Would You Take a Vacation to Afghanistan?
by R J Evans on 19/03/09 at 2:24 am
Although it is not considered safe for tourists at the moment, many look forward to being able to visit Afghanistan in the near future. Why? Take a look at some of the remarkable places you would be able to visit and decide for yourself. Would you take a vacation to Afghanistan?
The Buddhas of Bamyan were built in the sixth century and stood, gently turning to dust, a forgotten wonder of the world. That was until 2001 when they were systematically destroyed by the Taliban in possibly the greatest act of cultural vandalism of the century so far. Although the Buddha’s are almost completely destroyed one can still see the niches in to which they were carved so many centuries ago. The countryside around is of lush green, in stark contrast to the sandstone from which they were hewn. Scientists have recently announced the discovery of a sixty foot reclining Buddha which escaped the Taliban due to being buried. It is hoped that this, and possible ‘reconstructions’ of the buddhas gifted by the Japanese nation will restore the site to at least something of its former glory.
Above is how the larger of the Buddhas looked before the Taliban. It is hoped that solar powered laser systems will recreate the images of the Buddhas on to where they stood. It will cost about ten million dollars and it is hoped it will be complete by 2012. So, although the statues will never be the same, at least we will have a souvenir and the site remains historically of great importance. Incidentally, the man responsible for the destruction of the statues, the Taliban governor of Bayman province, was assassinated in Kabul in 2007.
Lake Band-e-Amir is simply stunning, sometimes known as the Afghan Grand Canyon. The five lakes are close to the site of the Buddhas so both can be seen within a few days of each other. The remarkable thing about the lakes in the Hindu Kush mountains is that the way that the water is stored is completely natural. The walls that you can see in the above photograph have come about because the water is rich in carbon dioxide. Over the millennia this water oozed out to deposit calcium carbonate and slowly the travertine walls were built by nature.
Although the area is not easy to get to – the terrain is harsh to say the very least and if you like your creature comforts when travelling, you can forget it. To get to the lakes you will have to traverse a thin track as the road systems remain heavily mined due to militia and Taliban activity. It is hoped that in the next few years the mines will be cleared and better transport links will be established so more can enjoy the amazing beauty of this site.
Historically we know that is was foolish to mess with Genghis Khan. The people of Shar-i-Gholgholoa obviously had not got the message and in the thirteenth century they were responsible for the slaying of Khan’s grandson. Never one to take revenge lightly, Genghis Khan destroyed the city and slaughtered over one hundred and fifty thousand of its inhabitants. The city was never rebuilt and has stood there slowly moldering away ever since. It is, however, a magnificent ruin and, being in Bamyan province is close to the Buddhas and the lakes. It is the ill advised traveler who clambers through the remains however. During their millitary intervention the Russians mined the whole area and it is still to be made safe. The City of Silence – or the City of Screams as it sometimes known (it can’t be both, surely?) remains there – but at the moment best viewed at a distance.
Afghanistan is home to many beautiful Mosques, which could make up an article on their own. The city of Mazari Sharif, however, houses one of the most beautiful mosques you will ever encounter. The city’s name, in fact, means the “Tomb of the Exalted” and the Blue Mosque as it is known is reputed to be the burial place of Ali. Ali was the son-in-law of the prophet Muhammad. He was born in Mecca, the holiest of Muslim places and was the only person to be born within the Kaaba sanctuary inside the city.
It is believed that Ali’s mortal remains were under threat of desecration so his followers placed them on to a white female camel. They followed the came’s progress for week until she collapsed, exhausted, to the ground. The Blue Mosque is the latest shrine to be built on this place. Although built in the fifteenth century a great deal of the mosque has been restored, which does not detract at all from its stunning beauty.
Ghazni, in the East of the country, is famed for its minarets. Some of them are over a thousand years old and were built during the Ghaznavid Empire, within a two hundred year period. The city has always been a mix of ethnicities and religions, much like the rest of the country – and the Sikhs and Hindus driven out by the Taliban are now beginning to return. Although the main visitor attractions are undoubtedly the Islamic minarets there is also, somewhere, a reclining Buddha. A shelter built around the fifteen meter female statue was built in the 1980s but has since collapsed due to the wooden supports being stolen. It is hoped that she will be restored one day.
The capital of Helmund province, Lashkar Gah, holds a secret – the ancient and ruined city of Bost. No one knows who originally built Bost, although it is known to be at least three thousand years old. In 661 CE it was taken by Muslims and became the location of the royal mint of the Ghaznavid Empire. It was destroyed by, yes, him again, Ghengis Khan in 1220. Although in ruins it still holds a magnificent archway of over twenty five meters and a mausoleum. It is already accessible to visitors and the transport to and from Lashkar Gah is good.
If you are looking for high altitudes and sheer desolation then you could visit some of the passes that Afghanistan boasts. The most famous is of course the notorious Khyber Pass, which connects the country with Afghanistan. The pass has always been important militarily and for trade and is considered to be still unsafe for visitors. Only in February 2009 a major bridge was blown up by suspected Taliban sympathizers. It is thought, however, that once fully secure, the pass will be part of a new supply route that will go through several central Asian republics and will be vital in the resurgence of the country economically. Whether you are paying homage to British comedy films of the sixties or just want to take in astounding views, the Khyber Place could be the place to visit.
Not as well known as the Khyber, the Salang Pass is high – almost four thousand meters. It connects the north of the country to the important province of Kabul. A beautiful and somewhat eerie place people tend to go over it now only for the sake of it. In an almost python-esque situation – “What did the Russians ever do for us” – the soviet invaders of the late seventies achieved an astronomical feat – they tunneled underneath it. At a height of three thousand four hundred meters the tunnel links Kabul with Mazar Sharif.
These are just a few of the amazing sites of Afghanistan, notwithstanding the capitol city of Kabul – see below. Hopefully within a few years the country will be open and friendly to visitors who will be able to discover the history and majesty of this old and proud country for themselves.
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53 Comments
Christine Ramsay
Mar 19th, 2009
Thank you for reminding us that despite what is going on there Afghanistan is still a country worth visiting. Fantastic photography.
Christine
Rana Sinha
Mar 19th, 2009
Very interesting. Thanks. I’ve always been fascinated by Afghanistan. Now it seems pretty difficult to visit there, unless one joins certain ‘training camps’.
RJ Chamberlain
Mar 19th, 2009
In short: Yes 10 years ago, now no.
RJ
edward
Mar 19th, 2009
not until Osama is alive..hahahaha…
Kate Smedley
Mar 19th, 2009
Thanks for this very interesting and informative article, when anyone mentions Afghanistan I automatically think war zone. This shows it in a different and intriguing light.
Betty Carew
Mar 19th, 2009
Such beauty in such turmoil, I didn’t know about the bombing of the Buddhas what destruction to something that was there for so long, such a pity. Excellent article RJ very well written
Geri Ohara
Mar 19th, 2009
Lovely article….I would go now to get away from my kids LOL
Darlene McFarlane
Mar 19th, 2009
Such a beautiful and interesting country. Your article shows the part of Afghanistan filled with beauty and intrigue. I would love to visit Afghanistan, one day…
LBA
Mar 19th, 2009
great work
Lee
Lauren Axelrod
Mar 19th, 2009
Right up my alley RJ. This location is spectacular, however right now, it\’s not exactly safe to travel to, as from where I\’m standing.
CutestPrincess
Mar 19th, 2009
no thanks… Sorry but why would you want to go to a war zone and put yourself in danger? With all due respect to the people on those country, I won’t bother going. The people that live there don’t want to even live there. Well a lot of them but not all. I just feel unsafe if ever I have a chance to. I heard that there’s a lot of terrorists there. I’m not ready to die yet. haha.
Mahboob
Mar 19th, 2009
Let my me correct you guys Afghanistan is not a war zone any more it is getting better day by day. it is a great place to visit i don’t say it is 100% secure because no where is 100% secure in the world give it a try you will love it.
Lost in Arizona
Mar 19th, 2009
Would I do it now? Heck no! It’s like certain countries in Africa. No matter how beautiful and exotic the location, you still face the potential risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’d much rather see the pictures from the safety of my home…lol! Maybe one day at a later time.. Until then, it was nice to see it through the writer’s eyes.
Kimberly Moore
Mar 19th, 2009
Thankyou for sharing this article! Very interesting and refreshing to learn new things about a place…even thou mostly you hear the negative side.
Juancav
Mar 19th, 2009
I hope people pretty soon visit this place.
Jo Oliver
Mar 20th, 2009
RJ,
Yes, it does seem like a beautiful and culture rich place to visit. The attractions you mention are tempting. However, the danger is to much of a deterrent. Still, thank you for giving us a one dimensional look from the safety of our computer.
Glynis Smy
Mar 20th, 2009
What a great article, the country is not what I had in my mind! It is very beautiful and one day we will all be able to travel there again,I am sure. After all, everyone holidays in UK and Germany and they were war torn countries once. Thanks RJ something for the future.
jo oliver
Mar 20th, 2009
Buzzed up!
Anne Lyken Garner
Mar 20th, 2009
It looks like such a beautiful place.
Holly Eliza
Mar 20th, 2009
Stunning and so tragic, it is a paradoxical country and you have highlighted this perfectly thank you!
Mark Bentley
Mar 20th, 2009
Wow, it looks like a beautiful place to see. It is so tragic that it is in such a bad state now. This is likely as close as most of us will ever get to seeing it.
Ohoomoos
Mar 20th, 2009
I was there in 77 and sat on the head of the great buddha looking over the valley. I’d forgotten the amazing blue of Bandiamir. It was a kind and gentle nation back then.
Medical Pastiche
Mar 20th, 2009
When I was in Afghanistan almost 2 years ago, the country was in the midst of falling apart and falling to the Taliban. I would not be hopeful that things would change in 10 years time to make it a vacation place; even now, it is incredibly dangerous for people with jobs who do relief/aid work to be there.
I do not think that most people realize how bad the situation really is, and stories like this do not help correct that perception.
If the State Department warnings do not deter you, let me just say: DO NOT GO to Afghanistan for a vacation.
Glynis Smy
Mar 21st, 2009
I came back for another read and was intrigued by the comment by Medical Pastiche, agreed the situation is bad out there but I think the majority would not take a vacation in a war zone, fear and intelligence would not allow it
Those dare devils that choose to will do so at their own risk,regardless of the hassle to get into the country during these times and that is their choice, wise or not.
Louie Jerome
Mar 21st, 2009
Medical Pastiche, I think maybe you missed the point. The writer was not telling everyone to jump on a plane with his bucket and spade and enjoy a holiday among the bombs and bullets. He was saying that Afghanistan in a beautiful place.
mike
Mar 21st, 2009
Nah it be ugly man. Been in 2 different deserts and they are all the same. Those buildings are in Vegas too if you really want to look for em.
Medical Pastiche
Mar 21st, 2009
Louie Jerome,
The article was meant to show the beautiful aspects of Afghanistan, but the only things shown in this article are:
a mosque in Mazar i Sharif, a minaret in Ghazni the home of the Taliban, a lake, two mountain passes, two desolate villages, non-existent Buddha statues because they have already been destroyed, and a bleak capital city.
There are a handful of areas which could be considered beautiful, but in comparison to the utterly vast amounts of ugliness apparent in the dry, arid, desolate mountainscape, it quickly becomes apparent that as a whole, Afghanistan is quite ugly. The ratio of beautiful to ugly for Afghanistan approaches zero.
This article is like saying the Sahara desert is beautiful, refreshing, and full of life based on visiting an oasis.
Emma C S
Mar 21st, 2009
Wow, Stunning pictures. It’s a shame the middle east is always in such turmoil, there are so many interesting places I’d like to visit out there.
Rose
Mar 21st, 2009
People fear Afghanistan for the past terrorist attacks and stuff, but we can not blame all of there people and hold a grudge againt them, i think its foolish to fear every man in a turban. we should try and have peace and show interest in this country because its still a country in the world plus its beautiful.
R.B. Parsley
Mar 21st, 2009
RJ,
Excellent article. Very well written. The photographs were stunning! Too bad bullets are flying every which way over their.
Keep up the great work.
kamlesh786
Mar 22nd, 2009
well written
cobblestone
Mar 22nd, 2009
i like it, & i think it’s beautiful. but w/ the war going on around there i don’t think i’d vaca there until after.
Miner
Mar 22nd, 2009
Very good article. Many people, when they hear the word Afghanistan, they think of a terrible place abandoned and filled with war. This shows different. Keep writing!
SHAF MASTA
Mar 22nd, 2009
a very beautiful article about Afganistan! This is probably the first time I have read an article by a writer who has showed us the holy and beautiful side of the country, even though we hear the terrible bad side!
Thanks for this! I LOVE THE PICS!
The one about the natural water looks stunning. See how crystal clear the water looks like! Very clean!
NT Noble
Mar 22nd, 2009
Yes, I would take a trip to Afghanistan. Those places are incredible in image, but probably more astonishing in person!
Sharmorr
Mar 23rd, 2009
I’ll have my burka packed and be on the first plane to go as soon as Obama redistributes enough of the Wall Street execs money to pay for it. I have always wished to see a “live” beheading.
Squishy
Mar 23rd, 2009
Having been in the Bamyan region in 2007, for non-military purposes, it is certainly a fascinating and culturally rich area. And maybe one day it would be possible to go there without an armed escort and wearing body armour.
Today – forget it.
Rask Balavoine
Mar 24th, 2009
Terrific article. I tried twice to get to Afghanistan at the end of the 70s. First time I couldn’t get through Iran because they were busy deposing the Shah and wouldn’t give me a visa to travel through to Afghanistan, second time I was flying there with Aeroflot and while changing planes in Moscow the Soviets launched their invasion and I got bumped onto a plane for India. Your article tempts me to try again, or os that tempting fate?
Chuck Woww
Mar 24th, 2009
Great article. It brought back many memories.
hfj
Mar 25th, 2009
Great article and beautiful pictures. The only way i would consider a vacation there is if they provided me with a AK-47, and a continental breakfast every morning. Well done.
awais ahmed
Mar 25th, 2009
First afganistan was so beautful natural location.Now very things destroyed in wars in afganistan.I have also a visiter of afganistan.
awais.info@gmail.com
coffeeadict
Mar 25th, 2009
Beautiful and stunning – I wished it would be safe to travel there…
B Nelson
Mar 30th, 2009
wow Lake Band-e Amir looks breath taking.
Mark Gordon Brown
Mar 31st, 2009
I would definately go there, if it wasnt for the war.
Umair Khalid
Apr 5th, 2009
I would also go to save the historical places that are being destroyed by air strikes of allied forces.
janat gul mulla khail
Apr 6th, 2009
it is our contry so beauti full i love my contry…………………AFGANISTAN……………plzzzzzz dont distri our contrie
skyler
Apr 16th, 2009
its soooo pretty and it is getting better day by day im learning about it in collage
MUHIB RAHMATI
Apr 21st, 2009
THAKS OF YAHOO WHO BROUGHT THE PICTURES OF AFGHNISTAN.
AFGHANISTAN IS A BEUTIFULL COUNTRY BUT…………..
UNFORTUNATLY IS DESTROYED BY ……….
Ihsan Khan
Apr 28th, 2009
Great Show, of the Great Culture of the Afghan (Pashtun) People, needs a fair amount of willingness and courage to visit these places.
khurram shahzad
May 7th, 2009
nice je kafi acha kaam hai but pakistan k baray mai bhi mai aik website lay ka hazir howa ho wo bhi dehk lay http://urduwomen.blogspot.com/
khuram
May 7th, 2009
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Brian Daniel Stankich
May 20th, 2009
Thanks for exposing us to Afg., RJ. I was there for a week in 2003, but not on vacation. I saw the mosque in Mazar i Sharif and other amazing sites there and in Kabul. The jumper plane between cities was an incredible flight over tough terrain.
ihsankhan
Jun 19th, 2009
yeah it is a very intersting to place to visit i like it becouse it is my own country i like the fruit of my beautiful country in fact i like evrything of my country and intersting is that if u travel to my country u will see the mountest area i like that scene
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