Mazar-e Sharif

Introduction

Located in northern Afghanistan, Mazar-e-Sharif serves as the capital and largest city of Balkh Province. You will find a bustling urban center divided into twelve distinct districts.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by understanding the deep historical roots of Mazar-e Sharif, a city that grew around the site of a sacred shrine now known as the Blue Mosque. Because it sits at a crossroads of trade, you will find the region is ethnically diverse and regarded as one of the most open and liberal cities in the country.

To ensure your safety while exploring, maintain a friendly and upbeat demeanor at all times. You should remain aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. When interacting with local authorities, treat police with kindness and smiles to navigate potential passport checks smoothly.

Getting there

You can reach Mazar-e Sharif by road from Kabul via the Salang Pass in a vehicle that has been improved for standard cars. Alternatively, you can travel to the city from Sheberghan and Kunduz. While a route exists from Herat via Maimana, this back road is rough and requires a 4WD vehicle with backcountry preparation.

If traveling from Uzbekistan, you can cross from Termez. After clearing customs on the Uzbek side, you will cross the Friendship Bridge to enter Afghanistan and then take a shared or private taxi to your destination. For those arriving by air, Mazar-e Sharif International Airport is located just east of the city, where you can reach the center via a short taxi ride.

Getting around

You can navigate around town using plentiful taxis or Zaranj, which are also known as tuk-tuks or auto-rickshaws. When hiring a taxi, ensure you negotiate the price before your journey begins.

Where to stay

You can find various accommodations ranging from basic local options to mid-range establishments. While budget options provide multi-bed rooms with shared facilities, these often have lower quality toilet amenities. For a more comfortable stay, you might choose a modern hotel featuring air conditioning and hot showers, or an option located within walking distance of the Blue Mosque where prices may be more affordable.

When booking your stay, it is beneficial to negotiate your rate directly with the property. If you can obtain a working number, reaching out via WhatsApp is often more effective than using online booking websites.

Food & drink

You can find a variety of food stalls in the streets surrounding the Blue Mosque where you can sample bagels topped with green vegetables, tomato, and french fries. Refreshing options like fruit shakes, soft drinks, and tea are also available nearby. If you prefer a sit-down meal, local and Western dishes are served at Mansoor Restaurant, while Kefyat Hotel features a large restaurant serving tasty meals.

For your drink cravings, look for stands located to the south of the park surrounding the Blue Mosque or at other spots around the area. You can enjoy freshly made fruit slushies, including banana shakes with almonds and dates or a persimmon version.

What to see and do

You can explore the Blue Mosque, which serves as the burial site of Ali bin Talib. While you are prohibited from entering the shrine and mosque itself, you may walk through the surrounding park and grounds where the mosque is illuminated by colored lights at night. Beyond the city center, you can visit the Qala-i-Jangi fortress to see its unique architecture featuring walls that slope inward from the outside. For a different historical experience, travel to Takht-e Rustam to see a 5th-century Buddhist stupa and cave complex carved directly into the bedrock.

• Blue Mosque (Shrine of Hazrat Ali)
• Qala-i-Jangi fortress
• Takht-e Rustam Buddhist stupa and cave complex

When to go

You can experience a wide range of conditions in Mazar-e Sharif, which features a cold steppe climate. During the summer months, you will encounter hot, dry weather with very little precipitation and parched air. If you visit during late spring, you can enjoy warming temperatures as the wet season begins to taper off.

The winter season brings colder conditions where temperatures drop below freezing and snow may fall. This period accounts for most of the year's precipitation. You may also experience early winter, characterized by falling temperatures and the possibility of snowfall.

Three days in Mazar-e Sharif

Day one, you can begin your journey in Mazar-e Sharif. You might visit the Blue Mosque to see its architecture before finding a local spot for a refreshing meal at Mansoor Restaurant.

Day two, you can explore the surrounding Balkh Province. If you prefer to travel further, you could head toward Sheberghan or Kunduz while taking in the local scenery.

Day three, you can prepare for your departure from Mazar-e Sharif. You might choose to travel toward the Friendship Bridge or plan a route toward Uzbekistan and Termez.