Buddha of Bamyan: Echoes of Giants
Explore the silent echoes of the Bamyan Buddhas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a poignant reminder of Afghanistan's Silk Road history.
The Buddha of Bamyan refers to the remains of two colossal 6th-century statues carved into the cliffs of the Bamyan Valley in central Afghanistan [4, 13]. Though destroyed in 2001, the empty niches remain a powerful reminder of the region's rich Buddhist past and a testament to a fusion of artistic styles along the Silk Road [7, 13, 14].
A brief summary to Buddha of Bamyan
- RRJG+RPC, Bamyan, AF
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- A permit from the Bamyan Ministry of Culture is required to visit sites around Bamyan Province [10].
- The entrance ticket to the Buddha site also grants access to Shahr-e Gholghola and Shahr-e Zohak [8, 10].
- Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the caves and surrounding areas [9].
- Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the site [9, 15].
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Band-e-Amir National Park for stunning natural scenery [5, 7, 8].
Getting There
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Walking
The Buddha of Bamyan site is located approximately 1 km north of Bamyan Bazaar [10]. From the Bamyan Bazaar, walking to the site will take about 15 minutes [10]. Follow the road leading north; the empty niches are visible from a distance [8]. Upon arrival, you may need to purchase a 300 AFN entrance ticket from the small office at the Bamyan Director of Information & Culture [8, 10].
-
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Bamyan [8]. A short taxi ride from Bamyan Bazaar to the Buddha site will cost approximately 200-400 AFN [8]. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. The driver will drop you off near the entrance to the site, where you can purchase your ticket [8, 10].
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