Babur's Garden: A Mughal Oasis in Kabul
Explore Kabul's Mughal heritage at Babur's Garden: a peaceful retreat with terraced lawns, historic architecture, and panoramic city views.
Bagh-e Babur, also known as Babur's Garden, is a significant historical site in Kabul, Afghanistan, established around the 1520s by the first Mughal Emperor, Babur [2, 5]. The garden is located in the Sher Darwaza hillside, southwest of Shahr-e Naw [3]. Covering approximately 11 acres, the garden is arranged in fifteen terraced levels along a central axis [2, 12]. Babur, who deeply appreciated nature, personally designed the garden as a place for recreation and pleasure [3, 5]. After his death in 1530, he was buried here, and the garden became his tomb [2, 13]. Over time, it evolved into a symbolic place for the Mughal dynasty [12]. Babur's successors, including Jahangir and Shah Jahan, contributed to the garden's development [3]. Jahangir ordered the construction of walls around all Kabul gardens and the placement of a headstone at Babur's grave [3]. Shah Jahan erected a marble screen around the tomb and built a mosque on the terrace below in 1638 [3]. In the late 19th century, Amir Abdur Rahman Khan constructed a pavilion and residence for his wife, Bibi Halima; this Queen's Palace was destroyed during the wars of the 1990s and later renovated by the Agha Khan Foundation [2]. In 1933, the garden was converted into a public recreation space with pools and fountains [3]. Extensive restoration efforts began in 2002 under the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, revitalizing the site [5]. Today, visitors can explore the terraced lawns, historic architecture, and panoramic city views [4]. The garden also hosts cultural and artistic festivals [2].
Local tips
- The best times to visit are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather [4].
- Dress modestly to respect local customs [4].
- Photography is allowed, so bring a camera to capture the garden's beauty [4].
- Be prepared to walk, as there is a lot to see within the terraced gardens [18].
A brief summary to Babur Garden
- 34.503°N 69, Block 157-158 Walkway, Kabul, AF
- +93787344528
- Monday 8 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
- Thursday 8 am-4 pm
- Friday 8 am-4 pm
- Saturday 8 am-4 pm
- Sunday 8 am-4 pm
Getting There
-
Taxi
Taxis are a common way to reach Bagh-e Babur from anywhere in Kabul [6, 9]. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. From the city center or major hotels, a taxi ride to Bagh-e Babur typically costs between 120 to 250 AFN, depending on the distance and traffic [6]. The journey can take approximately 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions [6, 21]. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked through local apps [7, 15].
-
Walking
If you are already in the vicinity of District 5 or Shahr-e Naw, walking to Bagh-e Babur is a viable option. From Shahr-e Naw, head southwest towards the Sher Darwaza hillside [3]. The walk is approximately 1-2 kilometers and may take 20-30 minutes [3]. Be aware of your surroundings and local traffic conditions [21].
