Bamiyan

[[file:Bamiyan_Mountains_(Afghanistan)_banner.jpg|1280px|unesco=yes|caption=Mountains surrounding the Bamiyan Valley.

Bamiyan Valley2 - Bamiyan at sunrise

Bamiyan is the main town in Bamiyan Province.

Introduction to Bamiyan

Bamiyan is one of the main tourism attractions in Afghanistan, largely due to the giant destroyed Buddha statues. It's also one of the most picturesque regions in the nation. 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 nation.

Almost everything revolves around one primary street running east/west. The buddhas are on the cliff face to the north.

Travel to Bamiyan

By road

From Kabul there are two very rough dirt roads to Bamiyan and the southern route through Wardak Province and across Hajigak Pass being shorter, more dangerous and more frequently used by public transport. It's advisable to try to blend in on this route for the first hour or so out of Kabul - using a scarf as the Afghans do to cover your head, nose and mouth keeps the dust out and helps to lower your profile. Toyota 4WD shared minivans seating 5-10 passengers leave Kabul starting at 4AM daily and cost 400 Afghanistan#Money|Afghanis (you may have to and should bargain hard for this price) and take around 9 hours.

Bamyan Valley in 2012 - Bamyan Valley

The northern route starts from the road heading north from Kabul, near Charikar. For an hour and a half on good tarmac road. From Charikar it goes through Parwan Province, passing Ghorband towards Shibar Pass (some 2 900 m) on a gravel road refurbished in 2007. Total travelling time some 8 hours. Several check-posts require a local guide.

From Herat it is a very long and hard multi-part journey via the minaret of Jam, taking at least 3 days in Toyota minivans. Enquire in Herat about the current safety situation.

From Mazar-e Sharif the old route to Kabul runs through Bamiyan. The recently improved gravel road within Bamyan Province (from Du-Ab) makes it much faster, though still some bottlenecks exist.

When you're ready to make an exit, minivans depart from Mama Najaf's restaurant daily for Kabul (9 hours, 400 afn). Inquire here for any other destinations you may have in mind, if there's not something heading there you can arrange a private hire minivan.

Fly to Bamiyan

There are now three commercial flights a week via East Horizon Airlines from Kabul. Tickets can be purchased online or from their ticket office on 11th Street in Wazir Akbar Khan neighborhood, Kabul. Prices are around U?s$200 round trip.

The Red Cross (ICRC) runs flights for its personnel only. The UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) has regular flights available for UN and NGO staff, humanitarian workers and journalists. The ISAF contingent's (New Zealand) Hercules transport aircraft resupply the base there. Whilst it is very unlikely that they'll allow passengers it does provide a dramatic photo opportunity. The same goes when VIPs visit and bring along Apache/Cobra attack helicopters for protection.

The small and rudimentary Bamiyan Airport GPS 34.813645,67.827233 is located around an kilometer south of the downtown.

Get Around in Bamiyan

Bamiyan town is small and walking is the best option. Around the region you can hire Toyota minivans for day trips from the stand in front of Mama Najaf's Restaurant. Also, along the road in front of the large Buddha is the tourist office (in a pink building on the south side of the road) and you can hire a guide. The guide is well worth it for the money.

The Roof of Bamiyan hotel also has vehicles for rent.

What to See

Bouddhas de Bâmiyân - Aout 2005 - Destroyed Bamiyan Buddha Bamiyan caves - Caves

• The ruined Buddhas 34.8312,67.8236 - 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 and 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 34.819137,67.838340 - A ruined fortified fortress situated on an hill just east of Bamiyan, providing some of the best views of the entire valley.

Muslim Travel Tips

• Skiing is a major activity in the Bamiyan Valley.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Bamiyan

• Several chaikhanas provide staple Afghani food such as pulao (rice with seasonal vegetable and mutton), naan and plenty of green tea. Alternatively have some [ Halal 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 buddhacamp@ 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 and the rooms looked nice. Short walk to the Buddhas and bazaar.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Bamiyan

Bamiyan - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Bamiyan, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bamiyan. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Bamiyan and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Bamiyan. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Bamiyan. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Bamiyan: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Bamiyan.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Bamiyan: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Bamiyan, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Bamiyan.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Bamiyan, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Bamiyan, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Bamiyan and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Bamiyan, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Bamiyan, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Bamiyan without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bamiyan is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Bamiyan.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Bamiyan is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Bamiyan, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Bamiyan Media: info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Bamiyan

Ramadan 2025 in Bamiyan

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

The only really affordable option for travelers is to stay in one of several chaikhanas, where your meal (~60 afn) includes a space on the floor for the night. Most don't have toilets or showers, so take advantage of the hammam near the Zuhak Hotel. (this "hammam" is only for men.)

• Mama Najafs Restaurant is probably the most popular of the chaikhanas, as thit is where the minivans arrive to and depart from.

• Noorband Qala - , Behind the Bazaar and beside the football stadium in central Bamyan. ☎ +93 799 669 024 Checkout: 11AM US$60-80 Silk Road Hotel level, but much cheaper. Includes free breakfast, wireless internet, electricity at night and even during the day (until 4PM) and probably the best restaurant in Bamiyan. Prices for the food were very reasonable (Af 200-350). But the location isn't the most scenic as it's behind the bazaar and next to a big open soccer field. You can't get a view of the Buddha statues.

• The Roof of Bamiyan Hotel | 34.82054,67.82297 ☎ +93 7992-35298, +93 7923-5293 Yurts on the roof are US$40/Af 2000, rooms are US$40-60/Af 2000-3000 Sits above the town to the south-west and offers fantastic views over the Bamiyan valley. Good if you have your own transport, otherwise it's a long walk up the hill. The manager, an Afghan veteran of the hippie trail, can organize reliable vehicle hire and the like. Popular with Business dealsers and journalists. It definitely has the best view of all the hotels in Bamiyan, but the rooms are dirty and they do not maintain the rooms very well. They advertise hot water, but it's available only about half the time and you need to take quick showers because it runs out fast. Also, it is difficult to get to town since it's on top of a hill. If you want to eat at the hotel and the prices are set and are expensive. Af 500 for lunch, Af 500 for dinner. Paying Af 500 for local food is extremely expensive. Even with all these faults, if you want great views and there isn't a better place than the Roof of Bamiyan.

• Zuhak Hotel | 34.8254,67.8385 towards the eastern end of the main street - It's a popular place and has the cheapest rooms. Shared bathrooms have hot bucket of water in the evenings. Double rooms are US$20/Af 1000, triples are $30/Af 1500. This Zohak hotel is filthy but only cost Af 500 for a single. Never saw any hot water. Meals are US$2 each and in March 20220 the restaurant was open.

• The Hotel Silk Road - 34.822081,67.823259 ☎ +93 798-405486 US$100 for a double, includes breakfast The most upscale lodging in the region, rooms are spotless and comfortable and the meals are excellent. Dinner costs US$12 per head and is worth every penny. Wireless internet is available for $5/day in your room, in the mornings and evenings when the power is on.

Telecommunications

• 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 4Gavailable, so you can obtain internet (although slow).

Stay Safe

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.

Go Next

Shahr-e Zahak1 - Shar-e Zohak

• Band-e Amir – one of the most stunningly beautiful natural sights in the whole country and 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 kilometers 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 legacy sites.

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