Day 4 – Band-e-Amir National Park

After breakfast at the hotel in Bamiyan, we headed west for a 45 minutes drive to the stunning turquoise lake of Band-e-Amir national park.

Band-e-Amir National Park

Located in Bamiyan province, about 40 minutes from the city of Bamiyan, the park has long been a destination for family trips, leisurely outings, and domestic travelers. Despite the many years of conflict across Afghanistan, Band-e-Amir has remained mostly untouched by the turmoil. Though tourism declined, the area stayed relatively calm, adding to the sense of tranquility and remoteness surrounding the lakes.

Band-e-Amir National Park was designated Afghanistan’s first national park on Earth Day in 2009. Yet the history of its lakes extends far beyond modern recognition—local knowledge reaches back centuries. The name “Band-e-Amir,” meaning “Dam of the Amir,” is traditionally associated with Hazrat Ali, the fourth Caliph of Islam.

There are 6 famous lakes in the Band-e-Amir national park to visit: Band-e Haibat (Dam of Awe), Band-e Zulufikul, Band-e Pudina (Dam of Mint), Band-e Panir (Dam of Cheese), Band-e Qamber and Band-e Gholaman.

You can take a pedal boat on Band-e-Haibat, the first lake you will see when arriving at the National Park. It costs 300 AFN per person for one hour boat ride.

 
Delicious Shakshuka lunch is served at the restaurant near the first lake.

Back in Bamiyan in evening, we got some rest at the hotel followed by dinner at Ay Khanum restaurant and called it a day!

Afghanistan story highlights on Instagram This trip report can also be seen on our story highlights on Instagram account @travelonthedollar. Click the image on left to go directly to Afghanistan Highlights, or visit our Instagram profile and under ‘Highlights’, scroll to the right and click on ‘Afghanistan’.

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.
 

 
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