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Baghe Bala Building: A Historic Kabul Retreat

Discover Kabul's historic Baghe Bala: a tranquil hilltop retreat with stunning views and a rich cultural heritage, offering a peaceful escape.

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Baghe Bala, meaning "High Garden," is a historical palace and 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, including a castle, guesthouse, and national museum [3, 4]. Today, it stands as a public park, a testament to Kabul's resilience [4, 6].

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 photos and to enjoy the sunset over Kabul [4].
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking on uneven terrain [4].
  • Bring cash for snacks and drinks from local vendors in the park [4].
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Karte Sakhi, a central point in Kabul, a taxi or ride-share is the most direct way to reach Bagh-e Bala [4, 5]. Negotiate the fare beforehand, aiming for 100-150 AFN [4, 5, 8]. Show the driver the name 'عمارت باغ بالا' to ensure clarity [4, 8]. The journey should take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic [4].

  • Public Transport

    From Karte Sakhi, take a local minibus heading towards 'Afshar' or 'Baghe Bala' [4, 5, 8]. The fare is typically around 20 AFN [4, 8]. Inform the driver of your destination, and they will drop you off near the entrance to Bagh-e Bala [4]. From the drop-off point, it's a short walk to the building [4].

  • Walking

    If you are near the Hotel Continental, you can walk to the Baghe Bala Building [4, 5]. Exit the hotel and head towards the east and follow the road signs that direct you towards Baghe Bala [4]. It's a short walk, and you will enjoy the local scenery along the way [4].

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Discover more about عمارت باغ بالا Baghe Bala Building and pool

Baghe Bala, translating to "High Garden", is a captivating historical site located on a hilltop in the Karte Parwan area of Kabul, Afghanistan [4, 6]. Constructed in 1893 by Emir Abdur Rahman Khan, the palace served as the Emir's summer residence, providing a cool and relaxing retreat from the city's heat [4]. The location was strategically chosen to offer commanding views of the Kabul valley and surrounding mountains [6, 13]. The palace is an architectural blend of Mughal and European styles, reflecting the influences prevalent during Abdur Rahman Khan's reign [6]. Over the years, Baghe Bala has played various roles in Afghanistan's history. 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, 4, 6]. In 1919, it briefly housed the National Museum of Afghanistan before the collection was moved [3, 4, 6]. During the reign of King Ghazi Amanullah Khan, the palace was used as a military house [3, 6]. By 1930, the palace was abandoned and fell into disrepair [3, 6]. However, in the 1960s, King Zahir Shah renovated it into a restaurant, opening it to the public [3, 4]. Baghe Bala survived the civil war of the 1990s, although it sustained some damage [3, 4, 6]. In the 2000s and 2010s, extensive renovations were undertaken to preserve the palace's original 19th-century design [3, 4, 6, 13]. 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, 6, 13]. The park provides a space for recreation, relaxation, and cultural events, contributing to the social fabric of Kabul [6]. The central pool, added in the 1970s, offers a refreshing spot to relax [3, 13]. Today, Baghe Bala stands as a symbol of Afghanistan's rich history and resilience [4, 6]. It represents a blend of Afghan tradition and global influences, reflecting the city's complex past [13]. The meticulously maintained gardens, the stunning views, and the historical architecture make Baghe Bala a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Kabul [13].

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