Top Tourist Places to Visit in Zaranj, Nimruz, Afghanistan

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Zaranj, Nimruz, Afghanistan

Zaranj is a capital city located in Nimruz Province in south-west Afghanistan bordered by Iran, Hilmand and Farah Province. Zaranj has a population which consists of Baloch who form 44% of the total population, followed by Pashtun (34%) and Tajiks (22%). Zaranj coordinates with 30.57’36” degree North Latitude and 61.51’36” degree East Longitude.

Zaranj History:

It is said that the name Zaranj was derived from Persian word ‘Zranka’ and is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Nimruz Province. During 6^th century, Zaranj was ruled by Nestorian Christian community and later in 9^th century it became the capital of Saffavids dynasty. Zaranj was also under the rule of Ghaznivads, Ghorids, Trimurids and Saffavids. In the early 18^th century, Zaranj was ruled by Afghan Hotaki rulers who were overthrown by Nader Shah of Khorasan in 1738 A.D. Initially Zaranj was under the Farah Province until in the year 1968, it got separated from Farah Province and became an independent province in Afghanistan.

Tourism in Zaranj:

Tourists can visit the nearest city of Kandahar that has lots to offer for visitors is located approx 321 kms away from city of Zaranj. The places of interest include:

Governor’s Mansion
Kandhahar University
Kandhahar Park
Kokaran Park
Baghi Pul Park
Kandhahar Museum
Tomb of Ahmed Shah Durrani
Chilzina a rock cut chamber
Kandhahar Airport
Mausoleum of Mirwais Hotak
Shrine of Baba Wali
Arghandab River

Culture, food and shopping in Zaranj:

Zaranj is rich in culture and customs as many residents come forward jointly and celebrate many important Muslim festivals and occasions in a grand manner. The tourists coming to Zaranj are welcomed with hot spicy authentic Afghan cuisines and dishes like mutton kurma, chicken gosh, chicken biryani, grilled chicken, rice pulao and mutton stews. The tourists always remember the warmth and hospitality shown by the people of Zaranj towards them whenever they visit the place.

Ideal Season to visit Zaranj in Afghanistan:

Though Zarang can be visited all round the year, the most ideal time to visit would be during months of winter where the climate remains pleasant and favorable. As Zaranj comes under the desert belt, summers remain very hot and sultry with maximum temperature hovering around 40 degrees which makes the region quite unfit to explore by the tourists during this point of time.

Connectivity to Zaranj in Afghanistan:

Zaranj is well connected by highways and air modes of transport. A new highway known as Route 606 has been constructed between Zaranj and Delaram in Farah Province for easy and quick accessibility by road. Regular bus services are also available from capital city Zaranj to Kandhahar, Iran, Lashkar Gar and Farah at regular intervals. Zaranj is also well connected by air where many domestic airlines operate from Zaranj Airport which has been recently updated, renovated and funded by the United States. Kandhahar Airport is located at the distance of 321 kms from Zaranj where many flights depart on daily basis to many destinations across the globe. Beside taxis, air-conditioned cabs and mini buses form the local mode of public transport in Zaranj.

Hotels in Zaranj:

Zaranj is well known for some of the reputed hotels offering best services to the tourists coming to this place from time to time. Hotels range from 1 star rating to 5 star rating providing some of the world class amenities and facilities that include spa, sauna, Turkish steam bath, free broadband connection, mini bar, room heaters & coolers, games room, fitness center, excellent room servicing, lifts, elevators, childcare centers, laundry and dry-cleaning services, 24 hrs tour desks etc. Here is the list of some of the hotels situated in Kandhahar located 321 kms from Zaranj.