Autumn Afghanistan Tour

What's it all about?

From the surreal blue lakes of Band-e-Amir to the Blue Mosque of Mazar-e-Sharif – A trip to Afghanistan offers the opportunity to see a country that has been off the tourist map since the hippy trails of the 1970s.

On this very special Autumn Afghanistan tour, we’ll start off in the capital city of Kabul before making our way overland to Bamyan and Mazer-e-Sharif. From there we take in the stunning surroundings of Samangan before flying onto Herat and then back to Kabul. Depending on the security situation on the ground, the itinerary is subject to change.

Following a return to offering safe & secure Afghanistan tours, we have designed this itinerary with safety in mind and only included places which are currently deemed safe to visit.

We are one of the only travel companies currently offering group tours to Afghanistan. Places are extremely limited and demand is high – so get in touch for more info today!

Before this trip we are also running a Pakistan Karakoram Highway tour – get in touch for a combo discount on both tours.

Where?

Kabul – Bamyan – Band-e-Amir – Mazar-e-Sharif – Samangan – Herat – Kabul

When?

Sept 15 – 24th, 2023

Visa?

We will issue you an invitation letter which will allow you to apply for a visa at your nearest Afghan embassy.

The Itinerary

Kabul – Bamyan – Band-e-Amir – Mazer-e-Sharif – Samangan – Herat – Kabul

September 15th | Kabul

Arrival in Kabul. Airport transfers to our Hotel.
Check in, meet our guide and receive a short briefing about travelling in Afghanistan.
Visit a local tailor to choose an outfit before we start our Kabul tour.
Visit the old town and its Bird Market – here you’ll find not only thousands of exotic birds, but lots of blacksmiths, carpenters and other trades people.
See the old turquoise-tiled Sakhi mosque in the west of Kabul. This place is very
sacred to Shia Muslims, who believe it to be the final resting-place of Hazrati Ali, the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.
Visit Darulaman Palace.
Babur’s Gardens.
Dinner and overnight in Kabul

September 16th | Kabul - Bamyan

Depart Kabul early for our road trip to Bamyan.
We will journey to the famous ancient buddhist complex. The Buddhas of Bamyan were two monumental statues carved into the side of a cliff in the Bamyan valley in the 6th century. These massive World Heritage-listed statues, situated in the peaceful Hazarajat region of central Afghanistan, were deliberately dynamited and destroyed by the Taliban in March 2001 at a great cultural loss to all humanity. The area is still an extraordinary historic site to explore. After lunch we will visit Shahr-e Gholghola also known as the City of Screams, the ruins of a 12th century (and possibly much older) city near the town of Bamyan. We will also journey out to Shahr-e Zuhak, also known as The Red City.
Evening tea on our hotel rooftop before heading into town for dinner.
Overnight in Bamyan.

September 17th | Bamyan & Band e Amir

Short walk through Bamyan where we will visit the wonderfully colorful local market. The area is very safe and you can enjoy free time here.
Visit the six deep blue lakes of Band-e-Amir. The lakes are separated by natural dams made of travertine, a mineral deposit. This area is dominated by ethnic Hazaras, who make up around 23% of Afghanistan’s population. Band-e Amir was to become Afghanistan’s first National Park in the 1960s but this was delayed due to successive political crises and decades of war. In 2004, Band-e Amir was submitted for recognition as a World Heritage site, and in 2009, it was finally declared as such. Since 2013 it has become a popular destination for both Afghan and international visitors. After visiting the national park, journey back to our hotel in Bamyan for the night.
Dinner & overnight in Bamyan.

September 18th | Bamyan - Samangan - Mazar-e-Sharif

We’ll hit the road early for the long drive to Mazar-e-Sharif.
It’s a beautiful drive through the mountains stopping several times for snacks and photo ops.
Visit the 3rd and 4th century temples at Samangan and see the Stupas carved out of the ground.
Arrival in Mazar-e-Sharif. Dinner and overnight.

September 19th | Mazar-e-Sharif

We will start the day to visit the iconic Blue Mosque and the shrine of Hazrat Ali. This is one of the most famous, and most beautiful sacred sites in the Islamic world. The exquisitely-patterned decoration of the shrine, is set in an expansive white marble courtyard. Add the great flocks of white doves, and a dazzling blue sky, and you have one of the best photo locations in all of Central Asia.
Journey to Charkent to see the 12th century gate from the time of Genghis Khan who was supposed to attack this area but the people of Charkent responded and built a massive gate to stop the Mongols.
This gate didn’t just stop the Mongols but later in 1988 it stopped the Soviets from entering Charkent and later in 1998 it also stopped the Taliban at the time.
Explore more of the city centre and it’s vibrant street life in the afternoon.
Overnight in Mazar-e-Sharif.

September 20th | Mazar-e-Sharif - Kabul

Catch the early flight back to Kabul where we will have tea and some time to have a look around the famous bazaar on Chicken Street.
Visit the Western Cemetery which was a British military camp and the site of the 1879 “Siege of the Sherpur Cantonment” in the Second Anglo-Afghan War. The cemetery is home to many memorials and graves for the fallen western soldiers and Kabul residents who have fought in various conflicts throughout the history of Kabul. It is well looked after by an Afghan father and son.
Pay a house visit to one of the last remaining Afghan box photographers! Haji Mirzaman has been operating his old box camera for over 60 years. Get your own portrait taken by the master. (Extra cost)
Dinner and overnight in Kabul.

September 21st | Kabul - Herat

Catch our flight to Herat.
Visit the Masjidi Jami or Friday Mosque, originally built by the Ghurid ruler, Ghiyas ad-Din Ghori, in 1200AD (597 AH). After his death, the building was completed by his brother and successor Muhammad of Ghor. After falling into ruin and then being destroyed by an earthquake, the current mosque was completed in 1446AD.
We will continue on to see the adjoining tile factory of Herat.
Transfer to the hotel, dinner and overnight in Herat.

September 22nd | Herat

This morning we will tour the Herat citadel, which dates back to 330 BC. When Alexander the Great and his army arrived in Afghanistan, after the Battle of Gaugamela. This battle was Alexander’s decisive battle in his invasion and conquest of the ancient Persian Achaemenid Empire. Many empires have since used it as their headquarters over the last 2,000 years. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times.
After we will look around the Herat Bazaar and the old town. Great place for picking up rugs, spices and other souvenirs.
See the remains of an ancient Caravanserai.
Dinner and overnight in Herat.

September 23rd | Herat - Kabul

In the morning visit the tomb of Goharshad and the Minarets of Herat, part of what was originally a much larger complex: the Mosque and Madrassa of Gawharshad. Unfortunately, much of the complex was dynamited and destroyed by officers of the British Indian Army in 1885 to prevent it’s use as a fortress, as they feared a Russian invasion of India. The tomb and minarets are thankfully still standing, and are amongst the most famous landmarks in Herat.
In the afternoon you will visit the Guzargah Mosque and Puli Malaan, a fine old 22 arched bridge, believed to have been constructed by the Seljuks in the early 12th century. Locals believe it was built by two sisters, named Bibi Hur and Bibi Noor.
Herat Glass factory (if open)
We will fly to Kabul in the late afternoon.
Dinner in Kabul and overnight.

September 24th | Kabul

Transfer to the airport. End of Afghanistan tour.

Inclusions

Exclusions

Hotels

Single room in secure hotels.
Guides

Expert local guide and fixer.
Transport

Car and driver as well as all internal flights.
Visa Support

We will supply you with a letter of invitation to apply at your nearest embassy.
Food

All meals and drinks.
Entrance Fees

All entrance fees to sites on your itinerary.

International Fights

Flights to and from your starting point.
Visa Fee

The price varies depending on your nationality and embassy that you apply at.
Tips

Tips are expected for your local guides and driver.

You’ll be in the vastly experienced hands of our English speaking local guides & fixer as well as your Rocky Road Travel guide. Given the unpredictable nature of travelling in Afghanistan, the itinerary may change slightly, but we will always go above and beyond with added extras such as stops at local cafe-bars, shisha lounges and parks. We are in constant communication with our local partners on the ground who advise the safe routes to take.

Before the Afghanistan tour we will add you to a dedicated WhatsApp group so you can chat about the tour & share photos easily with your travel mates. Just let us know is you want to opt out of this.

To book simply hit the button below and start the conversation today.

September 15 - 24th, 2023

Afghanistan Tour

start & finish in Kabul

Join our Pakistan tour to make it a combo!

Secure hotels

9 nights in Afghanistan

The price

$3,090 USD

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Autumn Afghanistan Tour

What's it all about?