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Baghe Bala: Kabul's Historic Garden Palace

Explore Kabul's historic Baghe Bala: a royal palace turned public park with stunning views and tranquil gardens.

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Baghe Bala, meaning "High Garden," is a historic palace and public park in Kabul, Afghanistan, offering panoramic city views. Built in 1893 as a summer residence for Emir Abdur Rahman Khan, it has served various roles, including a museum and guesthouse, and remains a symbol of Kabul's resilience [1, 3].

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 [2].
  • Dress respectfully, as Baghe Bala is a culturally significant site [2].
  • Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Hotel Continental for a meal or refreshments [2].
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking on uneven terrain [3].
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From central Kabul, a taxi or ride-sharing service is the most convenient way to reach Baghe Bala. Direct the driver to 'Baghe Bala near Hotel Continental' in the Afshar district. The ride typically takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay between 200-400 AFN for the trip [1].

  • Public Transport

    From most parts of Kabul, take a Millie Bus or shared taxi heading towards the Afshar area. Inform the driver you wish to go to 'Baghe Bala' or near 'Hotel Continental'. Bus fares are typically around 15-20 AFN. From the drop-off point in Afshar, you may need to walk 10-15 minutes uphill to reach the Baghe Bala entrance. Alternatively, you can take a local taxi for the final leg, costing approximately 50-100 AFN [1].

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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 in Kabul, Afghanistan, offering a tranquil retreat with panoramic views [1]. 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 [1, 3]. The location was chosen strategically, perched atop a hill in the Karte Parwan area, allowing for commanding views of the Kabul valley and surrounding mountains [1]. The palace itself is an architectural blend of Mughal and European styles, reflecting the influences prevalent during Abdur Rahman Khan's reign [1]. Over the years, Baghe Bala has played various roles in Afghanistan's history [1]. 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 [1, 3]. In 1919, it briefly housed the National Museum of Afghanistan before the museum's collection was moved to a more suitable location [1, 3]. During the reign of King Ghazi Amanullah Khan, the palace was used as a military house [1]. By 1930, the palace was abandoned, falling into disrepair [1]. 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 [1, 3]. 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 [1, 3, 5]. Baghe Bala survived the tumultuous civil war of the 1990s, although it sustained some damage [1, 3, 5]. In the 2000s and 2010s, extensive renovations were undertaken to preserve the palace's original 19th-century design [1, 3, 5]. 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 [1, 3, 5]. The park provides a space for recreation, relaxation, and cultural events, contributing to the social fabric of Kabul [1]. Today, Baghe Bala stands as a symbol of Afghanistan's rich history and resilience [1]. It offers visitors a glimpse into the country's royal past, showcasing the architectural and landscaping traditions of the late 19th and 20th centuries [1]. Visiting Baghe Bala provides an opportunity to connect with Kabul's past and appreciate its present [2]. The palace's transformation from a royal residence to a public park reflects the city's evolution and its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage [2].

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