Mazar-e-Sharif

The shrine is housing the tomb of Caliph Ali, the first Imam of Shia Muslims. But he is not buried here, one of his family member or battle companion is buried here. The Caliph Ali’s Shrine is located in Najaf, Iraq. Visiting the Blue Mosque as a tourist is straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the building housing the Hazrat Ali Shrine, so plan accordingly.
I recommend visiting the mosque after prayer times so that you have enough time to explore.
2. Pigeon Park next to the Blue mosque:
Right next to the Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, there is a designated area where you can feed the pigeons. This spot is lively, with countless pigeons gathered around, waiting to be fed.
3. Carpet shops at the bazar:
There are plenty of interesting shops in the bazaar around the mosque. I recommend taking a stroll through the bazaar to explore and see what catches your eye. There are many famous shops that they sell carpets, you can discover many fascinating rugs, afghani designs including war rugs etc.
4. Buzkashi Game at the Buzkashi Stadium:
WHAT IS THE BUZAKASHI?
Buzkashi, the national sport of Afghanistan, is a wild equestrian game played for centuries. Riders on horseback compete to seize a headless goat or calf carcass and carry it to a designated goal.
WHEN IS THE BUZAKASHI PLAYED?
In Mazar-e-Sharif, the game is played in winter, typically from mid-November to early March, though the exact dates depend on the weather. Cold weather is essential for the game. They play it once a week on Fridays. They start the game at 2 pm.
Best Places to visit in Balkh:
1. GREEN MOSQUE (SHRINE OF KHWAJA ABU NASR PARSA) & TOMB OF RABIA BALKHI
There are two historic shrines right next to each other in a park in the heart of Balkh.
The Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa was built in the 16th century and is named after the famous spiritual leader, Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa.
As for the Rabia Balkhi Shrine, it’s named after the 10th-century poet Rabia Balkhi, who wrote in Persian and Arabic. Rabia was said to have been descended from an Arab family that had settled in Khurasan following the Muslim conquest. She’s one of the first well-known female poets in Persian literature. Her most famous work was written in her own blood on a wall after the love of her life (Baktash who was a slave) was murdered.
2 BALA HISAR
In Bala Hisar you will see the more than 2,500-year-old walls of the ancient Bactrian Kingdom. there is also the Ancient Balkh Archaeological Site. Historically, the site of present-day Balkh was held in considerably high regard due to its religious and political significance in Ariana. A hub of Zoroastrianism and Buddhism, the ancient city was also known to the Persians as Zariaspa and to the Greeks as Bactra, giving its name to Bactria.
Best time to visit Mazar I sharif and balkh:
The ideal time to visit Mazar-i-Sharif is during Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November). Spring and Autumn are your best bets because they offer the perfect mix of pleasant weather.
WHEN TO AVOID?
Summer (June to August): The temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), making it too hot for comfortable outdoor exploration. Winter (December to February): The weather can be harsh, with freezing temperatures.
Eat
VITAMIN
If you’re craving shir yak (Afghan ice cream) or a refreshing fruit juice, this is the best place in Mazar. It’s super popular with the locals, especially women.
THE OLDEST KEBAB SHOP IN MAZAR-I-SHARIF
This restaurant has two locations, but they’re very close to each other. One is for men only, and the other is for women and families.
MANSOUR RESTAURANT
Mansour Restaurant is a great spot. It is completely comfortable. The food is really delicious, too. You can order Kabuli pilav with a fresh glass of apple juice. The pilav came with plenty of extras, including free tea, and it cost only 300 Afghani (~4.10 USD). The apple juice is 100 Afghani (~1.40 USD).
BILAL RESTAURANT
Here’s another great restaurant you can discover. The food is fantastic too! You can order any afghani dish in there.
Sleep:
Local hotels offer multi-bed rooms from US$10-20 with a shared bathroom and toilet. Cheaper rooms have the worst toilet facilities.
1 Aamo Hotel (on the south side of the shrine), ☏ +93 7 050-2478. Has reasonable rooms with 3 or more beds starting at US$15, which can be bargained down to US$10, with shared toilets and showers. edit
Mid-range 2 Farhat hotel, ☏ +93 70 503-177. Darwaza-ye Balkh, (two blocks west of the shrine). Rooms from US$40 (negotiate) with attached bathroom and television (CNN, BBC World). edit
3 Barat hotel (east of the shrine), ☏ +93 70 502-235. A modern hotel with nice rooms and shared bathrooms - from US$30. edit
4 Royal Oak Hotel (next to the governor's house, in Darwaza-ye balkh), ☏ +93-79-9383127. Aimed at high-end international guests this Kabul-style guesthouse is safe and includes a nice restaurant. Prices per night from US$70.