12-day tour of Afghanistan » Kabul + Herat + Kandahar + Bamiyan + Mazar + Ghazni

Arrive in Kabul from Dubai, where a warm airport meet-and-greet awaits before your hotel transfer. Begin your exploration at Sakhi Shrine, a sacred site adorned with stunning blue tilework, attracting pilgrims from across the region. Visit the Shah Do Shamshira Mosque, a striking two-story mosque with a unique Baroque-style facade, standing as a testament to Kabul’s diverse architectural influences. Wander through the Bird Market, a bustling alleyway where locals trade exotic birds, offering a glimpse into an age-old Afghan tradition. Conclude your day at the Timur Shah Durrani Mausoleum, a historic 18th-century tomb honoring the founder of modern Afghanistan. The site, with its grand dome and serene ambiance, provides a fascinating insight into Kabul’s royal past.

Board a morning flight from Kabul to Herat, a city rich in Persian influence and historical grandeur. Begin at Malan Bridge, a centuries-old structure that has withstood time and war, showcasing remarkable brickwork and ingenuity. Explore the Herat Citadel, an imposing fortress once ruled by Alexander the Great, offering breathtaking views over the city. Visit the National Museum, home to rare artifacts reflecting Herat’s golden age of culture and trade. Marvel at the intricate tilework of the Friday Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Afghanistan, known for its mesmerizing blue and turquoise mosaics. End your day in the lively Herat Market, where the aroma of saffron and the craftsmanship of silk weavers transport you to the heart of Afghanistan’s thriving trade history.

Begin your morning with a visit to the Tomb of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, a revered Sufi poet whose shrine is an architectural gem blending Persian and Timurid styles. Pay respects at the Mirwais Sadiq Khan Mausoleum, honoring a key figure in Afghanistan’s modern history. After exploring Herat, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Kabul. Upon arrival, journey to the Shewaki Buddhist Stupa, an ancient site nestled in the hills surrounding the city, offering a serene glimpse into Afghanistan’s Buddhist heritage. The stupa, dating back nearly two millennia, provides a fascinating contrast to Kabul’s Islamic and modern influences.

Fly to Kandahar, the birthplace of modern Afghanistan and a city deeply tied to its founding rulers. Visit the Ahmad Shah Durrani Mausoleum, a striking blue-domed shrine honoring the father of Afghanistan. Explore the Mirwais Hotak Shrine, dedicated to the Pashtun leader who laid the foundation for Afghan independence. Discover the Red Mosque, known for its vibrant red-brick facade and spiritual significance. End your day at Chihil Zina Top, a historic vantage point overlooking Kandahar, once used by kings and commanders to survey their domains. The view offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountains and cityscape.

After a morning flight back to Kabul, embark on a journey to the Aynak Archaeological Site, an ancient Buddhist complex that dates back over a thousand years. Nestled in the rugged mountains, this site features remnants of monasteries, stupas, and carvings that provide insight into Afghanistan’s Buddhist past. The site’s significance has only grown with ongoing excavations, revealing treasures that connect Afghanistan to the ancient Silk Road.

Travel to Ghazni, a city steeped in medieval Islamic history. Admire the Ghazni Minarets, two towering brick structures covered in intricate calligraphy, standing as remnants of the city’s former grandeur. Explore the Citadel, an ancient fortress that once guarded the city during the Ghaznavid Empire. Visit the Military Open Air Museum, where Soviet-era tanks and weapons serve as a stark reminder of Afghanistan’s turbulent past. After exploring Ghazni, continue your journey to Bamiyan, a region famous for its breathtaking landscapes and ancient Buddhist heritage.

Step back in time at the Zuhak Ancient City, a fortress perched high on the cliffs, offering panoramic views of the valley below. Discover the ruins of Gholghola Ancient City, once a thriving capital before its destruction by Genghis Khan. Venture into the Kakrak Valley, home to lesser-known Buddhist cave paintings that whisper stories of an ancient civilization. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local family house, experiencing Afghan hospitality firsthand. Visit the remains of the Ancient Buddhas, once the world’s tallest standing Buddhas before their destruction in 2001. End your day with tea in cave houses, where families still live in these ancient rock-hewn dwellings. A visit to the local orphanage provides insight into community resilience in Bamiyan.

Embark on an adventurous 4WD day trip to Band-e Amir National Park, Afghanistan’s first national park, renowned for its deep blue lakes and dramatic limestone cliffs. Explore the park’s pristine waters and marvel at its untouched natural beauty. Upon returning to Bamiyan, visit the local market, where artisans sell handmade crafts and traditional clothing. Conclude your day at an English school, engaging with local students and learning about their aspirations in this remote yet culturally rich region.

Depart Bamiyan for Takht-i Rustam, a Buddhist site featuring an ancient stupa and a fascinating cave bazaar where traders once sold goods along the Silk Road. The site’s rock-carved structures and Buddhist relics reflect the region’s deep historical layers. Continue to Mazar-e-Sharif, the spiritual and cultural center of northern Afghanistan.

Visit the ancient city of Balkh, once a thriving hub of Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Islam. Explore the Khoja Parsa Mausoleum, an architectural masterpiece honoring a revered Sufi saint. Wander through Bala Hisar, the ruins of a mighty fortress that has stood for millennia. Admire the remains of the No Gombad Mosque, one of the oldest Islamic structures in Central Asia. Return to Mazar-e-Sharif to visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue-tiled facade and revered as a pilgrimage site. Explore the Baba Mazari Mausoleum, a site dedicated to a modern Afghan leader, before concluding your day in the bustling bazaar.

Travel to Kholm to visit the Bagh e Jahan Nama Palace, a stunning historical residence surrounded by lush gardens. The palace reflects a blend of Persian and Mughal architectural styles, providing insight into Afghanistan’s regal past. After exploring Kholm, return to Kabul for the final leg of your journey.

Spend your last day in Kabul exploring the National Museum of Afghanistan, home to priceless artifacts spanning the country’s vast history. Wander through the serene Gardens of Babur, the final resting place of Emperor Babur, offering beautifully landscaped terraces and stunning city views. Visit the Id Gah Mosque, one of Kabul’s largest and most significant mosques, known for its grand structure and historical importance. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your departure flight back to Dubai, concluding an unforgettable journey through Afghanistan’s rich history, culture, and landscapes.