The two essential trips from Bamiyan town are both possible as long days. Band-e Amir, Afghanistan's first national park, sits about 75 km west — three to four hours of slow driving each way over a rough mountain road, but the six turquoise travertine-dammed lakes at 3,000 metres are one of Afghanistan's great sights. Shahr-e-Zohak, the red-stone Ghorid fortress at the eastern entrance to the valley, makes a half-day with a steep walk up to the citadel. Closer in, the Foladi and Kakrak side valleys give a quieter look at Hazara village life and a third, smaller Buddha niche.