Afghanistan: Takht-e-Rastam Monastic Caves

Not far from the stupa are the ancient monastic Buddhist caves, also carved into the bedrock during the 3rd-4th century AD under the Kushano-Sasanian Kingdom. The caves have many small monastic cellos but also five large chambers, several with huge domed ceilings decorated with intricate lotus leaf designs. Sadly, the entire complex – the stupa and the caves are not on any UNESCO mentioned list and therefore have quite limited if any recognition or protection.