Band-e Amir National Park |National Parks Association

Band-e Amir Overview

Band-e Amir National Park (locally known as بند امیر ملی پارک) is Afghanistan’s first national park, located in the central highlands of the country within Bamyan Province. Covering approximately 230 square miles (600 square kilometers), the park is known for its breathtaking series of deep blue lakes, which are set against the dramatic backdrop of the Hindu Kush mountains. These six lakes—formed by natural travertine dams—are the park’s main attraction, and their stunning blue color is the result of high mineral content in the water, particularly limestone.

The landscape of Band-e Amir is a combination of rugged, barren mountains and lush valleys. The high elevation, around 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) above sea level, creates a cool climate with seasonal snow, making the region one of Afghanistan’s most scenic areas. The park is dotted with natural rock formations, and the surrounding cliffs provide sweeping views of the lakes below. The contrast between the arid landscape and the vibrant blue lakes creates a unique and captivating environment.

Vegetation in Band-e Amir National Park is sparse due to the park’s high altitude and arid climate, but some areas support hardy grasses, shrubs, and alpine flowers during the warmer months. The valleys surrounding the lakes are greener, with patches of agriculture and grazing lands used by local communities.

Wildlife in Band-e Amir National Park includes a variety of species adapted to the harsh, mountainous environment. Visitors may spot ibex, wild sheep (urial), and even the endangered snow leopard. Bird species such as golden eagles and migratory waterfowl are also common in the park, particularly near the lakes.

Band-e Amir National Park offers a serene, otherworldly beauty, attracting eco-tourists and locals alike to experience its stunning natural features and peaceful environment.

Park Map

Band-e Amir National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Bird Species

Band-e Amir National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with its diverse habitats attracting a variety of resident and migratory bird species.

Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) – One of the largest and most majestic birds in the park, the golden eagle soars over the mountains, hunting small mammals and occasionally larger prey.

Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) – This large scavenger is often seen gliding in the park’s skies, feeding on carrion and playing a vital role in the ecosystem’s nutrient cycle.

Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis) – A ground-dwelling bird found in the park’s high-altitude areas, the snowcock is known for its strong flight and distinctive, haunting call.

Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) – Also known as the bearded vulture, this bird is often seen soaring in search of bones, which it drops from great heights to crack open for marrow.

Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) – Known for its incredible speed in flight, the peregrine falcon can often be seen hunting smaller birds and mammals in the park’s open spaces.

Rock pigeon (Columba livia) – A common sight in the park’s rocky regions and near human settlements, the rock pigeon plays an important role in the food chain of the park’s predators.

White-winged redstart (Phoenicurus erythrogastrus) – A colorful and striking bird often seen flitting around the park’s streams and lakes, foraging for insects near the water’s edge.

Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) – Frequently found in the park’s open, rocky areas, the chukar is known for its distinctive call and ground-dwelling habits.

Common raven (Corvus corax) – A large, intelligent bird frequently spotted in the park, the raven is a scavenger that feeds on a variety of food sources, including carrion and small animals.

Ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) – This migratory waterfowl is often seen in the park’s lakes, with its distinctive orange-brown plumage adding color to the park’s aquatic habitats.

Popular Species

Band-e Amir National Park is home to a variety of species adapted to its rugged and high-altitude environment, including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) – An elusive and endangered species, the snow leopard roams the mountainous terrain of the park, playing a key role in maintaining ecological balance.

Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica) – This wild goat species is commonly seen scaling the steep cliffs of the park, using its sure-footedness to navigate the rugged mountain slopes.

Marco Polo sheep (Ovis ammon polii) – Known for their large, curved horns, these wild sheep are native to the region and can be spotted grazing in the park’s high-altitude meadows.

Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) – A solitary and secretive predator, the Eurasian lynx inhabits the park’s forests and rocky areas, preying on small mammals and birds.

Himalayan wolf (Canis lupus chanco) – This subspecies of the gray wolf is adapted to the park’s harsh, cold climate, living in packs and hunting larger herbivores like ibex and sheep.

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) – A highly adaptable mammal, the red fox is often seen in the park’s lower valleys, hunting small prey and scavenging for food near human settlements.

Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul) – A rare, fluffy wild cat found in the park’s mountainous regions, known for its stocky build and preference for rocky, rugged habitats.

Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) – Although rare, this large bear species can occasionally be spotted in the park, particularly in remote areas where it forages for plants and small animals.

Golden jackal (Canis aureus) – A medium-sized carnivore, the golden jackal is known for its scavenging habits, often seen roaming the park’s valleys in search of food.

Toad-headed agama (Phrynocephalus) – This small, desert-dwelling lizard is commonly seen in the park’s rocky and arid regions, where it thrives in the hot daytime temperatures.