Buddha of Bamyan: Echoes of Giants
Explore the poignant remains of the Bamyan Buddhas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Afghanistan's rich cultural history.
The Buddha of Bamyan refers to the empty niches in the cliffs of the Bamyan Valley, Afghanistan, where two colossal Buddha statues stood for 1500 years before being destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. The remains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are a poignant reminder of the region's rich Buddhist past and a testament to the fusion of cultures along the Silk Road.
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
- Obtain a permit from the Bamyan Ministry of Culture, located near the Buddha niches, to visit the sites around Bamyan [12].
- Purchase an entrance ticket (valid for three days) to visit the Buddha niches, Shahr-e Gholghola, and Shahr-e Zohak [12].
- Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the history and significance of the Bamyan Valley [4, 21].
- Dress respectfully and be mindful of local customs [4].
- Stay on well-used paths due to the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance in the region [4].
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of Bamyan city, the Buddha niches are approximately a 30-minute walk [21]. Head west from the main market area, following the road [7, 21]. The cliff faces where the statues once stood are visible from a distance [21]. The ticket office is located in front of the Large Buddha niche [17]. Remember to stay on marked paths [4].
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Public Transport
Local minibuses or taxis can be hired from Bamyan city to the Buddha site [21]. A taxi should cost around 50-100 Afghanis [21]. Negotiate the price before you get in. The bus fare will vary but expect to pay around 100-200 Afghanis [21].
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
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SHAHR-E-ZOHAK
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Kōh-e Pāmī
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Afghanistan Wardak jaghatu
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Mullah Khel maidan Wardak
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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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Tawah-ye Luchak
52.1 km
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Band-e-Amir National Park
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Band-e Amir
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Koh-e Mianah Pozah
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Pawaz paein
70.9 km
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Gaw Kush
99.6 km
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Essential places to dine
Chaikhana
0.8 km
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Khorsheed Restaurant
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Kabul Reatuarant
0.9 km
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Ansaf Restaurant and Hotel
0.9 km
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Shahram Hotel هوتل شهرام
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Gawhargen restaurant
1.0 km
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Bamyan Tourist Hotel
1.3 km
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Gholghola hotel هوتل غلغله
1.3 km
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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
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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
1.0 km
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MoMo Agent
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Insaf Super Market
1.2 km
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Silk Road Hotel Restaurant
1.2 km
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Ay khanum restaurant
2.9 km
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شهر جدیدبامیان Bamyan New City
2.9 km
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Bamika Super Market
3.6 km
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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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Sakhi Restaurant سخی رستورانت
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Tarkan
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Yousaf
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Praça do estupro
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رحمت الله Pco
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Almas
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Saeed
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Bakthash Qaderi
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