For some 1,400 years, two colossal Buddhas stood carved into the cliffs of the Bamiyan valley — at 55 and 38 metres, the largest standing Buddha statues in the world. Their destruction in 2001 made headlines everywhere; what remains today is, in its own way, just as powerful.
A short history
Carved into the sandstone around the 6th century, when Bamiyan was a thriving Buddhist centre on the Silk Road, the two figures were once brightly painted and gilded, surrounded by a honeycomb of monastic caves. In March 2001 they were dynamited — a loss mourned worldwide. The site is now part of the Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What you see today
The two great empty niches remain, and standing before them is unexpectedly moving. You can climb the staircases and galleries cut into the cliff, enter the cave chapels — some still showing fragments of ancient murals — and look out over the valley exactly as monks and pilgrims once did. Conservation work continues, and the question of whether the Buddhas should be rebuilt is still debated.
How to visit the Buddhas of Bamiyan
The niches sit right above Bamiyan town, an easy stop on any Bamiyan visit. Pair them with Shahr-e Gholghola, Shahr-e Zuhak and the lakes of Band-e Amir for a complete picture of the valley. A local guide brings the site’s history to life.
See the Buddhas on a Darya tour
The Buddha niches feature on our Kabul, Bamiyan & the Blue Lakes tour and beyond — see the full Bamiyan guide or browse tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you still see the Buddhas of Bamiyan?
The statues were destroyed in 2001, but the giant empty niches and surrounding cave monasteries remain and are open to visitors.
How tall were the Buddhas of Bamiyan?
The two statues stood about 55 and 38 metres tall — the largest standing Buddhas in the world.
Why were the Buddhas destroyed?
They were dynamited in March 2001; the site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and conservation continues.