12-Day Afghanistan Group Tour » Kabul + Kandahar + Herat + Mazar-e-Sharif + Bamiyan + Ghazni

Arrive in Kabul early in the morning, where our team will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your 4-star hotel for check-in and some rest. After refreshing, the adventure begins with an exploration of Kabul, a city rich in history and culture that has been the heart of Afghanistan for centuries.

In the late morning, we start our city tour with a visit to the Sakhi Shrine, an important spiritual site believed to be associated with Hazrat Ali, a revered figure in Islam. Next, we explore the Shah Do Shamshira Mosque, a two-story mosque with a unique European architectural influence, built during the late 19th century. Moving on, we experience the Bird Market, one of Kabul’s most vibrant places, where Afghans have traded birds for generations. Finally, we visit the Timur Shah Durrani Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of the Durrani Empire, who ruled Afghanistan in the 18th century.

In the evening, we head to Wazir Akbar Khan Hill, a panoramic viewpoint offering one of the best cityscapes of Kabul, particularly at sunset. Afterward, return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest and prepare for the flight to Herat the next day.

In the morning, we transfer to Kabul International Airport for a 1-hour flight to Herat, Afghanistan’s cultural capital, historically a major hub of the Silk Road. Upon arrival, we check into our 3-star hotel and begin exploring Herat’s rich historical sites.

The first stop is the Malan Bridge, an ancient bridge that spans the Hari River, serving as a key crossing point for traders for centuries. We then move on to Herat Citadel, originally built by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE, later expanded by the Timurids. Next, we visit the National Museum of Herat, home to artifacts spanning thousands of years, including Buddhist relics, Islamic manuscripts, and Persian-influenced artwork.

In the afternoon, we explore the Friday Mosque (Masjid-e Jami), one of the most breathtaking examples of Islamic tilework in Central Asia. Finally, we take a stroll through Herat Market, where you can see traditional Afghan carpets, local handicrafts, and the daily life of Heratis. After a full day, we return to the hotel for a night in this historic city.

The morning begins with a visit to the Tomb of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, an 11th-century Sufi scholar and poet, whose teachings influenced Islamic mysticism across Central Asia. His tomb, built in the Timurid period, is an important pilgrimage site and features intricate tilework and Persian-inspired architecture. This visit provides insight into Afghanistan’s deep spiritual traditions. Afterward, we head to the Mirwais Sadiq Khan Mausoleum, dedicated to the son of Afghanistan’s last king, Mohammed Zahir Shah. This site holds modern historical significance, reminding visitors of Afghanistan’s monarchical past before the country’s shift to a republic in 1973.

At 11:00 AM, we transfer to Herat Airport for our return flight to Kabul, a journey of approximately one hour. Upon arrival in Kabul, we take a short drive to the Shewaki Buddhist Stupa, one of the few remaining Buddhist sites in the region, dating back to the Kushan Empire (2nd century CE). This structure is a reminder of Afghanistan’s Buddhist past before the introduction of Islam in the 7th century.

The evening is free for rest, or you may explore the local area near the hotel. This is a great time to discuss your experiences so far and prepare for the journey to Kandahar the following day.

We start the day with an early morning transfer to Kabul Airport for our flight to Kandahar, a city known as the birthplace of modern Afghanistan. Upon arrival, we meet our local guide and begin our city tour, focusing on Kandahar’s rich history and its role in the country’s formation.

The first stop is the Ahmad Shah Durrani Mausoleum, where the founder of Afghanistan rests. Ahmad Shah, often referred to as the “Father of the Nation,” established the Durrani Empire in 1747, uniting the Afghan tribes. His mausoleum, crowned with a striking turquoise dome, is one of the most revered historical landmarks in the country. Next, we visit the Mirwais Hotak Shrine, dedicated to the leader who led Afghanistan’s successful revolt against Persian rule in the early 18th century, marking the beginning of Afghanistan’s struggle for sovereignty.

In the afternoon, we explore the Red Mosque, a significant religious site, before heading to Chihil Zina Top, an ancient fortified hilltop with sweeping views over Kandahar and its surrounding landscapes. This location was used as a strategic stronghold by various rulers throughout Afghan history. After a full day of discovery, we return to the hotel to rest before flying back to Kabul the following morning.

After breakfast, we take a morning flight back to Kabul. Upon arrival, we set out for Mes Aynak, a significant Buddhist archaeological site located about 40 km southeast of Kabul. Mes Aynak is home to the remains of ancient Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and artifacts dating back to the 3rd century CE. However, the site is also known for its vast copper deposits, making it one of the most contested locations in modern Afghanistan.

Excavations at Mes Aynak have uncovered over 400 Buddhist structures, some of which bear remarkable similarities to the Ajanta Caves in India. This visit offers an opportunity to understand the Buddhist history of Afghanistan and the challenges of preserving historical sites in a rapidly changing landscape.

In the afternoon, we return to Kabul for some free time, allowing you to relax or explore the nearby markets.

An early morning departure takes us on a road trip to Ghazni, a historic city that was once the capital of the Ghaznavid Empire (10th–12th centuries). The city played a crucial role in the Islamic Golden Age, with scholars and poets making it an important intellectual hub.

We visit the Minarets of Ghazni, two towering brick structures adorned with intricate Kufic calligraphy, built in the 12th century. These minarets were once part of a larger mosque complex that has since disappeared. Next, we explore the Ghazni Citadel, an imposing fortress that has stood through various wars and invasions. Lastly, the Military Open-Air Museum provides a look at the region’s long history of conflict, displaying Soviet and British-era military relics.

After lunch, we continue our journey to Bamiyan, a region known for its spectacular landscapes and Buddhist heritage. We arrive in the evening and check in at Noorband Qala Hotel (3-star) or Bamyan Royal Hotel (4-star).

The day begins with a visit to the Buddhas of Bamiyan, where we see the giant empty niches that once housed two of the largest standing Buddha statues in the world. Carved into the cliffs between the 3rd and 6th centuries CE, these statues stood at 55 meters and 38 meters tall and were a significant center of Buddhist pilgrimage before their destruction in 2001. While the statues are gone, the surrounding caves still hold ancient murals, meditation chambers, and remnants of Buddhist monasteries. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing Afghanistan’s rich but endangered cultural heritage.

Next, we explore Zuhak and Gholghola Ancient Cities, two fortresses that played crucial defensive roles in Bamiyan’s history. Zuhak, known as the “Red City” due to the color of its clay, was a military stronghold during the 11th century. It was designed to protect the region from invaders but was ultimately destroyed by Genghis Khan’s forces in 1221. Gholghola, meaning “The City of Screams”, also fell to the Mongols during their conquests. The ruins of these cities sit atop hills, offering panoramic views of Bamiyan Valley and a deeper understanding of the region’s past conflicts.

In the afternoon, we visit the troglodyte cave homes, where Afghan families have been living for generations. Originally Buddhist meditation caves, these dwellings were repurposed over centuries and now serve as homes for landless families. This visit offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, as we sit down for tea with locals and learn about their traditional way of life, daily struggles, and resilience. This experience also promotes sustainable tourism, ensuring that visitors contribute to the local economy and community well-being.

We begin the day with an exciting 4WD journey to Band-e Amir National Park, Afghanistan’s first and most stunning protected natural area. Located 75 km west of Bamiyan, this series of six breathtaking lakes is known for its deep blue waters, formed by natural limestone deposits over thousands of years. These lakes are considered one of Afghanistan’s most beautiful natural wonders, drawing pilgrims, travelers, and photographers alike.

We spend the morning exploring the cliffs, waterfalls, and walking trails around Band-e Haibat, Band-e Panir, and Band-e Gholaman, three of the most famous lakes in the park. The reflections of the mountains on the crystal-clear blue waters create a surreal atmosphere, making this one of the most picturesque locations in the country. For those interested, there’s also a chance to take a boat ride on the lake or simply sit back and enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature.

After lunch, we return to Bamiyan town, where we visit a local private English school. This visit provides a unique opportunity to interact with Afghan students, both boys and girls, who are working hard to build a brighter future through education. You’ll be able to observe lessons, talk to students about their aspirations, and gain insight into the education system in Afghanistan. This school visit is an eye-opening experience, showcasing the resilience of young Afghans striving for a better life despite the challenges they face.

We set off before dawn for a long but rewarding journey to Mazar-e-Sharif. Along the way, we stop at Takht-i Rustam, one of Afghanistan’s most unique Buddhist sites, dating back to the 5th century CE. Unlike typical stupas, this site is an underground Buddhist monastery, featuring a rock-carved stupa inside a pit, surrounded by ancient meditation chambers. Historians believe this design was meant to protect the monastery from invaders, making it a fascinating example of Afghanistan’s rich Buddhist heritage.

After exploring the site, we continue our journey north through changing landscapes, transitioning from the mountain valleys of Bamiyan to the open plains leading to Mazar-e-Sharif. Arriving in the evening, we check into Arsalan Hotel (3-star) and prepare for the next day’s exploration of one of Afghanistan’s most important spiritual cities.

The morning starts with a visit to Balkh, one of the oldest cities in the world, often referred to as the “Mother of Cities”. It was a major center of Zoroastrianism before Islam and later became an important hub during the Greco-Bactrian, Kushan, and Islamic periods.

We begin at the Khoja Parsa Mausoleum, a 15th-century Timurid-era shrine, before heading to the Bala Hisar Fortress, which has stood for centuries as a defensive stronghold against various invaders. Lastly, we visit the No Gombad Mosque, Afghanistan’s oldest Islamic monument, dating back to the 9th century CE. Its nine domes (of which only remnants remain) showcase early Islamic architecture, making it a significant historical site.

In the afternoon, we return to Mazar-e-Sharif and visit the Blue Mosque (Shrine of Hazrat Ali), one of the most breathtaking mosques in the Islamic world, known for its stunning blue tilework. We also stop at the Baba Mazari Mausoleum, dedicated to a respected Afghan leader. The day concludes with a walk through the bustling local bazaar, where you can find traditional Afghan crafts, spices, and textiles.

As we begin our journey back to Kabul, we first make a stop in Kholm, a historic town that once served as a trading hub on the Silk Road. Located about 60 km southeast of Mazar-e-Sharif, this town has long been a meeting point for merchants and travelers moving between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The landscape transitions from flat plains to gentle rolling hills, dotted with traditional Afghan villages and farmlands.

Our main visit in Kholm is to the Bagh e Jahan Nama Palace, a 19th-century architectural masterpiece that once belonged to Afghan royalty. This beautiful palace, surrounded by lush gardens and towering trees, was used as a summer retreat by various rulers. The palace’s elegant design, featuring intricate woodwork, arched doorways, and decorative windows, gives visitors a glimpse into Afghanistan’s regal past. Walking through its spacious courtyards and shaded pathways, one can imagine the grandeur and opulence that once filled this residence.

After exploring Kholm, we continue our long drive toward Kabul, a journey covering approximately 340 km. The road first cuts through the northern plains, an open expanse of golden wheat fields and grazing livestock, offering a view into Afghanistan’s agricultural heartland. Small roadside stalls sell fresh fruits, naan bread, and Afghan tea, making for an ideal roadside break. As we proceed, the landscape gradually becomes more rugged, with dusty brown hills giving way to towering mountain ranges.

One of the most scenic parts of the journey is when we pass through the Salang Pass, a breathtaking high-altitude mountain road that connects northern and southern Afghanistan. The pass, which reaches an elevation of 3,400 meters (11,000 feet), offers spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys. This historic route was originally built by the Soviets in the 1960s and remains one of Afghanistan’s most critical transportation arteries.

As we descend from the pass, we enter the Hindu Kush mountain range, where steep cliffs and winding roads dominate the landscape. Villages are nestled in valleys along fast-flowing rivers, and you’ll see Afghan shepherds guiding their flocks along the hillsides. This section of the drive can take longer due to road conditions and security checkpoints, but it also provides some of the most awe-inspiring scenery of the entire trip.

By the evening, we finally reach Kabul, where we check in for our last night in the capital. After a long but visually rewarding journey, there is an opportunity to relax at the hotel or take a short walk around the local area before dinner. This is also a great time to reflect on the journey so far, as we prepare for our final day of sightseeing in Kabul before departure.

On our last day, we explore some of Kabul’s most significant cultural landmarks. We begin at The National Museum of Afghanistan, which houses over 50,000 artifacts covering Afghanistan’s Buddhist, Zoroastrian, and Islamic history. This museum offers an essential overview of the country’s past civilizations and their influence on today’s culture.

Next, we visit the Gardens of Babur, a beautifully restored 16th-century garden that serves as the final resting place of Mughal Emperor Babur, the founder of the Mughal Dynasty. The peaceful surroundings provide a perfect setting for reflection on the journey.

Before heading to the airport, we stop at Id Gah Mosque, one of Kabul’s oldest and most historically significant mosques, where major Islamic gatherings take place. This final visit offers a last glimpse into Afghanistan’s religious and architectural heritage.

In the afternoon, we transfer to Kabul International Airport, where the journey concludes with a flight back to Dubai.