Paghman Valley, Kabul
Ahmad Mukhtar
Do you know about a village in the world which has the most beautiful view in all seasons of the year with the unspoiled nature and no changes by the humanity? Paghman district in Kabul, Afghanistan is one of these villages. Besides having the highest green mountains, woods with old trees, and waterfalls, people still have that traditional life. They are so far from technology, and their incomes are still from agriculture and animals. 20 minutes by car in the west of the capital Kabul, that valley has a population of more than 12,000. The Paghman valley has holding fresh cool air in all seasons of the year. Paghman Valley has a long history decades ago the president’s house, and the presidential palace was in this valley also, the president park is still there. The valley is walled from three sides by the highest mountains, and one side is open for entry and exit and a way for water. In winter, the mountains, trees, houses, and everything are covered white by the snow. The sound of birds, water, and other animals transmit the beauty of each season in this valley.
Usually, winter is quieter than other seasons, but the sound of birds, the noise of children who are playing in the snow, and the sound of the waterfall are broken the silence of the winter. Snow is the best part of the winter picnic in Paghman. whenever we went there, we were running in the snow, and hitting each other with small snowballs. After that, would make a big snowman in the end, using charcoal for the makeup, and people around us who were also there for a picnic they would come to take a photo with that big snowman. The snowman stayed in his place, and we would go back to our hut, two of our friends would always stay at the hut to prepare a hot drink like green tea or milk. We would sit around a campfire to warm ourselves, drink the tea, and cook some sweet corn over the campfire.
After winter, the colorful and fresh spring started with a different color of cherry blossoms. At the same time, the smells of berry blossoms are amazing. Farmers are getting busier in their agriculture and gardens. Each year in the spring farmers renewing the woody hut for the public. Also, farmers and their family are working in a small place like a store to sell the fresh fruits from their gardens. Economic wise, spring is also more profitable for farmers and other local people because the weather is changing from the real cold to spring. I remember, after every heavy snow in Paghman, the road, street and the small local bazaar were closed, which was not good for their income, but in spring there was no worry that snow will come and it will close their ways to their stores, and gardens. Also, spring was a good start for the visitors. If you want to go in the spring, don’t forget to eat cherries and blueberries, which are the famous and delicious fruits of Paghman in spring.
Also, Paghman has a beautiful and nice summer, unlike the capital Kabul which has a burning summer. Believe me, if you are in Paghman valley in that season it will be like a dream for you, because if it is 90F in Kabul, in Paghman you will feel like 65F, and it is extremely fresh air. Mostly the Paghman water comes from the source of snow because the snow stays for long in the Highest mountains of Paghman. Water in this valley is so cold, you won’t be able to keep your hand in it for more than 20 seconds. The water is tasty and full of minerals for drinking.
Paghman has full covered with lots of different kinds of trees, if you look at it from far away it’s like a forest. In the fall the green color of this valley changes to a beautiful golden and red, in this season you will see more photographers, this is a great source of the golden fall photos for a photographer. These days, the weather is a little bit cold and the campfires also start in fall. In addition to that, fall is a great season in which you can find more dried fruits.
The 21st-century technology changed many things, and food and fruit are also affected. These days, if you go to a supermarket for shopping, you will see a small spot for organic foods and fruits. That means we don’t have enough organic foods in our current world. However, Paghman Valley is one of those places which have enough organic foods. Organic foods are healthier than those foods which are processed in a chemical process. Organic fresh and dried fruits are tastier and it’s important to national and international visitors. Public gardens are open to everyone for a small amount of fee to rent a woody hut, and they can sit there for the whole day. Each garden has a small water pool. The person at the door directs the people to the right place for sitting and picnic. After that, farmers will bring the fresh cool fruits to eat.
Between three to four gardens, there is a restaurant. They will take your eye and attention quickly because of the Kabab and frying fish smell. In those restaurants, the food is also fresh and organic. Besides Kabab, you will also smell Afghan Naan (freshly baked bread). Fresh lamb meat seasoned for an hour with garlic, ginger, coriander, salt, black pepper, and vinegar is taken by people to have BBQ. You will also have hot and fresh Afghan bread. Afghan Chutney, which is made from coriander, salt, pepper, crushed walnuts, mint, and hot pepper is required with Kabab. People in the restaurants marinate fresh fish with fresh garlic and salt for a half-hour, then they fry that fish. It’s also served with Afghan chutney and Shlombie, an Afghan traditional yogurt drink with crushed fresh mint and cucumber. At the end of those foods, green tea and Afghan traditional sweets are given. After lunch, Afghan classical music is the best part of the day in Paghman.
Probably you have heard that the worst war of the world is going on in Afghanistan, and nothing is safe from it. In this battle, we lost schools, hospitals, colleges, roads, bridges, houses almost everything, but the local people of Paghman Valley have worked hard to save the valley from more destruction. During your visit, you will see the effects of war. The Paghman Valley is still a great place to visit in Afghanistan, and three to five-star hotels are open for tourism. Most of the people of Paghman are Pashtuns. They are famous for their great hospitality, they have a special respect for guests and visitors, and they are protecting their guests from everything that can affect them. You can see that in an American movie “Lone Survivor.” 2013. This is an important point for tourism in Paghman. Also, people of this valley are far away from technology, and their income is from agriculture and animals. They still don’t know about smartphones or the internet.
Paghman is also a historical valley, the King Amanullah Shah was born in this valley. In 1919, he announced our independence from Great British. He was the modernist king of Afghanistan. Paghman has a strategic location in Kabul, and the good season was another reason that king Timur Shah Durrani in 1776, decided to create a presidential house, the presidential palace, and his park in that valley. When king Durrani died, Kabul city became back the capital. Again, the King park is still open, the government takes its international guest and diplomats to that park.
Besides history, great seasons, organic foods and fruits, local restaurants and safety are the best points of Paghman Valley. I hope the current war in Afghanistan finishes, and we will be also able to visit Afghanistan, and have few days in Paghman valley with your friends and family.
