Sharanya Iyer Opens Up About Travelling in Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan: "Women's Rights Violations Are Real"

Travel content creator and filmmaker Sharanya Iyer, popularly known as TrulyNomadly, recently opened up about her experience travelling across Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, offering a balanced and honest perspective on a country often viewed only through the lens of conflict and politics.

A Journey Inspired by History and Curiosity

Sharanya revealed that her fascination with Afghanistan began years ago through literature and history. From Rabindranath Tagore's Kabuliwala to Khaled Hosseini's acclaimed novels, the country had long intrigued her. Her decision to visit was also influenced by a solo trip to Iran in 2022, where she learned to distinguish a nation's people from its ruling regime.

Starting her journey from New Delhi in November 2025, she travelled through Kabul, Bamiyan, Panjshir Valley, Ghazni and Kandahar, aiming to explore the country's historical and cultural heritage.

Witnessing Beauty Alongside Hard Realities

While describing Afghanistan's landscapes and hospitality, Sharanya made it clear that she did not want to present a one-sided picture.

According to her, Afghan people were incredibly welcoming and often went out of their way to help visitors. However, she also witnessed the severe restrictions imposed on women under Taliban rule.

She noted that girls are not allowed to continue education beyond the sixth grade and women face tight restrictions on employment, movement and public life. While women were visible in certain parts of Kabul, she observed very few women in public spaces outside the capital unless accompanied by male relatives.

Navigating Afghanistan as a Tourist

The 12- to 13-day trip cost Sharanya approximately ₹2.1 lakh, including flights, accommodation, permits, and transportation. Due to regulations imposed by the Taliban administration, she travelled with a local guide and driver throughout her stay.

She explained that tourists require permits to travel between provinces and must plan their itineraries. Checkpoints are common, and travellers are often required to present documentation during their journeys.

The Voices of Ordinary Afghans

During her interactions with locals, Sharanya encountered many people who expressed a desire to leave Afghanistan. Several individuals reportedly sought help securing visas or finding opportunities abroad, particularly parents worried about the future of their daughters.

At the same time, she found that some Afghans support the Taliban because the regime has brought a degree of stability after decades of war, violence, and political turmoil.

Why She Opposes a Complete Boycott

Despite condemning the restrictions on women and human rights concerns, Sharanya believes isolating Afghanistan entirely is not the solution.

She argues that tourism can offer economic opportunities to ordinary citizens who have little connection to those in power. While describing Afghanistan as a challenging destination that requires extensive preparation, she encouraged travellers to remain open-minded about the people they meet.

For Sharanya, the biggest lesson from the journey was that understanding a country requires looking beyond politics and listening to the stories of the people who call it home.

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