Khost City: A Southeastern Afghan Hub

Khost City, situated approximately 150 kilometers south of Kabul, serves as the bustling capital of Khost Province in southeastern Afghanistan [3]. As the largest city in the Loya Paktia region, Khost is a significant hub for transportation and commerce, particularly with neighboring Pakistan [3, 5]. The city is nestled on a plateau about 1,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountains and valleys offering a more moderate climate compared to the harsh winters of surrounding higher altitude towns [3]. Khost has a rich history, serving as a site of rebellions and sieges, most notably during the Soviet-Afghan War when it was cut off from supply routes for over eight years [3, 12]. Despite periods of conflict, Khost has maintained its importance as a cultural and economic center [9, 12]. The city is known for its vibrant bazaars, where local handicrafts and traditional Afghan cuisine can be experienced [4, 7]. Points of interest in and around Khost include the Khost Museum, which showcases the region's history, and the Khost Minar, a historical landmark [7, 9, 11]. Visitors can also explore local mosques, parks, and the nearby Spera district with its stunning valleys [4, 7]. The Ghulam Khan border crossing, approximately 32 km south of Khost, facilitates trade with Pakistan [3].