The War Is Over, Afghanistan Tourism Is on the Rise — See Bamiyan, the Country's Best Hidden Gem

One of the coolest things about travel is wandering into a place that time seems to have truly forgotten. These days, locations like that are few and far between — but they still exist. One of the most special to me is Bamiyan, Afghanistan. I went there earlier this year for the Afghan Ski Challenge. At first, I was very nervous. After all, it’s Afghanistan: It’s war-torn and
medieval. And I kept wondering, “Will I have to wear a burka?”

Boys playing outside the location of the ancient Buddhas, where were blown up by the Taliban in 2001 (David Fox)

Well, yes and no. It is no longer war-torn. The U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan ended its combat mission on Dec. 28, 2014, meaning officially, the war is over. And In fact, northern Afghanistan has long been considered peaceful — the Taliban was very harsh to the local Hazara people and blew up the famed, ancient Buddha structures in 2001. But when the United States troops invaded in 2002, the Taliban was swiftly routed and kicked out. They have yet to resurface there.

Paula  Froelich Editor in Chief December 29, 2014