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Afghanistan, beyond its conflicts, boasts numerous enchanting and majestic destinations such as the colossal Buddha statues in Bamyan, the Band-e-Amir lakes, and the ancient city of Bost.
Afghanistan, despite its tumultuous history, offers breathtaking locales like the towering Buddha statues in Bamyan, the mesmerizing Band-e-Amir lakes, and the historic city of Bost.
While Afghanistan may not be the typical tourist hotspot, venturing to these sites allows you to experience its beauty and delve into its complex history.
The Magnificent Buddha Statue in Bamyan
Dating back to the 6th century and mostly destroyed by 2001, visitors to Bamyan can still witness the large rock niches where the two statues were carved. Scientists have revealed the discovery of an intact 18-meter Buddha statue buried underground, offering hope for restoration efforts funded by Japan to revive Buddhism's golden era in this Central Asian nation.
Standing beneath the towering cliffs gives a glimpse into the scale of the ancient statues and the profound influence of Buddhism in history. The construction of a new statue is estimated to cost around 10 million USD, with no completion timeline due to political instability in Afghanistan.
The Enchanting Band-e-Amir Lakes
Band-e-Amir Lake is simply described as breathtaking and sometimes dubbed the Grand Canyon of Afghanistan. Located near the Bamyan Buddha statues area, you can visit both on your journey. The highlight of these mountain lakes in the Hindu Kush range is their entirely natural water. The cliffs are enriched with carbon dioxide-enriched water. Over millennia, the water has deposited calcium carbonate, gradually forming limestone walls.
Exploring this area requires some courage and a passion for nature as you navigate small roads while Taliban mines may still lie scattered.
Shar-e Gholghola
In the 13th century, the people of Shar-e Gholghola killed the grandson of Genghis Khan, prompting him to destroy the city and kill over 150,000 people. Shar-e Gholghola was never rebuilt and slowly fell into ruin. Nevertheless, it remains a worthwhile sight from afar as Russian military mines still exist. 'The City of Silence' or 'the City of Screams'—the silent city or the city of screams—is how people often refer to Shar-e Gholghola.
Discover Mazar-e Sharif
Mazar-e Sharif is home to one of the most beautiful mosques you'll ever see. The city's name means 'Tomb of the Exalted' and 'Blue Mosque'. Mazar-e Sharif is known as the burial place of Ali, the son-in-law of the prophet Muhammad.
Legend has it that after Ali's death, his body was in danger, so his followers decided to place him on the back of a white camel. They followed the camel's path for weeks until it exhausted and collapsed. The Blue Mosque is the latest structure built at the site. Despite being built in the 15th century, the mosque still retains its beauty through renovations.
The Minarets
Ghazni, situated in the eastern part of the country, is renowned for its towering minarets, a hallmark of Islamic mosques. Some of these minarets are over 1,000 years old. The city is a blend of indigenous cultural elements and, like the rest of the country, Sikhs and Hindus have faced Taliban oppression.
Ancient Bost – Bost, the Ancient City
The capital of Helmand province, Lashkar Gah, holds a secret – the ancient city now in ruins known as Bost. No one knows who truly built this city despite records of its existence (at least 3,000 years old). In 661, the city fell to Muslim forces and became part of the Ghaznavid Empire. The city was attacked and destroyed by Genghis Khan in 1220. What remains is worth a visit when the road to Lashkar Gah is relatively safe.
The Khyber Pass
One of the most famous destinations is the winding Khyber Pass, connecting the country with neighboring Pakistan.
The pass is a crucial thoroughfare for military and merchant caravans, yet it remains unsafe for tourists. In February 2009, the main bridge on this pass was demolished by suspected Taliban supporters. However, if safety is ensured, you should not miss the emotional journey through its winding turns.
Adjacent to it is the Salang Pass, a high mountain pass nearly 4,000 meters above sea level connecting the northern part of the country (Mazar Sharif) with Kabul. Admiring the landscapes and landmarks in this Central Asian country known for violence and terrorism, many are surprised by the natural beauty and human-made structures crafted by Afghan hands. If you decide to spend your precious vacation days adventuring in Afghanistan, the first thing to do is purchase comprehensive insurance and carefully consider your decision before embarking.
Posted by: Thành Nguyễn
Keyword: 7 Most Captivating Destinations in Afghanistan
