Whether for business or pleasure, Afghanistan offers countless adventures to the
curious traveler.
From bicycle trips and boat rides, to museums and shopping, to overland trips through
breathtaking mountain terrain, an Afghanistan experience promises to delight and
inspire.
For a taste of Afghanistan, consider the Gardens of Babur and accompanying museum.
For one of the oldest and most stunning sights, one could visit the ancient walls
of the citadel Balai Hissar. The Valley of Paghman, an hour by road west of Kabul
and, to the north, the gardens of Karez-i-Amir or a bit farther to Charikar are all
well worth the visit. For those who make the journey, the mountains, valleys, and
lakes provide dramatic scenery. Consisting of two huge mountain ranges, the Hindu
Kush is a wild and remote region. Although traveling by car is possible, the Hindu
Kush is best left for travelers prepared to rough it.
Ghazni, one of the central provinces, hosts many tombs of noted poets and scientists,
such as Al-Biruni. The Bamiyan valley is lined with cave dwellings cut out of the
cliffs by Buddhist monks. While the statues were destroyed by the Taliban, their
enormous outlines remain one of the most visited sights in Central Asia. The area
also has grottoes decorated with wall paintings in Greco-Buddhist styles. The Red
City (Shahr-i-Zahak), 11 miles from Bamiyan, is home to the remains of another ancient
citadel. The Minaret of Jam, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in Ghowr province.
Ghowr was also the centre of the Ghurid dynasty in the 12th and 13th centuries. The
remains of their capital Firuzkuh promises an unforgettable journey.
Afghanistan is an exciting place to be. Its eye-opening experiences and breathtaking
sights can change a visitor's life. Regardless of how or with whom you come, traveling
to Afghanistan is guaranteed to lead to a new adventure every step of the way.
