Mazar-e-Sharif Guide: The Blue Mosque & the North

By Al Hamid Tour and Travel · Updated 2026-07-23 · Kabul, Afghanistan

Mazar-e-Sharif, the great city of the north, is built around one of the most beautiful buildings in the whole country — the Blue Mosque, its tilework glowing turquoise against the sky and its courtyard alive with white doves. Capital of Balkh province and a crossroads of cultures, "Mazar" has an easygoing warmth all its own. Here is what to see and how to plan a visit.

The Blue Mosque (Shrine of Hazrat Ali)

The Blue Mosque — the Shrine of Hazrat Ali — is the heart of the city and its most unforgettable sight. Wrapped in intricate blue and turquoise tiles, it sits in a vast marble courtyard where flocks of famous white pigeons gather. It is a living place of pilgrimage, busiest and most beautiful in the soft light of early morning and evening. Visitors are welcome in the courtyard; your guide will advise on dress and etiquette so your visit is respectful and relaxed.

Other things to see

• The lively bazaars around the shrine, selling carpets, chapan coats, and northern crafts.
• The ancient city of Balkh nearby — one of the oldest cities in the world, the "Mother of Cities."
• The shrine of Rabia Balkhi and other historic sites in the surrounding plains.
• Everyday life in the courtyard: tea, families, and the white doves that are said never to lose their color.

Getting to Mazar-e-Sharif

The easiest way from Kabul is a domestic flight of about an hour, which we book as part of your trip. Overland, the route crosses the Salang Pass and tunnel through the Hindu Kush — a dramatic drive in good weather. Once in the city we provide a private vehicle and an English-speaking guide. Mazar pairs naturally with the ancient ruins of Balkh close by.

Best time to visit and Nowruz

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons; the northern plains get very hot in high summer. The city is at its most spectacular around Nowruz, the Persian new year around 21 March, when huge crowds gather at the Blue Mosque for the raising of the ceremonial banner. If you would like to see Nowruz, tell us early so we can plan travel and accommodation well ahead.

Practical tips

• Dress modestly at the shrine; your guide will advise on covering and etiquette.
• Early morning and sunset are the best times for photos and a calmer atmosphere.
• Always ask before photographing people, especially at the shrine.
• Carry some cash in afghanis for the bazaar, tea, and small purchases.

Mazar-e-Sharif and Balkh make a wonderful northern leg of an Afghanistan trip. Tell us your dates on WhatsApp and we'll plan the flights, guide, and route. See our tour packages, how to get around Afghanistan, or the best time to visit guide.