We arrived in Afghanistan at Kabul International Airport the day before in evening, and after checking-in to our hotel (Safi Landmark Hotel), we headed out for dinner and called it a night.
After breakfast this morning, we went around to explore the capital city.
National Museum of Afghanistan
Once considered to be one of the world’s finest museums, the national museum had over 100,000 items dating back several millennia, including items from Persian, Buddhist, and Islamic dynasties. With the start of the civil war in 1992, the museum has been looted numerous times and destroyed by rockets, resulting in a loss of 70% of the 100,000 objects on display.
Since 2007, numerous international organizations have helped to recover over 8,000 artifacts and are now displayed in the three floors of this museum.
Darul Aman Palace
Darul Aman Palace, whose name means “Abode of Peace”, was commissioned in the 1920s by King Amanullah Khan as part of his bold effort to modernize Afghanistan. The palace is a striking example of neoclassical design, adapted for Afghan context. It rises three stories and contains around 150 rooms, including a grand semi-circular main hall.
The palace was severely damaged during the 1990s civil war. However, between 2016 and 2020, the palace was renovated and restored to its former glory. Most work was completed for the 100th anniversary of Afghan independence, which was on 19 August 2019.
The restored palace stands today not just as a beautifully rebuilt structure, but as a powerful symbol of regeneration. There are concrete plans for its future use: the lower floors are meant to become a national museum, while upper levels could host official receptions and state ceremonies. Importantly, the restoration process has been framed as a deeply national project, using locally sourced materials (such as traditional bricks) and labor, reflecting a desire to reconnect with Afghanistan’s architectural heritage.
Babur Gardens
Mughal ruler Babur laid out the gardens in the early 16th century, and now it is the site of his tomb. At 11 hectares, they are also the largest public green space in the city. Laid out in the classical charbagh (four garden) pattern, with a series of quartered rising terraces split by a central watercourse, the garden was used as a pleasure spot by repeated Mughal rulers, but fell into disrepair after the dynasty lost control of Kabul.
There’s a delicate white marble mosque built in 1647 by Shah Jahan, who commissioned the Taj Mahal. While on a much smaller scale, the similarities in style are evident in the clean carving of the stone.
Overlooking the whole of the garden from the top terrace is Babur’s tomb, inside a simple enclosure. Babur wished to be buried under the open sky so his grave is uncovered, surrounded by a simple marble screen. The headstone says it was erected for ‘the light-garden of the God-forgiven angel king whose rest is in the garden of Heaven’.
Sakhi Shrine (Blue Mosque)
Ziarat-e Sakhi Shah Marden (Sakhi Shrine) is a historical mosque and named after Sakhi Shah-e-Mardan, who is believed to have been a companion of the Prophet Muhammad.
The mosque is said to have been built in the 18th century, and it is known for its intricate tilework and calligraphy. The mosque is a popular pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims, believed to be the final resting place of Hazrat Ali, also considered a significant architectural and historical landmark in Kabul.
The best time to visit Sakhi Shrine is before sunset when the colors of the mosque shine in the backdrop of the setting sun!
Kabul Market
One of the unique things to see in the Kabul market are the “War Rugs”. They have its origins in the decade of Soviet occupation of Afghanistan from 1979 and has continued through the subsequent military, political and social conflicts.
Afghan rug-makers began incorporating the apparatus of war into their designs almost immediately after the Soviet Union invaded their country. They continue to do so today in the wake of the United States’ 2001 invasion of Afghanistan which ousted the Taliban government of Mullah Omar but has failed to bring an end to violence in the country.
After a full day of sightseeing around Kabul, we headed for dinner at Bukhara Restaurant, feasting on the local cuisines, before calling it a night!
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Costs
Note: All values in USD, unless otherwise mentioned, are approximate and based on the exchange rate of USD 1 = AFN 67 at the time of publishing. Each cost is for one adult. Note that the expenses do not include international flights to and from Afghanistan.
| What | Cost | Notes |
| Dinner | $4.47 | AFN 300 dinner at Bukhara Restaurant. |
| National Museum of Afghanistan | $5.22 | AFN 350 entrance fees. |
| Darul Aman Palace | $7.46 | AFN 500 entrance fees. |
| Babur Gardens | $5.22 | AFN 350 entrance fees. |
| Lunch | $10.75 | AFN 720 at Barg International Restaurant. |
| Snacks | $7.46 | AFN 500 ‘anjeer’ from street-side. |
| Day Costs | $40.58 | Per person |
| Overall Costs | $2,387.73 | Per person |
Day 1
Kabul
Arrival in Kabul and sights of Kabul.