Shahr-e Zohak: The Red City of Bamiyan
Discover the Red City of Bamiyan, an ancient Silk Road fortress with panoramic views and a history of empires, sieges, and legends.
Explore the dramatic ruins of Shahr-e Zohak, an ancient fortress also known as the Red City, located 9 kilometers east of Bamiyan in central Afghanistan [3]. Perched strategically at the confluence of the Bamiyan and Kalu rivers, this imposing structure offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Afghanistan's rich, turbulent past along the ancient Silk Road [3, 5].
A brief summary to SHAHR-E-ZOHAK
- RXGM+75F, Tupchi, AF
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking on uneven terrain, as the path to the fortress is steep and rocky [3].
- Visit during the spring or autumn for moderate temperatures and pleasant hiking conditions [3, 5].
- Hire a local guide in Bamiyan to learn about the history and legends associated with Shahr-e Zohak [3].
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities available at the site [3].
- Stay on marked paths and exercise caution due to the potential presence of landmines in the surrounding area [3, 6].
Getting There
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Bamiyan city center, the most practical way to reach Shahr-e Zohak is by taxi or hired car [3, 4]. Negotiate a round-trip fare with the driver, typically ranging from 500 to 1,000 AFS [3, 4]. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes to Tupchi village or the Shashpul checkpoint, located near the confluence of the Bamiyan and Kalu rivers [3]. Ensure the driver knows to drop you at Shashpul checkpoint [3]. A Bamiyan Entrance Ticket, costing 300 AFS, is required and will be checked by soldiers at the Shashpul checkpoint [3, 4, 10]. Purchase this ticket beforehand from the Director of Information & Culture in Bamiyan, located in front of the Buddha Niches [3, 4, 10]. From the checkpoint, it's approximately a 1 km walk to the base of the fortress [3, 10].
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Public Transport
Shared taxis are available from Bamiyan Bazaar for around 150 AFS per person [3, 4, 10]. Ask to be dropped off at Tupchi village or the Shashpul checkpoint [3, 4, 10]. A Bamiyan Entrance Ticket, costing 300 AFS, is required and will be checked by soldiers at the Shashpul checkpoint [3, 4, 10]. Purchase this ticket beforehand from the Director of Information & Culture in Bamiyan, located in front of the Buddha Niches [3, 4, 10]. From the checkpoint, it's approximately a 1 km walk to the village of Kalu, where the trail to Shahr-e Zohak begins [3, 10].
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Walking
The final ascent to the Shahr-e Zohak ruins from Kalu village involves a steep, approximately 1km uphill walk [3]. Follow the trail marked with red stones, taking extreme caution not to stray from the path due to potential landmines [3, 6, 10]. The walk takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on fitness level [3]. The 300 AFS Bamiyan Entrance Ticket is still required [3, 4, 10].
Discover more about SHAHR-E-ZOHAK
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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