Afghanistan – The Land of Ongoing Mines

Afghanistan, friendly in nature and beautiful in sightseeing, is the home to lush, bountiful landscape, the rocky Hindu Kush mountain range, and the mammoth Buddha statues of Bamiyan. Visitors are fond of the unblemished mountainous atmosphere and the stated attractions here. Unfortunately, the charm and zeal of tourism has been lost by the sheer neglect, past years’ wars, and terrorism prevailing in the country.

Many statues and other structures were demolished under the terrible era of the Taliban – the famous Islamic militants. After the shocking 9/11 event, Afghanistan was blamed to be the home of the accused Osama Bin Laden due to which it witnessed a lofty bombarding by the U.S military troops. This further added to the destroyal of the country’s infrastructure.

Kabul, its capital, is yet occupied by numerous peacekeeping troops, whereas the south region is still facing the fights and violence. Travelers are strongly recommended to be aware of the widespread mines all around and to stay away from any suspicion of terrorism.

This is because even today most of the area of the nation is still running mines and that any journey in the exteriors of the urban areas are seriously not advised for its dangerous effects.

Tourist Attractions in Afghanistan

• Kabul:
  Nearly 33 percent of the buildings and 40 percent of the homes were totally demolished in 2001 in the protest. Today, the attractions for the tourists here are only a few traditional monuments. These are the Gardens of Babur, a museum in good condition, and the historic walls of the fortress – Bala Hissar. However, efforts are being taken to re-open the National Gallery to the public.
• Valley of Paghman:
  This is a scenic natural location of stark mountains that is situated at a distance covered in 90 minutes by road in the west of Kabul.
• Scenic North:
  Do visit the Karez-i-Amir, Charikar, and the Valley of Chakardara for the amazing scenes.
• Hindu Kush:
  This is an uncultivated and isolated region encompassing two giant mountain ranges. The abruptness of the road track to this mountain range makes it difficult for the vehicles to reach up where they are susceptible to failure. If you become successful in passing through the route, the mountains, valleys, and lakes offer you spectacular scenery.

• Bamian:
  Situated near the Hindu Kush, this is the prominent town that is the home of the 2nd to 5th century Great Buddhas. However, these statues were demolished in 2001 due to global protest.
• Jalalabad:
  This is the capital of the Nangarhar Province that once was a beautiful winter resort offering numerous cypress trees and blossoming vegetation.
• Shahr-i-Zahak:
  This is also known as the red city located at a distance of 17 km (11 miles) from Bamian. An attraction here is the relics of an old fortress.

Ariana Afghan Airlines is the national airline that is aided by the United Nations currently in its operations. The Kabul airport is at the distance of 16 km from the capital city of Kabul. Been mostly damaged in 2001, it now provides limited commercial and military flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi to reach the city in 30 minutes.