Logar is a province in eastern Afghanistan, located south of Kabul. It is known for its beautiful mountainous landscapes, historical sites, and cultural heritage. Some popular tourist attractions in Logar include the following:
Pul-e Alam: The capital of Logar province is a bustling town with a colorful bazaar and a historic citadel.
Mohammad Agha District: This district is famous for its ancient ruins of a Buddhist monastery, which dates back to the 4th century.
Darul Aman Palace: Located on the outskirts of Kabul, this palace was built in the early 1920s during the reign of King Amanullah Khan. It is a beautiful example of Neoclassical architecture.
Sarobi District: Sarobi is a picturesque district located on the border of Kabul and Logar provinces. It is known for its stunning scenery, including lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains, and crystal-clear rivers.
Shahr-e Gholghola: This ancient city was once the capital of the Ghorid Empire in the 13th century. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the Logar Valley and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Tapa-e Sultan: This archaeological site is located in the Mohammad Agha District and contains the remains of an ancient city that dates back to the 2nd century BCE.
Baraki Barak District: This district is home to the famous Shewaki Garden, a historic park that was once a favorite destination of Afghan royalty.
Khoshi District: Khoshi is a remote district located in the southern part of Logar province. It is known for its scenic beauty and rugged terrain, which is popular among hikers and adventure seekers.
Logar River: The Logar River flows through the heart of the province, offering visitors the opportunity to go fishing, boating, or simply enjoy a picnic on its banks.
Dara-e Khwaja: This beautiful valley is located in the Charkh District and is home to a famous shrine dedicated to the Sufi saint Khwaja Abdullah Ansari. It is a popular pilgrimage site for both Afghans and foreigners.
Places to Visit in Logar
Logar is a province in Afghanistan that is known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Some of the top places to visit in Logar include:
Shahr-e-Gholghola: This ancient fortified city was once the capital of the Ghaznavid Empire and was destroyed by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley.
Pul-e-Alam: This bustling city is the capital of Logar province and is known for its lively bazaars, historic mosques, and stunning natural beauty.
Mohammad Agha District: This district is home to several historic sites, including the ancient fortress of Zargaran and the Mausoleum of Sultan Mahmud.
Darul Aman Palace: This majestic palace was built in the early 1920s by King Amanullah Khan and served as the seat of government for several decades. It was badly damaged during the civil war in the 1990s but is currently undergoing restoration.
Tapa-i-Sardar: This ancient hilltop fortress is located near Pul-e-Alam and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Zarghun Shahr: This picturesque village is known for its lush orchards, traditional mud-brick homes, and historic mosques.
Maidan Shahr: This historic city is known for its traditional bazaars, ancient mosques, and stunning natural beauty. It is also the gateway to the famous Band-e-Amir National Park.
Band-e-Amir National Park: This stunning national park is located in the neighboring province of Bamyan and is known for its series of six crystal-clear lakes surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
Azra District: This district is home to several historic sites, including the ancient fortress of Koh-i-Safi and the Mausoleum of Mirwais Hotak.
Baraki Barak District: This district is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the beautiful Shah-e-Doh Shamshira and Shalizadah mountain ranges.
Best Time To Visit Logar
The best time to visit Logar is from April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is mild, and the temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities. In the spring, the valleys and mountains are lush and green, and the waterfalls are at their fullest. In the fall, the leaves change color, creating a beautiful and scenic landscape. However, it is essential to check the weather forecast before visiting as the region can experience occasional rainfall, and winters can be cold and snowy.
Things to Do in Logar
Logar is a province in Afghanistan that offers a variety of activities for tourists. Here are some things to do in Logar:
Visit Pul-e Alam: Pul-e Alam is the capital city of Logar province and offers a glimpse of Afghanistan’s rural life. The city is located on the banks of the Logar River and is home to a bustling bazaar.
Explore the forts: Logar province has several historical forts, including the Khwaja Ghar fort, which dates back to the 17th century. You can also visit the fort of Sultanpur, located about 20 km from Pul-e Alam.
Hike in the mountains: Logar province is surrounded by the Hindu Kush and Koh-i-Baba mountain ranges, which offer excellent hiking opportunities. One popular hiking trail is the Darband-i-Delak Trail, which takes you through beautiful valleys and over mountain passes.
Visit the Shahr-e-Gholghola: Shahr-e-Gholghola is an ancient city that was destroyed during the reign of Genghis Khan. The city is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Experience rural life: Logar is known for its agricultural economy, and you can experience rural life by visiting a local farm or participating in a farming activity.
Attend a local festival: Logar province hosts several local festivals throughout the year, including the Nawruz festival in March, which celebrates the Persian New Year.
Visit the Logar Museum: The Logar Museum is located in Pul-e Alam and houses artifacts from the province’s history, including pottery, coins, and weapons.
Birdwatching: Logar is home to several species of birds, including the Himalayan snowcock, the Himalayan monal, and the koklass pheasant. You can go birdwatching in the hills and valleys of the province.
How to get around in Logar
Logar is a province in Afghanistan located in the eastern part of the country. The province is relatively small, and most of the major attractions can be visited on foot or by car. However, it is recommended to hire a car or take a taxi to get around in Logar as public transportation options are limited.
You can hire a car with a driver or take a taxi from Kabul to Logar, which takes around 1-2 hours depending on traffic. Within the province, taxis are the most common mode of transportation, and you can negotiate the fare with the driver before starting the journey.
If you plan to visit remote areas of Logar, it is recommended to hire a local guide who is familiar with the area and can help you navigate the terrain. Walking is also a good option if you are exploring the cities or nearby attractions.
Where to eat in Logar
As Logar is a less touristy province, there are not many options for eating out in the area. However, there are some local restaurants and cafes in the main town of Pul-i-Alam where visitors can find traditional Afghan food such as kababs, mantu, and pulao. It is also possible to find some small bakeries that offer local bread and sweets. Visitors should keep in mind that Logar is a conservative province, so it is important to dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions while dining out.
Where to stay in Logar
Logar is a less touristy destination in Afghanistan, so there may not be many options for luxury accommodation. However, there are a few hotels and guesthouses in the capital city, Pul-e-Alam, that offer basic amenities. Some of the options are:
Safi Landmark Hotel & Suites
Aria Hotel Pul-e-Alam
Shahbaz Hotel & Suites
Mermon Hotel
It’s important to note that the quality of these accommodations may not match the standards of luxury hotels in other countries.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay, you may want to consider staying in Kabul and making a day trip to Logar. There are several luxury hotels in Kabul, such as:
Serena Hotel Kabul
InterContinental Kabul
Kabul Marriott Hotel
Movenpick Hotel Kabul
The Grand Hotel
However, keep in mind that traveling to Logar from Kabul can be challenging due to security concerns and poor road conditions. It’s recommended to hire a local guide or join a reputable tour group for safety reasons.
Travel Tips Logar
Here are some travel tips for visiting Logar:
Dress modestly: Afghanistan is a conservative country, and it’s important to dress modestly, especially if you’re a woman. It’s recommended to cover your shoulders, wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your knees and avoid wearing revealing clothing.
Learn some basic Pashto: While many Afghans speak English, knowing some basic phrases in Pashto can be helpful in communicating with locals and showing respect for their culture.
Respect local customs: Afghanistan is an Islamic country, and it’s important to respect local customs. For example, avoid public displays of affection, and don’t drink alcohol or eat pork in public.
Be aware of your surroundings: While the security situation in Logar has improved in recent years, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid travelling alone at night, and be cautious in crowded areas and markets.
Get the necessary vaccinations: Before travelling to Logar, make sure you’re up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. It’s recommended to get vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and polio.
Plan your trip with a reputable tour operator: It’s recommended to travel with a reputable tour operator who has experience in Afghanistan. They can help you navigate the country, and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Check the latest travel advisories: Before travelling to Logar, it’s important to check the latest travel advisories from your government. The situation in Afghanistan can change rapidly, and it’s important to be aware of any security risks.