Paghman Garden Trails

The Paghman Garden Trails wind through the historic Paghman Gardens in the hills northwest of Kabul, Afghanistan, a former royal retreat set at a higher elevation than the capital and noticeably cooler in summer. Visitors reach Paghman by car with a driver, which typically costs 2,500-3,500 AFN for the round trip from Kabul, and the drive of roughly an hour passes Qargha Lake. Parking is available near the main gardens, and no permit is needed, though local security conditions should be checked before the trip. The network of garden tracks totals about 5 km with an elevation gain near 100 m, which makes it an easy outing of around two hours. The surface is a mix of dirt paths, gravel lanes and old paved garden walkways, with gentle gradients and few exposed sections. Shade from mature trees is more plentiful here than almost anywhere else around Kabul, particularly in the older orchard and avenue sections. Landmarks include the remains of the Paghman palace and pavilions, the Arc de Triomphe-style monument built in the 1920s under King Amanullah Khan, and views over the valley toward the Kabul plain. Walkers can choose their own turn-around point because the tracks interconnect, and shorter circuits near the entrance are easy to cut. Tea stalls and small restaurants near the gardens sell refreshments, though carrying water is still advisable. Fridays are busy with families on day trips, while weekdays are calmer. Evenings are cool even in summer, so a light jacket is worthwhile.