Afghanistan is open to women travelers — and this quarterly, small-group departure is designed specifically to make it meaningful, safe, and deeply cultural. Eight days across Kabul, Bamiyan, Band-e Amir, and Herat, built around Hazara women artisans, women-only cooking classes, private family visits, and a visit to Hussain Naveed’s education centre for girls and boys. $2,200 per person · eVisa not included · quarterly guaranteed departures for groups of 1–10.
Is This Tour Safe?
Short answer: yes, with the right operator. Our founder has taken 300+ clients to Afghanistan since 2012 with zero security incidents. Under current rules, women must travel with a mahram — this tour is designed around those requirements while still giving you a full, meaningful experience.
For the full breakdown, see Is Afghanistan safe to travel?
Your Guide
Your in-country guide is Hussain Naveed — an Afghan national, lifelong Kabul resident, and the founder of the Bamiyan education centre featured by VICE. He has hosted travelers from more than 40 countries and knows every checkpoint, every local family, and every back road from Kabul to Herat. When we say “local guide, not Western tour leader,” we mean it.
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Kabul
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Kabul
Morning arrival at Kabul International Airport. Private meet and greet by our local team and transfer to your 4-star hotel. After settling in, begin your first exploration of the capital: the colourful Sakhi Shrine, the bustling Bird Market, and a walk up Wazir Akbar Khan Hill for panoramic views over the city. End the day at a private women-only welcome dinner.
Meals: Dinner · Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kabul
Scenic overland transfer to Bamiyan through the dramatic Afghan highlands — one of the most spectacular drives in Central Asia. En route and upon arrival, visit three of Afghanistan's most important ancient sites: the red-walled Zuhak City (Red City), the hilltop fortress of Shahr-e Gholghola (City of Screams), and the towering empty niches of the Ancient Buddhas of Bamiyan. Afternoon stop at Kakrak Valley to see its lesser-known Buddhist carvings. Overnight in Bamiyan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch · Accommodation: Hotel in Bamiyan
A full day dedicated to the culture and creativity of Hazara women — experiences exclusive to this tour. Begin with a hands-on workshop learning traditional Hazara clothing-making techniques, guided by local women artisans. Continue with a handicraft session — textiles, embroidery, and traditional crafts passed down through generations. Late morning, visit the ancient cave houses of Bamiyan for a private tea with a local family. Afternoon visits to a local orphanage and the education centre for girls and boys run by our partner Hussain Naveed — a chance to connect directly with the community. Private female-only dinner in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Accommodation: Hotel in Bamiyan
Full-day 4WD adventure to Band-e Amir, Afghanistan's first national park — a chain of six stunning turquoise lakes set between towering limestone cliffs at 3,000 metres. Time to walk the shores and take in one of Central Asia's most extraordinary natural landscapes. Return to Bamiyan via the local market for handicrafts and souvenirs. Overnight in Bamiyan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch · Accommodation: Hotel in Bamiyan
Morning transfer to Kabul airport for your domestic flight to Herat, Afghanistan's western cultural capital. Afternoon discovery of the city's architectural treasures: the 15th-century Herat Citadel (Qala Iktyaruddin), the magnificent Friday Mosque (Masjid-e Jami) with its intricate tilework, the Herat National Museum, and the historic Malan Bridge. Stroll through the old bazaar as the city winds down. Overnight in Herat.
Meals: Breakfast · Accommodation: Hotel in Herat · Note: Domestic flight Kabul → Herat included
A day dedicated to Herat's living traditions, led entirely by local women. Morning hands-on cooking class — learn to prepare regional Afghan dishes in an intimate, female-only setting. Afternoon visit to women-only tailoring workshops: meet the tailors, choose fabrics, and commission custom-made Afghan clothing as a personal souvenir. Free time to explore the old city at your own pace. Private female-only farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Accommodation: Hotel in Herat
Morning visits to two of Herat's most revered sites: the pilgrimage complex of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari in Gazargah, and the monument of Mirwais Sadiq Khan. Transfer to Herat airport for your return flight to Kabul. Late afternoon, a final sunset walk up Wazir Akbar Khan Hill. Farewell group dinner. Overnight in Kabul.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner · Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kabul · Note: Domestic flight Herat → Kabul included
Morning exploration of Kabul's remaining highlights: the Shewaki Buddhist Stupa, the elegant terraced Gardens of Babur (burial place of the Mughal Empire's founder), and the grand Id Gah Mosque. Transfer to Kabul International Airport for your afternoon departure.
Meals: Breakfast
