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Lake Band-e-Amir, Afghanistan

© Creative Commons / Carl Montgomery

Things to see and do in Afghanistan

Bala Hissar

Experience great views over Kabul by following the ancient city walls leading from Bala Hissar, an ancient fortress, up the mountainside. The fortress was rebuilt in the 19th century after the British army saw that it was all but destroyed it in the Second Anglo-Afghan War.

Bamiyan

Visit Bamiyan, the main town near the Hindu Kush. The second- to fifth-century Great Buddhas were destroyed here to international outcry in 2001.

Hindu Kush

Marvel at the Hindu Kush, a wild and remote region consisting of two huge mountain ranges. Although travelling by car is possible, the steepness of the routes makes vehicles prone to breakdowns. For those who make the journey, the mountains, valleys and lakes provide stunning scenery.

Jalalabad

Tour Jalalabad, the capital of the Nangarhar Province, which used to be a pretty winter resort, is now awash with cypress trees and flowering shrubs.

Kabul

Visit Afghanistan's capital, Kabul; Although it is estimated that after the fighting in 2001, at least one-third of all public buildings and approximately 40% of the houses were completely destroyed, a few conventional attractions for tourists remain, including the Gardens of Babur and a well-presented museum, and the ancient walls of the citadel Bala Hissar. There are plans to re-open the National Gallery.

Kabul Museum

Though the museum's contents have been dramatically depleted over the years, there is still a good amount of artefacts on display, including Graeco-Bactrian Buddha statues, and a marble basin from Kandhar often referred to as Buddha's Begging Bowl.

National Gallery

Displaying a range of historic artwork and more contemporary pieces, the National Gallery has, like the Kabul Museum, seen its fair share of destruction. However, many pieces have been salvaged, and the staff offer guided tours around the exhibitions.

Northern Afghanistan

To the north, Karez-i-Amir, Charikar and the Valley of Chakardara feature stunning scenery.

Red City

Take in the Red City (Shahr-i-Zahak), 17km (11 miles) from Bamiyan, and the location of the remains of another ancient citadel.

Shahr-i-Zahak

Take in the Red City (Shahr-i-Zahak), 17km (11 miles) from Bamian, and the location of the remains of another ancient citadel.

Sultani Museum

Neighbouring the National Gallery, the Sultani Museum opened in 2004, and hosts an array of coins, manuscripts, pottery, carvings and more from throughout Afghanistan's history.

Valley of Paghman

If able, head to the Valley of Paghman, 90 minutes by road west of the capital, where the rich had second houses and, to the north, Karez-i-Amir, Charikar and the Valley of Chakardara.

Visit Ka Faroshi bird market

Find this little street tucked behind the Pul-e Khishti Mosque selling birds of all shapes and sizes, including kowk (fighting partridge), which are fought on Friday mornings with bystanders betting on their winner.

Walk on Bibi Mahru Hill

It was at the top of Bibi Mahru Hill that Moghul ruler Babur first looked over Kabul. This is a popular spot for walking, although don't expect much from the swimming pool at the top.

Wander Babur's Gardens (Bagh-e Babur)

This striking and historic garden in Kabul was created under the first Mughal ruler Babur in the 1500s. Inside the high walls, find 11 hectares (27 acres) of greenery, assorted plantlife, a pavilion, a marble mosque and Babur's tomb, which reads the inscription: €œIf there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this!

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