Band-e Amir National Park

Bamiyan Province, Afghanistan

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Band-e Amir National Park in Bamiyan Province, Afghanistan, is the country’s first national park, established in 2009 and located about 75 kilometers northwest of Bamiyan city in the Hindu Kush mountains at an altitude of around 2,900 meters.

The park features a series of six deep blue lakes formed by natural travertine dams created through the deposition of calcium carbonate from mineral-rich waters seeping through faults in the rocky landscape. Known for its stunning turquoise waters and rugged mountainous backdrop, Band-e Amir is often called Afghanistan’s Grand Canyon due to its dramatic scenery. The park supports diverse wildlife including ibex, wild sheep (urial), golden eagles, and occasional snow leopards.

Due to its elevation and subarctic climate, the area experiences cold winters with the lakes freezing over. Band-e Amir is a growing ecotourism destination attracting local and foreign visitors who enjoy boating, hiking, and experiencing its pristine natural environment while efforts continue to preserve its unique ecological and geological features.