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Chehelseton Garden: Kabul's Restored Oasis

Discover Chehelseton Garden in Kabul, a historic oasis with lush greenery, elegant pavilions, and serene water features, offering a peaceful escape.

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Chehelseton Garden, meaning 'Forty Columns,' is a historic palace and garden in Kabul, Afghanistan, built in 1796. Serving as a royal retreat and state guesthouse, it was heavily damaged during the civil war but reopened in 2019, offering a tranquil escape with lush greenery and elegant pavilions [3].

A brief summary to Chehelseton Garden

  • F592+HXR، جاده چیل ستون, Kabul, AF
  • +93789740725

Local tips

  • Thursdays are often dedicated to families, making it a perfect day for a family outing [3].
  • The garden is open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, allowing ample time to explore its wonders [12].
  • Consider using a ride-hailing app or negotiating taxi fares beforehand [3, 12].
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    Taxis are a common and direct way to reach Chehelseton Garden from anywhere in Kabul [3, 5]. Negotiate the fare beforehand; a typical ride within the city center costs around 100-200 Afghanis [12]. The driver will take you directly to the garden entrance [12]. Note that taxi fares from the outskirts of the city may cost around 10-20 USD [10].

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options like the Millie Bus exist in Kabul, taxis are generally faster and more direct for tourists [3, 5]. If you prefer public transport, take a bus heading in the direction of Chehelseton Road. From there, you may need to walk a portion of the way or take a short taxi ride to the garden entrance [3]. Bus fares are very economical [3].

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Discover more about Chehelseton Garden

Chehelseton Garden, whose name translates to 'Forty Columns', is a historic landmark located approximately 3.6 kilometers east of the Darulaman neighborhood in Kabul, Afghanistan [3, 11]. Constructed in 1796 by Emperor Zaman Shah Durrani, it has played various roles throughout Afghan history, from a royal retreat to a state guesthouse [3]. The garden underwent significant expansion in the late 19th century under Emir Abdur Rahman Khan, who constructed the current palace and pavilion [3]. Habibullah Khan further enhanced it with paved walkways and marble fountains, transforming it into a formal axial garden [3]. Throughout the 20th century, Chehelseton served as a state guesthouse, hosting prominent figures such as U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev [3, 13]. During the communist era, it functioned as a government media hub [3]. Tragically, the garden suffered extensive damage during the civil war and was heavily looted in the early 1990s [3]. However, a dedicated restoration project led to its grand reopening in 2019, reviving its former glory and providing a recreational space for the city's residents [3]. Today, Chehelseton Garden stands as a tranquil oasis within the bustling city [3]. Visitors can explore the meticulously landscaped grounds, adorned with vibrant flower beds and ancient trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere [3, 7]. The elegant pavilions reflect traditional Afghan architectural artistry, providing a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage [3]. The garden also features ponds and fountains, enhancing its picturesque scenery [3, 12]. It is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a space where history and nature intertwine [3, 7, 12].

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