12-Day Afghanistan Adventure Exploring History, Culture, and Landscapes

Hindukush

Herat City, Afghanistan

Herat Citadel

Highlights

Explore Kabul's vibrant markets and rich historical landmarks, including the National Museum of Afghanistan

Discover Bamiyan Valley's UNESCO World Heritage Buddha statues and stunning landscapes

Visit Herat's Citadel and the magnificent Friday Mosque, emblematic of Islamic architecture

Experience the mesmerizing turquoise lakes of Band-e-Amir National Park

Enjoy the cultural significance of Mazar-i-Sharif, home to the revered Blue Mosque shrine

Kabul, Bamyan, Mazar e Sharif, Herat

cultural, historical, sightseeing

Group Tour

12 Days

Medium

English

Description

Embark on a 12-day journey through Afghanistan, exploring its rich history, vibrant markets, and stunning landscapes. Visit Kabul, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Bamiyan Valley, home to UNESCO World Heritage Buddha statues. Experience Afghan hospitality, discover ancient cities, and hike breathtaking landscapes, all while learning about Afghanistan’s fascinating past and present.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kabul
- Arrival at Kabul International Airport (KBL)
- 09:00 AM – Meet and greet at the airport. Transfer to your hotel.
- 10:30 AM – Check-in and rest at the hotel.
- 12:30 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 02:00 PM – Kabul City Tour: Visit Shah Do Shamsher Mosque, National Museum of Afghanistan, and Balkh Market.
- 06:00 PM – Return to the hotel.
- 07:30 PM – Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Kabul City Tour
- 07:30 AM – Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00 AM – Visit Balkh Bazaar and Paghman Gardens.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 02:00 PM – Explore Bagram ruins and Kabul's Gardens of Babur.
- 06:00 PM – Return to the hotel.
- 07:30 PM – Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Kabul – Bamiyan
- 07:30 AM – Breakfast at the hotel.
- 08:00 AM – Drive to Bamiyan (approx. 5-6 hours).
- 12:30 PM – Lunch along the way.
- 03:00 PM – Arrival in Bamiyan and check-in at the hotel.
- 04:30 PM – Visit the Bamiyan Valley and Buddha statues site.
- 06:00 PM – Return to the hotel.
- 07:00 PM – Dinner at the hotel.
Day 4: Bamiyan & Band-e-Amir
- 07:30 AM – Breakfast at the hotel.
- 08:30 AM – Depart for Band-e-Amir National Park (approx. 2 hours drive).
- 10:30 AM – Arrival at Band-e-Amir Lakes. Explore the turquoise lakes and enjoy the stunning views.
- 12:30 PM – Picnic lunch by the lakeside.
- 02:00 PM – Optional boat ride on the Band-e-Amir lakes.
- 03:30 PM – Return to Bamiyan.
- 06:00 PM – Return to the hotel.
- 07:30 PM – Dinner at the hotel.
Day 5: Bamiyan Exploration
- 07:30 AM – Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00 AM – Visit Bamiyan Valley and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Buddha statues.
- 11:00 AM – Visit the Bamiyan Museum and the ancient Shahr-e-Gholghola ruins.
- 01:00 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 02:30 PM – Hike and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bamiyan Valley.
- 06:00 PM – Return to the hotel.
- 07:30 PM – Dinner at the hotel.
Day 6: Bamiyan – Mazar-i-Sharif
- 07:30 AM – Breakfast at the hotel.
- 08:00 AM – Depart for Mazar-i-Sharif by road (approximately 7-8 hours).
- 12:30 PM – Lunch along the way at a local restaurant.
- 04:30 PM – Arrival in Mazar-i-Sharif and check-in at the hotel.
- 06:00 PM – Visit the Blue Mosque (Shrine of Hazrat Ali).
- 07:30 PM – Dinner at the hotel.
Day 7: Mazar-i-Sharif Exploration
- 07:30 AM – Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00 AM – Visit Mazar-i-Sharif Bazaar and explore the local culture.
- 11:30 AM – Explore Balkh, the ancient city.
- 01:00 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 02:30 PM – Visit the Mausoleum of Khwaja Abd Allah Ansari and the historical sites in the area.
- 06:00 PM – Return to the hotel.
- 07:30 PM – Dinner at the hotel.
Day 8: Mazar-i-Sharif – Herat
- 07:00 AM – Breakfast at the hotel.
- 08:00 AM – Drive to Herat by road (approx. 7-8 hours).
- 12:30 PM – Lunch along the way.
- 04:30 PM – Arrival in Herat, check-in at the hotel.
- 06:00 PM – Visit Herat Citadel and the Friday Mosque.
- 07:30 PM – Dinner at the hotel.
Day 9: Herat Exploration
- 07:30 AM – Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00 AM – Explore Herat Citadel and Friday Mosque.
- 11:30 AM – Visit Mausoleum of Khwaja Abd Allah Ansari and Herat Bazaar.
- 01:00 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 02:30 PM – Visit Mausoleum of Gawhar Shad and other historical sites in the city.
- 06:00 PM – Return to the hotel.
- 07:30 PM – Dinner at the hotel.
Day 10: Herat – Kabul
- 07:30 AM – Breakfast at the hotel.
- 08:00 AM – Drive from Herat to Kabul by road (approx. 10 hours).
- 01:00 PM – Lunch along the way.
- 05:30 PM – Arrival in Kabul, check-in at the hotel.
- 07:00 PM – Dinner at the hotel.
Day 11: Free Day in Kabul
- 07:30 AM – Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00 AM – Free day for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxation.
- 01:00 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 02:30 PM – Optional visits to local attractions (e.g., Kabul Zoo, Shah Do Shamsher Mosque).
- 06:00 PM – Return to the hotel.
- 07:30 PM – Farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 12: Departure from Kabul
- 07:00 AM – Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00 AM – Check-out from the hotel.
- 11:00 AM – Transfer to Kabul International Airport for your flight back.

What's Included

11 nights in 3-4 star hotels with breakfast included

Double/twin room accommodations based on double occupancy

Single supplement available upon request for an additional charge

Private, air-conditioned vehicles for all road transfers (minibus or SUV based on group size)

All fuel and road tolls covered

All airport transfers in Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, Herat, and Bamiyan

Experienced driver with local knowledge

Daily breakfast at the hotel

Lunches and dinners at local restaurants featuring Afghan cuisine

Vegetarian options available on request

Professional, English-speaking guide throughout the entire tour

Local guides in key destinations for in-depth tours

Visits to Bamiyan Valley and Buddha statues site

Band-e-Amir National Park and lakes

Mazar-i-Sharif Blue Mosque and Balkh ruins

Herat Citadel, Friday Mosque, and Gawhar Shad Mausoleum

Kabul City Tour including the National Museum, Shah Do Shamsher Mosque, and Paghman Gardens

All entrance fees for listed attractions and cultural sites

All required internal transportation, including private vehicles for intercity travel

All government taxes, permits, and entrance fees for sites are covered

Local taxes and service charges for included activities

24/7 customer support from the local tour operator

Emergency contact number for assistance throughout the trip

Band-e-Amir boat ride (optional)

Cultural experiences such as local handicrafts and bazaars

What's Excluded

Flights to and from Afghanistan are not included

Please arrange your flights independently

Travel insurance is not included. It is highly recommended that guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of the tour

Visa fees for Afghanistan are not included. Guests are responsible for obtaining their visas prior to arrival

Souvenirs, personal shopping, and extra expenses are not covered by the tour

This includes things like laundry, phone calls, and other personal items

Any optional activities or excursions not listed in the itinerary (e.g., additional sightseeing, special events, or activities not mentioned)

Lunches and dinners that are not specified in the itinerary

Drinks and beverages during meals are not included unless otherwise stated

Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included. It is customary to provide a tip at the end of the tour based on service received

Alcoholic drinks are not included with meals or during excursions

Any other additional charges or services that are not explicitly mentioned as part of the tour

Know Before You Go

All travelers to Afghanistan require a valid visa. Please ensure that you obtain your visa in advance before arrival.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.

The official currency in Afghanistan is the Afghan Afghani (AFN), but US dollars are widely accepted in some places.

It’s recommended to carry both cash in local currency and some US dollars, as ATMs may not be available in remote areas.

Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted outside of major cities, so it’s important to have sufficient cash.

Afghanistan has diverse climates, ranging from hot desert conditions to cool mountainous areas.

The best time to visit is in spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is milder.

Bring layered clothing for varying temperatures and modest clothing for visiting religious sites.

Afghanistan is a conservative Muslim country. Please dress modestly, especially in rural areas. Women should cover their shoulders, arms, and legs, and wear a scarf when visiting religious sites.

It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially in rural and cultural settings.

Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, particularly in rural or remote areas.

It is advisable to get vaccinations before traveling to Afghanistan, including Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus.

Carry personal medications and a basic first-aid kit with you, as access to medical care may be limited in some regions.

Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip interruptions.

Drink bottled water and avoid consuming food from street vendors to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.

The official languages in Afghanistan are Dari (a form of Persian) and Pashto.

English is not widely spoken outside of major cities, so having a local guide or translator can be very helpful.

Basic phrases in Dari or Pashto (such as greetings or thank you) are appreciated and can enhance your experience.

Afghanistan operates on Afghanistan Time (AFT), which is UTC +4:30.

Be mindful of time zone differences when scheduling flights and transfers.

Travel times between destinations may vary, with long drives between cities like Kabul, Bamiyan, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Herat.

Roads can be rough and traffic can be unpredictable, so patience is essential.

We recommend that you avoid traveling during the night due to safety and visibility concerns.

While Afghanistan has seen improvements in certain areas, some regions may have limited infrastructure and security concerns.

Stay informed about local conditions and follow the guidance of your local tour guide and authorities.

Always carry your passport and keep it in a secure place.

Avoid large crowds and protests and stay cautious of your surroundings at all times.

Internet access is available in major cities, but may be slower or limited in more rural areas.

You can buy a local SIM card for mobile data, but coverage may be spotty in remote regions.

Communication with the outside world can be challenging in some areas, so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.

Greetings: A handshake is common, but it is polite to greet with "As-salaam-alaikum" (Peace be upon you).

Hospitality is a big part of Afghan culture, and it is common for locals to invite guests for tea or food. It is polite to accept these invitations, though you are not required to stay long.

Always remove shoes before entering someone’s home or a mosque.

It is important to have a local guide to help navigate the area and assist with logistics.

Follow all instructions and safety guidelines provided by your guide, especially when visiting cultural or historical sites.

What To Bring

Comfortable, lightweight, and breathable clothing for daytime activities

Warm layers for cooler evenings and high-altitude areas like Bamiyan and Band-e-Amir

Modest clothing is recommended to respect local customs, particularly for visits to mosques and cultural sites (long pants/skirts and covered shoulders for both men and women)

A light rain jacket or poncho (especially if traveling in the rainy season).

Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for excursions, especially if visiting Band-e-Amir or hiking in Bamiyan Valley.

Sandals or comfortable shoes for evenings or relaxed days

Passport with at least 6 months validity

Visa for Afghanistan (if required)

Copy of your travel insurance policy

Camera and extra memory cards (for photos at historical and scenic sites)

A small, secure backpack for day trips and excursions

Power bank for charging devices during long travel days

Travel adapters (Afghanistan uses Type C, Type F, and Type D plugs)

A notebook and pen for travel journaling or taking notes during tours

Personal medications and a basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.)

Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

Toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, etc

Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and lip balm with sun protection

Insect repellent, particularly if traveling in rural or outdoor areas

Tissues or toilet paper (sometimes unavailable in public restrooms)

Sufficient cash in Afghan Afghani (AFN) or USD for personal expenses (ATMs are limited in some areas)

Credit/debit card (ensure it works in Afghanistan if necessary)

A photocopy of your passport, visa, and any important documents (keep separately from originals)

Travel lock or money belt for valuables

A hat or scarf for sun protection

Sunglasses and a reusable water bottle

A travel guidebook or local maps for additional reference

A small flashlight or headlamp (useful during power outages or for early morning/evening excursions)

A small travel pillow or eye mask for longer drives or flights

A respectful attitude and an open mind for experiencing local traditions and customs

If you're planning to buy souvenirs, bring an extra bag for items you might pick up during your travels

Meeting Point

Kabul International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 40	/person
Child
1 to 40	/person
This is a group tour

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12-Day Afghanistan Adventure Exploring History, Culture, and Landscapes

Highlights

Locations Covered

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kabul

Day 2: Kabul City Tour

Day 3: Kabul – Bamiyan

Day 4: Bamiyan & Band-e-Amir

Day 5: Bamiyan Exploration

Day 6: Bamiyan – Mazar-i-Sharif

Day 7: Mazar-i-Sharif Exploration

Day 8: Mazar-i-Sharif – Herat

Day 9: Herat Exploration

Day 10: Herat – Kabul

Day 11: Free Day in Kabul

Day 12: Departure from Kabul

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

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12-Day Afghanistan Adventure Exploring History, Culture, and Landscapes

Highlights

Locations Covered

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kabul

Day 2: Kabul City Tour

Day 3: Kabul – Bamiyan

Day 4: Bamiyan & Band-e-Amir

Day 5: Bamiyan Exploration

Day 6: Bamiyan – Mazar-i-Sharif

Day 7: Mazar-i-Sharif Exploration

Day 8: Mazar-i-Sharif – Herat

Day 9: Herat Exploration

Day 10: Herat – Kabul

Day 11: Free Day in Kabul

Day 12: Departure from Kabul

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

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