Afghanistan XV

Note: this is a rough sample itinerary and may vary its order or parts of it based on our local crew’s guidance and knowledge of the situation in every region and for safety purposes. Kabul & Bamyan are guaranteed highlights.

Day 1: Kabul
We fly from Dubai at 4:00 am and land in Kabul at 7:15 am. Arrival and briefing. We’ll have a full day in Kabul exploring the infamous viewpoint Bibi Mehro Hill, Chicken Street and and Babur Gardens.
Overnight in Kabul

Day 2: Kabul – Herat
We will explore Herat, which has the largest collection of ancient buildings in the country: the Friday Mosque, the tomb of Gowar Shad, the Masullah complex, and the atmospheric shrine of Khoja Ansari at Gazar Gah, among others.
Overnight in Herat

Day 3: Herat – Kabul

The day starts in Herat, wandering every nook and cranny and letting all the history sink in, before heading over to Kabul where we will continue our journey in this awesome capital.

Overnight in Kabul

Day 4: Kabul – Bamyan

We’ll fly between Kabul and Bamyan, the capital of the Hazarajat – home of the Hazaras and one of the most peaceful places in Afghanistan. When we arrive in Bamyan we will have time to look at the hillsides containing many caves in which monasteries and Buddhist carvings were once situated.

Overnight in Bamyan

Day 5 & 6: Bamyan and Band-e Amir

We will spend two days in and around Bamyan, an area of striking natural beauty. The mountains and valleys are dotted with ruins from Afghanistan’s past as well as friendly Hazara villages. It is one of the few places in Afghanistan where we can walk freely and safely in a rural environment.
The Lapis Lazuli blue waters of Band-e-Amir are often the highlight of any trip to Afghanistan. Legend has it that the dams that separate the 5 lakes were made by Ali, the prophet Mohamed’s cousin and son in law. However, geologists insist they are natural dams made from mineral deposits. The lakes contrast to the stark landscape surrounding them only adds to the beauty of this area. We will also visit the natural landscape of Dragon Valley, see the ruins of Shah e Zohak (Red Fort), and the remains of Shah e Golghola (The City of Screams).

Overnight in Bamyan

Day 7: Bamyan – Kabul

We will drive back to Kabul enjoying the scenic landscapes on the way. Then, we will explore what’s left of the city: the bird market, the Friday Mosque.

We fly out in the evening back to Dubai.