Historical Gholghola City: The City of Screams
Explore the ancient ruins of Gholghola City in Bamyan, Afghanistan, and discover the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Bamyan Valley.
Explore the haunting ruins of Gholghola City in Bamyan, Afghanistan, also known as the 'City of Screams'. This ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into the region's turbulent past, marked by the Mongol invasion and the resilience of the Afghan people [3, 6]. Wander through the remnants of fortifications and dwellings, and experience the rich cultural tapestry of the Bamyan Valley [4].
A brief summary to Historical Gholghola City
- RR9Q+M8H, Bamyan, AF
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is uneven and requires walking [4].
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for stunning views and fewer crowds [4].
- Hire a local guide for deeper insights into the history and significance [4].
- Bring water and snacks, as amenities are limited at the site [4].
Getting There
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Walking
From Bamyan city center, head west on Bazaar Road until the end, then turn left at the roundabout onto Sayadabad Street [5, 6, 13]. Gholghola City will be on the left side of the road [5, 13]. The site is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the bazaar [5, 6, 13]. The walk takes you past wheat and potato fields [6, 13]. Note that you'll need to pass through a police checkpoint, so make sure you have your Bamyan Entrance Ticket which costs 300 AFS and includes access to the Buddha Niches, Shahr-e Zohak, and Shahr-e Gholghola [4, 5, 13]. Tickets can be purchased at the Director of Information & Culture located in front of the Buddha Niches [4, 5, 13].
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Bamyan city center, taxis are readily available [4]. A shared taxi ('sayar') to Gholghola City from the main taxi stand near the local market costs approximately 200 AFN per person [4]. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes, dropping you near the entrance [4]. Negotiate the fare beforehand for private taxis, which may cost between 500-1000 AFN [4]. Remember to have your Bamyan Entrance Ticket ready for the police checkpoint; the ticket costs 300 AFS and includes access to the Buddha Niches, Shahr-e Zohak, and Shahr-e Gholghola [4, 5, 13]. Tickets can be purchased at the Director of Information & Culture located in front of the Buddha Niches [4, 5, 13].
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