Panjshir Valley
Afghanistan · Panjshir · 2200 m
Description
The Panjshir is a narrow valley running north-east out of the Kabul plain, and for most of its length the road is squeezed between the river and rock walls, which is why no army that entered it in the twentieth century managed to hold it. Ahmad Shah Massoud commanded here through the Soviet war and is buried on a bluff above the river in a domed tomb that is now a place of pilgrimage. Emerald mines work the upper slopes. The name means five lions. It is two hours from Kabul. Emeralds from these mines have been traded out through Peshawar for decades.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – June or September – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Tomb of Ahmad Shah Massoud
- Drive up the gorge from the Kabul plain
- Panjshir river and its green water
- Soviet tank hulks left in the valley
- Emerald mines on the upper slopes
- Terraced mulberry and walnut orchards
- Anjuman pass at the head of the valley
- Trout from the river at the roadside stops
- Villages of stone and poplar wood
Getting there
- Nearest airports:
- KBL