Discovering Afghanistan

Itinerary

Day 1 – Kabul – Bamyan

• Coming from our South Pakistan Tour in April? We recommend to arrive in Kabul in the late afternoon one day before the tour via a direct flight from Islamabad.
• After arriving in Kabul, we’ll depart in the afternoon to Bamyan, an area that has been quite isolated in Afghanistan but is known for its incredible scenery.
• Explore the Bamyan Bazaar and visit some old Russian tanks left from the Soviet-Afghan War that have become unique cultural landmarks.
• Drive through Dragon Valley (Darya-ye-Azhdaha), not just for a drive, but a whole experience containing incredible landscapes.
• Stop at several viewpoints around town to see the Bamyan Buddhas.
• Overnight stay in Bamyan.

Day 2 – Bamyan

• Early departure in the morning to explore the surroundings of Bamyan.
• Highlight: Explore Shah-e Golghola, a historic site destroyed in 1221, offering amazing views over the valley.
• See the mountains where monasteries and giant Buddha statues once stood until they were destroyed in 2001.
• Visit Shah-e Zohak (Red Fort), historical ruins that were destroyed by Genghis Khan.
• Overnight stay in Bamyan.

Day 3 – Bamyan – Band-e Amir – Kabul

• Early morning departure to Band-e Amir.
• Highlight: Visit the Band-e Amir lakes, beautiful deep blue lakes set between high peaks. You can also choose to paddleboat here, or take a calming walk along the lakes and peaks.
• Return to Kabul.
• Visit Chicken Street, a famous “hippie street” known for its souvenirs.
• See the famous Bookseller of Kabul.
• Overnight stay in Kabul.

Day 4 – Kabul – Herat

• Morning departure to Herat.
• Highlight: Sightseeing around Herat.
• Visit the Great Mosque, Jihad Museum, Old Town, and the traditional caravanserais from the Silk Road era.
• Overnight stay in Herat.

Day 5 – Herat

• Visit the Herat Citadel (Citadel of Alexander), one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. 
• Afterwards, visit the Musalla Complex, dating back to the 15th century, with 5 towering minarets still standing.
• Explore the Gawhar Shad Mausoleum (Tomb of Baysunghur), built in the 15th century.
• Finally, visit the Shrine of Khoja Ansari, a famous Sufi poet and writer from the 11th century.
• Overnight stay in Herat.

Day 6 – Herat – Kandahar

• Early departure in the morning to Kandahar, the largest city in southern Afghanistan. This drive is a long journey, but there will be several stops along the way to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenery.
• Evening dinner and free time to relax.
• Overnight stay in Kandahar.

Day 7 – Kandahar

• Highlight: Enjoy a city tour of Kandahar, the second largest city founded by Alexander the Great.
• Visit The Fort Stairs, caved into a mountain peak at the western boundary of Old Kandahar.
• After, The Ahmad Shah Durrani Shrine, the most important historical monument in Kandahar.
• Lastly, the Mirwais Hotak Shrine, the founder of the Hotak dynasty.
• Overnight stay in Kandahar.

Day 8 – Kandahar – Kabul

• At 11:00 a.m., fly back to Kabul.
• After arriving in Kabul, visit the Bird Market of Kabul.
• Explore Babur’s Gardens, an oasis of tranquility in the business of Kabul.
• See Sakhi Shrine, where Prophet Mohammed’s cloak is said to have been brought.
• Overnight stay in Kabul.

Day 9 – Kabul

• Start off a full day of Kabul sightseeing by visiting the Kabul Museum, home to many unique ancient artifacts.
• Visit the Darul Aman Palace, the former royal palace in Kabul.
• Visit the unique museum of OMAR Landmine Museum, displaying 51 unique types of landmines used in the country.
• Lastly, Bibi Mehro Hill, a popular gathering place with a large Afghan flag and swimming pool.
• Overnight stay in Kabul.

Day 10 – Kabul – Samangan – Mazar-e Sharif

• Airport drop-off for Group A (end of tour).
• Group B departs in the early morning to Mazar-e Sharif by car.
• Along our long drive, we’ll stop at Salang Pass, a long, high-altitude tunnel in Afghanistan.
• We’ll then move to Takht-e Rostam, a Buddhist monastery complex of caves.
• Drive through Tashkurgan (Choelm), a high-altitude “Stone City” located on the Silk Road.
• Lastly, a short stop at Jahan Palace in Samangan.
• Overnight stay in Mazar-e Sharif.

Day 11 – Mazar-e Sharif – Balkh

• Begin the day with a drive to Balkh, a unique town with tons of archaeological heritage.
• Highlight: Visit the Noh Gumbad Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in all of Afghanistan.
• Visit the Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa, a unique shrine built in 1598.
• Explore the Dargah of Rabia Balkhi, a shrine dedicated to a Persian poetess who is revered as a symbol of love, courage, and feminist defiance.
• Make the drive back to Mazar-e Sharif.
• Visit the Old Town and Blue Mosque before dinner in the evening.
• Overnight stay in Mazar-e Sharif.

Day 12 – Mazar-e Sharif – Samangan – Kabul

• Visit the Shadian Arch, a beautiful and 1,000 year-old arch surrounded by mountains.
• Transfer to airport for our flight to Kabul.
• Fly to Kabul.
• Visit the old box camera man, Haji Mirzaman. He practices the dying art of kamra-e-faoree (instant camera) photography. Using a century-old wooden box, he takes, develops, and fixes portaits and photos on-site.
• If there’s time left, spend some time in Chicken Street to search for souvenirs.
• Goodbye dinner on the final night.
• Overnight stay in Kabul.

Day 13 – Kabul

• Airport drop off.
• End of the tour.