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Taq-e Zafar

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Taq-e Zafar (Arch of Victory) is a prominent monument in the gardens of Paghman, a town west of Kabul. It was built in 1919 by order of King Amanullah Khan to celebrate Afghanistan's full independence from the British Empire after the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The arch is made of white marble and designed in a European style, reflecting Amanullah's aspirations to modernize the country. The inscriptions on the arch celebrate victory and national sovereignty. The Paghman site itself was developed by the king as a modern resort with villas, public parks, and a European flair. The Taq-e Zafar stood at the center of this new vision. During the wars of the late 20th century, both the gardens and the arch were severely damaged. However, after 2001, the entire complex was extensively restored and today serves again as a popular excursion destination for the residents of Kabul and as a symbol of Afghan national pride.

Location: Afghanistan
Top sights: Paghman District · Paghman · Paghman Hill Castle

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-7	-6	1	6	11	14	17	16	12	7	1	-3
Rain mm	39	62	76	78	47	28	31	37	31	23	28	20

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Taq-e Zafar is an open victory arch in Paghman that can be viewed from the outside at any time. The interior is usually not accessible, but you can walk around the monument and examine the inscriptions.

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Typical hours

As an open-air monument, there are no set visiting hours - access is possible at any time during daylight. Visiting during daylight is recommended to appreciate the details.

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Photography

Photography is unrestricted as it is a public outdoor monument. For the best shots, come early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft.

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Time needed

A short visit of 20 to 30 minutes is enough to walk around the arch and take photos. If you also explore the surrounding Paghman area, allow one hour.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with a stroll through the Paghman gardens and the Royal Street. From here, you can also take a trip to Kabul to see the National Museum and the Citadel.

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Getting there

Taq-e Zafar is located in Paghman, about a 30-minute drive from central Kabul. Taxis and private cars are the most common means of transport; there is no direct public transportation.

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Insider tip

Visit the monument in the late afternoon when the golden light highlights the arches beautifully. Bring water as there is little shade in the area.