bigtravelbuzzWardak, also known as Maidan Wardak, is a province in central Afghanistan. It is located to the west of Kabul and is easily accessible from the capital. Wardak is known for its scenic beauty, historical sites, and traditional handicrafts.
Here are some travel tips for Wardak:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Wardak is from March to May and September to November when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Transportation: Wardak is easily accessible from Kabul by road. There are regular bus services and shared taxis available from Kabul to Wardak. It is also possible to hire a private car for a more comfortable journey.
Places to visit: Wardak is home to several historical sites and scenic spots. Some of the popular places to visit include the Ghazni Minarets, the Istalif Fort, the Bamyan Buddha statues, and the Band-e-Amir National Park.
Accommodation: There are several budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels in Wardak. Some of the popular options include the Safi Landmark Hotel and the Wardak Hotel.
Food: Wardak is known for its traditional Afghan cuisine, which includes dishes like kebabs, rice pilaf, and naan bread. There are several local restaurants and street food vendors that serve delicious food at affordable prices.
Safety: While Wardak is generally safe for travelers, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid traveling alone at night. It is also a good idea to check the latest travel advisories before planning a trip to Wardak.
Local culture: Wardak is home to several traditional handicrafts, including pottery, embroidery, and wood carving. Travelers can visit local markets and workshops to buy souvenirs and learn more about these crafts. It is also important to respect local customs and dress modestly, especially in rural areas.
Places to Visit in Wardak
Wardak province is known for its beautiful landscapes and historical sites. Here are some places to visit in Wardak:
Maidan Shar: Maidan Shar is the capital city of Wardak province. It is a vibrant city with a bazaar and numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Band-e Amir: Band-e Amir is a beautiful national park with six natural blue lakes surrounded by towering cliffs. The park is also home to several species of wildlife, including ibex, wolves, and foxes.
Hajigak Pass: Hajigak Pass is a mountain pass located on the border between Wardak and Bamyan provinces. The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Tangi Gharu Cave: Tangi Gharu Cave is a natural cave system located in the mountains of Wardak province. It is believed to be one of the longest caves in the world, stretching for more than 12 kilometers.
Chakari Valley: Chakari Valley is a beautiful valley located in the eastern part of Wardak province. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, with green fields and fruit orchards surrounded by mountains.
Qargha Lake: Qargha Lake is a popular recreational spot located near Kabul, just a short drive from Wardak province. The lake is surrounded by beautiful hills and is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and picnicking.
Maidan Wardak Minaret: The Maidan Wardak Minaret is a historical site located in Maidan Shar. It is believed to date back to the 12th century and is one of the oldest Islamic monuments in Afghanistan.
Ghazni City: Ghazni City is located just south of Wardak province and is known for its rich history and culture. The city is home to numerous historical sites, including the Ghazni Minarets, the Citadel of Ghazni, and the Tomb of Sultan Mahmud.
Bamyan Buddhas: The Bamyan Buddhas were two monumental statues of standing Buddha carved into the side of a cliff in the Bamyan valley. Although they were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, the site remains an important historical and cultural landmark in Afghanistan.
Best Time To Visit Wardak
The best time to visit Wardak is during the spring and autumn months, which are from March to May and from September to November respectively. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The summer months from June to August can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C. The winter months from December to February can be cold, with temperatures dropping to 0°C or lower, and snowfall is possible in the higher elevations. However, Wardak is still accessible during these months, as long as you are prepared for the weather conditions.
Things to Do in Wardak
Here are some things to do in Wardak:
Visit the Maidan Shahr Bazaar: This is the main market in the city of Maidan Shahr, and it is a great place to soak up the local culture and get a feel for everyday life in Wardak.
Hike in the mountains: Wardak is home to several mountain ranges, including the Siah Koh and Ghar-e-Char ranges. Hiking in these mountains is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Explore the ancient city of Istalif: Istalif is an ancient city located in the foothills of the Hindu Kush mountains. It is famous for its pottery, and you can visit the local pottery workshops to see how the pottery is made.
Visit the Band-e-Amir National Park: This is Afghanistan’s first national park, and it is located in the neighboring province of Bamyan. The park is home to several beautiful lakes, and it is a great place for hiking, swimming, and picnicking.
Visit the Takht-i-Rustam: This is an ancient site located near the village of Ajar, and it is believed to have been a center of Zoroastrian worship in ancient times. The site includes several rock-cut tombs and a temple.
Visit the Mir Bacha Kot Valley: This is a scenic valley located near the city of Maidan Shahr. It is home to several natural springs and waterfalls, and it is a great place for picnicking and hiking.
How to get around in Wardak
Wardak province in Afghanistan does not have a developed public transportation system. The most common mode of transportation is private vehicles, which can be rented or hired from local car rental agencies or travel agencies. Taxis are also available in the main cities of the province, including the provincial capital of Maidan Shahr.
If you are traveling to more remote areas, it is advisable to hire a local guide or driver who is familiar with the area and can navigate the terrain more easily. Additionally, walking and hiking are popular activities in Wardak, and many of the province’s natural attractions can be explored on foot.
It is important to note that road conditions in Wardak can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain and lack of maintenance, so it is recommended to exercise caution when driving or traveling by car.
Where to eat in Wardak
Wardak is a province located in Afghanistan and there are several local restaurants and cafes that serve Afghan cuisine as well as some international dishes. Some popular options for dining in Wardak include:
Gulistan Restaurant: Located in the city center of Maidan Shar, Gulistan Restaurant serves traditional Afghan food like kebabs, pulao, and qorma.
Safi Restaurant: This restaurant is located in the same area as Gulistan Restaurant and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. They serve a variety of dishes including traditional Afghan and Indian cuisine.
Zardanin Restaurant: Situated in the center of Nerkh District, this restaurant is known for its fresh, flavorful food, especially its lamb and chicken dishes.
Dostan Cafe: This cafe is located in the city center of Maidan Shar and serves delicious pastries, coffee, and tea. It’s a great spot to relax and take a break from exploring the city.
Mubariz Cafe: Located in the Saydabad District, Mubariz Cafe is a popular spot for breakfast and serves a variety of omelettes, sandwiches, and tea.
Kahkashan Restaurant: This restaurant is located in the center of the city of Ghazni and serves traditional Afghan cuisine. Their menu includes a variety of kebabs, qormas, and soups.
Note that many restaurants in Wardak serve Halal food and do not serve alcohol, as it is not allowed in the Islamic culture.
Where to stay in Wardak
Luxury accommodation
There are not many options for luxury accommodations in Wardak. However, some of the best options include:
Blue Sky Guesthouse: Located in the city center, Blue Sky Guesthouse is a great option for luxury accommodations in Wardak. The hotel offers modern rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms.
Wardak Hotel: This hotel offers luxury accommodations with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms. The hotel also features a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a garden.
Pamir Guesthouse: Located in the city center, this guesthouse offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms. The guesthouse also features a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a terrace with views of the city.
Please note that these options may not offer the same level of luxury as you would find in larger cities, but they are among the best options in Wardak.
Where to stay in Wardak
Budget accommodation
There are a few budget accommodation options in Wardak, including guesthouses and budget hotels. Some popular budget accommodation options in Wardak are:
The Wardak Guest House: This is a budget guesthouse located in the center of Wardak. The guesthouse offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, hot water, and a restaurant on site.
Hotel Zardan: This is a budget hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel offers affordable and comfortable rooms with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, hot water, and a restaurant on site.
Wardak Inn: This is a budget guesthouse located in the center of the city. The guesthouse offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, hot water, and a restaurant on site.
Khan Guesthouse: This is a budget guesthouse located in the city center. The guesthouse offers basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, hot water, and a restaurant on site.
Ariana Guesthouse: This is a budget guesthouse located in the center of the city. The guesthouse offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, hot water, and a restaurant on site.