Travel Guide Shar-E-Zohak

At the time of the reign of the Shansabani kings, in the th and th centuries, these impressive ruins were the main fortress that protected the entrance of the city of Bamiyan. Built by the Ghorides, Shar-e-Zohak was also the victim of Genghis Khan's revenge and destroyed in the th century. However, there are still beautiful remains. The current ruins are the result of the Résistance resistance in advance of the Mongolian army led by Genghis Khan's favourite grandson in 1221. The violent battle caused his death. In retaliation, he took the oath of destroying the valley, which he did not fail to do. Today, visitors use the same passage as the defenders of the time. We can then imagine how the battle took place. The climb is hilly. The remains of the towers show that they were decorated, and without doors, but soldiers harboured it with ladders, as a security measure. Above the towers, a small tunnel dug in the rock leads to the second level courtyard.In peacetime, 500 soldiers were stationed there, 2 000 or 3 000 in times of crisis. At the summit, the ramparts from which the guards monitored the entire valley. Here, we realize the strategic importance of this location. The view is beautiful. We must be very careful not to slip away. If we want to go higher, at the third level, beware of red stones: they indicate mines. The view of the surrounding mountains is simply magnificent. You can also walk down the city, along the river.