Background

Baghe Bala: Kabul's Historic Hilltop Retreat

Discover Kabul's historic Baghe Bala: A tranquil hilltop retreat with stunning views, rich history, and a blend of Mughal and European architecture.

4.3

Baghe Bala, meaning "High Garden," is a historic palace and public park in Kabul, Afghanistan, offering panoramic views of the city. Built in 1893 by Emir Abdur Rahman Khan as a summer residence, it has served various roles throughout Afghanistan's turbulent history and remains a popular destination for locals and tourists alike [3, 4].

A brief summary to عمارت باغ بالا Baghe Bala Building and pool

  • هوتل کانتیننتال, Kabul, Afshar, AF

Local tips

  • Visit during the late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs and to enjoy the sunset views over Kabul [4].
  • Dress respectfully, as Baghe Bala is a culturally significant site [4].
  • Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Hotel Continental for a meal or refreshments [4].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Karte Sakhi, a common starting point in Kabul, a taxi or ride-share is the most direct option [4, 16]. Negotiate the fare beforehand; a typical ride to Baghe Bala should cost between 100-200 AFN [4, 8, 16]. Show the driver the name 'عمارت باغ بالا' to ensure they know the destination [4]. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic [4].

  • Public Transport

    From Karte Sakhi, take a local minibus heading towards 'Afshar' or 'Baghe Bala' [4]. The fare is around 20 AFN [4]. Inform the driver of your destination, and they will drop you off near the entrance to Baghe Bala [4]. From the drop-off point, it's a short walk to the palace [4].

Unlock the Best of عمارت باغ بالا Baghe Bala Building and pool

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about عمارت باغ بالا Baghe Bala Building and pool

Baghe Bala, translating to "High Garden", is a captivating historical site in Kabul, Afghanistan, offering a tranquil retreat with panoramic views [3]. Constructed in 1893 by Emir Abdur Rahman Khan, this palace and surrounding park served as the Emir's summer residence, providing a cool escape from the city's heat [3, 15, 16]. The location was strategically chosen, perched atop a hill in the Karte Parwan area, allowing for commanding views of the Kabul valley and surrounding mountains [3]. The palace itself is an architectural blend of Mughal and European styles, reflecting the influences prevalent during Abdur Rahman Khan's reign [3, 4, 20]. A prominent feature of the landscape is the large swimming pool, added in the 1970s, providing a recreational space and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the garden [3, 15]. Over the years, Baghe Bala has played various roles in Afghanistan's history [3, 16]. After Abdur Rahman Khan's death in 1901, it served as a castle under Emir Habibullah Khan and later as a guesthouse for visiting dignitaries [3, 15]. In 1919, it briefly housed the National Museum of Afghanistan before the museum's collection was moved to a more suitable location [3, 15, 16]. During the reign of King Ghazi Amanullah Khan, the palace was used as a military house [3]. By 1930, the palace was abandoned, falling into disrepair [3, 15]. However, in the 1960s, King Zahir Shah renovated the palace and transformed it into a restaurant, restoring its former glory and opening it to the public [3, 15, 16]. Baghe Bala survived the tumultuous civil war of the 1990s, although it sustained some damage [3, 15, 16]. In the 2000s and 2010s, extensive renovations were undertaken to preserve the palace's original 19th-century design [3, 15, 16]. While the interior is not currently in official use, the surrounding area has been transformed into a large public park, attracting locals and tourists alike [3, 16]. The park provides a space for recreation, relaxation, and cultural events, contributing to the social fabric of Kabul [3]. Today, Baghe Bala stands as a symbol of Afghanistan's rich history and resilience [3]. It offers visitors a glimpse into the country's royal past, showcasing the architectural and landscaping traditions of the late 19th and 20th centuries [3]. The park provides a welcome respite from the urban environment, with its green spaces, mature trees, and panoramic views [3, 4].

Popular Experiences near عمارت باغ بالا Baghe Bala Building and pool

Popular Hotels near عمارت باغ بالا Baghe Bala Building and pool

Select Currency