Overview:

Band-e Gholaman, Kabul is an archaeological site in Afghanistan located in the north-western part of Kabul Province, near the Salang Pass. The site is known for its ancient architecture, which consists of several Roman baths, and a large Islamic building consisting of three stories. The site is believed to date back to the 7th century CE and is thought to have been a hub of activity during that period. It is also believed that it was once part of the Silk Road which linked East and West during this period. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

Band-e Gholaman is a series of two interconnected man-made lakes located in the Kabul province of Afghanistan. The lakes are fed by two small tributaries which run through the Sari Pul Mountains. The two lakes are connected allowing the water to flow from one to another. The first lake is known as the Band-e Gholaman Lake, while the second lake is referred to as the Band-e Pothwardar. The Band-e Gholaman lake has an area of 3.5 km squared and has an average depth of 6.5 m. The lake has a small peninsula, which is a popular fishing area for locals. The two lakes are surrounded by a beautiful mountain landscape making the area popular for sightseeing, hiking, and camping. The nearby villages house many locals who make their livings from fishing and other water related activities on the two lakes. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

Band-e Gholaman, located in Afghanistan, is a reservoir located in the Kabul province of Afghanistan. It is believed to have been built around the 3rd century BCE by the Mauryan Empire during the reign of Ashoka, with multiple masonry ornaments having been discovered along its banks. It is thought that the pond was used as a water source for irrigation as well as being a recreational area. The presence of local Buddhist sites in the area has led scholars to believe that it was a sacred place to the local population. It continued to be used up until the mid-nineteenth century when the British Empire took control of Kabul. After the Afghan Civil War (1996-2001), there was a decline in water quality and in the biodiversity of living organisms in the pond. This prompted locals to start a conservation campaign, with trash and debris being removed from the pond. As a result, the pond has started to become increasingly full and new species of fish have been reintroduced. The Band-e Gholaman has also become a popular place for a day out for both locals and tourists alike, with many taking advantage of the nearby picnic areas and local cafes. Today, it is a beautiful sight that unites both locals and tourists in a common effort to protect and conserve this historical lake. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Band-e Gholaman (also known as Band-e Qolaman and Band-e Qala) is the largest dam in Afghanistan. It is located about 80 kilometers south of Kabul. 2. It is the only major dam in Afghanistan that is still operational and used for practical purposes. 3. The main purpose of the dam is for irrigation and supply of drinking water to the residents of Kabul. 4. Afghanistan’s only hydroelectricity-producing project was built on the Band-e Gholaman dam in 2008. It currently has the capacity to produce 0.2 to 0.3 MW of electricity. 5. The Band-e Gholaman dam is said to have been constructed around 500 years ago by Amir Khan, an Afghan military general. 6. The length of the dam is about two kilometers, and it is 22 meters high. 7. The reservoir created by the dam has a capacity of 1.2 million cubic meters of water. 8. The Band-e Gholaman dam also serves an important ecological role to the local region, as it is a major source of fresh water for wildlife and livestock. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era