Afghanistan is a country often defined by its recent history of conflict, but it also possesses a remarkable and often overlooked natural heritage. In the midst of its rugged mountains and remote valleys, Afghanistan has established three national parks, each unique in its landscape, ecology, and purpose. These protected areas—Band-e Amir, Wakhan, and Nuristan—represent a conscious effort to preserve the nation’s environmental treasures, support local communities, and build a foundation for a sustainable future.

 

Band-e Amir National Park: The First of Its Kind

Band-e Amir National Park holds the distinct honor of being Afghanistan’s first national park. It was officially recognized on 22 May 2009. The park is located in the central Bamyan Province, approximately 75 kilometers northwest of the ancient city of Bamyan, close to the town of Yakawlang. This area is situated high in the Hindu Kush mountains at about 2,900 meters above sea level. The park’s central feature is a chain of six intensely blue lakes, created by rare natural travertine dams. This geological process occurs when water rich in dissolved minerals, like calcium carbonate, seeps from faults in the earth. Over time, the mineral deposits build up into walls of travertine stone that trap the water, forming the lakes. Band-e Amir is described as one of the few natural lake systems in the world formed in this way.

The six lakes each have their own name: Band-e Gholaman (Lake of the slaves), Band-e Qambar (Lake of Caliph Ali’s slave), Band-e Haibat (Lake of grandiose), Band-e Panir (Lake of cheese), Band-e Pudina (Lake of wild mint), and Band-e Zulfiqar (Lake of the sword of Ali). Band-e Haibat is the largest and deepest, with an estimated average depth of about 150 meters. The name Band-e Amir itself means “the Ruler’s Dam” in Dari, and is believed by some to refer to Caliph Ali.

Band-e Amir is a major tourism center. Together with the nearby Bamyan Valley, it forms the heart of Afghanistan’s tourism. As of 2023, it attracts over 100,000 local and foreign tourists annually. Tourism is primarily a late spring and summer activity, as winters are extremely cold, with temperatures dropping to -20°C. The park is managed by a park office with a warden and rangers, supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). While illegal hunting is prohibited, there is no current data on the status of wildlife and biodiversity in the park.

 

Wakhan National Park: A High-Altitude Refuge

Established in 2014, Wakhan National Park is Afghanistan’s second national park and one of its largest. It encompasses the entire Wakhan District of Badakhshan Province, covering approximately 4,200 square miles (10,900 square kilometers). This park is located in the remote and strategically important Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip of land bordered by Tajikistan to the north, Pakistan to the south, and China to the east. The park’s geographic coordinates are around Latitude 37°00’N and Longitude 73°30’E. Its landscape is defined by the towering Pamir and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, with elevations ranging from 8,200 feet to over 24,000 feet. The terrain is remote, rugged, and largely above the tree line, featuring snow-capped peaks, vast valleys, and glaciers. This area was historically part of the Silk Road.

Wakhan National Park is celebrated for its significant and iconic wildlife. The area is home to some 600 plant species and a variety of mammals adapted to the high altitude. Key species include the elusive and endangered snow leopard, the Marco Polo sheep (famous for its large, spiraling horns), the Siberian ibex, the gray wolf, the Eurasian lynx, the brown bear, and the Pallas’s cat. The park also hosts a diverse population of birds, such as the golden eagle, the lammergeier (bearded vulture), the Himalayan snowcock, the peregine falcon, and the brightly colored Himalayan monal.

The park is co-managed with the local communities. About 15,000 people, primarily ethnic Wakhi and Kyrgyz, live within the park boundaries. Under an agreement with the government, they are allowed to remain and are involved in park management, with many employed as rangers and other personnel. Their livelihood traditionally depends on herding livestock like sheep, goats, cattle, horses, and domesticated yaks. The management plan for the park involves creating different zones, including wildlife reserves and multiple-use areas for grazing. The main threats to the park come from poaching and overgrazing, rather than logging or mining, due to its high altitude and remote location.

Tourism in Wakhan is small-scale but impactful. Each year, about 100 to 300 international tourists visit the corridor. Although this number is low, in one of Afghanistan’s most impoverished regions, even this level of tourism makes a significant economic difference. Accessibility is a major challenge; an overland trip from Kabul takes about a week, though a new airstrip has been added. Many tourists enter through Tajikistan due to fewer security concerns. In 2008, National Geographic Adventure magazine named the Wakhan one of the “25 Best New Trips in the World,” highlighting its potential for adventure tourism.

 

 

Nuristan National Park: The Forested Mountain Sanctuary

Announced on 5 June 2020 (World Environment Day), Nuristan National Park is Afghanistan’s third and most recent national park. It comprises the entire eastern Province of Nuristan, covering an area of approximately 400 square miles (1,036 square kilometers). The closest city is Parun, the provincial capital. The park is located in the rugged, forested mountains of the Hindu Kush range, with elevations ranging from 6,500 to over 16,000 feet. Its landscape is characterized by deep valleys, towering peaks, and crystal-clear rivers. A key feature of Nuristan is its dense forests of pine, cedar, and oak, which create a lush, green environment. This stands in contrast to the more arid or alpine landscapes of the other parks.

The idea for a park in this region dates back to a 1981 proposal, which highlighted the area’s “largely undisturbed monsoon-influenced forests” and unique wildlife. Although the province was not officially created until 1988, the ecological value was recognized early. However, the region has faced significant environmental pressure. A 2003 UNEP report suggested that 52% of forest cover in Nuristan and neighboring provinces was lost between 1977 and 2002, and illegal logging remains a concern. Despite this, a 2008 Wildlife Conservation Society report confirmed the continued presence of species like the Himalayan black bear, leopard, snow leopard, leopard cat, markhor (a wild goat), grey wolf, and various birds. The park also includes part of the Pech and Waygal valleys Important Bird Area, with at least fifty-three breeding bird species.

The name “Nuristan” means “Land of Light” in Dari. The region was historically known as Kafiristan (“Land of the Infidels”) due to its unique polytheistic culture, which persisted until its conversion to Islam in the late 19th century. This long isolation has preserved distinct traditions, languages, and a strong connection to the land among the Nuristani people, who are known for their hospitality. Exploring the park offers a chance to experience this rich cultural heritage alongside its natural beauty.

Access to the park is challenging. The journey typically starts from Parun, following a main road southwest for about 10 kilometers (a 20-30 minute drive in a 4×4 vehicle) toward coordinates around 35.3250223 latitude and 70.9071236 longitude. Nuristan remains relatively unexplored by tourists but offers significant potential for eco-tourism, including trekking, wildlife observation, and photography. Trekking opportunities range from the 15-kilometer Kafiristan Trail (a moderate to strenuous hike) to more challenging multi-day expeditions through stunning landscapes.

  

 

 References:

 

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Band-e_Amir_National_Park
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakhan_National_Park
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuristan_National_Park
  4. https://nationalparksassociation.org/afghanistan-national-parks/wakhan-national-park/
  5. https://www.icimod.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Wakhan-National-Park.pdf
  6. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/140404-wakhan-national-park-afghanistan-kyrgyz
  7. https://nationalparksassociation.org/afghanistan-national-parks/nuristan-national-park/
  8. https://evendo.com/locations/afghanistan/kunar/landmark/nuristan-national-park

 

 

Let’s Go Afghanistan Team