Tapa-e Asmai at sunset

Tapa-e Asmai at sunset refers to the evening visit to the ridge on Koh-e Asmai in central Kabul, crowned by the city's television mast, when the panorama over the Kabul basin is at its most dramatic. As the sun drops behind the western hills, the light turns the flat roofs and hillside houses of the city a warm gold, and the Hindu Kush ranges in the distance take on pink and violet tones in clear weather. Visitors typically take a taxi to the foot of the hill and walk up the paths and tracks, a climb of about 30 to 45 minutes. Timing the climb so that the summit is reached about 30 minutes before sunset allows time to settle on a vantage point and to photograph the changing light. Good photographic angles include the eastward view towards the Old City and the river, and the broad westward panorama across the districts of Shahr-e Naw and the Darulaman plain. Sunset crowds are light on weekdays and heavier at weekends and on festival days. The ridge is open during daylight hours, and there is no entrance fee, but the descent after dark is hazardous because the paths are steep, loose and unlit, so visitors should plan to start down while light remains and bring a torch. Carry water and wear sturdy shoes. Photography of the mast installation and security staff should be avoided. A taxi to the foot of the hill costs roughly 100 to 150 AFN (approx $1.50-2). The visit takes about one to one and a half hours in total, and the hill sits close to the Ziyarat-e Sakhi shrine, which can be seen beforehand.