Best Landmarks in Bamyan
Planning a trip to Bamyan? Discover the best landmarks in Bamyan with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best landmarks in Bamyan
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- A–Z
6 landmarks
-
Tourist attraction4.5★377 reviews
Buddha of Bamyan
The Buddhas of Bamyan were two colossal 6th-century statues carved into the sandstone cliffs of the Bamyan Valley in central Afghanistan. Once towering symbols of Buddhist faith and artistic achievement, they stood for over 1500 years before their tragic destruction in 2001. Today, the empty niches serve as a poignant reminder of Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage and the devastating impact of intolerance.
Open 24 hours
-
Historical place4.4★14 reviews
Historical Gholghola City
Explore the haunting ruins of Gholghola City in Bamyan, Afghanistan, also known as the 'City of Screams' [4, 6]. This ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to Afghanistan's rich and turbulent past [6, 13]. Once a thriving hub along the Silk Road, it met a tragic end at the hands of the Mongol armies in 1221 [4, 6].
-
Tourist attraction4.0★2 reviews
کوتل چوونی Old Russian Tanks
Kotal-e Chawni, also known as the Old Russian Tanks, is a haunting yet compelling attraction in the Bamyan Valley. These rusting Soviet-era military vehicles serve as a stark reminder of the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989) and its lasting impact on Afghanistan [4].
-
Place of worship5.0★1 review
Shamama Buddha Statue
The Shamama Buddha, once a towering 38-meter statue, was one of the two famed Buddhas of Bamiyan, carved into the cliffs of the Bamyan Valley in the 6th century [4, 9, 17]. Though destroyed in 2001, the site remains a poignant reminder of the region's rich Buddhist past and its role as a crossroads of cultures along the Silk Road [4].
-
Historical landmark
Kakrak valley caves
The Kakrak Valley Caves, near Bamyan, Afghanistan, are a reminder of the region's Buddhist heritage [1]. Carved into the cliffs, these caves served as a monastic complex from the 6th to the 13th centuries [1, 3]. Adorned with frescoes and stucco art reflecting Gandhara style, they stand as a testament to the Silk Road's cultural exchange [1, 4].
-
Artist
Bamyan Culture and Art House
The Bamyan Culture and Art House serves as a vibrant center for artistic expression and cultural preservation in the heart of Afghanistan. It offers a space for local artists to showcase their talents and promotes the rich cultural heritage of the Bamyan region.
Mon–Thu 8:00–16:00 · Sat–Sun 8:00–16:00
Explore Bamyan on the map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Bamyan, mapped for you.
More about Bamyan

Bamyan travel guide
Bamyan, Afghanistan, combines high Hindu Kush valleys, Hazara culture, Buddhist archaeology and the blue lakes of Band-e Amir.
Tell me more about BamyanMore to explore in Bamyan
Explore more

Explore more of Afghanistan
Discover Afghanistan's rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures. From ancient cities to breathtaking nature, this Central Asian gem offers a unique travel experience.
Explore Afghanistan
Getting your guide ready…
We are putting together a fresh copy of the Bamyan guide. This can take up to a minute.
This can take a few moments. If your browser asks, choose Allow so the download can start. You'll find the guide in your Downloads folder.
Nothing happened? Download it again
Sorry, the guide is taking longer than usual. Please try again in a minute, or get it by email instead.
