Tourist Places to Visit in Herat, Afghanistan, Asia

Tourist Places to Visit in Herat, Afghanistan, Asia

Herat is located in Herat Province in Afghanistan and is the 3^rd largest city in Afghanistan located at an altitude of 3020 feet above sea level. Herat is well connected by highway 1 to Kandhahar and is also a major gateway to neighboring country Iran as it fetches the highest amount of revenue for the Govt. of Afghanistan by way of customs and excise. Heart coordinates with 34.20’31” degree North Latitude and 62.12’11” degree East Longitude.

History of Herat:

Herat is one of the ancient cities dating back to Avestan period which was known for its wine production. Herat came under the rule of Pashtuns in 1717 A.D. and it became a part of Hotaki dynasty in 1736 A.D. Herat was also ruled by Durrani Empire in 1747 A.D. and witnessed some actions taking place during Anglo-Afghan War during 19^th century.

Places of attraction in Herat:

Masjet-e-Jam:

This is one of the most prominent mosques located in Herat which is 800 years old which is otherwise called as Friday Mosque of Blue Mosque. The mosque is not only renowned for its architecture style but also is one of the sacred worshipping center in Herat. Many Muslims converge at the mosque during Friday namaz and during times of Id and Ramzan.

The Citadel (Qala-i-Ikhtiyar-ud-din):

The citadel originally built by Alexander the Great was rebuilt by Malik Fakhruddin in 1305 A.D. which is known for Afghan architecture and style.

Mousallah Complex:

The complex has a collection of mosques, minarets and medressa which is jointly called as Mousallah complex built by queen Gaur Shad in 1411. There is also a tomb of Gowhar Shaw near the complex. There were 12 minarets in the complex, but due to passage of time nine of them have been destroyed and only three of them are remaining intact within the complex.

Gazar Gah:

Gazar Gah is about 5 kms from Herat known for the tomb of sufi saint Khoja Abdulla Ansari who breathed his last in 11^th century A.D. Other nearby attractions is Main Iwan (main court), Haft Qalam (seven pens), Khana Zarnegar (Pavilion adorned with gold) and Hauze Zamzam (Sacred water pond).

Other attractions in Herat are:

Chisht-i-Sharif
Tomb of Jami
Darwaze Khosh
Chaharsu
Howz-e-Karbas
Park-e Taraki
Herat Museum
Jihad Museum
Tomb of khaje Qaltan
Gazargah Sharif Mosque
Tomb of Queen Goharshad

Connectivity to Herat in Afghanistan:

The city of Herat is well networked by rail and air modes of transport. Work is in full progress for the 191 kms railway line from Khaf in Iran to Herat which will be duly completed in some time. Herat is also connected by airways where many domestic and charter flights operate from Herat Airport.

Accommodation facilities in Herat:

Herat has some fine hotels providing excellent accommodation facilities to the tourists visiting the city. The hotels range from 1 star to 5 star and allow the tourists to stay for short and long term duration. Besides providing good accommodation facilities, the hotels also serve authentic Afghan cuisines and recipes which are famous for their aroma and taste. List of hotels located in Herat are