Travel Tips

Afghans like to drink tea, definitely. this is an open chaikhana or tea-house, where people gather together, chat, and of course drink tea. this is the best place to meet locals and make friendship with them. afghans are one of the most hospitable people i have ever met

what is the distinctive of afghans in your mind? this old man claimed that he was already 150 years old. of course it's hard to believe. but despite of that he was very friendly.

it's definitely the most beautiful lake i have ever seen. the water is very clear, and who expects, it's in afghanistan!
this lake is also a sacred lake, as the holy priest hazrat ali had ever visited it and also had a mazhar here.

to reach this lake from bamian you need to hire a car. it could be cheaper if there are many people of you. it cost us 2000 afghani for a car, round trip. not cheap though. but definitely it worth the effort. the road to the lake is quite dangerous, many mines. and no trip should be hold in winter/

afghans are more than happy to be photographed. maybe after 5 difficult years under taliban when photography was banned.

now the real tomb of hazrat ali is in mazhar-e-sharif. but the locals told me that he had ever been put here first. that's why this mazhar is a sacred place for the afghans.

this picture shows the man with his 4 wives, enjoying the lake view from the shore. i think it's one among my best photos.

it's not painting. the waterfall is just at the side of the lake. afghanistan is incredible for its natural wonder. dont forget to put it in your wanting list.