Band-e Amir: Afghanistan's Azure Jewel
Discover Afghanistan's first national park, a breathtaking landscape of turquoise lakes and dramatic canyons in the heart of the Hindu Kush.
Band-e Amir National Park, Afghanistan's first national park, is a stunning collection of six turquoise lakes set against dramatic cliffs in the Hindu Kush mountains [1, 3, 17]. These lakes, formed by natural travertine dams, offer a unique and breathtaking landscape [3, 7, 17].
A brief summary to Band-e Amir
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Local tips
- The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months (April-June and September-October) for mild and pleasant weather [2].
- Bring sufficient supplies, including water, food, and appropriate clothing, as facilities within the park are limited [1].
- Respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of the current situation in Afghanistan [1].
- Stay on established paths to avoid landmines [12, 18].
- Hire a local guide for navigation and insights into the area's history and culture [1].
Getting There
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Bamyan city, the most common way to reach Band-e-Amir National Park is by taxi or shared taxi [1]. Negotiate a fare for the approximately 3-4 hour journey [1, 3]. A private taxi may cost around 1,500 AFN for the day [1, 6]. Alternatively, a shared taxi to Band-e Amir from Bamyan Bazaar costs around 250 AFN per person each way [1]. Be prepared for a bumpy ride as the roads can be rough [1]. The taxi will typically drop you off near Band-e Haibat, the most accessible of the lakes [1]. From there, walking is the primary way to explore the park [1].
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Public Transport
Shared minivans to Band-e Amir may be available from Bamyan Bazaar, particularly on Thursdays and Fridays during the high season [1, 10]. The fare is approximately 250 AFN per person each way [10]. These minivans depart only when full, so flexibility is essential [1]. Alternatively, take a minivan towards Yakawlang (200 AFN) and disembark at the turn-off to the lakes, followed by a 3-hour walk to the park; bring water [1, 5, 10]. From Bala Tang, hire a local taxi for the remaining 5 kilometers to the park entrance for around 50 AFN [1].
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Entrance Fee
An entrance fee of 200 AFN is payable in cash at the gate upon entering the National Park [1, 6, 10, 15].
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