bigtravelbuzzBamyan is a province located in the central part of Afghanistan. It is known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and the giant Buddha statues that were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. The province has many attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
Here are some of the things to do and places to visit:
Visit the Buddha niches: Although the two giant Buddha statues that were carved into the mountainside have been destroyed, their niches still remain and can be visited. The niches are located in the Bamyan Valley and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Band-e Amir National Park: This beautiful park is home to six turquoise lakes surrounded by limestone cliffs. Visitors can go hiking, swimming, and enjoy a picnic in the park.
Visit the Shahr-e Gholghola: This ancient city was destroyed in the 13th century by Genghis Khan’s army. The ruins are located on a hill overlooking the Bamyan Valley and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Go skiing: Bamyan has a ski resort located on the Koh-e Baba mountain range, which offers skiing opportunities from December to March.
Attend the Silk Road Festival: This festival takes place in August and celebrates the ancient Silk Road trade route that passed through Bamyan. The festival includes cultural performances, food, and handicrafts.
Visit the Bamyan Cultural Center: This center showcases the history and culture of Bamyan through exhibitions, films, and performances.
Take a hot air balloon ride: Visitors can take a hot air balloon ride over the Bamyan Valley to get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful landscape.
Visit the Bamyan Bazaar: This bustling bazaar is a great place to shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and traditional Afghan clothing.
Best Time To Visit Bamyan
The best time to visit Bamyan is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is pleasant and the days are longer. However, it is also possible to visit during the spring months (March to May) when the weather is mild and the surrounding hills and mountains are covered in lush greenery. In winter, Bamyan is cold and snowy, making travel difficult and some tourist sites inaccessible.
How to get around in Bamyan
The most common mode of transportation in Bamyan is by private car or taxi. There are also buses that connect Bamyan with other major cities in Afghanistan, but the roads can be rough and the trips can be long. For shorter distances within the city, you can hire a bicycle or a motorbike. Walking is also an option for getting around Bamyan, as the city is relatively compact and many of the main tourist sites are within walking distance of each other.
Where to eat in Bamyan
Bamyan is known for its traditional Afghan cuisine, which includes dishes such as kabuli palaw (rice with meat and vegetables), mantu (steamed dumplings), and ashak (dumplings with a vegetable filling). There are several restaurants in Bamyan that serve these traditional dishes, as well as some international options. Here are some popular restaurants in Bamyan:
Silk Road: This restaurant is located in the city center and serves traditional Afghan dishes as well as international cuisine.
Lapis Lazuli Cafe: This cafe is known for its delicious coffee and light snacks, and also serves a variety of sandwiches and pastries.
Kuchis: This restaurant is known for its delicious kabuli palaw and other traditional Afghan dishes.
Salam Tower Restaurant: Located in the Salam Tower Hotel, this restaurant offers a variety of international and Afghan dishes, as well as stunning views of the Bamyan valley.
Bamyan Bakery: This bakery is a popular spot for breakfast and serves freshly baked bread and pastries, as well as tea and coffee.
Where to stay in Bamyan
Luxury accommodation
There are several luxury accommodation options in Bamyan that offer a comfortable and luxurious stay. Some of the top luxury hotels in Bamyan are:
Bamyan Hotel: This is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city. It offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities, a restaurant serving Afghan and international cuisine, and a spa and wellness center.
Silk Road Hotel: This is a 4-star hotel located in the city center. It offers spacious and elegantly decorated rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a fitness center.
Safi Landmark Hotel: This is a 4-star hotel located in the outskirts of Bamyan. It offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities, a restaurant serving Afghan and international cuisine, and a fitness center.
Serena Hotel Bamyan: This is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city. It offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities, a restaurant serving Afghan and international cuisine, and a spa and wellness center.
Snow Leopard Lodge: This is a unique 4-star lodge located in the mountains surrounding Bamyan. It offers spacious and comfortable rooms with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a spa and wellness center.
All of these luxury accommodation options provide a comfortable and luxurious stay in Bamyan.
Where to stay in Bamyan
Budget accommodation
Bamyan offers a range of budget accommodation options for tourists. Here are some budget-friendly places to stay in Bamyan:
Yakawlang Guest House: This is a clean and comfortable guesthouse located in the Yakawlang area of Bamyan. The guesthouse offers basic amenities and is a great place to stay for budget-conscious travelers.
Sakura Guesthouse: Located in the city center, this guesthouse offers affordable accommodation options. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Homestay Bamyan: If you are looking for a more authentic experience, consider staying at a homestay in Bamyan. Homestay Bamyan offers budget-friendly accommodation options in traditional Afghan homes. This is a great way to experience local culture and customs.
Bamyan Hotel: This hotel offers budget-friendly rooms with basic amenities. The hotel is located in the city center, making it a convenient place to stay for tourists.
Marco Polo Guesthouse: This is a cozy and affordable guesthouse located in the heart of Bamyan. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The guesthouse also offers a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
Travel Tips Bamyan
Bamyan is a beautiful province located in central Afghanistan, known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and ancient cultural heritage. Here are some travel tips for visiting Bamyan:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Bamyan is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
Plan your itinerary: Plan your itinerary ahead of time and research the attractions you would like to visit in Bamyan. Some of the popular tourist destinations in Bamyan include the Buddhas of Bamyan, the Band-e Amir National Park, and the Shahr-e Gholghola Citadel.
Dress appropriately: Afghanistan is a conservative country, and it is important to dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites. It is recommended to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees.
Respect local customs: Afghanistan is a Muslim country, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions. For example, it is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
Transportation: Public transportation in Bamyan is limited, and it is recommended to hire a private car or driver to get around. Taxis are also available but may be less reliable.
Safety: Afghanistan has a high level of political instability, and it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times. It is also recommended to avoid traveling after dark and to stay in well-lit areas.
Accommodation: There are several accommodation options in Bamyan, ranging from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.