After reaching Chagcharan the previous day, we started early today! And after breakfast at the hotel in Chagcharan, we drove for 5 hours to reach the Minaret of Jam.
The road from Chagcharan to Minaret of Jam is unpaved and goes through the mountains making it a slow and bumpy ride all the way.
Minaret of Jam
Built in the late 12th century, the minaret was a part of a great mosque set in a stunning backdrop of mountains along the riverbank based on the evidence of the building and a massive courtyard found near the site.
Experts suggest that the minaret is the only remaining structure from the lost city of the Turquoise Mountain, one of the greatest urban civilizations of its time, and a bastion of tolerance, where all religions were accepted. Almost all of the lost city was destroyed by the Mongol invasions in the 1220s possibly leaving behind only the minaret.
The minaret is an incredible work of architecture towering 213 feet (65 meters) and is made completely of tan baked bricks with intricately carved Koranic inscriptions of multiple colors.
Still standing intact for 1000 years, the minaret faces threats from war, climate change and frequent earthquakes in Afghanistan. In 2002, the minaret was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of only two in all of Afghanistan.
After spending about 2 hours at the Minaret, we started to drive towards Herat, although the unpaved road takes about 13-15 hours to reach Herat.
To avoid driving in the dark, we made it to the next pitstop at Chishti Sharif after driving for 7 hours.
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Other products from Afghanistan
Postcard
Mazar-i-Sharif
The breathtaking facade of the Blue Mosque showcases the pinnacle of Timurid architecture with its mesmerizing, sea-of-blue tilework.
Postcard
Sakhi Shrine, Kabul
The stunning blue tilework and domes of the Sakhi Shrine (Ziyarat-e Sakhi) stand beautifully against the setting sun.
Postcard
Bamiyan
A golden-domed mosque stands in the foreground of the towering empty niche of the Great Buddha carved into the sandstone cliffs behind it.
Postcard
Band-e-Amir National Park
The towering limestone cliffs of Band-e-Amir reflect perfectly in the deep, sapphire-blue waters of Afghanistan’s first national park.
Postcard
Takht-e-Rustam
The ancient, rock-cut Buddhist stupa carved directly into the Samangan landscape remains a powerful testament to Afghanistan’s pre-Islamic heritage.
Postcard
Minaret of Jam
The towering, 12th-century Minaret of Jam stands as a lonely, intricate sentinel amidst the rugged and sun-drenched mountains of Ghor.
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Old Flag Round Sticker
Cut to the exact shape. Removable, low-tack adhesive that peels clean with no residue. Available in matte white, glossy white, or glossy transparent vinyl. Printed with solvent inks: fade-proof, waterproof, and scratch-resistant.
Round Flag Sticker
New Flag Round Sticker
Cut to the exact shape. Removable, low-tack adhesive that peels clean with no residue. Available in matte white, glossy white, or glossy transparent vinyl. Printed with solvent inks: fade-proof, waterproof, and scratch-resistant.
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 |
| Minaret of Jam | $14.93 | AFN 1000 as entrance fees. |
| Dinner | $4.48 | AFN 300 dumplings dinner at Chishti Sharif hotel. |
| Day Costs | $19.41 | Per person |
| Overall Costs | $2,445.95 | Per person |
Day 6
Minaret of Jam, Chishti Sharif
Visit Minaret of Jam, and onwards to Chishti Sharif.
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