DAY 81 - BAMIYAN

81) FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 1977 : 245KMS. - BAMIYAN

We picked up Harun at the meeting point to tour around KABUL.  Originally we intended to drive to PAGHMAN, a suburb of  KABUL. But after having talked, he learnt that we wanted to visit  BAMIYAN, where the great  stone Buddhas were  carved into the cliff, the largest in the world.  So we cancelled our KABUL sight-seeing  and travelled  to BAMIYAN in the north of KABUL instead.

Rock mountains on the way to BAMIYAN

We drove via CHARIKAR and turned  left to the west along the rough gravel roads . The route was dusty and passing through the desert terrain with rocky hills and corn fields . There were animal flocks and shepherds. 

On a certain part, we passed tents of the nomads and their cattle and goats, we saw camels  standing grazing  not far away.   In a village on the way, we saw farmers  threshing wheat  with oxen walking in a circle, just like in my country in the earlier days.

 

Nomad tents - children playing in the stream - Photo : Tilo Grabowski

 
It was nearly 8.00 p.m. when we  arrived BAMIYAN  due to bad road condition, it was more suitable for  donkeys or camels, rather than cars. But we are lucky that we have never had any serious problems like engine breakdown or flat tyre with our campervan, though the path was rocking and full of sharp stones.  Moreover, there was no sign indication on the roadsides  and  at some of the intersections we did not know whether to turn left or right.  We had to ask for the good direction along the way till we approached BAMIYAN . 

On the way to BAMIYAN - Photo : Bing images search

Dusty road to BAMIYAN - Photo : Johanes Butchatz / Bing images search

Upon arrival in BAMIYAN, I was amazed by the peaceful rustic charm of the place.  On the main road or path way , there were  shops and  hotels, in front of which hanging oil lamps or torches set up in a line of light along the long straight road. Inside  restaurants, it was lit by hurricane lamps as this area was still without electricity.  The surrounding was very dark and so quiet, I felt  it was just like a dream.

BAMIYAN Valley from atop Buddha head - Photo Wendy Tanner / sacredland.org (Bing images search)