Band-I-Amir

This collection of 7 lakes named after the swords of Hizrat ali - takes a bone crunching 3 hours to reach. But it is worth it. The largest lake Zulfaqir, is a massive blue expanse surrounded by mountains. Its crystal clear water is fed from underground springs. On its banks is a 14th century mosque - a favoured pilgramige of local Hazara muslems. This in any other country would be teeming with tourists. In Afghanistan there is maybe 15 or 20 and we are the only "farrungi" or foreigners - lucky us.