Afghanistan
Exploring Bamyan’s Dragon Valley
In a region known equally for its beautiful geological formations and its local legends, Bamyan’s Dragon Valley offers both. The narrow gorge is filled with white travertine formations, natural springs, and otherworldly rock shapes that legend attributes to a petrified dragon slain by Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law. It’s far less visited than Band-e-Amir National
Experiencing the Blue Lakes of Band-e-Amir National Park
Before my visit to Band-e-Amir National Park, I suspected that a lot of the photos circulating online must have had their saturation heavily boosted. But now having seen the deep blue hue of the travertine lakes in person, I can confirm that things really do look like the photos. Band-e-Amir lies about 75 km from
Historical Bamyan: Shahr-e-Gholghola, Bamyan Buddhas & More
Today, the name Bamyan is most associated with the infamous destruction of the Buddhas of Bamyan at the hands of the Taliban in 2001. While we will be discussing that incident below, we shouldn’t let that one tragedy overshadow everything else the region has to offer, including historical sites like Shahr-e-Gholghola and Shahr-e-Zohak. Now largely
Shewaki Stupa & Kabul’s Forgotten Buddhist Heritage
A lot of people are shocked to first learn that Kabul Province used to be a predominantly Buddhist region. And though much of that ancient heritage has largely been lost, visitors can still experience it at places like Shewaki Stupa, situated just outside of the capital. And while in Kabul city, you should also be
Paghman & Its Palace: A Day Trip From Kabul
Kabul doesn’t have the best day trip options compared with other Afghan cities like Mazar-i-Sharif. But if you’d like to escape the city without going too far, choose the place most locals go: Paghman. Located just about 20 km outside of the capital, Paghman is known for its mountain views, riverside restaurants, and the elaborate Paghman
Kabul: The Ultimate Guide
Kabul is a bustling city of around 5 million people with millennia of history. Most people around the world, however, only associate the city’s name with war and terror. But, at the time of writing, the Afghan capital is now safer than it has been in many years. And in this Kabul guide, we’ll be