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Afghanistan and Tourism

By Meelad Ahmad Mohammadzai and Kai Pflug

At first, the idea of Afghanistan as an attractive tourism may seem somewhat outlandish. After all, the country is poor, and while terrorism and crime are much reduced compared to a few years ago, several countries including the USA and Germany have issued travel warnings. Specifically, Germany rates Afghanistan as one of the countries with the highest risk (5 in a 1-5 rating), warns against traveling to Afghanistan, and advises Germans currently in Afghanistan to leave the country.

Even if a tourist ignores these warnings and still travels to Afghanistan, the many security checks, roadblocks manned by armed men and frequent passport checks of foreigners hardly make Afghanistan seem the right country for tourism.

And indeed, articles in the Afghan online press almost comically underline this point. For example, an article in Pahjwok (an Afghan news provider) quotes officials stating that 10 foreign tourists arriving in Herat province visited historical places and were provided with all necessary facilities. Another article reports that twenty foreign tourists visited Western Ghor province in the last two days. Similarly, the Information and Culture Department of Kandahar boasts that in the past six months, nearly 250 foreign tourists have visited the province. Obviously, these are all ridiculously low tourist numbers which apparently already count as success.

Proclamations of government officials related to the safety of tourists hardly sound very convincing either. For example, Noorulhadi Abu Idris, deputy governor of Balkh, stated that “There are efforts for security improvement both day and night. The people will be traveling in a calm environment”.

However, in the long run – and assuming an improvement in visa policies, infrastructure and treatment of foreign tourists by government staff – Afghanistan could be a fantastic tourist destination. It has gorgeous landscapes, high mountains, deserts and lakes, and most of all, huge numbers of historical sites that are on par with those in much more popular tourist destinations. Add to that the friendly people and the good food, and the country could indeed attract many thousands or even millions of tourists from all over the world. 

Some steps in achieving this are already being taken. Pajhwok cites the Ministry of Interior stating that they have provided tourists with safe sightseeing in the country in full coordination with the local bodies – an implicit acknowledgement of the legitimacy and value creation of tourism. A similar statement comes from Mohammad Shabir Bashiri, an economist: “There is a need to invest in the tourism industry considering the scenic and natural areas and places of Afghanistan”.

Ideally, these efforts could lead to a revival of Afghanistan’s place on the global tourism map. After all, in the 1970s, alternative travelers took an overland route from Istanbul to Kathmandu that was known as the hippie trail – and Afghanistan was a significant part of it. The travelers typically passed through Herat and Kabul before moving on to Pakistan. This tourism helped local economies, creating demand for transportation and accommodation. While hippies are probably not the best liked tourists anywhere (too poor), a general revival of Afghan tourism could certainly provide substantial opportunities for the inhabitants of this poor but beautiful country.

We will end this post with an introduction to 5 of the biggest tourist attractions in Afghanistan – to prove our point that Afghanistan clearly has the potential to be a big tourist destination.

Bamiyan

Bamiyan, located in the central region of Afghanistan, is renowned for its pleasant weather, natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural significance. The province is home to the Band-e-Amir lakes, a series of six deep blue lakes surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that form a unique natural wonder. Bamiyan’s people are known for their warm hospitality, making it a welcoming destination for tourists from around the world. The route connecting Bamiyan to the capital city of Kabul is considered one of the most scenic in the country. Along the way, travelers are treated to breathtaking views of verdant green mountains, beautiful villages, and meandering rivers. Upon arrival in Bamiyan’s center, visitors can explore a small bazaar where they can find essential items and souvenirs. 

One of the most notable attractions in Bamiyan are the historical Buddhas of Bamiyan, which were built in the 6th century and stand as a testament to Afghanistan’s rich Buddhist history. Despite being partially destroyed, these iconic statues remain a symbol of beauty and resilience for the city. Many international visitors come to Bamiyan solely to see these remarkable statues.

Beyond the Buddhas lies the Band-e-Amir National Park, which is located 77 kilometers from the center of Bamiyan. The park’s natural lakes are a sight to behold, with their crystal-clear waters and stunning surroundings. The best time to visit Band-e-Amir is during the summer months when temperatures are mild. During winter, temperatures can plummet to below -40°C. In conclusion, Bamiyan is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The province’s welcoming people, historical sites, and breathtaking scenery make it an ideal location for tourism.

Chilzina

Chilzina, also known as the 40 Steps of Kandahar, is located in the southwest region of Kandahar province in Afghanistan. The term “Chilzina” derives from the Dari language and translates to “40 stairs.” It was constructed during the reign of Babur, a former king of Afghanistan, for security and defense purposes. The ascent to Chilzina starts from the hillside of the mountain and ends at its peak, with 40 steps connecting the two. This historical site serves as a popular tourist attraction due to its rich history and scenic beauty. 

Furthermore, a small park is situated on the hillside of Chilzina, which attracts numerous visitors during holidays and festivals. The park provides a well-lit and pleasant atmosphere for visitors during the hot summers in Kandahar. At the peak of Chilzina, there is a small room that marks the end of the 40 steps. The walls of this room have been engraved with handwritten messages over the past three centuries. From the top of Chilzina, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Kandahar city. Chilzina showcases royal artifacts from the country’s kings throughout history. Moreover, visitors can relish the stunning views and pleasant weather that Chilzina offers.

Herat Citadel

Herat Citadel, also known locally as Qala Ikhtyaruddin, is situated in the center of Herat province. It is the oldest building in the area and a significant tourist attraction in the west of Afghanistan. The Citadel was built 2353 years ago by Alexander, the former king of Macedonia, and served as the headquarters of empires for more than 2000 years. This historical site is a great reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Afghanistan and its powerful empires. The Citadel has been rebuilt many times – not surprising given the damage caused by wars and earthquakes.

The Citadel comprises 18 towers and features many beautiful historical paintings and handicrafts inside the buildings. Tourists who visit Afghanistan should consider visiting this historical place to learn more about Afghan cultural heritage, the power of Afghan empires, and the talented engineers who built this citadel. Moreover, the Herat Citadel is a significant archaeological site that provides valuable information about Afghanistan’s history. It is a remarkable example of ancient architecture and engineering and showcases the skills and knowledge of the people who lived in Afghanistan during that time. Therefore, it is essential to preserve this historical site for future generations to learn from and appreciate.

Babur Tomb or Babur Garden

Babur’s Tomb, also known as Babur Garden (Bagh-e Babur), is situated on the slopes of Kuh-e Sher Darwaza, southwest of the old city of Kabul. The tomb is located within the garden, which is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, verdant foliage, diverse range of flora, magnificent fountains, and separate areas for males and females. The garden is a popular destination for visitors due to its natural beauty and cultural significance. Upon entering the garden, visitors are greeted by the Caravanserai, the first section of Babur Garden, where a small market sells Afghan handicrafts and clothing. Additionally, there is a splendid restaurant and a mosque (Masjid) constructed from marble by Shah Jahan. The tomb of Babur, Zahir-ud-din Babur, the former King of Afghanistan, is situated in another section of the garden. The final section of the garden is Haram Sarai, built by Amir Abdul Rahman Khan, the King of Afghanistan. During the summer months, visitors can take a dip in the garden’s swimming pools. 

Babur’s Tomb is one of Kabul’s top tourist attractions due to its historical significance as the burial site of Zahir-ud-din Babur, who founded the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent over 500 years ago. The garden’s ancient buildings and sites offer glimpses into Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage. Tour guides are available within the garden to provide visitors with additional information about its history. In conclusion, Babur’s Tomb and Garden are highly recommended to families and tourists seeking a peaceful and picturesque retreat in Kabul.

Darul Aman Palace

The Darul Aman palace is a historic site located in the southwest of Kabul city, Afghanistan. It sits atop a hill called “Afshar Tappa” and served as the center of Amanullah Khan’s reign. This magnificent palace was constructed by German Engineers in 1920 and adds to the beauty of Kabul city. Many people visit this picturesque area for picnics and tourism. Moreover, the palace boasts a spacious yard where visitors can relax and children can play. Inside, there are 150 rooms, 32 toilets, and a vast library. This was the seat of power for Amanullah Khan during his reign. 

Unfortunately, the palace suffered damage during recent wars. However, reconstruction efforts began in 2016 and were completed in 2019. During the corona pandemic, this grand palace served as a treatment center for patients. It serves as a testament to Afghanistan’s powerful government 100 years ago. Today, many tourists and locals visit this site for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. This historic site is highly recommended to international visitors who want to learn more about Afghanistan’s rich history and monarchy.

Originally posted 2024-03-16 18:02:40.