Azdha of Bihsud
34.183300,67.916700
Description
What appears to represent one of the few true fossil caves of the world, is Azdha of Besud, the petrified dragon slain by Hazrat Ali (note 1), a volcanic formation stretching its white length 170 yards [155 m], exhaling sulphurous odours (HOLDICH 1910 edited 2002: 379). SITUATION: Near the sources of the Logar in Besud (HOLDICH 1910 edited 2002: 379). This location is a bit puzzling insofar as the Logar Rud (note 2) rises not near but 120 km in a direct line east of Besud (note 3). HOLDICH (1910 edited 2002: 379) reached the Azdha of Besud by following MASSON (ubi?) and by leaving Kabul across the lovely plain of Chardeh and the well-known route to Argandi [note 4] and over the Safed Khak Pass [note 5] to the foot of the divide which is crossed by the Unai [note 6] … Instead of striking straight across the Helmund [Helmand] at Gardandiwal [note 7] by the direct route to Bamian, the party followed the course of the Helmund, then fringed with rose bushes and willows, passing through a dlightfully picturesque country […] after much wandering in unknown parts on the banks of the Helmund, at a point which is difficult to identify. […] At a place called Shaitana [note 8] they were still south of the Helmund, and in the course of their progress through Besud visited the sources of the Logar. Near these sources is the Azdha of Besud … The only -Azd…- or -Azhd…- falling on AIMS sheet PI42-06 (AMS sheet NI42-06) is the stream Sela-i- Azdar N34°11': E067°55' about 50 km in a direct line north-west of Gardan Dival (also: Hesah-e Awal Behsud, Hisah-i- Awali Bihsud).What appears to represent one of the few true fossil caves of the world, is Azdha of Besud, the petrified dragon slain by Hazrat Ali (note 1), a volcanic formation stretching its white length 170 yards [155 m], exhaling sulphurous odours (HOLDICH 1910 edited 2002: 379). SITUATION: Near the sources of the Logar in Besud (HOLDICH 1910 edited 2002: 379). This location is a bit puzzling insofar as the Logar Rud (note 2) rises not near but 120 km in a direct line east of Besud (note 3). HOLDICH (1910 edited 2002: 379) reached the Azdha of Besud by following MASSON (ubi?) and by leaving Kabul across the lovely plain of Chardeh and the well-known route to Argandi [note 4] and over the Safed Khak Pass [note 5] to the foot of the divide which is crossed by the Unai [note 6] … Instead of striking straight across the Helmund [Helmand] at Gardandiwal [note 7] by the direct route to Bamian, the party followed the course of the Helmund, then fringed with rose bushes and willows, passing through a dlightfully picturesque country […] after much wandering in unknown parts on the banks of the Helmund, at a point which is difficult to identify. […] At a place called Shaitana [note 8] they were still south of the Helmund, and in the course of their progress through Besud visited the sources of the Logar. Near these sources is the Azdha of Besud … The only -Azd…- or -Azhd…- falling on AIMS sheet PI42-06 (AMS sheet NI42-06) is the stream Sela-i- Azdar N34°11': E067°55' about 50 km in a direct line north-west of Gardan Dival (also: Hesah-e Awal Behsud, Hisah-i- Awali Bihsud).
History
EXPLORATION HISTORY: 1832, late autum, early winter: Charles MASSON (ubi?) and Haji Khan (a Kakar soldier of fortune from Western Afghanistan): At a place called Shaitana they were still south of the Helmund [Helmand river], and in the course of their progess through Besud visited the sources of the Logar (HOLDICH 1910 edited 2002: 380) and the nearby Azdha of Besud.
Caves nearby
Distance (km) | Name | Length (m) | Depth (m) |
---|---|---|---|
45.2 | SAR CHESHMESH karst spring | ||
47.7 | Gardan-i- Dewan - Ghulghani karst spring | ||
49.3 | Mian-i- Irak (Caves at) | ||
56.0 | Qal'Eh-ye Safid (Cave at) | ||
66.3 | GUNDAKI, Shekhabad - Bergi (Ghar) | ||
69.3 | SHER, Shekhabad - Bergi (Ghar) | ||
69.8 | Deo, Shekhabad - Bergi (Ghar) | ||
70.0 | Deo, Shekhabad - Cijan (Ghar) | ||
70.7 | KAKRAK VALLEY (Caves of the) |