The two main routes from Kabul to Bamyan are from the south via
Maidan Wardak and the Hajigak Pass, and from the north via
Parwan and the
Shibar Pass. The journey via the Shibar Pass is approximately 6 and half hours long covering around long. The Shibar pass is still preferred over the Hajigak pass on safety grounds, because in the harsh climate of the area the Hajigak remain covered with snow during most of the year. The
Hajigak route leaves Kabul from Kote Sangi, about 1 km west of
Kabul University, and follows the paved highway to
Ghazni west and then south into
Maidan Wardak province. There the route leaves the Ghazni highway, turning right to head west through
Maidan Shar, the capital of Maidan Wardak province. It continues through
Jalrez,
Sarchashman,
Sia Sang, and
Duz Qol, before crossing the
Unai Pass to
Gardan Diwal, where the route again turns to the right to head north, and finally start the climb to the Hajigak Pass proper. There are numerous villages in this sparsely populated, rugged area. The greenness of the trees and the clearness of the air in the valleys greet tourists who travel to Bamyan. In the fall and spring large camel caravans add their particular color and excitement to the scene. The major wildlife is
lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) which are often seen squatting in large groups beside the road. These very large birds are also known as Bearded Vultures for they have very noticeable, rather comical goatees. Having a passion for bone marrow, they have been seen to carry animal bones to a height and carefully drop them onto rocks to crack them so that they can feast upon the marrow with greedy delight. == Railway projects ==