As troubles continue in Afghanistan, here’s a further look at what the country was like a mere half-century ago, following the trip down memory lane that was recently published.

The following images are from 1970-71. They are photos of slides projected onto a wall, so the resolution is not great but they have a certain vintage quality to them.

The Khyber Rifles was set up as an auxiliary unit of the British Indian Army to help control the lawless North West Frontier province in Pakistan. After independence, they became part of the Pakistan Army.

Their headquarters, Shagia Fort, was located near Ali Masjid in Pakistan.

This is what “Lonely Planet” says about Jamil Hotel in its Kabul guide: “This hotel was popular with backpackers until recently, when the police banned it from accepting foreign guests. Rooms have en suite, and although there is sometimes a problem with the water, the management should keep you supplied with buckets.”

At the time, the Salang Tunnel was the highest road tunnel in the world at an altitude of 3,713m. It was built in 1964 by the Soviet Union as part of the Soviet-Afghan Friendship Treaty.

It came in handy when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan 15 years later. The date on the tunnel reads 1343, which corresponds to 1964. Afghanistan, like Iran, uses the Solar Hijri calendar, unlike most other Muslim countries that recognise the Lunar Hijri calendar.

This article first appeared in Thrifty Traveller.