Bactres: Ancient Jewel of the Silk Road
Explore Bactres, the 'Mother of Cities,' a Silk Road oasis where empires converged, leaving a tapestry of history and culture in Afghanistan.
Bactres, also known as Balkh, in present-day Afghanistan, was once the thriving capital of Bactria. This archaeological site, located in Balkh province, holds millennia of history as a pivotal Silk Road hub, bridging East and West and witnessing the rise and fall of empires [3, 5].
A brief summary to Bactres
- QV5X+6GH, Balkh, AF
Local tips
- Engage with the local community to learn about their stories and contribute to preserving this cultural heritage site [3].
- Exercise caution and seek guidance from local authorities or reputable tour operators due to the complex security situation [3].
- Dress modestly and be mindful of local customs and traditions [3].
- Visit the Balkh Museum to see artifacts unearthed from the site, providing insights into its history and culture [5, 10].
Getting There
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Taxi/Ride-share
From the center of Balkh city, a taxi or ride-share is the most practical way to reach the archaeological site of Bactres [5]. Negotiate the fare beforehand, aiming for approximately 150-300 AFN for the round trip, including waiting time [5]. The journey is short, roughly 5-10 minutes, heading in the general direction of the airport [5]. Use landmarks such as the main bazaar or the road towards Mazar-e-Sharif as orientation points [5]. Note that ride-sharing apps may have limited availability in this region [5].
Discover more about Bactres
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bactres
0.0 km
Discover Bactres, the 'Mother of Cities,' a Silk Road oasis with a rich tapestry of history and culture in northern Afghanistan [3].
Tomb of Rabia Balkhi - مقبره رابعه بلخی
0.1 km
Visit the Tomb of Rabia Balkhi in Balkh, Afghanistan, and honor the legacy of a pioneering Persian poetess and her timeless verses of love and courage.
Green Mosque
0.2 km
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Balkh district
1.2 km
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Eteefaq Masjed
16.3 km
Discover the serene beauty and spiritual essence of Eteefaq Masjed, a cultural gem in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan.
Kefayat Super Market
17.2 km
Experience Afghan culture and find everyday essentials at Kefayat Super Market in Mazar-i-Sharif. Open daily, a vibrant hub for locals and travelers.
گذر سرپل ها
17.2 km
Discover the cultural and architectural beauty of Gazar Serpal Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, a serene reflection of Islamic heritage.
Almas Wedding Hall سالون عروسی الماس
17.6 km
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Baba Qamber Masjed
18.6 km
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مسجد پارسا اول
18.8 km
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Mawla Ali Shopping Center- مارکیت مولاعلی
19.4 km
Experience the vibrant culture of Mazar-i-Sharif at Mawla Ali Shopping Center, offering a mix of traditional crafts and modern goods.
آیسکریم ویژه Icecream vizha
19.5 km
Indulge in delightful ice cream at آیسکریم ویژه Icecream vizha in Mazar-i-Sharif, offering a sweet taste of Afghan hospitality and local flavors.
Rabia Balkhi Memorial یادگاه رابعه بلخی
19.8 km
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Mazar i sharif
20.0 km
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مجتمع ورزشی و تفرحیی شناوران Swimmers
20.0 km
Stay fit and connect with the local community at Swimmers Gym in Mazar-i-Sharif, a modern fitness hub open daily for locals and tourists!
Unmissable attractions to see
Bandar Sheberghan City
0.4 km
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Ancient Wall of Balkh
1.3 km
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Qala-i-Jangi
12.6 km
Explore Qala-i-Jangi, a 19th-century Afghan fortress near Mazar-i-Sharif, and witness a powerful symbol of resilience and a poignant reminder of the nation's turbulent history.
Kamgar Garden باغ کامگار
18.3 km
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Shrine of Hazrat Ali
19.7 km
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Rawza e Mubarak Museum
19.7 km
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Khalid Bin Walid Family Park
22.5 km
Escape to Khalid Bin Walid Family Park in Mazar-i-Sharif for recreation, relaxation, and a vibrant community atmosphere for all ages.
Khaled Ibne Walid Family Park
22.5 km
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Al Hakim At-Termizi Mausoleum
62.1 km
Explore the spiritual legacy of Al-Hakim at-Termizi, a revered Sufi theologian, at this historic mausoleum complex near Termez, Uzbekistan.
Archaeological Museum
63.9 km
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Kokildor-Ota Khanaka
66.2 km
Explore Kokildor-Ota Khanaka, a serene mausoleum in Uzbekistan's Surxondaryo Region, rich in history and tranquility for every traveler.
Kirk Kiz Fortress
66.4 km
Discover the historical grandeur of Kirk Kiz Fortress in Uzbekistan, a breathtaking site steeped in ancient stories and stunning landscapes.
Sultan Saodat Mausoleum
67.0 km
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Uchqizil ko'li
73.6 km
Explore Uchqizil Ko'li, a stunning lake in Uzbekistan’s Surxondaryo Region, perfect for relaxation, hiking, and experiencing local culture.
Gory Kiyan-Chagal
89.1 km
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Essential places to dine
Restaurant Kabul Ziba ,Balkh-Afghanistan
0.4 km
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Balkh restaurant
15.9 km
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Shakoor Mandozai21
16.3 km
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خمآب رستورانت
16.5 km
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Sultan Bahce Restaurant
17.2 km
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Baghcha Mazar Restaurant and Hookah
17.3 km
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رستورانت وطنی
18.0 km
Experience authentic Afghan cuisine at رستورانت وطنی in Mazar-i-Sharif, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
مهمان خانه غضنفر
18.1 km
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Restaurant Darbar MAZAR
18.8 km
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رستورانت وقیلون سرا الخیر
18.9 km
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Chicken hot restaurant
18.9 km
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Emperatory Baran Hotel
19.0 km
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ویس رستورنت شورتاکزار
19.0 km
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رستورانت و مهمان سرای بلخ باستان Balkh e Bastan Restaurant
19.1 km
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ریاست غذا و ادویه
19.1 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Khalil Rahmani
0.3 km
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Bilal Bashir
0.4 km
Discover Bilal Bashir, a men's clothing store in Balkh, Afghanistan, offering unique styles that blend tradition with modern fashion.
OlkarPen
0.4 km
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MTN&MOMO Services
0.4 km
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Mustafa super market سوپر مارکیت مصطفی
9.2 km
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Haq Nazar
16.1 km
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Car Accessories Shops دوکاکین پرزه جات موتر
17.1 km
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شیر پیره فروشی روح الله
19.1 km
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موقعيت مبايل
19.2 km
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صایم سوپرمارکیت
19.6 km
Discover a treasure trove of local goods and delightful flavors at صایم سوپرمارکیت in Mazar-i-Sharif, a must-visit shopping destination for tourists.
فروشگاه حاجی عنایت الله و برادران
19.7 km
Explore the rich heritage at حاجی عنایت الله و برادران Store, Mazar-i-Sharif, where tradition meets vibrant craftsmanship.
مواد قنادی فروشی نصرت احمدی و نعمت احمدی
19.7 km
Explore the rich flavors of Afghanistan at Nasrat Ahmad and Nemat Ahmad Confectionery Store, a sweet haven in Mazar-i-Sharif.
دکان قنادی کربلایی سلطان
19.7 km
Experience the sweetness of Afghan culture at دکان قنادی کربلایی سلطان, a grocery store offering a variety of traditional sweets and snacks.
footsal
19.8 km
Discover the literary treasures of Footsal, a charming book store in Mazar-i-Sharif, where Afghan culture and literature come alive.
Hafiz Jewelery
19.9 km
Discover the exquisite craftsmanship of Afghan jewelry at Hafiz Jewelry in Mazar-i-Sharif, where tradition meets elegance in every piece.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Matiurrahman Rahmani
0.2 km
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غلام پلو(ghulaam palow)
0.4 km
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خمآب رستورانت
16.5 km
Experience the rich flavors of Afghanistan at خمآب رستورانت, a top-rated dining destination in Mazar-i-Sharif known for its authentic cuisine and warm hospitality.
Haseeb Restaurant حسیب رستورانت و ایسکریم ویژه
17.1 km
Experience the flavors of Afghanistan at Haseeb Restaurant, a top family-friendly destination for delicious meals and delightful ice creams in Mazar-i-Sharif.
Watan Supermarket وطن سوپرمارکت
17.2 km
Experience the rich flavors of Afghanistan at Watan Supermarket, a vibrant market showcasing local produce and authentic delicacies for every traveler.
Restaurant Mazar Darbar (رستورانت مزار دربار)
18.8 km
Experience the rich flavors of Afghanistan at Mazar Darbar, a restaurant that embodies traditional Afghan hospitality and culinary art.
Rahat Hotel
18.9 km
Discover Rahat Hotel in Mazar-i-Sharif: A blend of comfort and Afghan hospitality awaits in this vibrant city.
رستورانت سخی زاده
19.4 km
Discover the rich flavors of Afghan cuisine at Sakhizadeh Restaurant in Mazar-i-Sharif, a culinary haven for tourists seeking authentic dining experiences.
ترکمن ایشلکی Turkmen Eshliki
19.7 km
Discover the authentic taste of Turkmen cuisine at Turkmen Eshliki in Mazar-i-Sharif, a culinary haven for food lovers seeking local flavors.
Barat hotel
19.8 km
Experience the charm of Mazar-i-Sharif at Barat Hotel - a cozy hostel perfect for exploring the rich culture and history of Afghanistan.
قلیون سرا قنبر Qelion Sara-e Qambar
19.9 km
Discover the rich flavors and warm hospitality of Qelion Sara-e Qambar, a top café in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, perfect for a cultural dining experience.
سیرت رستورانت
19.9 km
Experience the rich flavors of Afghanistan at Sirat Restaurant in Mazar-i-Sharif, where authentic dishes meet warm hospitality.
قصابی محمد بشیر قاری زاده
19.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at قصابی محمد بشیر قاری زاده, Mazar-i-Sharif's unique bar blending local culture with a lively atmosphere.
Karim Mart
20.2 km
Discover the essence of Afghan culture at Karim Mart in Mazar-i-Sharif, your go-to supermarket for local delicacies and everyday essentials.
Maqamat Cafe مقامات کافه
20.2 km
Experience flavorful Afghan cuisine in a cozy setting at Maqamat Cafe in Mazar-i-Sharif.
