Name: Tour In-Depth Afghanistan: Historical And Cultural Expedition | Visit Afghanistan
Price: 5990.00 USD
Rating: 3 (1 reviews)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Others

Visa Support and invitation Entry Tickets

Accommodation

4 Star or Best available Accommodation

Guide

English speaking tour guide

Flights

Domestic flights

Transport

Private transportation

Not included:

Others

Tips

Insurance

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Arrival In Kabul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arrival In Kabul

Welcome to Afghanistan! Upon your arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on an afternoon tour of Kabul. This exploration includes a visit to the Old City, the remnants of Darulaman Palace, and the Kabul Museum. Kabul, which first attracted foreign tourists in the late 1960s as a key stop on the hippie trail, has evolved significantly since then. The city center features new constructions, promising signs of post-invasion recovery, though the outskirts remain marred by rubble. Despite this, pockets of serenity persist. The city retains many mosques, mausoleums, and the lush Gardens of Babar, along with the European Cemetery where the Silk Road explorer Aurel Stein is buried. Explore ancient remnants like the city walls and Bala Hissar, which offer a glimpse into Kabul’s past. For those up early, witness the bustling activity at Ka Faroushi bird market or observe stall owners preparing fresh goods. The old box cameras by the Kabul River also offer a glimpse into a bygone era.
Day 2 Kabul To Mazar-E-Sharif
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Kabul To Mazar-E-Sharif

Spend the morning discovering more of Kabul. Suggested visits include the British cemetery, the bustling bush bazaar, and Babur’s Gardens. Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mazar-e-Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s largest cities. Close to the ancient Silk Road city of Balkh, Mazar-e-Sharif is predominantly inhabited by Afghanistan’s ethnic Uzbeks and becomes a pilgrimage site during Nau Ruz, the Persian New Year. The city’s name, meaning ‘Noble Shrine’ or ‘Tomb of the Exalted,’ originates from the belief that the final resting place of Ali, cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, is here, despite the original 12th-century shrine being destroyed by Genghis Khan. The current shrine has been restored over time. After checking into your accommodation, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 3 Mazar-E-Sharif And Balkh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mazar-E-Sharif And Balkh

After breakfast, visit the revered blue-tiled tomb of Hazrat Ali, a significant site for both Shia and Sunni Muslims, often surrounded by white pigeons. Local legend suggests that black pigeons joining the flock will turn white within a month. Next, head to the ancient Silk Road city of Balkh, known to the Greeks as Bactria and to the Arabs as Umm Al-Belaad (Mother of Cities). Explore Balkh’s 4000-year history, including the blue-tiled shrine of Khoja Parsa, 1500-year-old Buddhist stupas, the No Gombad Mosque (the oldest in Afghanistan), and the tomb of Baba Koo-i-mastan, who is credited with refining hashish. Balkh is also the birthplace of Zoroaster and the renowned poet Rumi. Overnight in Mazar-e-Sharif.
Day 4 Mazar-E-Sharif To Samangan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mazar-E-Sharif To Samangan

Today, travel approximately two hours south to Samangan to explore the 1500-year-old Buddhist monastery remains. Dating from the 4th to 5th century, the complex features cave temples used for worship, located in Takht-e-Rostam (Throne of Rostam), named after a character from ancient Persian legend. The story recounts Rostam’s battle with his estranged son, Sohrab, resulting in Sohrab’s death. As per Buddhist tradition, you’ll walk around the stupa clockwise.
Day 5 Mazar-E-Sharif To Kabul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mazar-E-Sharif To Kabul

Fly back to Kabul this morning. Spend the day exploring more of the city, including the OMAR landmine museum, the Murad Khane district, and Shah-e Doh Shamshira mosque, also known as the ‘Mosque of the King of Two Swords’. This mosque, constructed during the 1920s under Amanullah Khan’s modernization efforts, features an Italian Baroque style and is a unique example of Islamic architecture.
Day 6 Kabul To Panjshir
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Kabul To Panjshir

Visit the Panjshir Valley today, often hailed by locals as the most beautiful spot in Afghanistan. Here, you’ll see the tomb of Ahmed Shah Massoud, the revered Mujahedin commander known as the Lion of Panjshir. Enjoy local cuisine at a riverside fish restaurant. Panjshir, meaning ‘five lions’, is famous for its emerald mining and is home to the largest concentration of ethnic Tajiks. Massoud’s tomb, located at the valley’s entrance, symbolizes his significance as Afghanistan’s most famous mujahedin leader from the Soviet war.
Day 7 Kabul To Bamiyan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Kabul To Bamiyan

Fly to Bamiyan, ‘the place of shining light,’ and the capital of Hazarajat. Known for its peaceful environment, Bamiyan was a crucial hub on the Silk Road, blending Greek, Chinese, Turkish, Indian, and Persian influences. Explore the cliffside caves once inhabited by Buddhist monks and view the giant Buddha statues, which stood as the tallest statues of Buddha in the world until their destruction by the Taliban in 2001. The valley offers stunning views, and you can climb into the caves to see where the Buddha’s head once stood.
Day 8 Exploring Band-I-Amir
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Exploring Band-I-Amir

You will have the entire day to explore Band-i-Amir, a stunning natural area renowned for its five lakes, often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Desert’. Marvel at the lakes’ striking colors, which shift with the sunlight throughout the day. Geologists explain the lakes as natural dams formed by mineral deposits, while local legend attributes their creation to Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. Take advantage of the summer by swimming in the lakes, and if desired, enjoy a boat trip or an overnight stay in yurts by the lakeside.
Day 9 Discovering Dragon Valley And Shahr-E Zohak
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Discovering Dragon Valley And Shahr-E Zohak

Dedicate this day to exploring Dragon Valley, a place steeped in local legend where a hero named Hazrat Ali is said to have slain a dragon, creating the valley and its flowing springs. Also visit Shahr-e Zohak, the ‘Red Fort,’ a historic fortress from the 6th century that once stood at the junction of the Bamiyan and Kalu rivers. Despite its destruction by Genghis Khan, its ruins offer a glimpse into Afghanistan’s past.
Day 10 Touring Shah-E Golghola
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Touring Shah-E Golghola

On your final day, visit Shah-e Golghola, or ‘The City of Screams,’ a site with a grim history but offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Bamiyan valley from its ruined fortifications. The dramatic landscape and historical significance of the site provide a poignant end to your exploration of Bamiyan.
Day 11 Bamiyan To Kabul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Bamiyan To Kabul

Return to Kabul today and take the opportunity to revisit any sights you may have missed in the Afghan capital.
Day 12 Kabul To Herat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Kabul To Herat

Fly to Herat this morning. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city. Herat, with its rich cultural history and ancient buildings, offers a sublime sunset skyline of minarets and domes. It has strong cultural ties with Iran and has been a strategic and agricultural center for centuries. Despite the summer heat, Herat’s cooling winds offer a pleasant relief.
Day 13 Explore Herat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Explore Herat

Dedicate the day to exploring Herat’s extensive collection of ancient buildings, including the Friday Mosque, the Tomb of Gawhar Shad, the Masullah Complex, and the shrine of Khoja Ansari at Gazar Gah.
Day 14 Herat To Kabul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Herat To Kabul

After breakfast, enjoy some free time until your transfer to the airport for your departure. Arrival at Kabul and transfer to your Hotel. Farewell Dinner will be served.

+11

14 days tour

In-Depth Afghanistan: Historical And Cultural Expedition

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip In-Depth Afghanistan: Historical And Cultural Expedition

Arrival In Kabul

Kabul To Mazar-E-Sharif

Mazar-E-Sharif And Balkh

Mazar-E-Sharif To Samangan

Mazar-E-Sharif To Kabul

Kabul To Panjshir

Kabul To Bamiyan

Exploring Band-I-Amir

Discovering Dragon Valley And Shahr-E Zohak

Touring Shah-E Golghola

Bamiyan To Kabul

Kabul To Herat

Explore Herat

Herat To Kabul

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania