Ghazni Guide: Minarets, Tombs and Ghaznavid History

By Al Hamid Tour and Travel · Updated 2026-09-29 · Kabul, Afghanistan

Ghazni, south-west of Kabul, was once the capital of an empire that reached from Iran into northern India. Today it is a provincial market town, but its minarets, royal tomb and citadel still tell that story, and it is one of the easiest heritage trips from Kabul.

What Ghazni is known for

Under Mahmud of Ghazni the city was the capital of the Ghaznavids, Afghanistan's first Muslim dynasty, and a centre of art and learning. The empire's buildings are mostly gone, but the minarets, the sultan's tomb and the old citadel remain. In 2013 Ghazni was named the Asian Capital of Islamic Culture.

What to see in Ghazni

• The Ghazni minarets. Two decorated brick towers from the 12th century, built by the sultans Mas'ud III and Bahram Shah, standing about 600 metres apart on the plain north-east of the city.
• The tomb of Mahmud of Ghazni. The sultan is buried at Rawza, in what was his favourite garden; it is still a place of pilgrimage.
• The citadel. The old fortress above the city gives wide views over Ghazni and the plain around it.
• The bazaar. Ghazni is still a busy market town on the road between Kabul and Kandahar.

History of Ghazni's minarets

The two minarets are the only surviving parts of a mosque built by Bahram Shah. Both were once much taller: Mas'ud III's minaret stood at least 44 metres high until its upper half fell after an earthquake in 1902. Today each is about 20 metres tall, and conservation groups have warned for years that Ghazni's monuments need protection.

How to get to Ghazni

Ghazni is about 130 km south-west of Kabul in a straight line, on the main highway to Kandahar, and is reached by road. It works as an overnight trip from Kabul or as a stop on the way south. We provide a private vehicle, a driver and an English-speaking guide.

Best time to visit Ghazni

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Ghazni sits on a high plateau, about 2,200 metres above sea level, so winters are cold and can bring snow.

Permits and planning for Ghazni

Visitors need a provincial permit for Ghazni, which our team arranges, and site entry fees are included in our tour prices. The monuments are spread around the city, so a vehicle and a guide who knows them save a lot of time.

Practical tips for visiting Ghazni

• Start early: the minarets are outside the city, and the light is best in the morning.
• Dress modestly; Ghazni is a traditional city, and your guide will advise.
• Bring warm layers outside summer; evenings on the plateau are cold.
• Ask before photographing people or checkpoints.

Ghazni adds a chapter of medieval history that most trips to Afghanistan miss. Our Ghazni tours run from the 2-day Ghazni Heritage Dash to the 4-day Ancient Forts & Markets. Tell us your dates on WhatsApp.

Sources: Wikipedia: Ghazni Minarets · UNAMA: Ghazni, Asian Capital of Islamic Culture · Britannica: Ghazni

Ghazni tours and prices