Sharjah24 – AFP: The stunning azure waters of the Band-e Amir lakes are once again attracting Afghan tourists, who brave bumpy roads to experience the so-called Grand Canyon of Afghanistan.
Their striking colour is down to the rich mineral content of the waters, thanks to the surrounding limestone cliffs.
After the Taliban seized power, the site in Bamiyan province was deserted, but seven weeks later tourists have begun to return.
They rent paddle boats in the shape of swans imported from Iran, paying the equivalent of eight dollars an hour.
Taliban guards brandishing rocket launchers have also taken trips out on the water.
Bamiyan was long one of the safest regions in Afghanistan and for the souvenir and craft merchants who line the route to the main lake, the return of local tourists is uplifting.
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