The Empty Niches of Bamyan
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bamyan Valley, home to the poignant remains of the colossal Buddhas, destroyed in 2001, and explore the ancient caves.
The Buddhas of Bamyan were two colossal statues carved into the cliffs of the Bamyan Valley in Afghanistan in the 6th century [5, 13, 14]. Though destroyed in 2001, the remains of the towering figures and the surrounding cave network are a haunting reminder of the region's rich Buddhist history and a testament to its cultural crossroads along the Silk Road [4, 5, 15].
A brief summary to Buddha of Bamyan
- RRJG+RPC, Bamyan, AF
Local tips
- Obtain a permit from the Bamyan Ministry of Culture to visit the sites around Bamyan [12]. The office is located at the entrance to the Buddha Niches [12].
- A ticket is required to access the Buddha site and the surrounding caves [19, 20]. The ticket also grants access to Shahr-e Gholghola and Shahr-e Zohak [19].
- Dress in layers, as the weather in Bamyan can be unpredictable due to its high altitude [11].
- Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the Bamyan Valley [4, 8, 23].
- Stay on well-used paths, as there may be landmines and unexploded ordnances in the area [4].
Getting There
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Walking
From Bamyan city center, the Buddha site is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) west [8, 23]. Head west from the city center on the main road [23]. Follow the road, keeping an eye out for pathways leading towards the cliffs where the Buddhas are located [23]. The walk should take about 30 minutes [23].
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Bamyan [4, 19]. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Buddha site will cost approximately 100-300 Afghanis [10, 12, 23]. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey [4].
Discover more about Buddha of Bamyan
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Shamama Buddha Statue
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کوتل چوونی Old Russian Tanks
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Bamyan Culture and Art House
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Kakrak valley caves
3.7 km
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SHAHR-E-ZOHAK
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Kōh-e Pāmī
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Koh-e Mianah Pozah
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Unmissable attractions to see
Buddha of Bamyan
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Historical Gholghola City
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Dragon Valley
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Koh-e Awpar
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Band-e-Amir National Park
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Band-e Amir
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Pawaz paein
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Gaw Kush
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Essential places to dine
Chaikhana
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Khorsheed Restaurant
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Kabul Reatuarant
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Ansaf Restaurant and Hotel
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Shahram Hotel هوتل شهرام
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Gawhargen restaurant
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Bamyan Tourist Hotel
1.3 km
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Gholghola hotel هوتل غلغله
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Roof Of Bamyan هوتل بام بامیان
1.4 km
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ShamamaRestaurant
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Abdullah merzayi
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Abdullah agha
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Saqib sahil
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be quiet
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
بامیان درملتون Bamian pharmacy
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Red flower bakery
0.8 km
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Begzad Super Market
0.9 km
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Madine Market
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بازارچه هنر Craft Bazaar
1.0 km
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Buddha Book Café
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MoMo Agent
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Insaf Super Market
1.2 km
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Silk Road Hotel Restaurant
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Ay khanum restaurant
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شهر جدیدبامیان Bamyan New City
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Bamika Super Market
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Rahimi shop
54.4 km
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وحیدالله فیضی د کلوچه پلورنځی Wahidullah Faizi Cake Shop
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Shopping Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ghulghula Hotel
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ماما نجف
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Blue Net Club
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Bamyan Royal Hotel
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ABDARAH
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Tarkan
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Yousaf
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Almas
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Saeed
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Bakthash Qaderi
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