Bamiyan is the main town in Bamiyan Province.
Bamiyan is one of the main tourist attractions in Afghanistan, largely due to the giant destroyed Buddha statues. It's also one of the most picturesque regions in the country. The "Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley" is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It lies at an altitude of around 2 500 m and in the summer its comfortable climate provides a relief from the heat of the lower areas of the country.
Almost everything revolves around one main road running east/west. The buddhas are on the cliff face to the north.
- The ruined Buddhas. The ruined Buddhas are the main reason that most people visit Bamiyan. Although some feel that to visit at all is to reward cultural vandalism and desecration... Created in the 6th century, they long were the largest in the world and a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Over the centuries they were damaged by various invaders, and in 2001 the Taliban declared them 'un-Islamic', rolled in tanks and destroyed them completely. All that remains are the 'footprints'. But there are many interesting caves and inside, many of the caves have remains of painted frescos. An Af 300 ticket will get you in, and a guide (US$15/day) is well worth it. This ticket will also let you into Zohak City and Gogola City.
The Buddhas were built by the Gandharan Kingdom which ruled the area a few centuries BCE. For that kingdom's capital and better-preserved art of the same period, see Taxila.
- The area around the Buddhas and to the west is interesting to walk around (stay on well-used paths). Many of the buildings were destroyed in war and there are occasional leftover weapons and destroyed jeeps, one of which is now used as a bridge over a stream.
- Caves are abundant throughout the mountainside, many of them used as residences. It's best to observe from a distance, out of respect for the residents and for you safety.
- Shahr-e Gholghola. A ruined fortified citadel situated on an hill just east of Bamiyan, providing some of the best views of the entire valley.
The ruined Buddhas. The ruined Buddhas are the main reason that most people visit Bamiyan. Although some feel that to visit at all is to reward cultural vandalism and desecration... Created in the 6th century, they long were the largest in the world and a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Over the centuries they were damaged by various invaders, and in 2001 the Taliban declared them 'un-Islamic', rolled in tanks and destroyed them completely. All that remains are the 'footprints'. But there are many interesting caves and inside, many of the caves have remains of painted frescos. An Af 300 ticket will get you in, and a guide (US$15/day) is well worth it. This ticket will also let you into Zohak City and Gogola City.
The Buddhas were built by the Gandharan Kingdom which ruled the area a few centuries BCE. For that kingdom's capital and better-preserved art of the same period, see [[Taxila]].
Caves are abundant throughout the mountainside, many of them used as residences. It's best to observe from a distance, out of respect for the residents and for you safety.
Shahr-e Gholghola. A ruined fortified citadel situated on an hill just east of Bamiyan, providing some of the best views of the entire valley.
- Skiing is a major activity in the Bamiyan Valley.
Skiing is a major activity in the Bamiyan Valley.
- Several chaikhanas provide staple Afghani food such as pulao (rice with seasonal vegetable and mutton), naan and plenty of green tea. Alternatively have some kebab with fresh yoghurt from sheep's milk.
- For finer dining, try contacting the Hotel Silk Road Bamiyan (+93 798-405486, see below) and reserve a table for dinner. Whatever type of cuisine they may serve that day, it's bound to be good.
- Buddha Camp Guest House, Presidency of Education Street (Next to Habitat Guest House, +93 7946007011. Guest house and restaurant, simple good Aghan fare at good prices. Chicken/lamb and always rice and naan. Clean and well kept, the rooms looked nice. Short walk to the Buddhas and bazaar. $.
For finer dining, try contacting the Hotel Silk Road Bamiyan (+93 798-405486, see below) and reserve a table for dinner. Whatever type of cuisine they may serve that day, it's bound to be good.
Buddha Camp Guest House, Presidency of Education Street (Next to Habitat Guest House, +93 7946007011. Guest house and restaurant, simple good Aghan fare at good prices. Chicken/lamb and always rice and naan. Clean and well kept, the rooms looked nice. Short walk to the Buddhas and bazaar. $.
- Bamiyan Business Center, east of Zuhak Hotel and across Kabul City Bank, is the only internet cafe in Bamiyan. Af 90/hour. In May 2010, this was not working.
- Mobile phone service providers with reception in Bamiyan city are Roshan, AWCC, Etisalat and Areeba (MTN). Areeba has the better coverage around Bamiyan Province. AWCC and Etisalt have GPRS available, so you can have internet (although slow).
Bamiyan Business Center, east of Zuhak Hotel and across Kabul City Bank, is the only internet cafe in Bamiyan. Af 90/hour. In May 2010, this was not working.
Bamiyan is regarded as one of the safer destinations in Afghanistan. Its remoteness and the largely Hazara population have kept it distant from most of the fighting.
The southern route to Kabul is considered dangerous for the hour or so stretch just out of Kabul where it travels through several villages. Most public transport takes this route, so keep a low profile in those areas and cover your head with a scarf as the Afghans do.
There are many landmines and unexploded ordnances (UXO) in Bamiyan despite a continued presence by ISAF. Stay on well used paths and steer well clear of red-painted rocks. White-painted rocks indicate paths that have been cleared of mines.
- Band-e Amir – one of the most stunningly beautiful natural sights in the whole country, these turquoise lakes are definitely worth the effort. Day trips are popular, but if you have the time and don't mind roughing it, an overnight stay affords the best experience. A private hire minivan should run around Af 2-3000 depending on bargaining skills, and takes about 3 hours.
- Shahr-e Zohak is a fort some 20 km back towards Kabul that requires a jeep to get to. It's a ruined city at the top of cliffs. Your guide from the Buddhist site can also guide you here. Very interesting and great views from the top. En route from Bamiyan there are also guard towers that are UNESCO world heritage sites.
Shahr-e Zohak is a fort some 20 km back towards Kabul that requires a jeep to get to. It's a ruined city at the top of cliffs. Your guide from the Buddhist site can also guide you here. Very interesting and great views from the top. En route from Bamiyan there are also guard towers that are UNESCO world heritage sites.