Tolibon Hududida OttoStop Sayohatim! Yolg‘iz O‘zim!

I embarked on a solo hitchhiking journey from the northern part of Afghanistan to the city of Mazar‑i‑Sharif, encountering armed men, checkpoints, and the risk of robbery. As I tried to stop cars, I realized hitchhiking was almost nonexistent; drivers demanded money and were wary of foreigners, and some refused to stop due to safety concerns. During the trip I was stopped multiple times at Tolibon checkpoints, had my passport checked, and witnessed children surrounding my bag. I heard stories of street crime and met Afghan workers who had illegally worked in Turkey. The mountainous roads, poor conditions, and the city's chaotic atmosphere culminated in a vivid experience of Afghanistan's harsh reality.