Band-e Amir:
The spectacular azure waters of the Band-e Amir lakes are when once more attracting Afghan vacationers, who brave bumpy roads to encounter the so-known as Grand Canyon of Afghanistan.
The six lakes at the heart of the Hindu Kush mountain variety have been — according to legend — a miracle creation of Ali, the son-in-law and cousin of the Prophet of Islam, Mohammed.
Their striking colour is down to the wealthy mineral content of the waters, thanks to the surrounding limestone cliffs.
After the Taliban seized energy, the web site in Bamiyan province was deserted, but seven weeks later vacationers have begun to return.
They rent paddle boats in the shape of swans imported from Iran, paying the equivalent of eight dollars an hour.
Taliban guards brandishing rocket launchers have also taken trips out on the water.
“We have come from Kabul for the first time,” mentioned 23-year-old teacher Asal Walizada.
“The route was safe and we had no problem. It’s beautiful here,” she added.
Visiting with pals, 17-year-old Hadi cried out with joy as he plunged into the brisk waters in bathing shorts reaching beneath his knees.
“I’ve lived here for four years and each day when the water is warm enough I swim in the lake,” he mentioned.
Bamiyan was extended one of the safest regions in Afghanistan and for the souvenir and craft merchants who line the route to the key lake, the return of regional vacationers is uplifting.
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