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 10:00 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. 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.

Our city tour continues at the Kabul Museum, home to a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts reflecting Afghanistan’s rich history. We then visit the grand Darulaman Palace, once a royal residence, before heading to Bibi Mahru Hill, a popular local gathering place offering views over the city.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Kabul.

Day 2 – Kabul – Herat

After an early breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Herat, one of Afghanistan’s most historic cities.

Upon arrival, we begin sightseeing with visits to the magnificent Great Mosque, the Jihad Museum, and the atmospheric Old Town. We also explore traditional caravanserais dating back to the Silk Road era, offering a glimpse into the city’s trading past.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Herat.

Day 3 – Herat

Today we continue discovering Herat’s cultural treasures. We visit the impressive Herat Citadel, also known as the Citadel of Alexander, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

We then explore the Musalla Complex, where several towering minarets from the 15th century still stand, followed by the elegant Gawhar Shad Mausoleum. Later, we visit the revered Shrine of Khwaja Abd Allah, one of Afghanistan’s holiest sites, known locally as Gazur Gah.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Herat.

Day 4 – Herat – Kandahar

We depart early for Kandahar, embarking on a long but scenic journey through southern Afghanistan. Along the way, we make several stops to stretch our legs and take in the changing landscapes.

We arrive in Kandahar in the evening, where we enjoy dinner and time to relax after the day’s drive.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Kandahar.

Day 5 – Kandahar

Today we explore Kandahar, Afghanistan’s second largest city, traditionally believed to have been founded by Alexander the Great.

We start by visiting the Forty Stairs, carved into a mountainside overlooking the old city. We then continue to the Ahmad Shah Durrani Shrine, one of the most important historical monuments in the country, followed by the Mirwais Khan Hotak Shrine, dedicated to the founder of the Hotak Dynasty. 

End the evening in the local bazaar, where we can get the opportunity to taste some of Afghanistan’s local delicacies.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Kandahar.

Day 6 – Kandahar – Kabul

After a relaxed morning, we’ll take a flight back to Kabul.

Upon arrival in Kabul, we’ll explore the lively Bird Market, a colourful and atmospheric part of the city. We then take a visit to Babur’s Gardens, a peaceful green oasis, before continuing to the Sakhi Shah-e Mardan Shrine, which is associated with an important Islamic relic.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Kabul.

Day 7 – Kabul – Bamiyan

Following an early breakfast, we set out on a scenic 180km journey to the city of Bamiyan, travelling through dramatic mountain landscapes with plenty of stops along the way.

We pause for photos at the watershed dividing the Indus and Oxus river systems before arriving in Bamiyan. Here, we visit Soviet-era tanks that were left behind after the Red Army’s withdrawal in the late 1980s.

We also take the chance to explore the Valley of the Dragon (Darya Ajdahar), a striking rock formation tied to a local legend.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Bamiyan.

Day 8 – Bamiyan

We begin the day with a visit to Shahr-e-Golgola, the so-called “City of Screams”, followed by a climb to Shah-e Zohak for a panoramic view over the valley.

Afterwards, we visit the famous Buddha’s of Bamiyan, which are monumental statues carved into the cliffs in the 6th century, once among the most significant cultural landmarks in the region.

We end the day at the local bazaar, where you can browse handicrafts and interact with the locals.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Bamiyan.

Day 9 – Bamiyan – Band-e-Amir National Park – Kabul

We begin the day by departing nice and early for Band-e Amir National Park, home to a series of stunning deep-blue lakes surrounded by rugged peaks. While we’re here, you have time to walk along the lakes.

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

Upon arrival in Kabul, we visit Chicken Street, famous for its traditional crafts and history as a ‘hippie trail’ stop. We’ll also take the chance to see the well-known Bookseller of Kabul.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Kabul.

Day 10 – Kabul – Mazar-e Sharif

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

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

Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Blue Mosque, also known as the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, widely considered the most beautiful and important building in Afghanistan. 

Overnight stay in a hotel in Mazar-e Sharif.

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

We begin the day by taking a short drive to Balkh, one of the oldest cities in the region. It’s also rich in archaeological heritage.

While in Balkh, we visit the Noh Gumbad Mosque, among the oldest in Afghanistan, as well as the Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa, a mausoleum dedicated to the Naqshbandi mystic and religious teacher, Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa.

After returning to Mazar-e Sharif, we explore the Old Town and enjoy seeing the Blue Mosque beautifully illuminated in the evening.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Mazar-e Sharif.

Day 12 – Mazar-e Sharif – Kabul

We begin our long return journey to Kabul by road, passing through diverse landscapes and historic sites.

Along the way, we stop in Tashkurgan, known for its traditional trade. Here, we visit the hunting lodge of Zahir Shah, Afghanistan’s last king. We also take the time to explore Takht-e Rostam, an ancient Buddhist monastery carved into rock. Right before our arrival in Kabul, we pass through the Salang Tunnel, a high-altitude Soviet built route through the mountains.

After we arrive for the evening in Kabul, we have one final farewell dinner together.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Kabul.

Day 13 – Kabul

Airport transfers are arranged according to everyone’s departure schedule.

End of tour.