Band-e-Amir National Park is one of the most incredible national parks in the world. It is so iconic that it has many nicknames: ‘Afghanistan’s Grand Canyon’ due to the large canyons, steep rocks and cliff faces that make an incredibly unique geological site. It is also nicknamed “Afghanistan’s Azure Jewel”. Afghanistan is famed for its jewelry, especially the Azure jewel with its turquoise blue color. On a day with decent weather, the lakes reflect this beautiful turquoise color!
Band-E-Amir National Park is a must-see when you travel to Afghanistan – so much so that all of our group tours visit the National park! Below is everything you must know before visiting the incredible Band-E-Amir National park!
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History of Band-e-Amir National Park
Band-e-Amir National Park became Afghanistan’s first national park, awarded the title on Earth day 2009. However, local knowledge about the lakes doesn’t stretch back decades, but centuries. The name ‘Band-E-Amir’ actually translated to ‘Dam of the Amir’ which is believed to be linked to Hazrat Ali, the 4th Caliph of Islam.
Band-e-Amir national park is located in the Bamiyan province, 40 minutes from the city of Bamiyan. The park has historically been a site for family vacations, days out and domestic tourism. Later on, it became known internationally for its beauty. Despite the decades of violence and war Afghanistan has faced, Band-e-Amir has largely been exempt from the rest of the chaos Afghanistan faced. While affected by a lack of tourism, the region remained relatively peaceful – reinforcing the feeling of isolation at the lake.
What is there to Visit in Band-e-Amir National Park?
There are 6 famous lakes in the Band-e-Amir national park to visit:
- Band-e Haibat: Meaning ‘Dam of Awe’ is the most famous lake and one of the deepest although accurate depths are unknown for all the lakes). Like other lakes, it has a natural limestone barrier around the lake which helps trap the water and gives it the aquamarine colour.
- Band-e Zulufikul: Named after Imam Ali’s legendary sword, is a narrow dam that deposits its water into the Band-e-Haibat.
- Band-e Pudina: Meaning ‘Dam of Mint’, is an overlooked and small lake. It is named the mint lake after the greenery surrounding the lake.
- Band-e Panir: Meaning ‘Dam of Cheese’, which is named after its lighter, white limestone around the lake. This lake is more likely to dry up during the summer months.
- Band-e Qamber: Named after Qambar, the loyal servant of Imam Ali in Islamic tradition. This lake is small and not often visited, but is one of the most reflective lakes out of the 6!
- Band-e Gholaman: Meaning ‘Dam of Servants’, is the highest lake out of all of the existing lakes. It is the entry point which spills into the more southern lakes.
You can take a pedal boat on Band-e Haibat, likely the first lake you will see when arriving at the National Park.
When Should You Travel?
The lake is beautiful and you can visit from March – December. However in the depths of winter, the roads to Bamiyan and band-e-Amir may be dangerous or closed due to snowfall and dangerous driving conditions.
In summer, the lake is its busiest with many international tourists, domestic tourists and Afghans abroad visiting the lake with family. You will see large groups of families swimming in the back lakes, men on the swan-shaped boats and children and adults alike exploring the bazaar.
Weatherwise, summer months are the best time to visit, however the weather is also nice in spring and autumn, although the likelihood of wind and rain increases slightly.
When you visit the national park, we recommend arriving super early to see the calmness on the lake. In the mornings, before the sun warms up, the lake itself is usually a dark blue whereas in the afternoon, the lakes usually take on a lighter turquoise color.
What Restrictions Are There? Can women go to the lakes?
Technically, women in Afghanistan are not allowed into national parks. However, you are likely to see many women with families, or even groups of female Afghan women traveling to the lakes.
Foreign women, as with most places in Afghanistan, are usually given special permission to visit. That being said, there sometimes are extra restrictions you may have to abide by, depending on the decision by the Taliban at the park on that day:
- You may have to cover your face
- You may be unable to take any photos of the lake
- You may be restricted in taking photos with locals
- You may be barred from riding the pedal boats at the lake
For foreign men, there should be no restrictions – you can visit the lakes, ride the pedal boats, take photos as you like.
Tours To Band-e-Amir National Park
We have 2 women’s tours and 4 mixed tours annually that visit Band-E-Amir National Park. If these dates don’t suit, or if you would like to customize a tour, we can organize a private tour!
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