Band-e Amir

About this place

Band-e Amir is a chain of six intensely blue lakes in the Hindu Kush of central Afghanistan. It is the country's first national park, established on 22 May 2009 to protect its natural beauty. The Balkh River rises here. The contrast of blue water with brown desert mountains leaves you astonished, and it is among the finest natural sights in all of Central Asia. It is one of the few natural lake systems in the world created by travertine, as mineral-rich water seeped from faults and fractures and deposited calcium carbonate. Over time layers of this mineral built up into natural walls that hold back the water and part one lake from another. These white barriers remain among its loveliest features. From above you see a long blue lake ringed by brown and red cliffs. At the natural barriers water spills white over the travertine, with green grass around it. The largest lake is Band-e Haibat, and on its shore is a small shrine visited by locals. Do not climb the barriers, as they are fragile, and leave no rubbish, as the place is protected. It is about 55 km in a straight line from Bamiyan, about two hours by car. Reports in 2023 said women were barred from visiting, so check in advance. It is cold even in summer, and the best time is June to September. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Afghanistan, and access may not be possible, so check official guidance before making any plans.