Shahr-e-Gholghola
Afghanistan UNESCO World Heritage Site
Shahr-e-Gholghola is an archaeological site, fortress, and human settlement in Afghanistan. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley and is one of the 13 most looked-up sights in the country on this site.
Planning a visit
The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to August, when daily highs reach about 22 °C and rainfall is at its lowest. The weather is colder and wetter from November through March, with January seeing the lowest temperatures and about 8 rainy days.
Kabul International Airport is the nearest airport, located 129 km away. The site is 125 km from the capital, Kabul. Visitors can combine a trip here with a visit to the Buddhas of Bamiyan, which are 1.9 km away.
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 22 °C. The wettest is March, with about 55 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | -5 | -3 | 2 | 9 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 22 | 19 | 13 | 7 | -1 |
| Average low, °C | -14 | -13 | -7 | -1 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 2 | -4 | -11 |
| Rainfall, mm | 36 | 47 | 55 | 40 | 44 | 20 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 14 | 18 | 29 |
| Rainy days | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for this spot (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
