarding are bream, barbel and fresh water pike.

Eat
Food in the many lodges is very good but mostly basic. Camping visitors can bring their own food or join in nearby lodge dining arrangements. There are no laws against alcohol being consumed and lodges operate a bar system which is usually settled at the end of the stay.

Sleep
Camp site fees vary from camp to camp but are very reasonable. Unless noted all fees are per person per night. ZAWA park and bed night fees are not included.

Lodging
Leopard Lodge: Rates from US$315 including 2 activities per day: (game drive, boat cruise, walking safari or fishing), brunch & dinner, park entrance. www.leopard-lodge.com e-mail:info@leopard-lodge.com Tel: +27 71 604 8224

Bush camps

title: Kafue National Park


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Kaga

Kaga (加賀市) is the southern-most city of Ishikawa prefecture, Japan.

Tourist information sites

 * The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site.

 * There is also a multilingual site, jointly with Hakusan City.

By plane
The nearest airport to Kaga is Komatsu Airport, in Komatsu. The Komatsu airport receives flights through JAL and ANA, and even a few international flights. From the it is easiest to take the train to Kaga.

Hokuriku Rail Road services leave for JR every 20–30 minutes (12 min, ¥260).

By train
Kaga has 3 train stations- Iburihashi, Kagaonsen and Daishoji (listed north to south). All are on the busy JR Hokuriku Main Line from Osaka to Naoetsu via Fukui, Kanazawa and Toyama. Kagaonsen is the primary station in the Kaga area with several normal and express trains every hour. Ordinary trains to Kanazawa from Kagaonsen take 53 minutes and cost ¥740.

The train schedules are listed here.

Get around
Kaga is quite spread out. Sightseeing areas can be reached by car (or bus), but best explored on foot.

Taking the CANBUS around Kaga is an easy way of reaching some of the outlying sights.

See

 * Go on a weekday and you will likely have the place to yourself. The sleek cafe has great views and is a perfect spot to chill out.

Connect
For travel outside Kaga, visit the JTB in Daishoji (0761 73 3530). For assistance in English, ask for Dessen Kaori.

Go next

 * Natadera (Nata temple) is an exquisite mountainside temple located 25 minutes from Komatsu. Established in AD 717, it is the head temple of the Shingon Sector and was visited by Basho Matsuo during his Narrow Road to the Deep North journey.
 * Tedori Kyokoku (Tedori Gorge). An ideal place to relax during the humid summer months. Boasting impressive cliffs rising up to 30m and a roaring waterfall. In the summer, the gorge offers the chance to go rafting and canoeing along the fast flowing Tedori river.
 * Hakusan Super Rindo runs through Mount Haku (Hakusan), one of Japan's three most sacred mountains, the others being Mount Fuji and Tateyama.
 * Kanazawa. The largest city and prefectural capital of the Ishikawa.
 * Noto Peninsula. A rugged and spectacular peninsula jutting out into the Japan Sea.
 * Awara if you haven't had your fill of onsen, Awara Onsen is just south of the border in Fukui Prefecture
 * Sakai
 * Nomi
 * Kawakita

title: Kaga


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Kagawa

Kagawa Prefecture (香川県 Kagawa-ken) is on the Japanese island of Shikoku.

Understand
Kagawa used to be the province of Sanuki (讃岐).

Tourist Information
Visit Kagawa is the prefecture's official multilingual information site.

Cities

 * — the prefectural capital
 * — has the ruins of Hiketa Castle, where the Battle of Hiketa was fought in 1583
 * — large sand sculpture of a coin - Zenigata Sunae - and viewing platform from Kotohiki Park
 * — built around the shrine of Konpira
 * — largest producer of Japanese fans (uchiwa) in Japan and home of one of the few remaining wooden castles
 * — home of Ōkubo-ji, the 88th and final temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
 * — home of and named after Zentsūji Temple, the 75th temple of the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage
 * — home of and named after Zentsūji Temple, the 75th temple of the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage

Other destinations

 * — many of the islands belong to the city of Sakaide
 * — famous for its contemporary art museums and outdoor contemporary art installations
 * — also famous for its contemporary art exhibits
 * — olive trees proliferate on the island and olive-related merchandise is quite popular with tourists

By plane
Takamatsu Airport with flights from Tokyo, Kagoshima, and Naha (Okinawa) on the domestic side, and Seoul and Shanghai on the international side.

By train
Takamatsu is the main train gateway to Shikoku. There are frequent services in all directions: north to Okayama on the Honshu mainland, west to Matsuyama, south to Kochi and east to Tokushima.

See

 * Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園) is a large garden, considered by many to be one of Japan's most beautiful Takamatsu.
 * Marugame Castle (丸亀城), in Marugame, is one of the only 12 remaining original castles in Japan.
 * Visit art islands, such as Naoshima, Teshima, Ogijima, and Megijima (Takamatsu).
 * See the giant Zenigata coin made of sand in Kanonji
 * Enjoy the views of Kankakei Gorge (Shodoshima)
 * Explore the ground of Zentsuji Temple the birthplace of Kukai (Zentsuji)
 * View and learn about the Seto Ohashi Bridge in Seto Ohashi Commemorative Park (Sakaide)
 * Stroll the historic Hiketa Historic District (Higashikagawa)
 * Learn the history of the island at Shikoku Mura (Takamatsu)
 * Climb the stairs to pray at Konpirasan, the most revered shrine in Shikoku (Kotohira)
 * Try and catch a glimpse of the Angel Road to Bentenjima Island during low tide (Shodoshima)
 * See the works and former home of the internationally renowned artist Isamu Noguchi at the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum (Takamatsu)

Eat
Kagawa is famous as the home of udon, thick chewy wheat noodles. The local type is still known by the province's old name as Sanuki udon. In fact, Kagawa proudly adopted "Udon Prefecture" (うどん県, udon ken) as its official nickname in 2011.

Go next

 * Okayama Prefecture
 * Tokushima Prefecture
 * Kochi Prefecture
 * Ehime Prefecture

title: Kagawa


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Kaghan

Kaghan is a town in the Mansehra District of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan. Its mountains, dales, lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers are in an unspoiled paradise. That is why it can be such a deeply satisfying experience to spend a few days in Kaghan. Kaghan is at its best in the summer months (May to September). In May the temperature is : maximum 11 °C and the minimum 3 °C.

Get in
The Kaghan area can reached by road via the towns of Balakot, Abbottabad and Mansehra. In Balakot, one may find buses and other transports to reach Kaghan or Naran. It can also be reached from the capital, Islamabad. You can drive in a rented car, taxi, station-wagon or bus to Abbottabad which is 122 km from Islamabad and 217 km from Peshawar. Abbottabad is also a Charming town spread out over several low, refreshingly green hills.

Get around
Visit the valley From the middle of July up to the end of September, the road beyond Naran is snowbound throughout the winter and is open right up to Babusar Pass. Movement is restricted during the monsoon season also.

See

 * Shogran is the most beautiful place in Kaghan Valley and ideal for spending a weekend. see Malika Parbat (5, 296m), the highest mountain in Kaghan Valley, and whose shadow in the clear white water of Saiful Maluk adds to the beauty of this legendary lake. Sri/Paya and Dona Meadows are most popular spots near Shogran. Helicopter safari
 * Lake Saif ul Malook is located at the northern end of the Kaghan Valley near Naran. The water is spectacularly clear with a slight green tone. You can access the lake by an adventurous jeep ride on a 14-km-long road, which is about half an hour ride from Naran, during the summer seasons. On foot, the trek from Naran to the lake takes about 4-6 hours. Lake Saif-ul-Malook (3212m), named because Prince Saif-ul-Mulook supposedly drowned here together with his beloved fairy princess by her jealous demon lover, which reflects the surrounding peaks and alpine.
 * Malika Parbat is a mountain peak visible from Lake Saif ul Malook.
 * Lake Dodipatsar is another beautiful lake about 9 hr Jeep drive from Naran, on a very difficult road with no hotels or restaurants. Many prefer horse journey to the lake.

Itineraries

 * Day 1 Arrival at Shogran. Over night stay at Shogran.
 * Day 2 	Departure for Sri, Paya. Short stay at Paya. Hike to Makra and back to Paya. Over night at Paya (Camping).
 * Day 3 	Departure for Naran via Shogran.
 * Day 4   Arrival at Naran. Overnight or (Camping) at Naran.
 * Day 5   Departure for Lake Saif ul Maluk. Back to Naran.
 * Day 6   Overnight at Naran. Departure for Abbotabad via Naran.

Do
Fishing Brown Trout and Mahasheer are stocked in the pure silvery waters between Kaghan and Naran. The Kunhar river's trout is considered best in the South Asia. Fishing licenses are issued by the Fisheries Department at Naran.

Walk to Lake Most visitors to Naran pay a visit to Saiful Muluk Lake (10,500 feet) 6 miles east of town. If the road is open you can arrange transportation by jeep. If the road is closed, it is an easy, gradual three-hour walk, and the lake is a lovely spot for a picnic. you can also take some guide with you. you can ask it from hotel, or any shops but make a good deal. Especially if you plan to walk in May/June, due to big ice-glaciers you may require a horse to put all your luggage on it.

Walk to Top If you are walking directly up-valley from Naran to Babusar "Top" the loveliest spots to camp on this trail is at "Lulusar Lake". Located just before the final grade to Babusar Top and surrounded by tall peaks, Lulusar is just one many high elevation lakes that sit along the crest of the ridge.

Eat
Freshly caught fish and other Pakistani dishes are made in small cafes and restaurants. Many guests houses and hotels also provide food but it is always a good idea to go around and eat from one of popular cafes in market.

title: Kaghan


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Kagoshima

Kagoshima (鹿児島) is the capital of Kagoshima prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan.

Understand
Kagoshima is a historical city watched over by the looming bulk of Sakurajima (桜島), an active volcano that regularly dumps ash over the city and erupts a bit every now and then to remind people it's still there. It is a decade volcano, considered exceptionally dangerous because it has large eruptions and is near a city. The home of near-mythical samurai hero Saigo Takamori (see History), it's full of sites related to the Satsuma Rebellion.

Tourist information site
The local Convention and Visitors Bureau has a multilingual guide site.

By train
Kagoshima is the southernmost city on Japan's extensive bullet train network. Services terminate at Kagoshima's main rail station, Kagoshima-Chuō (鹿児島中央).

Kyushu Shinkansen trains run several times per hour from Hakata Station in Fukuoka, taking as little as 80 minutes at a cost of ¥10,170. If you have a Japan Rail Pass you can use Kyushu Shinkansen services at no charge, except Mizuho trains.

Sakura and Mizuho trains connect Kagoshima with stations north and east on the San'yo Shinkansen network. Using the Sakura, Hiroshima is 2 hr 40 min away (¥17,200), Okayama 3 hr 20 min (¥19,830) and Osaka 4 hr 10 min (¥21,300).

From Tokyo, it is possible to travel the full distance of the Tokaido, San'yo and Kyushu shinkansen lines in 7 hours using a combination of Nozomi and Kyushu Shinkansen trains. The use of Nozomi and Mizuho trains requires a supplemental Nozomi Mizuho ticket to be used alongside the Japan Rail Pass within its validity period. However, Japan Rail Pass holders can make a day trip in 8 hours using a combination of Hikari and Sakura/Tsubame services free of charge.

Note that Kagoshima has two central stations, Kagoshima (鹿児島駅) and Kagoshima-Chuō (鹿児島中央駅). The former is the older station slightly to the north of the city centre, and you're unlikely to use it. The much larger Kagoshima-Chuō station is likely where you'll be travelling to and from. Don't confuse them!

Sleeper trains
Because all sleeper trains from Tokyo and Kansai to Kyushu have been discontinued, traveling overnight to Kagoshima strictly by train could be a little difficult. Thankfully, trips are easier to make now that the Kyushu Shinkansen is fully operational.

From Tokyo, it is still possible to take an overnight train, the 22:00 Sunrise Seto/Sunrise Izumo, to Okayama where you can connect to a bullet train the next morning to continue the journey. With a Japan Rail Pass, a connection to a Sakura at Okayama will get you to Kagoshima at around 10:45. Without a Rail Pass you can connect in Okayama to a Mizuho that gets to Kagoshima by 09:50.

Rail Pass holders can opt for carpeted spaces on the overnight train where you sleep on the floor - as these are classified as "reserved seats", they are free to reserve with the pass. Otherwise, accommodation charges of approximately ¥10,000-17,000 must be paid. Bullet trains west of Okayama are covered by the pass as long as you stick with the Sakura or Hikari services.

Overnight by train with rest stop
If you are unable to secure a space on the overnight train, another option - especially for those using a Japan Rail Pass - is to split up the journey, stopping at an intermediate destination en route in order to sleep somewhere. The cost incurred will only be for the hotel room; the Rail Pass covers your transportation.

This two-part method carries a couple of advantages. You will more than likely find good accommodation very close to a main train station in a smaller city, compared to a big city such as Tokyo, and it will more than likely be cheaper than hotels found in Tokyo. You could use the money you save to forward some of your luggage using a luggage delivery service and take an overnight bag with you, which will make the journey easier.

From Tokyo, you could depart in the late afternoon or early evening on the bullet train and sleep over at a hotel in Himeji or Okayama. In the morning, grab one of the first bullet train departures in the same direction to continue your trip. For example, if you were to overnight in Himeji, you can take a direct Hikari service (3 hr 45 min) and stay in a hotel close to Himeji station for around ¥3,000-5,000 per person. In the morning, the 06:55 Sakura departure will get you to Kagoshima by 10:45.

By bus
Various overnight bus services are available to Kagoshima from Osaka and Kobe (~¥10,000 one way; ~¥21,000 round-trip). Tickets for Osaka and Kyoto can be bought from Willer Express's English site for around ¥7800 each way. Daytime and nighttime buses also run from Fukuoka (¥5400 one way; 4 hours) and Oita. There are day buses from Kumamoto for about ¥3600; 3½ hours.

By ferry
Kagoshima is one of Japan's most busy ferry terminals, with a plethora of ferries connecting mainland Japan to its southern islands. For the Okinawan archipelago there's several routes towards Naha which stops on different islands along the way. Operators include Marix Line and A Line ferry - expect the full journey towards Naha to take around 25 hours, although you can stop halfway through in the Amami Islands.

Towards the world heritage site of Yakushima and the island of Tanegashima near Kyushu you can take either Orita Kisen (4 hr, ¥5000), or the Toppy and Rocket hydrofoils completing the journey in less than 2 hours (¥7700) for Tanegashima and in 2-3 hours for Yakushima (¥9000). Finally for the Tokara Islands, the municipality operates 2 weekly ferries plying the route in around 7 hours (¥6000).

Get around
Streetcars are a convenient way to get around Kagoshima city. Both lines 1 and 2 can be boarded at the Kagoshima station; only line 2 runs by Kagoshima-chuo. Board the tram from the back door, and pay the ¥170 (verified Oct 2018) per ride fee when exiting the front door. If you don't have exact change, the fare machine can make change, but it is polite to get your change during the ride, so as to not hold people up when at your final stop. You can pay with IC-cards but compatibility is quite bad - even JR Kyushu's SUGOCA card cannot be used. Unless you've picked up Kagoshima's local RapiCa card you likely will be forced to pay in cash. Streetcar signage varies by the age of the streetcar; some have electronic signs that indicate the stop, but many do not. Streetcar information and a route map are available from www.synapse.ne.jp.

The ferry between volcanic island of Sakurajima and Kagoshima harbor operates frequently and around the clock. The boat ride will take about fifteen minutes.

Given Kagoshima's relatively small size and straighforward layout, buses (¥150) are less confusing than in larger Japanese cities.

If you plan to make Kagoshima a base for multiple trips, or make Kagoshima a stop on a trip throughout Kyushu, then a 5-day Kyushu rail pass may be the best option. If you are travelling from Tokyo or farther via train, then a 7-day Japan Rail pass is about the same price as a one-way shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Kagoshima. Both of these passes have extensive limitations; be sure to review terms and purchase your pass before entering Japan.

See

Do
Sunamushi or sunaburo is a hot spring and sand bath combined. "Bathers" are covered in hot sand. It can be found at Ibusuki Onsen, about an hour south of Kagoshima.

Buy

 * (天文館通り, Tenmonkan-dōri) has a plethora of shops, where you can satisfy your consuming needs.

Eat

 * See Kagoshima prefecture for listings of regional dishes.

Drink
Kagoshima is known throughout Japan for its sweet potato shochu, or imo-jochu (芋焼酎). While shochu is often compared to vodka, it first goes through a fermentation process. In Kagoshima, almost all restaurants have imo-jochu, and some have hundreds of different brands. Even the Shinkansen platforms at Kagoshima-chuo station have a bar/shop with more than 100 varieties of shochu.

In Kagoshima, the most common way to drink shochu is mixed with hot water, or oyu-wari. This releases the fragrance of the shochu, and also reduces the alcohol content to be on-par with wine. Because Kagoshima is the center of manufacture, many factories offer tours and have small shops for tasting and purchasing the locally made shochu.

Budget
If you're looking for inexpensive accommodation, the tourist information in the Kagoshima station can hand you a leaflet, where they have listed all the inexpensive options in Kagoshima. They can also check availability and book the accommodation for you.

Go next

 * Ibusuki
 * Minamikyushu
 * Hioki
 * Aira
 * Kajiki
 * Kirishima
 * Kirishima National Park
 * Mishima Islands
 * Tanegashima
 * Yakushima

title: Kagoshima