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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Afghanistan

17 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Afghanistan

Updated September 23, 2021

Cities

Unusual Attractions in Afghanistan

Mazari Sharif, Afghanistan

Afghanistan's Blue Mosque

This magnificent blue mosque in Afghanistan is surrounded by thousands of white doves.

Bamyan, Afghanistan

Site of the Bamiyan Buddhas

Once an impressive link to Afghanistan’s Buddhist past, now a sad reminder of intolerance towards other cultures.

Aybak, Afghanistan

Stupa of Takht-e Rostam

Highly unusual subterranean stupa and adjacent cave monastery.

Yakawlang, Afghanistan

Band-e Amir Lakes

Splashes of blue in an otherwise monotonous lunar landscape.

Herat, Afghanistan

Herat National Museum

Despite a history of destruction, this former citadel survives to document Afghanistan's oft overlooked history.

Kabul, Afghanistan

OMAR Mine Museum

A sobering museum dedicated to landmines and the personnel working to remove them from Afghanistan.

Kabul, Afghanistan

Darul Aman Palace

What was once supposed to be the symbol of a shining Afghan future is now a bombed-out ruin.

Kandahar, Afghanistan

Chilzina and the Forty Steps of Kandahar

Rock-cut chamber at top of an outcroup, reached by a mountain stairway of forty steps.

See All 17 Things To Do in Afghanistan

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Sacred Spaces 3

Museums And Collections 2

Architectural Oddities 2

Subterranean Sites 2

Cultures And Civilizations 2

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Stories About Afghanistan

Meet the Afghan Kurdish Poet Who Finds a Sense of Place in the ‘Silences’

Born in Pakistan and raised in Michigan, Hajjar Baban’s roots come through in her words—and the spaces between them.

by Gemma Tarlach

September 23, 2021

The Deep Roots of the Vegetable That ‘Took Over the World’

A study digs up the origin of the single species that gives us turnips, bok choy, broccoli rabe, and more.

by Gemma Tarlach

The Ancient Method That Keeps Afghanistan's Grapes Fresh All Winter

Kangina is simple but effective.

by Stefanie Glinski

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