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Surkh Kotal: Echoes of the Kushan Empire

Explore Surkh Kotal, an ancient Kushan Empire site in Afghanistan, with temples, inscriptions, and historical ruins.

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Surkh Kotal is an ancient archaeological site in Afghanistan, revealing monumental constructions from the Kushan Empire. Explore the ruins of temples and discover remnants of a once-thriving civilization.

A brief summary to Surkh Kotal

Local tips

  • Hire a local guide in Pul-i Khumri for insights into the history and significance of Surkh Kotal.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the uneven terrain and climbing the monumental stairway.
  • Carry water and snacks, as there are no facilities available at the site.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Pul-i Khumri, hire a taxi for a direct ride to Surkh Kotal. Negotiate the fare in advance, typically around 500-700 Afghanis for a one-way trip. Ensure the driver knows the location of Surkh Kotal, approximately 18 km north of the city. [12]

  • Public Transport

    Take a shared taxi or bus from Pul-i Khumri towards the general direction of Surkh Kotal. The fare should be inexpensive, around 20-50 Afghanis. Confirm with the driver that they can drop you off near the site, as it's not directly on the main road. From the drop-off point, you may need to walk a short distance to reach the archaeological site. [12]

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Discover more about Surkh Kotal

Surkh Kotal, also known as Chashma-i Shir or Sar-i Chashma, is an ancient archaeological site located approximately 18 kilometers north of Pul-i Khumri, the capital of Baghlan Province in Afghanistan [1, 3]. This site holds significant historical value as it features monumental constructions dating back to the Kushan Empire [1, 3]. Excavated between 1952 and 1966, Surkh Kotal is considered the most important Kushan site discovered to date [1, 3]. During the Kushan era, Surkh Kotal was a thriving religious center [10, 11]. The site features a grand temple dedicated to the Kushan rulers, complete with statues and fire altars [1, 2, 3]. The renowned Surkh Kotal inscription, written in the Bactrian language using Greek script, was found here, offering insights into the chronology of the early Kushan emperors [1, 3]. The temple complex is accessed via a monumental stairway, approximately 55 meters high, consisting of four flights flanked by terraces [5]. While some artifacts were moved to the National Museum of Afghanistan in Kabul, the site suffered extensive looting during the Afghan Civil War, and the statue of King Kanishka was destroyed during the Taliban's iconoclasm in 2001 [1, 3]. Today, visitors can explore the remaining ruins and imagine the grandeur of this ancient Kushan site [4, 6].

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