Babur Garden: A Mughal Oasis in Kabul
Explore Kabul's historic Babur Garden: a serene Mughal-era oasis, the final resting place of Emperor Babur, and a beautifully restored cultural landmark.
Babur Garden, or Bagh-e Babur, is a significant historical site in Kabul, Afghanistan, dating back to the early 16th century [3, 6, 21]. Established by Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, the garden served as a recreational space during his lifetime and later became his tomb, reflecting the Mughal tradition of creating pleasure sites that would also serve as their final resting places [3, 6, 21]. Babur, who deeply appreciated nature, personally designed and oversaw the creation of gardens in his capital [6, 13]. Located on the slopes of the Kuh-e Sher Darwaza, southwest of Kabul, the garden spans approximately 11 hectares and is arranged into 15 terraces along a central axis [3, 13]. This layout follows the classical charbagh (four-garden) pattern, with rising terraces divided by a central watercourse [17, 22]. The site has been redeveloped by various Afghan rulers [3]. Jahangir, Babur's successor, visited the site in 1607 and ordered the surrounding of all the gardens in Kabul with walls, the construction of a prayer platform in front of Babur's grave, and the placement of an inscribed headstone [3, 21]. During Shah Jahan's visit in 1638, a marble screen was erected around Babur's tomb, and a mosque was built on the terrace below [3]. Over the centuries, Babur Garden has undergone numerous changes [3, 6]. By 1880, Amir Abdur Rahman Khan added a pavilion and residence for his wife [3, 8]. In 1933, it was converted into a public recreation space, with pools and fountains as central features [3]. After facing neglect and damage during the war, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) began extensive restoration efforts in 2002, reviving the garden [6, 17, 22]. Today, visitors can explore the landscaped gardens, which include diverse trees and plants [8, 15]. The site also includes Babur's tomb, a mosque, and a pavilion with exhibits about the garden's history [8, 22].
Local tips
- Visit in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather and blooming flowers [15].
- Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of the garden's history and cultural significance [15].
- Check current political and security conditions before planning your visit [15].
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the terraced grounds [15].
A brief summary to Babur Garden
- 34.503°N 69, Block 157-158 Walkway, Kabul, AF
- +93787344528
Getting There
-
Taxi
Taxis are a common way to reach Babur Garden from anywhere in Kabul [2, 5, 15]. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. From the city center, a taxi ride to Babur Garden typically costs between 120 to 200 AFN, depending on traffic and negotiation [2]. A 5km ride in Kabul costs about 350 AFN [7]. Ensure the driver knows the location, referencing nearby landmarks if needed [2].
-
Public Transport
While Kabul has a public bus service, it may not be the most direct or convenient option [2, 12, 16]. Check local routes and schedules if you prefer this mode of transport [16]. Taxis and private cars are more common [20]. The bus system accompanied by bus stops was launched in March 2021 [19].
-
Walking
If you are already in the vicinity of Chelsatun or areas southwest of Shahr-e Naw, walking to Babur Garden is feasible [3]. Use a map to orient yourself and follow the main roads leading to the Sher Darwaza hillside [3]. Be mindful of the local traffic and road conditions [2].
