Thursday 17th April – Dubai, UAE – Kabul, Afghanistan

Morning

• We can assist with arranging your Afghan tourist visa collection in Dubai on Wednesday 16th April, and we recommend booking and boarding Kam Air flight RQ902 departing from Dubai at 3:05am and arriving into Kabul at 6:15am.
• On arrival, meet our guides at the airport and be transferred to our guest house.
• Pre-tour meeting held at our guest house, you’ll have tea followed by a briefing with your guides. This includes local customs and laws. Please remember that during the tour your guides have the final say, this is for own and the groups safety.
• Your journey begins in Kabul where you’ll visit the Sakhi Shah-e Mardan Shrine – a well-known mosque, where Mohammed’s cloak is said to have been brought.

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch at a local spot in Kabul, here’s a perfect way to people watch and embrace the adventure ahead.
• Once we’re ready we’ll continue to explore Kabul further by visiting Bibi Mahru Hill – many local residents come here to relax and pass time. The hill has an Olympic size swimming pool built by the Soviets, however during the war the site had a more sinister side to it where executions took place.
• Once we’re ready we’ll head to a local restaurant and try some popular local cuisines that Kabul has to offer – we recommend trying kabuli pulao.
• Overnight stay in Kabul.

Friday 18th April – Kabul – Herat

Morning

• Early morning start with breakfast at our guest house before our flight to Heret.
• Once we arrive in Herat we’ll check into our hotel and start exploring the city which is heavily influenced by being the heart of intellectual and artistic life in the Islamic world during Timurid dynasty.
• We’ll visit the Great Mosque of Herat – the impressive bright coloured mosque has survived many foreign powers residing in the region.
• Afghanistan has a history of conflict – we’ll visit the Jihad Museum and learn about the past conflicts, which is important as the younger generations are unaware why the Afghans fought the Soviets.

Afternoon

• After a busy morning, we’ll head out for lunch at a local restaurant.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll visit the Gawhar Shad Mausoleum – more commonly known as the Tomb of Baysunghur. The royal tomb was built in the 15th century for the final resting place for family members of the Timurid dynasty.
• We’ll make the most of our time in Herat and continue to explore the old town having opportunities to take photos.
• Afghanistan previously had major trade routes steaming from the Silk Road bringing traders and travellers alike would often find refuge in Caravanserai – these were often located in rural areas. We’ll come and relax in Herats Caravanserais like those weary travellers back in the day.
• After a busy day with an early start, we’ll have dinner in Herat.
• Overnight stay in Herat.

Saturday 19th April – Herat – Kandahar

Morning

• Early morning start; we’ll have breakfast at our hotel before we head out to explore more of Herat.
• We’ll also visit the Musalla complex where five Minarets are still standing, unfortunately major parts of the complex were damaged or destroyed during the 1885 Panjdeh incident and with the war and natural disasters further damaged has occurred.
• Next we’ll visit one of Afghanistan holiest sites, The Shrine of Khwaja Abd Allah – locally known as Gazur Gah. The famous site and final resting place for Abdullah Ansari who was a Muslim Sufi saint renowned for his poetic talents.
• Once we’ve explored Herat we’ll start making our way to Kandahar – the road trip is pretty spectacular and we’ll make stops along the way.

Afternoon

• Along our journey we’ll pass through small settlements and have lunch – it’s a great way to experience rural life in this region and interact with the local communities.
• We’ll arrival in Kandahar just before sunset enough time to check in to our hotel and freshen up before we head out for dinner.
• Overnight stay in Kandahar.

Sunday 20th April – Kandahar

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel before we head out to discover Kandahar – the second largest city in Afghanistan and the headquarters of the Taliban.
• Kandahar was originally called Alexandria in Arachosia when it was founded in 330BC by Alexander the Great. The best way to experience Kandahar is by exploring and learning about the history.
• We’ll continue our tour and visit the Forty Stairs – known locally as Chil Zena the site is important in history as Emperor Ashoka ruled this region with Nader Shah razing it.

Afternoon

• We’ll find a nice quiet spot to have lunch at a local restaurant where we can try some Pashtun cuisines – we defiantly recommend trying Chapli kabab or Aushak (suitable for vegetarians).
• Next on our tour we’ll visit the Tomb of Ahmad Shah Durrani – this is the most significant monument in Kandahar as it’s the resting place for the father of Afghanistan.
• Another key player in the history of Afghanistan is Mirwais Hotak – regarded as the greatest national hero we’ll visit his tomb his tomb and learn about his legacy.
• No trips to Kandahar complete without visiting the local bazar, here you can find locals trading textiles, fruits and tobacco.
• As there are many food options to choose from in the bazar we’ll go by the recommendation of our local guide for dinner.
• Overnight stay in Kandahar.

Monday 21st April – Kandahar – Kabul

Morning

• Leisurely morning start with breakfast at our hotel before we catch our flight to Kabul.
• On arrival we’ll check in to our hotel before heading out to explore this fascinating historical city.
• Our morning tour of Kabul with visiting the famous bird market – locally known as Kah Faroshi, this is one of the oldest markets where you can purchase birds from $1 to $1000. An Afghan traditional pass time use to be cock fighting, however this is banned.

Afternoon

• Our local guide will take us to restaurant located near the markets, here we can enjoy some traditional cuisines and relax.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll then head to Chicken Street a unique place where you find interesting souvenirs; the area has a friendly relaxed atmosphere where you can interact with the local store owners.
• With the devastating war in Afghanistan led by the US we’ll visit OMAR Landmine Museum – Organization for Mine Clearance and Afghan Rehabilitation. There are 51 various types of landmines on display and other military hardware.
• We’ll make one final stop at Bala Hissar where we can appreciate the view overlooking Kabul. The Fort has long complex history and even today you can find discard military wreckage here.
• After a busy day, we’ll have dinner and share our highlights of the day.
• Overnight stay in Kabul

Tuesday 22nd April – Kabul – Bamian

Morning

• Heartily breakfast at our guesthouse followed by an early departure, our 180km journey to Bamiyan – also referred to as Bamyan or Bamian. Your road trip will take you north across the Shomali Plains passing over the Shibar Pass (3285m). We’ll make stops along the way to pick up supplies and stretch our legs and of course to enjoy the breath-taking scenery.

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch along the journey, and we’ll have time to relax.
• Along the journey we’ll pass by the watershed of the Indus and Oxus River systems where we can stop for a photo opportunity before finally reaching Bamiyan.
• A genuine highlight of our tour will be visiting the Buddha’s of Bamiyan – built approximately in the 6th-century these magnificent statues were carved into the cliffs and out lasted many empires who inhabited Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the statues were destroyed by the Taliban in March 2001 – a real loss to the global community.
• We’ll head back to Bamiyan for dinner after a busy day.
• Overnight stay in Bamiyan.

Wednesday 23rd April – Bamian

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel before we set off to discover one of the most unique regions in Afghanistan.
• We’ll take a walking tour through Bamiyan, this is the best way to experience the city and interact with the locals. Bamiyan – is often referred to as the “Shining Light” and “Valley of Gods” you’ll also notice the local population of Hazara are quite different from other regions of Afghanistan we’ll visit this is due to the remote isolation of Bamiyan.
• Next, we’ll venture into the heart of Bamiyan and visit the bazaar; this is the perfect place to purchase local produce and gifts but also a great place to capture some amazing photographs and experience what life is like for the local community.

Afternoon

• After we explored the bazaar, we’ll have lunch here and try some of the cuisines that the locals are enjoying.
• We’ll take a short hike to a former Taliban lookout post and take some photos and enjoy the vantage point.
• Located close by is the Valley of the Dragon locally known as Dara Ajdahar here you can appreciate the stunning scenery. Legend has it that a dragon once took up residence here who fed on virgins and camels offered by terrified locals until it was slayed.
• We’ll take a short drive to the base of the Shahr-E-Golgola also known as the ‘City of Screams’. Genghis Khan sent out his grandson with an army to capture Bamiyan, the people bravely resisted and killed Genghis’s grandson. Genghis was enraged and besieged and destroyed Golgola in 1221. We’ll climb the remains of Shah-e Zohak – the red fort where you can get an amazing view overlooking the valley.
• We’ll head back to Bamiyan for dinner and to enjoy the evening.
• Overnight stay in Bamiyan.

Thursday 24th April – Bamian – Band-e Amir

Morning

• In the morning we’ll have a leisurely start and enjoy breakfast before we head out.
• Once we’re ready we’ll head out on a scenic drive to Band-e Amir, we’ll make stops along the way to stretch our legs and pick up supplies.
• Once we arrive to Band-e Amir National Park the first think you’ll notice is the high peaks of the Hindu Kush and the stunning turquoise lakes.
• You can enjoy the lake more by getting a swan shaped paddle boat – for an additional fee, we highly recommend this option!

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch at Band-e Amir there’s a few optional things to do such as riding a horse and play various funfair games – it’s always nice to support the local economy.
• Before we leave, we’ll take a walk along the lake where you can enjoy the landscape of the high peaks of the Hindu Kush – once the region was a major hub for Buddhism and the gateway for the invasion of the Indian subcontinent by Timur and his grandson Babur.
• Once we’re ready we’ll drive back to Bamiyan for a relaxing dinner.
• Overnight stay in Bamiyan

Friday 25th April – Bamian – Kabul

Morning

• We’ll have an early start for today’s itinerary breakfast at the hotel.
• Our day begins with an epic drive back to Kabul; this road trip is a perfect example to experience the majestic mountains and valleys of Afghanistan. We’ll make stops along the way for those perfect photo opportunities.
• Once we arrive to Kabul we’ll visit Darulaman Palace, the former residence of the Emir and King of Afghanistan – Amanullah Khan. The palace architecture is built in a European neoclassical style and was heavily damaged during 1990s civil war, thankfully it was fully restored to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Afghan independence.

Afternoon

• In the afternoon we’ll have lunch and relax there are plenty of places to choose from in Kabul however we’ll take the recommendation of our local guides as they know the best spots.
• After lunch we’ll experience the oasis of tranquillity tucked away from the busy city life of Kabul. The garden was built to house the tomb of the founder and first Mughal emperor – Babur established his rule in present day India after his victory in first Battle of Panipat. Despite the significant influence Babur had on the Indian subcontinent locals come here to relax and play in the park not realising who lays here.
• No trips to Kabul complete without visiting The National Museum of Afghanistan which is considered one of the finest despite many artefacts being destroyed and looted. The collection spans over several millennia and is the perfect example of various civilizations and cultures that settled and thrived in the region.
• For dinner we’ll find a nice spot in Kabul followed by some local ice-cream from street venders.
• Overnight stay in Kabul.

Saturday 26th April – Kabul – Mazar-i-Sharif

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Group A members: tour concludes with airport transfers arranged. We recommend taking an early morning flight out of Kabul.
• Group B members: tour continue with a Kabul city tour and boarding an afternoon flight to Mazar-i-Sharif – with our local guide.

Afternoon

• On arrival we’ll check in into our hotel and head out to Mazar-i-Sharif old town – also known as Balkh for dinner at a local restaurant. Mazar-i-Sharif Etymology derives from the many shrines – “tomb of the saint” here many worshippers come to pay their respects.
• Overnight stay in Mazar-i-Sharif.

Sunday 27th – Mazar-i-Sharif – Balkh

• Breakfast at our hotel before we experience one of our tour’s highlights.
• Once we’re ready we’ll set off to see the Blue Mosque or ‘Shrine of Hazrat Ali’ – the most famous building in Afghanistan. The mosque is located in the heart of Mazar-i-Sharif and is one of the reputed burial places of Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in law of Prophet Muhammad.
• Next we’ll explore Mazar bazaar – this bazar is not only famous for producing beautifully crafted rugs in Afghanistan but considered the rug hub of all of Central Asia

Afternoon

• While we can appreciate the craftsmanship of the bazaar, we’ll make time for lunch and explore the old town.
• Once we’re ready we’ll drive to Balkh along the way we’ll make a stop at the Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa – constructed around 1598 the stunning complex features striking white Arabic writing amongst the blue tiles.
• Our continues further into Islamic architecture when we visit Haji Piyada Mosque also commonly known as Noh Gonbad Mosque – the 9^th century mosque is considered one of the earliest constructed in the region built. With current excavation going on evidence suggests the mosque was built on top of Buddhist monastery.
• We’ll continue back to Mazar-i-Sharif making stops along the way.
• On our arrival we’ll head into the old town for dinner and see the spectacular blue mosque in a beautiful nightly setting.
• Overnight stay in Mazar-i-Sharif.

Monday 28th – Mazar-i-Sharif – Samangan – Kabul

• Breakfast at our hotel before we begin our epic road trip back to Kabul.
• We’ll make a stop at Tashkurgan – this ancient town is known as Kholm/Khulm. Dense and heavily populated with the local community it’s known for trading sheep and wool.
• Our journey will lead us into deep ravines which we’ll drive through and we’ll take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
• Next we’ll visit Zahir Shah – the last king of Afghanistan hunting lodge, used a summer palace for its cooler climate in the summer.

Afternoon

• In the afternoon we’ll find a local spot to have lunch and relax before we continue our scenic journey.
• Along the journey we’ll visit Takht-e Rostam – Buddhist monastery with several cave complexes constructed in the 3rd-4th century AD. With the conquest of Islam into Afghanistan the monastery had lost its purpose yet it’s still impressive.
• Our journey will take us through the Hindu Kush via the 3363m high Salang Tunnel – built by the Soviets from 1958 and opened in 1964. In 1979 the Soviets used it to transport their tanks over the Hindu Kush before the advance on Kabul. The tunnel has now been repaired and allows an easy crossing.
• On our arrival into Kabul we’ll check into our hotel and freshen up before our farewell dinner.
• Overnight stay in Kabul.

Tuesday 29th April – Kabul

• Breakfast at the hotel – tour concludes with airport transfers arranged.

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