Visiting The Giant Taliban Flag In Kabul, Afghanistan 🇦🇫

Intro

One of the staplepieces of Kabul is the giant flag that lies on top of a mountain in the center of Kabul. Visible for miles, it is practically impossible to miss. Before the Taliban regained control of the country, the Afghanistan flag (black, red, and green) used to occupy this spot, but that has now changed. It is now the infamous black and white Taliban flag. 

The Hike Up/The City Of Kabul

Leaving the blue mosque on the outskirts of Kabul, we were stuck in extraordinary traffic, to the point where we decided to get out and walk 30 minutes up to the top. 

It’s a hike, through even more graveyards and surrounded by stray dogs. However, once you get to the top, the views are like none other in this world. For miles and miles, you can see the stretched city of Kabul, planes taking off, and if you really focus, a couple of Taliban checkpoints. 

Views on the way up: gorgeous

The landscapes in Afghanistan are surreal

Trekking through the woods, we finally made it up to The Taliban checkpoint to enter the Giant Taliban Flag. This is where I discovered that we view the Taliban as one whole group identity instead of people, which they actually are (as I wrote about here). What I found was two officers kicking the football around, and I decided to join in for a bit. What an experience!

The Flag

And it was there that we saw the giant waving flag, walking down the pathway as the large Taliban flag blew in the wind. It's incredible to witness, not necessarily in a good way (one can imagine why I say this) but just hugeee!

Me and the Taliban flag in Kabul

At the top by the flag is where you find other amenities, along with more Taliban members. There is a mosque, a swimming pool which has now been retired, as well as kid playing football. It's crazy to think that you are at one of the highest points in Kabul, poossibly the highest point in Kabul. It's serene.

The mosque is a place where you can pray; I imagine this was busier before the change of regime

The Taliban Flag

Kabul Airport

After walking around and witnessing an Afghan Air A310 take off to Ankara, it was time to head back down to embark off to the airport to board the Kam Air A340-300. What an experience.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning a trip to Kabul, Afghanistan, make sure that visiting the giant Taliban flag is on your list of things to do. Politics aside, it's incredible to witness such a large flag at the highest point in the city. Perhaps kick the football around at the top, or simply enjoy the views; it's amazing.