AsiaAfghanistanBalkh
Balkh
Balkh, Afghanistan · Asia
About Balkh
Balkh sits on the route: 25 minutes from Chimtāl.
Balkh is a city located in Balkh, Afghanistan. With a population of 114,883, it is an important destination in Asia.
On a road trip, Balkh sits in Afghanistan. It's in the Asia/Kabul time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Balkh to your route.
About Balkh
Balkh is a city in northern Afghanistan, with an estimated population of 148,972 people. It is the second largest city of Balkh Province and is within the jurisdiction of Balkh District. Balkh is located approximately 24 km (15 mi) to the northwest of Mazar-i-Sharif and approximately 74 km (46 mi) to the south of theRead more
Amu Darya or the Afghanistan–Uzbekistan border.
Historically a hub of Zoroastrianism and Buddhism, the ancient city was also known to the ancient Persians as Zariaspa and to the ancient Greeks as Bactra, giving its name to the wider region of Bactria. Balkh was renowned as the capital of Bactria and later Tokharistan. Prior to the Mongol conquest, Balkh was one of the richest cities in Khorasan. It suffered severely due to the Mongol invasion in the 13th century and never recovered its former status, with nearby Mazar-i-Sharif slowly becoming the more important town in the locality. By the 14th century Balkh had become a part of Timurid Empire, and after the conquest by Shaybani Khan in 1506, continued to be ruled by the Uzbek dynasties for centuries, notably the Khanate of Bukhara and the Khanate of Kunduz, except for the brief Mughal and Afsharid interruptions, until it was captured by Dost Muhammad Khan in 1850 from the Uzbeks and incorporated into the Emirate of Afghanistan.
The Italian explorer and writer Marco Polo described Balkh as "a noble city and a great seat of learning". Most of the town now consists of ruined buildings, situated some 12 km (7.5 mi) from the right bank of the seasonally flowing Balkh River, at an elevation of about 365 m (1,198 ft). The Green Mosque of Balkh is one of the few surviving monuments.
While it is one of Afghanistan's ethnically diverse settlements, Tajiks account for the majority of Balkh's populace and have continuously inhabited the site for millennia. The main language of the town is Dari, which is spoken by a significant majority. Its current mayor is Maulvi Mohammad Qasim Fazal Subhan.
Where to Stay in Balkh
Compare prices across Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, and more. Select your dates to see availability.
Filter presets
Pick your must-haves once: provider links open pre-filtered. Each filter lists which sites it applies to.
Compare before you book!
Prices can vary significantly between platforms. We recommend checking at least 2-3 sites to find the best deal for your stay in Balkh.
Explore the Area
Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Balkh.
Loading map...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Balkh?
Balkh offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
How do I plan a road trip to Balkh?
Plan your road trip to Balkh with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Balkh as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Where is Balkh located?
Balkh is located in Balkh, Afghanistan, Asia. The coordinates are 36.7563 latitude, 66.8972 longitude.
What is the population of Balkh?
Balkh has a population of approximately 114,883 people, making it a city in Afghanistan.
Plan a Road Trip
Add to your itinerary
Start planning your road trip with Balkh as a destination. Create a custom route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Start Road TripWhat's Nearby?
Discover destinations like Tinder
Swipe through stunning destinations near Balkh. Save your favourites and add them to your trip.
Explore now
Quick Information
- Population
- 114,883
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Afghanistan
- Region
- Balkh
- Timezone
- Asia/Kabul
- Coordinates
- 36.7563, 66.8972
Tags
Nearby Destinations
Other places to explore near Balkh.
Plan a trip around Balkh
Plan a Road Trip from Balkh
Create your perfect itinerary with our calendar-based planner. Add stops, discover attractions along the way, and share your trip with friends.
Start Planning