Discover Kabul: Gardens, History and Kite Flying

Kabul offers several distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: historic gardens and the history of rulers, buildings with distinctive architecture, and cultural events and local traditions. Bagh-e Bābur brings together the history of a garden, Babur’s burial place and cultural programs. Maranjan Hill is associated with tombs and kite flying. Other places add former residential and recreational functions to these themes.

Gardens, History and Architecture

Bagh-e Bābur is one of the four gardens in Kabul that Zahir al-Din Muhammad Babur had laid out during his rule in Afghanistan. Ten years later, Humayun had his father’s remains transferred to Bagh-e Bābur in accordance with Babur’s testamentary wish. Another place associated with Babur is Babur Shah’s Royal Seat, which Babur often visited for recreation. The seat is on the slopes of Koh-e Shir Darwaza, above Kabul Hospital.

The Mausoleum of Timur Shah Durrani in Kabul offers a different architectural note. The domed building was constructed of fired bricks and lime and follows the model of buildings in Bukhara. At the historic Qala-e Fatuh Garden, by contrast, its former use takes center stage: it was once the residence of the King of Bukhara. Bagh-e Shahr Ara, meanwhile, is a historic recreational garden in central Kabul.

Culture and Local Traditions

Cultural and arts programs, photography, calligraphy, painting and handicraft exhibitions, as well as music concerts, take place at Bagh-e Bābur. If a specific event date is important for your trip, check it in advance.

Hundreds of kite flyers gather on Maranjan Hill on Fridays, public holidays and festival days. Kite flying has been popular in Kabul for around a hundred years. The hill is also home to the tombs of Mohammad Nader Shah and Zahir Shah. Here, a widespread local practice and two specific burial sites come together in one place.

Recreational Spots Around Kabul

Bagh-e Bala is on a landscaped hill north of Kabul and is one of the city’s major recreational spots. The shrine of Pir-e Boland stands on its summit, and many visitors to the park also visit it. The Qargha Dam, also a recreational spot, is about five kilometers north of Kabul. Kabul Zoo is considered both a scientific research institution and a recreational spot.

Choosing a Focus for Your Trip

You can distinguish several themes when deciding what to focus on: Bagh-e Bābur and the Royal Seat are connected with Babur; kite flying and tombs come together on Maranjan Hill; and Bagh-e Bala and Qargha are recreational spots around Kabul. Consider whether you would like to center your trip on gardens and the history of rulers, architecture and memorial sites, or local traditions and recreational spots. You can then search more specifically for a hotel in Kabul.

For the broader travel overview: Kabul.