Band-e-Amir Pictures: Photos Of Afghanistan's First National Park

Afghanistan designated it's first national park this year, Band-e-Amir. The 228-square-mile park is a group of six lakes situated high in the Hindu Kush Mountains.

By designating the land a national park, Afghanistan is now able to apply for international recognition of the park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The U.S. Government spent $1 million to establish the park

• • • • • • • • • • • • • This general view shows the Band-e-Amir lake on the outskirts of Bamiyan Province on July 8, 2008. The glittering lakes of Band-e-Amir must rank as Afghanistan's most astounding natural sight.

Comments

[AutonomicJon125]

sad that such a beautiful slice of earth would be so torn and broken. maybe one day....

[vinny]

why the F did we spend $1 million on a park in Afghanistan?

[FrTown]

Because we spent billions destroying the whole country.

[YoJymbo]

Were pushing up on $200 BILLION spent by the US in it's Afghanistan campaign. What is wrong with 1/2000th of that killing and destruction money being put toward making the country something other than the bombed out shell of a multi-super power's repeat rape victim?

Perhaps their lives will improve and one day we'll all be smoking hash together and laughing about all this madness on the beutiful banks of Band-e-Amirs lakes. I sure hope so.

[anticapitalist1983]

it's nice to see a beautiful side of afghanistan. all we usually see in the poverty and war.

[NikkiT]

It is a beautiful area of Afghanistan - I wonder if women are allowed to go there to enjoy it?

[ChangeurMind]

yes they can go. its only in places like americon's best friend saudi arabia that woman are allowed to be oppressed for oil.

[senorlou]

Love to know what all that water is doing in such a barren place. I'm guessing snowcap runoff. Looks beautiful. We have red rock like that in the Desert here in California. It's the most peaceful place I've ever been.

[AKAM80THEWOLF]

Stunning

[TruthToPower20]

I see a national lampoon vacation coming up!

[tantrictim]

good for the usa, its too bad they couldnt get there in time to stop the taliban from destroying another national treasure, the giant buddhas

[deepfreezevideo]

Oh yeah, those pedal boats are gonna see some action REAL SOON LOLOLOL.

[Billy Hell]

So does designating this a national park give the US invasion and occupation any more credibility?

[Perry Clease]

Conservatives already want to drill for oil there.

[cloudminder]

really beautiful

without the fiberglass peddle boats

[benji85]

Beautiful, I would love to make a visit there some day.

Say what you will about creation of this world and the universe, you cannot deny that what has been created naturally is just simply beautiful.

[ChangeurMind]

wait until the invaders leave.

[Midnightbreeze]

Are you referring to the US and it's allies or the Jihadi's? When we leave, the Taliban will probably destroy the park like they did with the Buddah's. Parks are a blasphemy to Allah.

[weiland]

Looks beautiful. Let's call this a step in the right direction.

[wadenelson1]

Careful where you step. Mines.

[Perry Clease]

We should let the birthers walk ahead.

[Tom Joad]

Okay, kids! Pack up the van...we're goin' on vacation!.....

[ChangeurMind]

How long until the USA bombs it and murder a few families on the boats?

[Billy Hell]

You can say that again!