Mazar-i-Sharif and the Northern Plains
Turquoise domes and ancient legends on the northern steppe 🕌
⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Due to significant threats of terrorism and kidnapping, government agencies (including CA, USA, UK, AU, IE, and NZ) advise travelers to avoid all travel to Mazar-i-Sharif and the northern provinces. The security situation is fluid and emergency evacuation would be extremely difficult. Families are strongly urged to consult their own government's official travel advisory before considering a trip, as circumstances and risk assessments vary.
Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, is famously centered around the Shrine of Ali (the Blue Mosque). This architectural gem is tiled in vibrant shades of blue and turquoise, creating a peaceful courtyard that glimmers in the sunlight. It is a site of great pilgrimage and traditionally a gathering place where families would watch the white doves that inhabit the complex, said to be pure in spirit. The city acts as the commercial hub of the north, famous for its carpets and the manufacture of traditional textiles.
A short distance west lies the ancient town of Balkh, known historically as the "Mother of Cities." As a center of Zoroastrianism and later Buddhism and Islam, the ruins here—including the crumbling walls of the ancient citadel and the intricate terracotta design of the Haji Piyada Mosque—whisper stories of Alexander the Great and Rumi. The landscape of the Northern Plains is vastly different from the mountainous center of the country; here, flat, fertile steppes stretch out towards the Amu Darya river, which marks the border with Uzbekistan.
Culturally, the north is diverse and is the traditional home of the game Buzkashi, a rugged equestrian sport played on the open plains. The climate is semi-arid with hot summers and cool winters. While the history and flat landscapes offer a unique perspective on Afghanistan's heritage, the proximity to volatile border areas and the presence of armed groups make the region highly dangerous for visitors today.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Home to the world-renowned Blue Mosque and the ancient Silk Road city of Balkh, offering deep historical and architectural significance. Peak spring and autumn months provide the mild temperatures necessary for exploring intricate tilework and vast ruins, while extreme summer heat and winter freezes make city exploration uncomfortable.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
The region serves as an open-air classroom for Greco-Bactrian, Buddhist, and Islamic history, centered around the 'Mother of Cities.' Optimal weather in the transition seasons allows for comfortable, guided archaeological exploration, whereas July temperatures over 38°C and winter sub-zero nights limit outdoor learning activities.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Offers a rugged, authentic experience of the vast Central Asian steppes and the foothills of the Hindu Kush. Spring (April-May) is the most beautiful time for exploration when the plains are green and the weather is temperate; the extreme heat of mid-summer and the harsh continental winter are unsuitable for family adventures.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Claiming Mazar-i-Sharif as the 'global epicenter' of Nowruz overstates its significance. Nowruz is celebrated across Iran, Central Asia, Kurdistan, and the broader Persian world. Tehran, Isfahan, and Samarkand all host major celebrations.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The route between Mazar-i-Sharif and the surrounding provinces offers dramatic, desolate landscapes steeped in Silk Road history. Peak months offer the best visibility and safer driving conditions, while the intense heat of July and potential winter ice on northern roads make travel hazardous and unpleasant.
Attractions (19 total)
Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Ancient City of Balkh
Balkh
Known as the 'Mother of Cities,' this vast archaeological area features massive ancient city walls and ruins dating back to the Greco-Bactrian era.
Shrine of Hazrat Ali (Blue Mosque)
Mazar-i-Sharif
A stunning masterpiece of Islamic architecture covered in thousands of turquoise tiles, serving as the cultural and spiritual heart of the city.
Takht-e Rostam
Haibak
An extraordinary 4th-century Buddhist stupa and monastery complex carved entirely out of a solid rock hilltop.
Haji Piyada Mosque (Noh Gumbad)
Balkh
The oldest known Islamic building in Afghanistan, featuring unique Samanid-style decorative brickwork and ancient arches.
Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa Shrine
Balkh
A beautiful 15th-century Timurid shrine known for its ribbed dome and elegant tilework located within the historical park of Balkh.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Ancient City Walls of Balkh (Bala Hissar)
Balkh
These massive ancient fortifications offer a glimpse into the Mother of Cities and are perfect for exploring historical scale and ruins.
Noh Gumbad Mosque (Haji Piyada)
Balkh
Known as the oldest mosque in the country, these fascinating 9th-century ruins showcase unique early Islamic stucco carvings and architecture.
Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa
Balkh
A beautiful 15th-century Timurid-style shrine located in a green park, offering a serene environment for history lovers and strollers.
Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Nowruz (Gul-i-Surkh Festival)
Mazar-i-Sharif
Starts March 21 annually, 40-day duration. This festival celebrates the Persian New Year and the blooming of red tulips. Attracts over one million visitors for the Janda Bala ceremony. Family-friendly event with picnics in the tulip fields and traditional music.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
The Salang Pass (AH76 Highway)
Jabal Saraj
425km paved mountain highway (8-10 hours). This legendary route crosses the Hindu Kush mountains via the Salang Tunnel at an elevation of 3,400 meters. The drive features dramatic alpine vistas, steep canyons, and high-altitude snowfields, connecting Kabul to the Northern Plains.
Visit website →Tashkurgan (Kholm) Gorge Pass
Khulm
60km paved route (1-1.5 hours) from Mazar-i-Sharif toward Samangan. The route passes through the dramatic limestone narrows of the Kholm Gorge, known as the 'Gateway to the North.' Highlights include the towering vertical rock walls and the nearby ruins of the Bagh-e Jahan Nama palace.
The Ancient Road to Balkh
Mazar-i-Sharif
22km paved road (30-45 minutes). A historic short drive across the northern plains connecting the Blue Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif to the ruins of ancient Balkh. Highlights include the massive sun-dried mud walls of the ancient city, the Haji Piyada Mosque, and the Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Ancient City Walls of Balkh
Balkh
The massive sun-dried mud-brick ramparts of the ancient city offer a dramatic look into the history of one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements.
Noh Gonbad Mosque (Haji Piyada)
Balkh
Regarded as the oldest mosque in Afghanistan, this 9th-century site features remarkable Abbasid-style mud-brick carvings and geometric designs.
Theme Park / Amusement Park
Khalid Bin Walid Park
Mazar-i-Sharif
The city's primary recreational destination featuring a Ferris wheel, mechanical rides, and extensive green spaces for family outings.
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Khalid Ibn al-Walid Park
Mazar-i-Sharif
A large and well-maintained municipal park on the city outskirts featuring landscaped gardens, walking paths, and historic displays.
Marmul Gorge
Mazar-i-Sharif
A dramatic natural canyon in the Hindu Kush foothills featuring sheer limestone cliffs and rugged mountain scenery popular for family excursions.
Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Maulana Jalaluddin Balkhi Park
Mazar-i-Sharif
The city's premier public green space, this park offers families manicured lawns, seasonal floral displays, and wide paved walkways for evening strolls.
Bagh-e-Jahan Nama Palace and Gardens
Khulm
This restored 19th-century royal estate features tiered terraces and traditional Afghan formal landscaping, providing a historic retreat for families.
