Discovering Afghanistan

Itinerary

Day 1 – Kabul

Coming from our South Pakistan Tour in April? We recommend arriving in Kabul in the late afternoon one day before the tour via a direct flight from Islamabad. Otherwise, we recommend arriving early in the morning with connecting flights from Dubai or Islamabad with Kam Air, FlyDubai, or Turkish Airlines.

At 9:30 a.m., we’ll gather in the lobby for a pre-tour meeting to meet fellow travelers and receive a briefing on local customs and regulations. Please remember that during the tour your guides have the final say, this is for your own and the group’s safety.

We then begin our exploration with a visit to the OMAR Landmine Museum, a unique and sobering collection displaying dozens of landmines used throughout the country. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Kabul’s famous Bird Market, a lively market offering a glimpse into everyday Afghan life. We’ll also visit Babur’s Gardens, the resting place of the first Mughal emperor, before heading to Bibi Mahru Hill, a popular spot for local residents.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Kabul.

Day 2 – Kabul – Herat

We’ll take an early flight to Herat and begin exploring the city upon arrival. We’ll visit the Great Mosque of Herat, known for its colourful tilework, and the Jihad Museum, which documents the conflict between the Mujahideen and the Soviet Union.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore Herat’s old town and its historic caravanserais, once used by traders travelling along the Silk Road.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Herat.

Day 3 – Herat

Today we’ll explore more of Herat’s historical and architectural heritage. We’ll visit the Herat Citadel, also known as the Citadel of Alexander, and the Musalla Complex, where several historic minarets remain.

We’ll also visit the Gawhar Shad Mausoleum and the Shrine of Khwaja Abd Allah Ansari in Gazur Gah, an important religious site outside the city.

Overnight in Herat.

Day 4 – Herat – Kandahar

Today we’ll travel overland from Herat to Kandahar. It’s a long driving day, with stops along the way as needed.

After enjoying the serenity, we begin our journey back to Kabul, stopping plenty of times along the way for photos.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Kabul.

Day 5 – Kandahar

We’ll explore Kandahar, one of Afghanistan’s most historically significant cities. Visits include the Shrine of Ahmad Shah Durrani, the founder of modern Afghanistan, and the Forty Stairs (Chil Zena), which offers views over the city.

We’ll also visit the Shrine of Mirwais Hotak and explore Kandahar’s local bazaar.

Overnight in Kandahar.

Day 6 – Kandahar – Kabul

We’ll take a flight back to Kabul. After arriving, we’ll visit the National Museum of Afghanistan, home to an important collection of archaeological and historical artefacts.

We’ll also visit Darulaman Palace, a restored landmark originally built during the reign of King Amanullah Khan, and the Sakhi Shah-e Mardan Shrine, an important religious site in Kabul.

Overnight in Kabul.

Day 7 – Kabul – Bamiyan

We’ll leave Kabul and drive to Bamiyan, crossing the Shibar Pass and travelling through the dramatic mountain scenery of central Afghanistan.

Along the way, we’ll stop at the watershed between the Indus and Oxus river systems and see abandoned Soviet-era tanks, reminders of the Soviet-Afghan War. We’ll also visit the Valley of the Dragon, a striking rock formation associated with a local legend.

Overnight in Bamiyan.

Day 8 – Bamiyan

We’ll explore the historical sites around Bamiyan, beginning with Shahr-e Golgola, also known as the City of Screams, and the red fortress of Shah-e Zohak, which overlooks the valley.

We’ll visit the Women’s Garden and a local village library serving children and teenagers. On the way back, we’ll stop for photographs near Zuhak, the ancient Red City.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the famous Buddhas of Bamiyan and explore the local bazaar.

Overnight in Bamiyan.

Day 9 – Bamiyan – Band-e-Amir – Kabul

Today we’ll visit Band-e-Amir National Park, known for its striking blue lakes surrounded by rugged mountains. We’ll spend time exploring the area on foot before driving back to Kabul.

Depending on our arrival time, we’ll have the opportunity to explore Chicken Street and visit the well-known Bookseller of Kabul. We may also stop for local ice cream.

Overnight in Kabul.

Day 10 – Kabul – Mazar-i-Sharif

For those concluding the tour (group A), airport transfers are arranged.

The remaining group (group B) drives to the wondrous Mazar-e Sharif, a city known for its famous shrines and Islamic archeological sites.

In Mazar-i-Sharif, we’ll explore the local bazaar, visit a carpet shop owned by a former Mujahideen member and browse antique shops. We’ll end the day at the Blue Mosque, one of Afghanistan’s most impressive landmarks, around sunset.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Mazar-e Sharif.

Day 11 – Mazar-e Sharif – Balkh – Mazar-i-Sharif

We’ll take a day trip to the historic city of Balkh, an important centre along ancient trade routes. We’ll visit Haji Piyada, also known as the Noh Gonbad Mosque, one of the oldest surviving Islamic buildings in Afghanistan, and the Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa.

We’ll also visit a local village where women make carpets, offering a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship and daily life.

Overnight in Mazar-i-Sharif.

Day 12 – Mazar-e Sharif – Kabul

Before leaving Mazar-i-Sharif, we’ll visit Hajimir Zaman, a local photographer known for his traditional box camera portraits. If time permits, we’ll also visit the Mausoleum of King Mohammad Nadir Shah.

We’ll then take a flight back to Kabul for our farewell dinner.

Overnight in Kabul.

Day 13 – Kabul

Our Afghanistan tour comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.