Balkh, Afghanistan

Do you like nature? The gorgeous nature of Afghanistan is one of the reasons why tourists arrive in this country. Lake Zorkul is a true treasure that attracts numerous tourists to the region where Afghanistan borders with Tajikistan. It takes a while to travel from Mazar-i-Sharif to Lake Zorkul, but the result is worth the effort. The name of the lake sounds poetic, and the surrounding area is a true gift of Mother Nature. In 2000, a nature reserve was established in the lake region. At that time, the reserve had an area of roughly twenty-five kilometers. The government protects the area and maintains a unique ecosystem. Lake Zorkul is the outflow location of the Pamir River. According to historical data, the British naval officer John Wood was the first European who visited the lake. This event took place in 1838. Earlier, the lake had another and no less beautiful name – Lake Victoria. In 1895, the border between the two countries – the Russian Empire and Afghani khanates – crossed the lake. Zorkul got its current name during the Soviet period. Later, many people in different countries have found out about the beautiful lake. The popularity of the lake region has been growing since then.

There is an eponymous airport at a distance of nine kilometers of Mazar-i-Sharif. It serves flights from Tehran, Kabul, and Istanbul. Upon arrival, tourists can get to the central part of Mazar-i-Sharif by taxi. You will reach your destination in just fifteen-twenty minutes. Some tourists prefer to fly to Termez Airport in Uzbekistan, which is located sixty-five kilometers from Mazar-i-Sharif. Termez Airport accommodates flights from Saint-Petersburg and Tashkent. After that, get on a bus or find a taxi to the Afghani city. When traveling from Kabul, tourists can use intercity buses.
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