In Pictures: The Bamiyan Buddhas still welcome you to Afghanistan
While tourism may not be the first thing you associate with Afghanistan, the country does have much to offer to an avid traveller.The province of the Bamiyan Buddhas is a beautiful tourist haven.
While tourism may not be the first thing you associate with Afghanistan, the country does have much to offer to an avid traveller. The province where the Bamiyan Buddhas once stood is a beautiful tourist haven.
The niches and caves of Bamiyan. The larger gaps once held statues of Buddha dating back to 544 BC. They were destroyed by the fundamentalist Taliban regime that governed Afghanistan in 2001. Image Credit: Ruchi Kumar
Luscious green fields against the remnants of the Buddhist statues and caves in Bamiyan province of Afghanistan. The historical site of the statues Buddhas attracts several tourists all year round. Image Credit: Ruchi Kumar
Locals lounge near a smaller statue niche, even as preparations for the Hamdeli concert—a cultural event—is in full sway in Bamiyan province of Afghanistan.Image Credit: Ruchi Kumar
An alternate view of the Buddhist caves on August 28, 2015. Volunteers set up stage for the youth concert that will feature popular musician and artists of Afghanistan.Image Credit: Ruchi Kumar
An old Afghan lady sits by the road near the concert site as organisers rush to prepare for the youth concert in fore-ground.Image Credit: Ruchi Kumar
A young man and his donkey are among the several visitors to the festival at Bamiyan. Image Credit: Ruchi Kumar
Ali Mohammad, a 19-year-old vendor outside the Buddhist caves in Bamiyan province of Afghanistan. He makes a living selling hot chicken soup to the many visitors that come daily to the historical site. Image Credit: Ruchi Kumar
Crystal blue lakes of Band Amir in the Bamiyan province attract several foreign and local tourists during summer.Image Credit: Ruchi Kumar
Band Amir comprises of a series of lakes that are not only natural treasures for the country but also have a significant place in the local folklore, who believe that the lakes are result of miracle by Hazrat Ali, the Imam of the Shiites.Image Credit: Ruchi Kumar
The Band Amir lakes are also a popular camping sites among travellers visiting Bamiyan. Image Credit: Ruchi Kumar
Part of audience at the Hamdeli concert at Bamiyan on August 28, 2015.Image Credit: Hikmat Noori
Ariana Sayeed, a popular Afghan singer, performs at the Hamdeli concert conducted on August 28, 2015 at the ruins of Buddhist statues.Image Credit: Hikmat Noori