Afghanistan – The Land of Unbelievable Treasures

Afghanistan, the nation in Central Asia, is the land of remarkable mountain scenery and the unmatched kindness of the locals. The country is the home of the legendary Hindukush mountain range, and the huge Buddha statues of Bamiyan. Sadly, tourism has been badly affected by the prevailing wars and terrorism.

However, I visited the country with utmost caution with my few relatives who stay there.

Prime Attractions

Kabul

This is the capital of the country situated on the river of the same name and its history starts from the legendary epic of Ramayana. Here, we visited Bala-Hisar that literally means a citadel situated in a walled town atop a hill. This served as a protective complex for the Afghan rulers where Babur Shah and Timor Lang resided. Then, we saw the Kabul Museum that offers a few superb collections of Asian artifacts. Next, we explored the Gardens of Babur built by Babur in 16th century. After death in India in 1530, his Afghan wife, Bibi Mobarka built his tomb here according to his wish. This was followed by the mausoleums of Timur Shah, son of Ahmad Shah Durrani; Amir Abdul Rahman in Zarnegar Park, and Nadir Shah with white marble and blue dome on the hill of Tapa Marajan. Finally, we payed homage to some finest mosques here – Masjid-e-Pule Kheshti, Masjid-e-Shahe Du Shamshira, and Masjid-e-Sherpur (Blue Mosque).

Herat

Located at 645 km west of the capital, this is another historic and tourist site. Here, we saw the following places.

• Masjet-e-jam or the Friday Mosque:
  This is finest monument and the largest building in Afghanistan. Famous for its wonderful tile and mosaic decoration, the mosque is an exciting piece of the Ghorid and Timurid tiles art. Do not miss to see its huge bronze cauldron (the holder of Sherbet (a sweet drink)), the tomb of Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din, and a tall pillar in the garden that marks the Afghanistan’s plunged soldiers.
• The Citadel (Qala-i-Ikhtiyar-ud-din):
  Built in 1305 A.D., this citadel has witnessed many historic events of fight of Genghis Khan and Tamerlane.
• Mousallah Complex:
  Accessible by walk from the core of the city, this holds the ruins of an ancient madrassa erected in 1417 by the Queen Gaur Shad. It is the most wonderful art piece planned by man to the grandeur of his deity. The mausoleum of Gaur Shad is near the madrassa, which is a spectacular tomb with tile work and dome.
• Gazar Gah:
  This is the shrine complex about 5 km in east. The main feature is the tomb of Khawaja Abdullah Ansar, a popular Sufi mystic & poet. Next, is the tomb of Amir Dost Mohammad, a former king. Other worth seeing sights here are Main iwan (main court), a 15 foot marble pillar, a casket named Haft Qalam (seven pens) of black marble, Khana Zarnegar (gold pavilion), and Hauze Zamzam (Sacred water pond).
• Chisht-E-Sharif:
  Located at 177 km, this holds the two stunning domes of Chisht.

Bamiyan

This is a town of archaeological remains famous for Buddha statues and cave towns. Obviously, we first visited the Bot-e-Bamiyan (Buddhas Statue) that holds the two famous Buddhist statues of 3rd and 5th century originally made of gold and fine jewels and overlaid with stucco. Even after destruction done by man here, a few stucco works and wall paintings are still in good position. The walls of the high cliffs are linked with caves where once Buddhist monks lived. Then, we visited the cave town of Shahr-e-Gholgola (town of noise) that are the ruins of a wealthy city of 5th to 7th centuries destructed by Genghis Khan.

The name is due to the scream that took place on killing every living being in the ancient town by Genghis Khan. Next, we explored another cave town of Shahr-e-Zohak (Red Town) nearby at 15 km from Bamiyan. Again destroyed by Ghengis Khan, the ruins are atop high red cliffs looking over the Valley of Tagao in Bamiyan. Lastly, we visited the spectacular Bande Amir Lakes in the mountainous Hazarajat at 75 km from Bamiyan. The flowing water above a few natural dams forms a group of five unspoiled blue lakes.

Kandahar

This is the second largest city located on the Asian Highway between Kabul and Heart. Here, we visited the mausoleum of Ahmed Shah Durrani (1747 to 1772) with its stunning artwork, adjacent Da Kherqa Sharif Ziarat – the shrine of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Da Shahidanu Chowk (martyrs square) dedicated martyrs with flags and small cannon, ARG (citadel) of 19th century, and Char Suq (four bazaars) in the city center. In addition, we also explored the beautiful shrine of Hazrat Ji Baba – the famous saint living 300 years ago whose grave is 23 ft long marking his greatness and Chihlzina (forty steps) at 4 km from Kandahar – a rock-cut chamber above the plain built by the Emperor Babur depicting the history of emperors down the 40 steps guarded by 2 lions and inscribed the Mughals’ invasion.

Minaret of Jam

This is an outstanding minar whose name is in the UNESCO’s world heritage list. Also known as the Minaret of Ghiyath al-Din Muhammad bin Sam, this is situated at a remote valley adjacent to the Hari Rud River.

Panjshir Valley

This is the first choice of tourists located 150 km north of Kabul besides the Hindukush because of its stunning beauty.

Tora Bora

Meaning Black Dust, this is a cave complex in the east located in the White Mountains locally called the Safed Koh at 50 km west of the Khyber Pass. It is precisely at this place where the US forces fought with Al Qaeda and the Taliban terrorists in 2001.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time for visit is spring or autumn – April to early June and September/October.

Accommodations

• Bamiyan Hotel at Bamiyan
• Inter-Continental at Kabul – 5 star
• Safi Landmark at Kabul – 4 star
• Mustafa Hotel at Kabul – budget