afghanistan tours

Young Pioneer Tours

Afghanistan Tours for 2024 and 2025

Guided tours to afghanistan.

Young Pioneer Tours have resumed offering fully guided and security-conscious Afghanistan tours for 2024 and 2025 at regular intervals.

Since 2016 YPT have been running tours to Afghanistan and as the situation has stabilised since the Taliban again took control. We can now therefore offer tours to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan until its fall in 2021 to the Taliban.

YPT Group tours to Afghanistan in 2024 and 2025

For safety and security reasons, our Afghanistan tours are led by a local expert guide and we accept no more than 10 group members per tour. This is a rule strictly enforced for your safety.

As well as our regular Afghanistan tours, we now offer a limited number of all female tours to Afghanistan.

2024 Afghanistan Group Tours

Grand Afghanistan tour – April 9th to April 18th / 21st 2024 – €3445 / €4440

The most in-depth and complete Afghanistan tour we offer which includes all the must-see sights within Kabul, as well as further exploring beyond to Bamyan, Herat, Kandahar, Mazar-i-Sharif and the ancient city of Baikh.

Afghanistan Spring Tour – May 20th to 28th – 2024 – $2745

Join us on a rare opportunity to learn a different side of this beautiful and complex country meeting people from all walks of life, whilst partaking in the must-see sights of a region regarded as the “crossroads of Asia” or, to its adversaries, the “graveyard of empires”.

Women’s Tour to Afghanistan – July 29th to August 6th – 2024 – $2745

After the overwhelming success of the world’s first ever women-only tour to Afghanistan since the Taliban took over, we will be running another. Join us on our carefully curated, immersive experience that deeply examines women’s lives in Afghanistan.

Grand Afghanistan Autumn tour – September 24th to October 3rd / 6th 2024 – €3445 / €4440

Back by popular demand, the most in-depth and complete Afghanistan tour we offer which includes all the must-see sights within Kabul, as well as further exploring beyond to Bamyan, Herat, Kandahar, Mazar-i-Sharif and the ancient city of Baikh.

We are currently planning a number of other group tours to Afghanistan which will be added here.

Afghanistan Group Tour Information

We are in constant communication with our local partners in Kabul and deem whether the Afghanistan group tour or private group tour is safe to go ahead or not depending on the local security situation on the ground.

Trips to Afghanistan do create dangers all of their own and whilst we want you to have as much freedom as possible, we must state that both the YPT and local guides have the final word with regards to changes to the itinerary for safety reasons.

Whilst the route YPT have chosen passes through areas that we consider to be stable; the situation can change and we may have to alter the route or cancel sections of the trip at short notice. If there is an extra expense incurred due to the change of itinerary then you may be asked to bear part of that cost. For example, if we have to fly between cities rather than drive. Joining this tour means you agree to these terms. Further information on terms and conditions for our Afghanistan tours are available on request.

For Pakistan e-visa purposes you can only arrive on the Afghanistan tour commencing date. Your Afghanistan Tour visa is not valid before this date, nor is it valid for independent travel in Afghanistan.

Independent travel to Afghanistan

For all intents our independent Afghanistan tours work much in the same way as our group tours to Afghanistan. Generally speaking, while the itinerary would remain mostly the same for your Afghanistan tour, there is also scope for us to arrange bespoke travel within Afghanistan.

Independent tours to Afghanistan are still led by an expert local guide and driver, but can be done for as little as one solo traveller. For more information on independent Afghanistan tours please get on touch to talk to one of our experts.

Afghanistan Travel Agency

Young Pioneer To9urs began offering travel to Afghanistan under the previous government and during the time of the Taliban insurgency. We have always sued the best local partners and have never scrimped on the best tours and most importantly safety.

This has continued since the Taliban came back into power and we remain the most trusted Afghanistan travel agency when it comes to not just having a good time, but more importantly safety

How to get an Afghanistan Visa?

YPT provides full visa support for both your e-visa for Pakistan and your visa to Afghanistan, which is collected in Peshawar (located within Pakistan). The Pakistan visa fee depends on your nationality and the Afghanistan visa fee is $100 for all nationalities – Note – This is the current price for an Afghanistan visa, but it is subject change. Please get in touch if you have questions about your eligibility for an Afghanistan visa.

Is Afghanistan Tours safe under the Taliban?

While we have covered the safety of Afghanistan tours in other articles, things have obviously changed a little with the current situation. Whilst we always suggest checking the guidance of your own government advisory sites, such as the UKFCO . In our own opinion though traveling to Afghanistan is now safer due to the stability the new Taliban regime has brought to the country.

Things though can and do change and at as such we will keep you constantly updated should the security situation in country change at all.

To read if it is ethical to travel to Afghanistan under the Taliban click here .

Sample Afghanistan Itinerary

The following is our example tour to Afghanistan. This can be done as a bespoke Afghanistan tour in its entirety, or adapted to your exact needs.

Day 1 (Must start on Monday or Wednesday) – Islamabad

• Arrive at your convenience into Islamabad – the capital city of Pakistan which is well connected from many countries within Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
• Airport transfer and check into the Grand Islamabad Hotel
• Overnight in Grand Islamabad Hotel.

Day 2 – Islamabad – Peshawar

• Breakfast at hotel and meet our Pakistani guide
• Depart at 7:00am on our 180km drive northwest to Peshawar – Pakistan’s sixth largest city and located near the border of Afghanistan.
• Arrive directly at the Afghanistan consulate in Peshawar to submit your visa applications
• Stop by an authentic Pakistani restaurant to grab a local lunch and soak in the atmosphere. You’ll notice the heavy Afghani influence on this unique Pakistani city.
• Head to the Old City centre to explore the busy Qissa Khwani Bazaar where local clothing can be purchased for us to better blend in to both Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• Visit Clock Tower Square – this tower belongs to a pair of clock towers that were presented by the U.K.’s Queen Elizabeth. The other tower being in England.
• Explore Mohabbat Khan Mosque – a 17th-century Mughal-era mosque built in 1630. An elegant mosque and fantastic for photos.
• Return to the Afghanistan consulate to collect passports and visas.
• Check into our Peshawar hotel to freshen up
• Head out to Habibi restaurant famous for local dishes
• Overnight in Peshawar

Day 3 – Peshawar – Islamabad – Kabul, Afghanistan

• Breakfast at hotel and morning departure back to Islamabad and head straight to the airport.
• Board our 1-hour direct flight to Kabul departing 4:30pm on Kam Air 928 – the capital of Afghanistan.
• On arrival meet our Afghanistan guide at the airport and be transferred to our guest house.
• At our guest house you’ll have a briefing with our guide.
• It may be required to visit the tourism ministry in Kabul to meet directly with the Taliban to receive our permit to allow the group to travel outside of the capital.
• Head out for dinner and overnight in Kabul.

Day 4 – Kabul – Bamyan

• Breakfast at guesthouse and depart early on our 180km journey to Bamyan heading north across the Shomali Plains passing over the Shibar pass (3285m).
• Stop for lunch along the way
• Pass by the watershed of the Indus and Oxus river systems before finally reaching Bamyan.
• Visit the remains of the Buddhas of Bamyan – on orders from Taliban, the statues were destroyed in March 2001 as they declared that they were idols.
• Drive a short distance to the base of the Shahr-E-Golgola also known as the ‘City of Screams’ – this was destroyed by Genghis Khan in 1221. Genghis had destroyed Balkh and sent his teenage grandson with an army to capture Bamyan. The people resisted and Genghis’s grandson was killed.  Genghis besieged and destroyed Golgola in revenge.
• Drive out to the Valley of the Dragon ‘Darya Ajdhahar’ – this massive rock formation is alleged to be the remains of a dragon that persecuted the villagers until Hazrat Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammed killed it. The story is reminiscent of St George and the Dragon.
• Check into our hotel, head out to the bazaar for dinner and overnight in Bamian.

Day 5 – Bamyan – Band-e-Amir National Park – Bamyan

• Wake up early and head to Hindu Kush and to the remains of the Buddhas of Bamyan for stunning sunrise photos.
• Head back to the hotel for breakfast and a great chance to catch locals doing their morning routines.
• Begin driving 80km west to Band-e-Amir National Park – a stunning group of turquoise lakes located high in the Hindu Kush at an altitude of 2900m. It was also the first registered national park in Afghanistan. Hike around the area for picturesque photos and amazing views
• Picnic lunch outdoors and return to Bamyan
• Dinner in town and overnight

Day 6 – Bamyan – Kabul

• Breakfast at guest house and begin drive back to Kabul
• Stop for photos, and rest breaks along the way.
• Lunch on arrival in Kabul
• Visit Darul Aman Palace – built during the reign of Amanullah Khan in the 1920s it has over 150 rooms and offers stunning views of Kabul.
• Walk around the Garden of Babur – developed in 1528 it’s a historic park which holds the tomb of the first Mughal emperor Babur.
• Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 7 – Kabul – Mazar-I-Sharif

• Breakfast at guest house and head to the airport to depart on a morning Kam Air flight to Mazar.
• On arrival head 25km out towards the ancient town of Balkh – this town is believed to be the centre of the Bactrian Empire, even before the arrival of Alexander the Great. It was destroyed many times over by the likes of Ghengis Khan and Timur-i-lang.
• Visit the Shrine of Khoja Abu Nasar Parsa and Dargah of Rabia Balkhi
• Visit the old town of Balkh where the US military were briefly stationed as they were withdrawing from the area.
• Return to Mazar and lunch on arrival
• Visit the Blue Mosque or ‘Shrine of Hazrat Ali’ – the most famous building in Afghanistan. The mosque is located in the heart of Mazar-I-Sharif and is one of the reputed burial places of Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in law of Prophet Muhammad.
• Explore Mazar bazaar – this bazar is not only the rug production of Afghanistan but considered the rug hub of Central Asia.
• Dinner, ice-cream dessert and overnight in Mazar-I-Sharif

Day 8 – Mazar-I-Sharif – Kabul

• Breakfast at guest house and head to the airport to board the morning flight back to Kabul
• First stop visit the National Museum of Afghanistan – it holds manuscripts, miniatures, weapons and art objects belonging to the former royal families.
• Visit the War Museum and meet the fine folk that run PMAR – an Afghani NGO dedicated to removing land mines leftover by decades of war dating back to the Soviet occupation.
• Grab an Afghani lunch in town
• Explore Ka Faroshi Bird Market – located in the heart of Kabul’s old city; this narrow laned market is packed with small, mud-walled shops festooned with bird cages and birds.
• Continue exploring old town markets – good spot to buy any afghani goods,
• Visit Abdur Rahman Khan Mausoleum – Abdur Rahman Khan was Emir of Afghanistan between 1880 and 1901. He was a strong ruler and gained the name of the ‘Iron Amir’. His tomb sits in the Mausoleum in Zarnegar Park which translates as the park adorned with gold.
• Head up to the TV Towers Mountain where you’ll have a great view of Kabul city below.
• Swing by the curiosity shops of Chicken Street for dinner and overnight in guest house.
• Farewell dinner with our local guides and overnight in Kabul

Day 9 –Kabul

• Breakfast at hotel
• For any sites missed in Kabul at the beginning of the tour it may be arranged today according to availability.
• Tour concludes – YPT is able to arrange airport transfers and advice for flights out.
• Optional $475 to board Kam Air flight 901 departing Kabul 5:25pm and arriving into Dubai 8:00pm. We can further explore Kabul before the flight or see any sights you couldn’t do on our first day.

Note – This is a sample itinerary for our Afghanistan Tours and is therefore subject to change. For bespoke Afghanistan itineraries please contact is vis the link below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AFGHANISTAN TOURS

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about our tours to Afghanistan. If you have further questions then get in touch and talk to the experts.

What are the Afghanistan Tour Guides Like?

How do you get an afghanistan visa, is afghanistan safe for tourists, is it ethical to travel to afghanistan, are there atms in afghanistan, can you drink in afghanistan, can i take photos, will i meet the taliban, what should i wear, can you get insurance for afghanistan, are they options for vegetarians, what are the toilets like in afghanistan, what is the accommodation like, for more information on our afghanistan tours contact us.

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Explore The Majestic Afghan Landscape Now

We create a truly immersive and transformative travel experience.

We ensure that every moment of your journey is filled with wonder and delight.

10 Days Afghanistan Tour

6 days afghanistan tour, 5 days kabul-bamyan tour, 7 days trekking & hiking trip in kunar & nurestan, experience the new adventure.

At Destination Afghanistan Tours, we are passionate about introducing travelers to the enchanting beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of Afghanistan. Our goal is to curate extraordinary travel experiences that leave you with unforgettable memories.

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Journey of a Lifetime: Delightful Testimonials from Our Happy Travelers

Discover what our valued clients have to say about their extraordinary experiences with Destination Afghanistan Tours. From the breathtaking landscapes to the seamless organization, read their heartfelt testimonials and embark on your own unforgettable journey with us.

My trip with Destination Afghanistan Tours was nothing short of magical. From the awe-inspiring landscapes to the warm hospitality of the locals, every moment felt like a dream come true. I can’t wait to return!

Roy Franklin

“A heartfelt thank you to the team at Destination Afghanistan Tours for an unforgettable experience. The personalized itinerary exceeded my expectations, and I truly felt like I was exploring a hidden gem.

Louna Daniel

Traveling to Afghanistan with this agency was the best decision I made. The guides were knowledgeable, and I felt safe throughout my journey. It was a soul-stirring adventure, and I truly felt like I was exploring a hidden gem.

Joe Marshall

Discover a mesmerizing nature landscape & stunning culture.

At Destination Afghanistan Tours, we are committed to responsible tourism. We strive to make a positive impact on local communities and the environment. By choosing us, you contribute to sustainable practices that support the preservation of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage and natural wonders.

Variation Of Afghan Travel Trip

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Wanderer's Wisdom: Answers to Your Curiosities

You have the option to take a daily flight with Kam Air from either Dubai or Islamabad. Upon booking your spot, further details will be provided.

We are based in afghanistan, so our guides are local experts. Who know the landscape, culture, and area quite thoroughly. Being locally based we have accurate information to provide a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Yes, Americans can visit Afghanistan just like individuals from other nationalities. The safety conditions apply to all visitors regardless of their nationality.

At Destination Afghanistan Tours, we are passionate about introducing travelers to the enchanting beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of Afghanistan.

Yes, women are welcome to join ta tour. Foreign women are generally safe, especially when accompanied by the guides. In terms of clothing, a regular hijab and an abaya, similar to what is worn in Iran, are sufficient and a burqa is not required.

No, all nationalities, including Americans, are welcome to join the tour.

To secure a spot on a tour, a 25% deposit is required. The remaining balance paid up to 14 days before arrival

Read Our Latest Travel Blog & Tips Here

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Afghanistan’s history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Our blog shares insights, tips, and stories to inspire your wanderlust and enrich your travel experiences.

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Are You Ready To Explore Afghanistan With Us?

Ready to Explore Afghanistan? Start Your Adventure Now! Book Your Journey Today and Create Lasting Memories.

Building Schools and Nurturing Minds in Afghanistan

With each booking, a significant portion of the proceeds directly funds the construction of boys’ and girls’ schools in Afghanistan. As you explore the country’s captivating landscapes and rich culture, you’ll also be making a meaningful contribution to education, empowering Afghan youth with the tools they need for a brighter future.

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Tours in Afghanistan

Table of Contents

Our choices of tours in Afghanistan are divided into thematic features such as Kabul, Mazar-e Sharif, Balkh, Kandahar, Bamiyan, Herat, and the Band-e Amir National Park Experience.

Afghanistan is a fantastic travel destination with exciting and engaging cultural elements. It has a rich history, remarkable architecture, and natural wonders spread across a tiny part of South Asia. Soaked in history, amazing landscapes, and absorbing cultural heritage, Afghanistan is a country often forgotten by many travelers. Nevertheless, Afghanistan has everything to impress those pursuing adventure travel packages . The exotic Afghanistan culture can be experienced with our carefully selected Afghanistan tours to its vast variety of monuments and cities, mixed landscapes, and very welcoming population.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a country located in South Asia .

It is easy touring Afghanistan mainly because of its geographic location.

Choosing and booking a tour of Afghanistan can be complicated because most people don’t understand the country’s geographic proportions.

Join one of our Afghanistan packages and travel the region safely with our expertise.

Our Afghanistan excursions have one option for departure. You can choose the city of Kabul as your arrival city for our Afghanistan tours.

Afghanistan tour package options are extensive since the country is full of monuments and things to do.

Visiting the top Afghanistan tourist places will delight those who enjoy ancient archaeological sites, history, religion, stunning nature, and friendly smiles.

Your vacation in Afghanistan package will be unforgettable because of the region’s unique architecture, exotic destinations, and generous people.

The opportunity of being an Afghanistan tour operator gives us great joy since we’re very proud of promoting this beautiful and unique destination.

We feel happy to provide unforgettable Afghanistan travel experiences that will create long-lasting memories.

Afghanistan’s practical information

• Population : 40 million people.
• Area : 652,867 sq. km. 2.6 times the size of the U.K.
• L and borders : Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,  Uzbekistan, Iran, Pakistan.
• Length of coastline : landlocked.
• Capital city : Kabul (4.6 million people).
• Languages : Pashto, Dari (official).
• Electricity/Plug Type : 220 V / 50 Hz / plug types: C, F.

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Afghanistan group tours.

Start : Kabul | Time of year : January to December | Tour type : Join a Group

Join Our Monthly Guaranteed Departures : Our monthly departures ensure your adventure, regardless of group size, from 1 to 12 people. From January to December, departures are on the 15th of each month. Fixed price 2500 USD per person in a shared room. No One Left Behind!

10-day Afghanistan Group Tour » Kabul + Ghazni + Kandahar + Bamiyan + Band-e Amir + Mazar

Are you ready to embark on a remarkable journey that will take you through the heart of Afghanistan, where ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant…

Afghanistan Private Tours

Start : Kabul | Time of year : January to December | Tour type : Private

14-day tour of Afghanistan » Wakhan Corridor Expedition

Embark on a thrilling 14-day Afghanistan adventure as you set out to discover a magnificent Wakhan Corridor expedition. From the arrival in Ishkishim border town…

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

Embark on an unforgettable 13-day tour of Afghanistan, exploring the diverse and captivating cities of Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif, Bamiyan, Jam, Ghazni, and Herat. Begin your journey…

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

Our 11-day Discover Afghanistan Tour will take you through the heart of a country renowned for its rich cultural history, stunning natural landscapes, and deeply…

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

Embark on a captivating 10-day voyage through the heart of Afghanistan, unveiling the essence of its profound culture, ancient roots, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Your adventure…

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

Embark on a captivating 10-day excursion through Afghanistan, delving into its profound cultural heritage, ancient legacies, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Your adventure commences in Kabul, the…

9-day tour of Afghanistan » Kabul + Ghazni + Mazar + Bamiyan

Embark on a 9-day exploration through the captivating essence of Afghanistan, weaving through its deep-rooted history, abundant culture, and awe-inspiring terrains. Your expedition commences in…

8-day tour of Afghanistan » Kabul + Mazar + Bamiyan + Ghazni

This 8-day tour comprehensively explores Afghanistan, covering key cities and regions, including Kabul, Mazar, Bamiyan, and Ghazni. It begins in the bustling capital of Kabul…

7-day tour of Afghanistan » Kabul + Mazar + Bamiyan

Embark on a fascinating 7-day tour that traverses the gems of Afghanistan, from the bustling streets of Kabul to the historical depth of Bamyan and…

5-day Travel to Afghanistan » Kabul + Bamiyan + Ghazni

Welcome to our 5-day travel to Afghanistan for your next adventure! Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through captivating destinations, immersing yourself in…

4-day tour of Afghanistan – Kabul + Bamiyan

Embark on a captivating 4-day tour of Afghanistan, immersing yourself in the cultural treasures of Kabul and the enchanting landscapes of Bamiyan. Starting in Kabul,…

3-day tour of Afghanistan – Minaret of Jam Supplement

Discover the enchanting beauty and rich history of Afghanistan on an extraordinary 3-day journey centered around the awe-inspiring Minaret of Jam. Prepare to be captivated…

Explore Afghanistan

Navigate and explore Afghanistan on other pages of our website that showcase various interesting aspects of this incredible country.

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Afghanistan UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Afghanistan visa application form – Afghan travel permits and security clearance

Beautiful Afghanistan: Your Next Destination

Flag of Afghanistan: Exploring the Rich Heritage of a Country

Food from Afghanistan: Savor the Best of Afghan Cuisine

Geography of Afghanistan: National Geographic Tapestry

Is Afghanistan Safe to Travel? The Opinion of Our CEO and Product Manager

Kabul City in 2024, The Capital of Afghanistan

Languages of Afghanistan: Exploring the Main Differences

Learn Pashto Language: From Zero to a Quick Conversation in Only Two Weeks

Where is Afghanistan located on the World map?

Highlights of afghanistan.

Highlights of the most Beautiful Places in Afghanistan : Kandahar, Mazar-e Sharif, Jalalabad, Balkh, Herat, Samangan, Bamiyan, Faizabad, Band-e Amir National Park, Kabul, Kunduz, Khyber Pass, Panjshir, Bagram, Taloqan, Afghanistan’s Blue Mosque, Site of the Bamiyan Buddhas, Stupa of Takht-e Rostam, Band-e Amir Lakes, Herat National Museum, OMAR Mine Museum, Darul Aman Palace, Chilzina and the Forty Steps of Kandahar, Marjan the Lion Memorial, Minaret of Jam, Tajbeg Palace, Site of Alexandria on the Caucasus, Ishkashim Border Market, The Last Operating Synagogue in Afghanistan, Jihad Museum.

Travel in Afghanistan FAQ

As a travel agency in Afghanistan , we guarantee that your expedition is both pleasurable and enlightening while also being trouble-free.

Are these trips Afghanistan private tours?

Yes, most of these Afghanistan tours are made so that only you, your family, and your friends will travel together. You will not be traveling to Afghanistan along with people you never met. But we also have Afghanistan group tours available if you’re interested.

At a certain point, while searching on the Internet, you might ask about the difference between private and group tours. The difference is whether you will share transportation with unknown people, family, or friends.

Imagine you buy a tour to Afghanistan and come with your family. This will be a regular private tour, where you will have private transportation and a guide during the whole trip. Package for Afghanistan tour prices changes depending on the number of days and the quality of hotels. Consequently, a tour of 3-star or 4-star hotels will be cheaper than a luxury tour featuring 5-star hotels. The trip cost gets cheaper depending on the people that travel with you since the transportation price will be divided by everyone.

The second situation is if you buy one place in our guaranteed departures for Afghanistan group tours. In this case, you will join a group of people traveling along using the same transportation. We set up specific dates with a certain number of open seats so solo travelers can quickly and affordably join our Afghanistan tour agency.

As a tour agency in Afghanistan, we offer packages focusing on different thematics such as desert, architecture, culture, photography, and nature. Our tour guides in Afghanistan will ensure your trip follows the plan, and you will have an unforgettable journey. Traveling in Afghanistan is always one of the best options for your following holidays in South Asia.

How much is the price of monument tickets in Afghanistan?

For the most famous attractions, Afghanistan’s monument and museum entrances range between USD 10 and USD 25.

Afghanistan has some exciting and critical registered monuments under the Ministry of Tourism. Our tours usually have all the entrances included in the price, so this is something you don’t have to worry about.

The prices of monuments in Afghanistan differ between destinations. The very high price difference seems unusual, but it is how the government and local authorities compensate for the option of receiving visitors.

Most tourist attractions in Afghanistan are very well maintained, so expect major tourist sites to be clean and well organized, with proper facilities, available tourist guides, opening times, decent opening hours, etc.

Is Afghanistan a touristic country?

Afghanistan is one of the world’s most unique countries regarding historical, natural, and cultural heritage. Being at the junction of different cultures, the country possesses a rich history reflecting the number of Afghanistan tourist attractions and monuments spread throughout the nation’s massive size within its region.

While you visit Afghanistan, you can indulge in thousand-year-old ancient monuments of all types and shapes.

There are 2 properties inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in Afghanistan : Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam, Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley.

In addition to its inscribed UNESCO sites in Afghanistan, there is a list of more than 4 properties on its tentative list: City of Herat, City of Balkh (antique Bactria), Band-E-Amir, Bagh-e Babur. The perfect example of Afghanistan’s history can be seen when choosing your itinerary.

Working as an Afghanistan tour operator, we fully design our packages to fulfill all your needs. We know the country by heart and provide the best services, partners, guides, and accommodations we personally visited and examined.

Is it safe to travel to Afghanistan?

Yes, Afghanistan is safe to travel to.

Most people have the wrong idea regarding whether Afghanistan is safe to travel to. Still, the reality doesn’t match the misleading news we often see on television, picturing Afghanistan as a dangerous country.

People are extremely friendly and welcome tourists with open arms. Before traveling to Afghanistan, you must open your mind, go out of your comfort zone, and embrace this fantastic destination. You will realize the country is “normal” just a few minutes after arrival.

The crime rate toward tourists is relatively low. Afghanistan is one of the safest countries in the region. This Kabul vacation package for Afghanistan tour options is extensive since the country is big and full of monuments and things to do.

Is Afghanistan safe for tourists? Definitely yes.

Also, if you’re wondering if Afghanistan tours for US citizens are safe, local people are very welcoming and love tourists from all over the world. People from Afghanistan learned not to mix politics with personal relations and human interaction throughout history.

Are you asking either if Afghanistan is safe for Indian tourists? YES, it is.

How can tourists communicate with people in Afghanistan?

The official language of Afghanistan is Pashto.

It is highly recommended to have specific knowledge of English. In large cities, the middle and upper class know English as it allows them to have more accessible contact with the rest of the world, making the trip much more accessible. Either way, all our Afghanistan tours optionally include a full-time guide who speaks the local language so that you feel comfortable learning about the culture of Afghanistan, its history, and traditions.

Afghanistan Tourist Attractions

Images of Afghanistan with the most important tourist attractions.

Beautiful Afghanistan images on Pinterest

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The first thing people say once they've been to Afghanistan is 'why didn't I come here earlier?’ There is probably nowhere else in the world that is so well known yet completely misunderstood. The names are all familiar from the news, place names like Kabul, Mazar e Sharif, Herat, Kandahar, Helmund, Panjshir and Bamiyan, yet all we know are the military exploits and the stories of Taliban insurgency and eventual conquest.

Travelling to Afghanistan is also one of those rare experiences left in this globalised world where one feels like they've travelled to a truly foreign land, a destination where a few things are recognisable but then the rest are completely exotic. Around every corner you need to expect the unexpected

Afghanistan has so much more to offer than you would ever have imagined, from the hustle and bustle of Kabul, to the natural wonders of Bamiyan. Cities and sights of immense history and culture dating back centuries, and a proud and remarkable culture.

Despite the media, travelling to Afghanistan will leave you with a sense of hope for this remarkable country.  After witnessing the resilience and generosity of the Afghani people, and even after all the hardship, their smiles and sense of humour will melt your heart.

Our expert Afghanistan guides have been travelling there for years, crafting itineraries that allow you to explore in depth and get a real feeling for the country. We go to places very few have ever been.

Join us in Afghanistan and see why it's one of our favourite destinations and somewhere we go back to time and time again.

Afghanistan July Summer Tour

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Afghanistan: A torn paradise on earth

On vacation to Afghanistan. It sounds a bit crazy to many people. But Afghanistan has been a crossroads of different cultures for centuries. It was an important stopping place for travellers along the Silk Road. And that is still reflected in today’s culture and traditions. During a trip through Afghanistan, you will look beyond the hectic contemporary world and experience a beautiful country with a rich cultural history. In addition, you will be hospitably received by a curious people who are open to contact with the rest of the world.

Name: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Capital: Kabul Population: 34 million Surface area: 652,864 km² Language: Dari , Pashto Neighbouring countries: China, Pakistan , Iran , Turkmenistan , Uzbekistan , Tajikistan

The preparation of our trip and the assessment and handling of the security was good, efficient and professional. We ‘d like to advise everyone who wants to visit Afghanistan or one of the other (challenging) destinations of CultureRoad to make use of the expertise and service of Rik and his team . reinout prakke (The netherlands)

Most trips start in the busy and overwhelming capital Kabul. Everywhere in the metropolis there are street stalls, local markets and beautiful mosques. Little reminds of the hippie era , but some travellers still recognise a few landmarks. Kabul is now a bustling city where you can experience modern Afghanistan.

Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif

One of the most famous buildings in Afghanistan is located in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif . The 15th century mosque gets its name from the many blue and turquoise tiles that you see on the outside. The site is also the tomb of Ali ibn Abu Talib , the son-in-law of the prophet Mohammed. The tomb is therefore a very sacred place for Muslims.

Bamiyan and Band-i- Amir

Perhaps the most beautiful place in Afghanistan is the Bamiyan region . In the middle of the country you will find the famous city of Bamiyan. Once the large Buddha statues stood here, in 2001 they were blown up by the Taliban. A few hours outside of Bamiyan you will find the Band-i- Amir National Park . Between these special mountain landscapes with deep blue lakes , all the problems of the country seem very far away. In winter you can even ski in this region. Who would have thought that?

Afghanistan is known as the hub of Central Asia. The country has a turbulent history with many conquests by many more different tribes. In about 300 BC, Alexander the Great conquered the area from the Persian Emperor Darius III. In the centuries that followed, Afghanistan moved from the Greek kingdoms via Buddhist influences from India to the Mongol rule of Genghis Khan and British influence at the beginning of the 20th century.

Independent

Afghanistan finally became independent in 1919. After a period of relative calm, a political coup in 1973 happened, followed five years later by the communist coup backed by the Soviet Union.

Civil war and after

The coup was the beginning of a long civil war that ended when the Soviets withdrew in 1989. After several civil wars, the country fell to the Taliban in 1996. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States started a war. Since then, the country has continued to suffer from the threat of the Taliban and remains largely unsettled. Peace negotiations continue to run between the Afghan government, the United States and the Taliban, but have so far not led to peace.

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Afghanistan

Discover the hidden gems and rich cultural tapestry of Afghanistan; a land that has captivated hearts for centuries. Join us as we explore the diverse landscapes, historical wonders, and witness the warm hospitality that Afghanistan has to offer. Our tours begin in Kabul, the capital city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern aspirations. We also visit Bamiyan, where the iconic Buddha statues once stood tall in the cliffs, and travel to the stunning landscapes of Bamiyan Valley. We'll then explore Herat with its exquisite Islamic architecture, bustling markets, and the historic Herat Citadel. Finally, to the north, Mazar-i-Sharif beckons with the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic art. On our Winter tours, there is also an opportunity to witness the epic national sport of Buzkashi.

Upcoming Tours

Our current upcoming group tours can be seen below. They are all guaranteed departures.

We run our tours at the times of year to coincide with the Buzkashi season and occasional tours at other times of year.

We regularly monitor security and our itineraries may be altered depending on the situation at the time of the tour.

You will be accompanied at all times by a Lupine tour leader and 2 of our very trusted Afghan contacts; a driver and guide. Groups are limited to 7 maximum.

Our tour is £2250 per person with $250 payable on arrival for domestic flights.

Single supplement is priced at £150 or we can allocate someone for you to share with (subject to availability).

Deposit required to confirm your booking is £750.

error_outline Security Advice

Please note that although we only run tours to areas we feel we can keep our clients safe, the British FCDO advises against all travel to the areas we visit on this tour.

We research the security of our destinations highly and safety is a priority for us, however, we advise you to do your own research as well to ensure you are comfortable with your trip.

Please note these travel warnings may also affect travel insurance for these regions; please contact us for advice on this. For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, click here.

This tour is currently full.

To be added to the waiting list, please fill out the form below.

Please agreed to the T&Cs.

Privacy Overview

Join Us On An Afghanistan Tour

We’re doing it again in 2021! This time we’ll be exploring this historically rich country at the cultural crossroads of Asia on this Afghanistan Tour.

I’m excited to have teamed up with an amazing and stand-out local tour operator and my team at Inertia Network to take a small group of travelers to experience Afghanistan in the best possible way.

While many parts of the country remain off-limits, it is still possible to visit Afghanistan’s more stable and open regions.

On This 13-Day Afghanistan Trip, We’ll Be Exploring Some Of The Main Highlights Of Afghanistan + Trekking In The Hindu Kush

These highlights will include:

• Visiting the architecturally stunning Blue Mosque of Mazar e Sharif at sunrise and sunset
• A six-day trek in the Hindu Kush to explore the remote interior of Bamyan Province.
• Visit the tumultuous city of Kandahar
• Check out architectural and cultural highlights of Kabul

So Why Join This Afghanistan Tour?

Travel in Afghanistan does not come easy as the country has been at war for a shockingly long time. That’s why I have chosen to partner with people that can show us as much of Afghanistan as security allows. This Afghanistan tour will include everything: all accommodations, meals, transportation in the country, internal flights, and local guides.

We’ll be exploring the best of what Afghanistan has to offer during a great time of year in the country. We plan to make the trip as culturally immersive, fun, and unique as possible in a small group setting. This trip will also take you behind the scenes and beyond the headlines you see about Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Tour Itinerary

Mazar e sharif – 2 days.

We’ll kick off this Afghanistan tour from the northern city of Mazar e Sharif. Over the next two days we’ll take time to visit the gorgeous the Blue Mosque, celebrate Eid, and visit the buzzing central bazaar.

Trek Into The Hindu Kush – 6 Days

We’ll visit the highlights of the Bamyan area of Band e Amir and the Buddha Niches before setting off on a six-day trek into the remote Hindu Kush Mountains, taking time to explore remote mountain valleys and passes, staying in homestays along the route.

Kandahar – 2 Days

Next, we’ll board flights to Kandahar to explore the Pashtun heartland and the former Taliban capital of Afghanistan. We will spend our time visiting important mosques, mausoleums, markets, and learning more about the culture that surrounds this southern corner of Afghanistan.

Kabul – 2 Days

In Kabul, we’ll visit historic sites, museums, bazaars, and mosques, getting to know Afghanistan’s capital city and central hub a bit better.

This trip is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers so spots may fill quickly. Click the button below to sign up for the trip or drop your email in the box below to get updates about this tour and future Afghanistan expeditions.

Need Travel Insurance For Afghanistan?

Start shopping plans over at  battleface , my go-to travel insurance choice. 

More Posts from Afghanistan:

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Afghanistan Travel Guide

Crossing The Uzbekistan-Afghanistan Border At Hairatan

A Beginner’s Guide To Central Asia Travel: Discover The Silk Road

Bamyan’s 40 Tower of Chehelburj, Afghanistan

How to Cross the Shirkhan Bandar Border Crossing Between Tajikistan & Afghanistan and get an Afghan Visa on the Border

A Day Trip To Takht e Rustam, Afghanistan

A Guide to Trekking in Bamyan, Afghanistan

Photos From The Wakhan Corridor, Afghanistan

Visiting The Beautiful Panjshir Valley, Afghanistan

Bamyan Travel Guide

Getting High On Balkh: Old Walls, Blue Tiles & Hash

Herat Travel Guide + Photos

Ishkar & Ceramics in Istalif, Afghanistan 

Starry Nights & Chaikhana Floors: A Journey Through Daykundi, Afghanistan

Dara e Ajdahar: The Dragon Valley, Afghanistan

Shahr e Gholghola: Afghanistan’s City Of Screams

Female Travel In The Wakhan Corridor, Afghanistan

Kickin it in Kabul, Afghanistan

Lunar Landscapes & Lapis Lazuli Lakes Of Band e Amir, Afghanistan

How To Get An Afghanistan Visa

Kandahar In Photos & Travel Guide

A Simple Guide To Central Asia Visas

Mazar e Sharif In Photos & Travel Guide

Afghanistan-Iran Border Crossing At Islam Qala/Dogharoun

What It Was Like To Travel As A Woman In Afghanistan

Climbing Shah Foladi, Afghanistan

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May 12-24, 2021

13 Days, 12 Nights

Mazar e Sharif, Afghanistan

Kabul Afghanistan

Maximum Group Size

30%, due at time of sign up

Included In The Costs

• Safe and secure accommodations
• Airport transfers
• Internal flights between Kabul and Kandahar
• 3 meals per day
• Private and secure transportation
• Professional English-speaking local guiding team
• All entry fees

Excluded Costs

• International airfare to & from Mazar e Sharif & Kabul
• Travel insurance/medical insurance
• Personal spending

4 thoughts on “Afghanistan Tour: Cultural Highlights, Epic Cities, & Hindu Kush Trek”

Is this still planned for may 2021 with the whole covid mess?

Hey Shawn, We’re hoping that the trip will still happen. As of current, Afghanistan is open to tourists, but as you know these things could change. If this trip is cancelled I plan to postpone and offer it later in the year or at worst case, defer it an entire year.

I am obsessed with your posts from here and I definitely would like to join a group trip. I can’t in March because I’ll be in Mexico but count me in for a future one. Just signed up for your newsletter!

We’ll keep you posted! There’s one in the works for Pakistan in August

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Afghanistan Tours & Vacations

Small group tours & tailor-made vacations.

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PLEASE NOTE THAT SINCE THE TALIBAN TAKEOVER OF AFGHANISTAN IN 2021, WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RUN ANY TRIPS TO THE COUNTRY. WE ARE STILL IN TOUCH WITH OUR LOCAL AFGHAN PARTNERS AND HOPE ONE DAY SOON TO BE ABLE TO OFFER OUR CLIENTS ONCE MORE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THIS TROUBLED YET INCREDIBLE COUNTRY FOR THEMSELVES. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN BEING ALERTED WHEN OUR NEXT TRIP BECOMES AVAILABLE, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO [email protected] WITH THE SUBJECT LINE AFGHANISTAN ...

PLEASE NOTE THAT SINCE THE TALIBAN TAKEOVER OF AFGHANISTAN IN 2021, WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RUN ANY TRIPS TO THE COUNTRY. WE ARE STILL IN TOUCH WITH OUR LOCAL AFGHAN PARTNERS AND HOPE ONE DAY SOON TO BE ABLE TO OFFER OUR CLIENTS ONCE MORE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THIS TROUBLED YET INCREDIBLE COUNTRY FOR THEMSELVES. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN BEING ALERTED WHEN OUR NEXT TRIP BECOMES AVAILABLE, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO [email protected] WITH THE SUBJECT LINE AFGHANISTAN AND WE'LL KEEP YOU UPDATED. THE INFORMATION BELOW COMES FROM PRE-2021 TIMES

A country that hardly needs any introduction, the very mention of Afghanistan will give politicians and journalists palpitations and have travellers salivating with expectation. Arid and mountainous, for centuries it has lain at the heart of the empiric machinations of world affairs; its extraordinary landscapes playing host to the great games of international politics. Its turbulent history though masks a culture of staggering diversity and its proud and hospitable people are amongst the most fascinating and courteous you could ever wish to meet.

So, follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo and journey across mountains and plains that have changed little over the intervening centuries. Discover an extraordinary string of cities that lie spread across the landscape from Kabul to the Hindu Kush, visit the mountain caves of Bamiyan, the historic towns of Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif as well as the famous Panjshir Valley.

Here the advances of 20th century have largely been left far behind and the horse and donkey still reign supreme. And then there is the remarkable Wakhan corridor, created by the British as a buffer-zone against perceived Imperial Russian expansionism. Best approached from across the border in neighbouring Tajikistan, it is politically and culturally another world.

Meet the Expert

Start your journey, highlights of afghanistan, best experiences.

Hike and walk in the Wakhan’s peaks

One of the best ways to take in and appreciate the area’s impressive nature is by foot and there will be ample opportunity for hikes and walks particularly around Kret Village in the foothills of Babaa Tangi (6,513m), perhaps the Wakhan’s most photogenic peak.

Meet isolated, local communities

Reliant on the hospitality of the locals in this largely cut off part of the world, you will undoubtedly meet many members of the communities that call it home; notable are the Wakhi people and the women who wear bright red scarves and beaded necklaces.  

Travel through Afghan mountains

Using a road built by the Soviets, delve into the Afghanistan Wakhan Corridor for a truly privileged experience. Overcoming the logistical difficulties, the journey will most certainly have been worth it once surrounded by the region’s magnificent landscapes.  

Discover more

The weather in Kabul is cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Dress in layers and keep the following in mind as you pack: versatility and modesty. In the Wakhan Corridor the weather tends to be clear in the months between June and September, although rain and snow is not out of the question. The rest of the year the area is impassable.

Meet the expert, Clem

Clem is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Clementine by calling +44 (0)20 3944 6258

USEFUL INFORMATION

Health and Vaccinations

There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Afghanistan though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria is present in some parts of Afghanistan so we recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.

In Afghanistan the official unit of currency is the Afghani.

To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com .

Cultural Sensitivity

On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.

Afghanistan, as an Islamic country, is in places very traditional and conservative. So, no shorts or skimpy tops here for either of the sexes! Both men and women should dress modestly in loose fitting cotton shirts and slacks (men) or long skirts (women). Women should also wear a headscarf at all times – please bring one with you for arrival but note that locally produced ones can be purchased in country. In the churches and cathedrals women should cover their heads with a scarf or hat, while men should take their hats off.

Language & Religion

Pashto and Dari Persian are the two official languages of Afghanistan and both are Indo-European and from the Iranian languages sub family. Persian is the prestige language and the main means of inter-ethnic communication. Pashto is the native tongue of the Pashtuns, the single largest ethno-linguistic group within Afghanistan.

Religiously, Afghans are 99% Muslim with about 80% Sunni and 19% Shi’a. As of 2008 only one Jewish man lives in Afghanistan in Kabul, the sole Jewish representation after the majority emigrated at the end of the 90’s.

Afghanistan is 4.5 hours ahead of GMT. A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com .

Food and drink

Typically, the Afghans do not understand the concept of vegetarianism and their diet is based on meat, bread and rice with a small amount of vegetables together with fruit. Most rice is cooked with meat stock or bones and is therefore not suitable for a strict vegetarian. Alcohol is prohibited in Afghanistan and you should under no circumstances attempt to bring any into the country.

Travelling Solo In Afghanistan 

All of our small group tours are designed to cater for solo travellers : the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.

The Most up-to-date and Reliable Afghanistan Travel Guide – 2022 UPDATE

**2022 UPDATE – In August 2021, the Taliban insurgent group took over Afghanistan once again and is now running the government. This has led to even larger instability and a deeper economic crisis. Street crime has become a large and worrying issue and the terrorist group known as ISI-K has been carrying out attacks all over the country. Travellers are highly recommended to only seek advice and information from reliable sources or trustworthy locals should they want to visit Afghanistan in this particular moment of history. We strongly suggest you postpone your travel plans to better times as now it’s far too dangerous for tourists of every nationality .

Even though still a war zone, always more people have been wondering and inquiring about how to travel to Afghanistan. After our experience of travelling and living there, we wrote the most complete and reliable Afghanistan travel guide you can find online.

In this article, we strive to make it as easy as possible to plan such a difficult trip. We included tips on how to get to Afghanistan, Afghan visa requirements, what to pack for Afghanistan, important security measures, and when is the best time to book your flights to Afghanistan. Unlike occasional travellers to Afghanistan who don’t keep track and/or underestimate the danger of the situation, we are able to share more reliable information as my husband is an Afghan, lived there all his life and his family still lives in Herat. We regularly update the article with new developments on sensitive political happenings as well as safety and security issues.

Table of Contents

Overview of our up-to-date Afghanistan travel guide:

Discover the nitty-gritty of traveling, understand its magic and why it’s so addictive. ​ subscribe and get our updates and behind-the-scenes directly to your e-mail box, afghanistan tourism, is it even possible.

On April 19th 2017, the then Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani, designated the Ministry of Tourism for the first time after decades, giving hope that the local government is finally making plans to work on Afghanistan tourism industry.

Admittedly, it did come as a surprise when so many people started showing curiosity about Afghanistan and are longing to visit despite the lack of security and the many historical sites that were destroyed in the last few decades of an ongoing war. If you are one of those curious people interested in visiting this country and want to know how to plan a trip to Afghanistan, keep reading this article as we will cover pretty much everything you need to know.

Unlike other countries you might have visited, the majority of Afghans are very conservative. They are the people who invented the Burqa, after all (the blue sack with little, thin bars to see the world through it that women started wearing a long time ago). Before I went to Afghanistan, I thought it was going to be similar to Iran at least in what concerned the dress code, but I quickly realised I was very wrong: Afghans are way more conservative. I had to buy different clothes to become invisible otherwise they stared at me as if I was an alien, and since I was going to live there for a few months I felt neither comfortable nor safe to attract so much attention as a foreigner.  I went to one of the markets in Herat and bought a long Afghan tunic and a  chador . The next day we went out and I felt completely invisible, no one noticed I was there.

Travelling to Afghanistan is no easy choice to make, and admittedly also not an easy trip to plan. This is why here we are providing you with as much information as we can.

READ MORE about the many mistakes I made while travelling in Afghanistan!

Where is Afghanistan located?

Afghanistan, 652.000 square kilometres in size and with a population of 30 million, is located in Asia. It has 2400 kilometres border with Pakistan, 930 kilometres border with Iran, 744 kilometres with Turkmenistan, 137 kilometres with Uzbekistan, 1200 kilometres with Tajikistan and 75 kilometres with China. The geographical position where Afghanistan is located is one of the main reasons why it has been constantly invaded and occupied throughout history.

Afghanistan is divided into 34 provinces and has much to see, but due to the lack of security, there are only 6 provinces relatively safe for tourists. However, even within these six provinces, not everywhere is safe as Taliban and other armed groups are active, at present controlling some 60 percent of the whole country. This Afghanistan travel guide aims at giving you the information required for visiting those places we consider relatively “safe”.

Religion of Afghans

In Afghanistan, the main religion is Islam. With 99 percent of followers, 70 percent are Sunni and 25 percent Shia, while the remaining one percent are followers of other religions ( Sikh ).

So, the official religion in Afghanistan is Sunni (Hanafi). The majority of Shias are from the Hazara tribe and they live mainly in central Afghanistan, in provinces such as Bamiyan, Daikondi (also spelled Daykundi), Ghor and Ghazni. Throughout history, Hazaras proved to be the most peaceful tribe in Afghanistan, even though constantly persecuted.

Is it safe to travel to Afghanistan?

Not really, the country is still a war zone and got worse in the last two years since the foreign troops pulled out and Khorasan branch of ISIS announced its presence in the country. Although, if you take proper security precautions, you will be able to travel to a few provinces. Read on to see where is safe in Afghanistan to visit.

I have also been asked if Afghanistan is safe for solo female travellers. When I asked my husband he almost choked on his tea. His answer is a big, fat NO. We don’t recommend solo female travellers to travel to Afghanistan for safety reasons. It’s a male-oriented country and without a man, everything is harder. So, if you have the heart to visit the country, go with a male friend.

READ MORE: Check out our post entirely devoted to the   security situation in Afghanistan including tips to travel safely .

Flights to Afghanistan

There are many airlines that provide flights to Afghanistan in different solutions. From Europe and the US, you won’t find direct flights, and you will always have a stopover in hubs such as Istanbul, Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi. Some cheap flights to Afghanistan with companies such as Pegasus and FlyDubai, but usually with long layovers that will make the whole journey some 20-30 hours long. Turkish Airlines, too, travel to Afghanistan, providing shorter and more expensive flights.

Click on Kiwi comparison website for all the solutions and latest prices with the different airlines that provide flights to Afghanistan.

How to get to Afghanistan

Travel to afghanistan, your options by land (for security reasons, we recommend none of them).

1. From Uzbekistan to Hayratan, Mazar Sharif 2. From Tajikistan to Shir Khan port in Kunduz Province and to Ishkashim port town to visit the Wakhan Corridor in Badakhshan Province. Once you arrive in Ishkashim town, you need a hand-written permit in addition to your Afghan visa to get to the Wakhan Corridor. 3. From Turkmenistan to Tourghondi port in Herat Province and Aqina port in Faryab Province 4. From Iran to Islam Qala port in Herat Province and to Zaranje port in Nimrooz Province 5. From Pakistan to Turkham port in Nangarhar Province, Espin Boldak port in Kandahar Province and Gholam Khan port in Khost Province.

Travel to Afghanistan, your options by air (recommended)

There are international airports in a few Afghan cities, and this is the safest way to arrive in the country.

The flights to Afghanistan usually land in:

1. Kabul airport 2. Herat airport (now mainly from Iran and with Afghan and Iranian airlines) 3. Mazar-e-Sharif airport 4. Kandahar airport

As you can see there are many ways to travel to Afghanistan, both by land and air. What option you choose depends on where you are and where in Afghanistan you want to visit. For example, if you want to visit the Wakhan Corridor in Badakhshan, you can only enter from Tajikistan by land because there is no airport and the road from Kabul, Mazar Sharif or Kunduz is currently too dangerous, as the Taliban often establish their checkpoints and ask for everyone’s papers and check the passengers in search for government officials or security forces. For obvious reasons, foreigners would be at great risk.

Herat Province has a border with Iran at 110 kilometres west of Herat City and one with Turkmenistan, 110 kilometres north of the city. Balkh Province has a border with Uzbekistan connected with a bridge 80 kilometres north of Mazar-e-Sharif City. The borders of these two provinces are relatively safer and you have the options to enter Afghanistan through them, even though, as mentioned before, we don’t recommend arriving by land as some merchants were kidnapped on the highways and sometimes Taliban establish checkpoints on the main roads.

On arrival at Afghanistan airports, you need two photos, passport size. They will issue you an arrival/immigration card and you are due to carry it with you while in Afghanistan. Keep it until you leave the Afghan soil as they will ask for it when you leave the country.

How to apply for Afghan visa

2022 UPDATE – The below information on how to apply for an Afghan visa date back to before the Taliban took over the country. Right now, even though months have passed, Afghan embassies around the world are still not recognizing the Taliban central government nor they are in touch with their officials. Because of this situation, they are not issuing any visas and we don’t think the invitation letter system is still valid. Moreover, as the Taliban have started to kidnap foreigners once again, we donìt think it’s safe for a local to write an invitation letter for foreign tourists.

Like for every other country, you need to apply for a visa if you want to visit Afghanistan.

Kabul airport issues visas on arrival but ONLY to those who are officially invited by companies, or officials of other countries, but not tourists. To receive an Afghan tourist visa you first need to fill out the form that can be found on the Afghan foreign ministry and Afghan embassies websites.

Keep in mind that for tourists they can only issue a one-month visa but this can be extended up to three months in Afghanistan at the Interior Ministry office in Kabul or at police headquarters at the main cities of other provinces.

If you are not sure about the process and still have questions, contact the embassy directly, I found them very friendly and helpful.

Afghan visa requirements

To get your Afghan visa, these are the documents you need to take to the embassy:

• Visa form to fill out, you can download it from the website of the Afghan embassy you are referring to
• Passport with validity of at least 6 months
• Two passport-size photos taken against a white background
• Copy of your national ID
• Visa fee. An Afghan tourist visa usually costs 100€ but prices vary depending on your nationality and country you are applying from.

Sometimes they ask for an invitation letter. If you need one, let us know and we will put you in touch with someone who can help. From the date of the visa issue, you have 3 months to enter the country with the visa.

What to pack for Afghanistan: Our tips for a basic Afghanistan packing list

Mosquito repellent and mosquito net.  I don’t believe you are going to need vaccines but it’s a good idea to carry a mosquito repellent and a mosquito net with you to prevent unwanted surprises. They are easy to use and come in handy especially in summer and fall.

Water purifier.  If you need to drink tap water, we strongly recommend you use a water purifier because the well water is not drinkable in many provinces due to digging a big number of toilet and wastewater wells too close that they contaminate each other. Drink only bottled water from shops, not from the street vendors. If you really can’t avoid drinking tap water, use a water purifier.

Comfortable shoes.  Infrastructure and roads are really bad, streets are dusty and dirty, so if you decide to travel to Afghanistan, we recommend you forget about elegance and fashion and pack a pair of covered comfortable shoes (preferably runners).

Modest clothes.  Women who travel to Afghanistan need to wear a long manto /tunic and a chador. A tunic like this one will do in pretty much every city, while in Herat to attract less attention a chador might be needed, you will decide by yourself if you feel uncomfortable. If you can’t find it in your country, you can buy one in any major Afghan city, but still, make sure you arrive with some pretty modest/conservative clothes otherwise you will be very easy to spot. Women also need a shawl or scarf to cover the head.

READ MORE: Check out my experiences of travelling and living in Afghanistan as a Western woman .

Sunscreen.  Sunblock is very much needed when traveling to Afghanistan, from spring to fall as it is very sunny and dry in most regions. Last year I was there end of the summer and fall and the sun was very strong, in Italy I don’t really use much sunscreen, but for Afghanistan I would even suggest a sunblock with SPF 50.

Hydrating lotion.  Afghanistan is not connected with any sea or ocean and is mainly mountainous and located at a very high altitude, so the weather is extremely dry. I knew it so I brought my hydrating lotion but after a couple of months there, I looked some 50 years older. OK, maybe that’s an overstatement, but it did take me quite a few weeks to get back to my original skin texture. Since during the day you are wearing the sunscreen, I suggest a rich and nourishing night cream .

Universal power plug adapter and the voltage converter.  In Afghanistan, the power sockets used are type C and F and the standard voltage is 220. So, when you travel to Afghanistan we recommend you have a universal power adapter and a voltage converter .

Activated charcoal.  In Afghanistan, if you are a little careful of what and where you eat, you are going to be fine and won’t have to spend hours vomiting your guts, unlike some other countries I have been to. Although, we still recommend you carry some activated charcoal  with you as it can help with nausea and food poisoning.

English-Farsi/Dari travel phrase book.  It’s not easy to find someone who can speak English and that is why we recommend this handy Farsi (Persian) Phrasebook & Dictionary with useful practical expressions to anyone who plans to travel to Afghanistan.

READ MORE: Our complete list of what to pack for Afghanistan

What language do they speak in Afghanistan?

In Afghanistan, there are many tribes, and each of them has its own language, although Tajiks and Pashtuns are the biggest ethnic groups. Pashtuns speak Pashtu and Tajiks speak Farsi/Dari but what makes Farsi the most spoken language in the country is that except for some Pashtuns the rest of the tribes such as Hazara, Uzbeki, Turkmani, etc. speak Farsi. Not many can speak English which is why among the tips on how to plan a trip to Afghanistan, learning some practical Farsi phrases and carrying a little English Farsi travel book is important.

READ MORE: Check out the articles we wrote with Farsi tips: How to ask for directions in Farsi language Here are some useful tips in Farsi language when ordering food

Afghan traditional clothes

Afghani dress for women can vary both in price and style. It depends on many factors, including which tribe the Afghani dress you choose belongs to. Afghan clothes for men are quite the same for all the tribes and can be bought already made or can be ordered from a tailor for your exact size. It takes a day or two before it’s ready, both the fabric and the tailor fee can cost around 15$ and usually the tailor sells also the fabric.

We recommend Shahr Now in Herat City for Afghan clothes gift shopping, you will find Afghan clothes and a pakol , typical Afghan hat. It’s something to consider as a gift or for yourself when you are in Afghanistan. After all, you don’t know when is the next time you will travel to Afghanistan.

What is the Afghan currency?

That is a very common question and I’m sure you won’t forget the Afghan currency.

The Afghan currency is the AFGHANI. 1 US$ converts into 96 Afghani, while 1 Euro is 109 Afghani (UPDATE November 2021).

I recommend you don’t carry too much cash as your ATM cards work in Afghanistan and you can withdraw 250$ per day from the ATM with a fee of 4 US $. If you need to exchange your Dollars for Afghani, you can do it at the airport when you land and in the bigger cities. In the city centre of all provinces, you will see the boys holding money and phone charges. Usually, they give a good exchange rate, but it’s best if you go with some local contacts.

Cash is the only way to pay in Afghanistan as shops don’t have a POS, so you can’t use your bank card.

Best time to visit Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a mountainous dry and windy country and has four seasons. Winters are very cold while summers are hot and dry. Lack of proper electricity and gas infrastructure makes cold winters and hot summers pretty unbearable. On top of that, women need to cover quite a lot, so in summer this becomes even harder.

This is why we recommend you visit Afghanistan in spring and fall when both the worst cold and heat are over.

From March to June (spring), the weather can range from 10 to 35 degrees Celsius. In summer the weather in Afghanistan can be 35-45 degrees °C. From September to December (fall), temperatures go from 10 degrees °C to 30 degrees Celsius. In winter the weather in Afghanistan often goes below zero, some -5 to -15 degrees °C.

The weather is harsh in most parts of Afghanistan and this is one of the reasons why Afghans age quickly.

READ MORE: Check out our tips on the dos and don’ts of travelling in Afghanistan .

Internet and Sim Cards in Afghanistan

When you travel to Afghanistan, you might want to use a local Sim card for both calls and internet, instead of paying extra international roaming charge.

In Afghanistan, there are five main companies providing Sim cards and 3G internet throughout the country: Etisalat, Roshan, Afghan Wireless, MTN, and Salam.

Sim cards are sold registered everywhere for as little as 60-100 Afs. If you are two people, we recommend an Etisalat and a Roshan because in places where one doesn’t work the other one does.

The prices for 3G internet

10 GBs of internet are 1100 Afghani; 3 GBs of internet, 600 Afs; 1 GB of internet, 275 Afs.

All the mentioned internet packages have one-month validation date. To make a call inside the country you will be charged 2-5 Afs per minute depending on which companies you are calling to. International calls are some 10-15 Afs unless you activate one of the international call offers.

You can find more information on www.roshan.af. and www.etisalat.af websites.

The Afghan government collects taxes from the citizens through phone Sim cards and automatically cuts 10% off the amount you add to the Sim. For example, if you top up 50 Afs, 5 Afs (10%) goes to the government, so you get only 45 Afs credit on your phone.

Where to buy Sim Card and top-up scratch cards

You can buy your Sim card either in the waiting hall of Kabul Airport before to the Taxi station or in the city from many street vendors. Already registered Sim cards cost 50-100 Afs.

Roshan customer service number is 333 and you will be asked to choose your preferred language (Farsi, Pashtu, and English).

Etisalat Customer service number is 888 and you will be asked to choose your preferred language (Farsi, Pashtu, and English). Press 3 for English.

Privacy and safety, protect your data

When you are out and away from home, you will use public WiFi, be it in hotels, bars or restaurants and that is why it’s important to keep your data safe from hackers. You can do so with a good anti-virus and VPN that encrypt your connections and keep valuable information such as passwords, bank account details and credit card info safe. Click here to find out the latest prices and information about VPN

Places to visit in Afghanistan:

With thousands of years of history, Afghanistan is rich in places to visit. A former region of the Persian empire and important stop along the silk roads, here are caravanserais, ancient bazaars, citadels and forts, palaces, royal gardens and obviously a stunning mountainous landscape.

Unfortunately, nearly four decades of uninterrupted war caused the destruction of many places, or even those that are still there can’t be accessed because either in areas still heavily controlled by Taliban and other armed groups, or turned into military posts by the Afghan Army.

Here we mention the places that are still safe to visit in Afghanistan. For some, we suggest you go with a local. If you don’t know one and need a reliable and trustworthy English-speaking guide, contact us and we will give you their details privately.

What to visit in Kabul, Afghanistan

One of the cities where you can sense the war the most is Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital. Yet, this may be the reason why it’s impossible to travel to Afghanistan and not visit it.

The Garden of Babur. “Bagh-e-Baburباغ بابر” was built in the 16th century and is the resting place of the Mughal emperor Babur. Many Kabul residents come to this park with their families to picnic under the shades of trees and on the greenery or for the afternoon tea. Entrance admission fee: 150 Afghani Cameras: Allowed, 100 extra Afghani admission fee Timings: Every day from morning to evening, mornings are recommended How to get there . By taxi, the fare is 150-200 Afghani from Shahr-e Now.

Koche-e-kah froshi “کوچه کاه فروشی کابل”.  Literally, it means straw selling alley, even though there is hardly any shop selling such goods. Instead, all shops are full of beautiful birds sadly in cages. It is one of the historical allies of Kabul city connected to Nadir Pashtun Road. Timings.  Visit weekdays, on weekends (Fridays) most shops are closed. How to get there . By taxi, the fare is 100-150 from Shahr-e Now.

Note: If you visit this place, make sure you don’t show any money nor expensive photography gears as there are pickpockets.

Chicken Street. “کوچه مرغ ها” also known as the antique selling street “کوچه انتیک فروش ی”. It is a relatively safe area located in the heart of Kabul where you will probably end up staying in a hotel (Shahr-e Now). The street is packed with Afghan handmade rugs, some traditional jewelry, gems, and stones. To spoil yourself with some Afghan jewelry and stones such as Lapis Lazuli, you can totally visit Chicken Street. How to get there.  If you are in Shahr-e Now, you can walk there, one end of the Chicken Street is right across the Gul Frooshi Road (Flower Street) and the other end is connected to the Ministry of Interior.

Note: Use your bargaining skills, cut their initial price in half or even less, walk away and they will call you. You can always come back with a slightly higher price and will be able to buy it. I was able to buy a full set of beautiful blue Afghan Lapis Lazuli for 200 USD although I was initially told 300 USD.

Darul Aman Palace “قصر دارال امان”.  It’s under renovation and it was planned to be fully restored by 2019. For now, there is nothing but a ruined war-torn palace to see, hopefully, more to see soon. How to get there . By taxi, the fare is about 250 Afghani from Shahr-e Now.

Paghman Valley “دره پغمان”.  It’s located in Paghman District, some 25 kilometers from Shahr-e Now Kabul. Paghman valley is considered one of the major picnic spots for residents of Kabul and it gets pretty packed during weekends. The famous picture of Afghan women in mini-skirt in the 70s was taken right there in Paghman Garden. You can visit the Paghman Valley in the morning, and for lunch stop at Qargha Dam on your way back to Kabul. How to get there.  You need to go by taxi, the fare is around 400-500 Afghani from Shahr-e-Now.

Qargha Dam “بند قرغه”. Leave Paghman Valley early and on your way back to Kabul city stop at Qargha Dam. It’s a nice big lake where mostly people from Kabul come on the weekend with their families. There are nice restaurants both to eat and relax. Try Spozhmai Restaurant, it’s the best in the area.

Where to eat and drink in Kabul

Shahr-e Now in Kabul is your best option for finding different food than just rice and meat. There are many restaurants but we didn’t try them all which is why we recommend the four we tried. They are all on the same street and only in 2-5 minutes walking distance from each other.

Herat restaurant “هرات رستورانت”, the food is traditional Afghan and lovely, even though not many options are offered. Prices are good and it has a beautiful outdoor area with benches to have your meal and smoke a hookah. Address: Shahr-e-Now, on Sulh Road, 300 meters from Haji Yaghoob intersection “چهار راهی حاجی یعقوب” toward Park Shahr-e-Now.

Barg Continental restaurant “رستوانت برگ کانتیننتل”.  Here the food is delicious and there are many options, we tried both their buffet and normal menu and both were good. The buffet is 10 USD/650 Afghani per person. Address: Shahr-e Now, Sulh Road, 500 meters from Haji Yaghoob intersection “چهار راهی حاجی یعقوب” toward Park Shahr-e Now.

Turkish Family Restaurant and Cafe.  Located on the top floor of Majeed Mall, it serves both buffet and normal à la carte menu, and obviously tea and coffee. We found it a bit overpriced for their portions and quality. They have free WIFI. Address: Shahr-e Now, Sulh Road, 700 meters from Haji Yaghoob intersection “چهار راهی حاجی یعقوب” toward Park Shahr-e Now.

Slice Bakery: For coffee, espresso and other types of warm drinks and delicious pastries head to Slice Bakery, a westernized coffee shop with English speaking staff and really tasty. Address: Shahr-e Now, Sulh Road, 650 meters from Haji Yaghoob intersection “چهار راهی حاجی یعقوب” toward Park Shahr-e Now.

Khyber Shinwari: If you want fresh lamb or goat, by all means, go there. You can order which part of the animal you want, they will cut and cook it for you while you sit and have a glass of tea. A kilo of cooked meat with fresh bread and tea is 500 Afghani. Address: Shahr-e Now, Shinwari Street, 30 meters from Haji Yaghoob intersection “چهار راهی حاجی یعقوب” toward Park Shahr-e Now.

Boolani snacks:  You can find the best pumpkin and potato boolani in many bread bakery shops in Kabul, it makes a perfect snack for morning or evening. They are pretty big and for me, one was enough for dinner. You can find them either fried or baked, we preferred the baked ones as they were lighter, but also the fried are worth trying. They are truly delicious, make sure you don’t miss them. Address:  The bakery where we usually took boolani from was in Shahr-e Now, Sulh Road, 20 meters from Haji Yaghoob intersection “چهار راهی حاجی یعقوب” toward Park Shahr-e Now.

What to visit in Herat, Afghanistan

If you travel to Afghanistan for the first time, you can’t possibly miss the historical city of Herat.

People call it city of knowledge and civilization and you might hear the local officials address it as Ancient Herat. After all, this province boasts thousands of years of history, before and after the invasion of Alexander the Great, up to the rule of Ekhamanshi Emperor. Even after decades of war, there are many things to do in Herat, crucial stop of the Silk Road and hub for artists and kings for centuries.

Herat City enshrines many of Afghanistan’s tourist attractions, so you shouldn’t miss it.

READ MORE: To know more about what to do in Herat and get around the city, read our complete guide.

What to visit in Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan

The capital of Balkh Province, Mazar-e Sharif is a pretty safe city, so it’s definitely one of the things to visit if you decide to travel to Afghanistan.

The blue mosque of Mazar-e Sharif is the main place to visit in the city. It’s known also as the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, or as locals refer to it, Zeyarat Sakhi Jan. Ali is the son in law of the Prophet Mohammad, and Shias consider him Mohammad’s successor. This belief is one of the reasons that divided the Muslim believers into the two main sects of Sunnis and Shias. Sunnis believe Ali was the fourth and final Khulafaih Rashedin (or Hazrat , like Imam but higher position).

Most Muslims agree that Hazrat-e-Ali was buried in Najaf Ashraf Iraq, but some Afghans claim he was brought to Afghanistan and is now buried in the Blue Mosque of Mazar-e Sharif. Some say that after the death of Ali they had to make some 40 graves in the region to confuse Ali’s enemies because they wanted to pull him out of the grave.

Mazar-e Sharif Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Afghanistan. The architecture of the blue mosque is well preserved and the people are very friendly and welcoming. There are hundreds of white pigeons in the park of the mosque where you can go and buy some grains and they will come all over you. It’s a perfect spot to take some nice pictures because people from across the country gather to feed the birds.

When to visit the Blue Mosque

I recommend mornings as it’s less crowded and nicer for taking pictures. Avoid the noon prayer time (12-1:30) and Fridays because it’s packed. Shrine of Hazrat Ali admission fee:  Free Cameras: Allowed Blue mosque dress code: No shorts for men but T-shirts are okay and women should dress modestly. Women don’t have to wear Chador or Burqa but pants, long sleeve shirts, Rosary/shawl and a dress to cover your hips is a must. Note: Non-Muslims are not allowed in the main building of the shrine but you can have a good walk all around the building and enjoy the blue and white view of sophisticated mosaic work. Donations are very welcome.

Where to eat in Mazar-e-Sharif

Around the Shrine of Hazrat-e-Ali, there are many restaurants. We recommend Kefayat Turkish Restaurant ,  they offer nice Turkish and local food. A very relaxed and friendly environment to have your lunch or dinner. Address: Close to Kefayat Square “میدان کفایت”, by taxi the fare is some 80 Afghani.

What to visit in Bamyan, Afghanistan

UNESCO-listed Bamyan Valley is in its namesake province mainly inhabited by Hazara so very safe. Bamyan Province is pretty poor, badly connected with the national electrical system and only recently was provided with a public hospital.

Now this beautiful valley is one of the must-sees in Afghanistan as it offers a great view of the cultural and historical heritage of the area with both examples of Buddhist art and Islamic architecture.

Below are some of the things to do in Bamiyan Province.

Band-e Amir (Amir dam)

Some 80 kilometers northwest of the Bamyan province, Band-e Amir is also Afghanistan’s first National Park. With 75000 hectares, this is a must see. There are six lakes along the valley next to each other with beautiful crystal clear blue water collected from rain and snow.

In the national Park, there is the resting place (shrine) of some elders of the area, the locals consider the shrine holy and believe it’s where Hazrat Ali walked. Some locals also believe the water of Band e Amir cures diseases and sicknesses. They say the Berber king tried many times to close one end of the dam but always failed until Hazrat e Ali came and closed the dam with his sword “Shamshir Zolfaqar”. How to get to Band-e-Amir national park. You can go to Band-e-Amir with Taxi, its one hour drive from the city. The road from Bamiyan to Band-e Amir is in a good condition, for the most part. Visiting time.  You can go anytime, but if you go there in the summer, you can do some hiking around the lakes, men can also swim. We recommend visiting Band-e Amir in the morning.

Note: Hotels in Bamyan provide guides for your day out for some extra charge.

Remains of Buddha statues

The Buddha statues were destroyed in 2001 by the Taliban a few months before the U.S. invasion. The alcoves in which they were carved remain and Japan is trying to restore as much of the Buddha statues as possible. Around the Buddhas, there are many caves being used as homes by some locals. The local officials control the access to the road to the area.

The road on the west of Buddhas leads to Zahak City, also known Red City due to its rocks and valleys. They say in the 13th century, the city was demolished and all its residents were executed by Genghis Khan after his grandson was killed by the Red City guardians. There are many stories locals tell about this historical city. They say Zahak was the name of a powerful king who kept two snakes on his shoulders to protect him from his enemies, and he fed them with the human brain, so the locals had to bring one of the residents for his snakes from time to time until one of the snakes attacked the same king, Zahak, and ate his brain.

Where to eat in Bamyan

Bamyan restaurants are not impressive at all, use the restaurants of the hotels you stay in. They are your best options.

What to visit in Panjshir

To get to the valley of the Five Lions (apt transliteration from the Persian “panjshir”, پنجشیر), you need to book a taxi as you have to go past Parwan and Kapisa provinces. The Panjshir Valley has always been the only place Taliban never managed to set foot in, not even during the five years they were controlling the whole country from 1996 to 2001. This is the province and the resting place of Afghan commander Ahmad Shah Massoud.

Read more about Panjshir in the article we wrote after our experience in the valley of the Five Lions.

Where NOT to go in Afghanistan – 2022 UPDATE

Due to the extremely sensitive situation right now in Afghanistan, with the peace talks between the US and the Taliban armed group still going on, many provinces in Afghanistan are still unsafe to visit.

Fights between the Taliban and the Afghan forces are still fierce, so you want to avoid all the most sensitive places. The only provinces we deem safe at the moment are the ones mentioned above in our travel guide to Afghanistan. All other provinces are too dangerous at the moment. Notably, some places are very alluring and many people ask us what we think about travelling there. So now we share our opinion on the other cities in Afghanistan with a potential tourist future.

Kandahar city and province has a long history, a great artistic heritage and is incredibly fascinating. But it’s the strongest Taliban haven to date. It’s where the Taliban group originates from and where they still have a big presence and support. For as much as I want to go to Kandahar myself, we don’t recommend it.

Pretty much for the same reason, Kunduz is still a Taliban stronghold. Here, there are often fights between the terrorist group and the Afghan Army, fights that have caused thousands of victims also among civilians and thousands of displaced people. We discourage your from travelling to Kunduz.

Booking hotels in Afghanistan (plus our suggestions)

When you travel to Afghanistan you need to pick your hotels carefully among those that provide the basic services and proper security measures. The big hotels of the main cities usually have websites, so you can book your room online, while if you would rather stay in more affordable places, you can also book by going there personally. Just rent a taxi from the airport and show the driver the address of your hotel. Below are some of our hotel suggestions.

Our hotel recommendations in Kabul, Afghanistan

Golden Star.  It’s on Chahar Rahi Haji Yaghoob/Haji Yaghoob intersection in Shahr-e Now (چهار راهی حاجی یغوب). Their rates for a double bedroom are 60-70 USD per night.

Kabul Serena Hotel.  A beautiful 5-star resort with prices starting from 200 USD per night for a double bedroom. Modern amenities including sauna, in-house spa, outdoor pool and fitness center, 24h front desk, WIFI and flat-screen TV included.

Safi Landmark Hotel & Suites. Located in Kabul city center, Shahr-e Now, on top of a shopping mall. This is a very high-end hotel, great room service, heavy security measures and all the modern facilities.

Sarvistan hotel. If you are traveling on a budget, we recommend Sarvistan hotel on Shinwari Street (سرک شینواری), right next to the Shahr-e Now Park, 15-20$ per night for the double bed, basic facilities, breakfast, and WIFI included.

Hotel recommendations for Herat, Afghanistan

Nazari Hotel. A 4-star hotel on Cinema Square (چوک سینما, Chowk Cinema). Their rates range between 120 and 150 USD for a double bedroom per night.

Hotel Marco Polo. We recommend Hotel Marco Polo on Taher Fushanji Avenue, close to Darb-e-Khoshk. Their rates are 30-35 USD per night for a double bedroom.

Hotel recommendations for Bamyan, Afghanistan

Gholghola Hotel. It’s located in the city of Bamiyan, Foladi Road, and is considered a very good hotel. Their rate is some 70 USD per night per double bedroom, WIFI and breakfast included. They have their own restaurant. Their website is www.gholgholahotel.com.

Bamiyan Royal Hotel. It’s located in the city of Bamiyan close to Shahr-e Gholghola  and offers a beautiful view of the Buddha. Among their facilities are the airport pick-up and drop, room service, TV, WIFI, and breakfast. Their website is bamyanroyalhotel.com.

Hotel recommendations for Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan

Kefayat Hotel.  It’s a little pricey, around 80-100 USD per night for a double bedroom, but the place is better than many cheap city hotels. Address: Close to Kefayat Square “میدان کفایت” above Kefayat supermarket.

Baran Imperatory Hotel. The hotel is not bad for Mazar-e Sharif standards and not far from the Shrine of Hazrat Ali. For prices and information, contact them directly. Address : Close to Alkozay square “چهار راهی الکوزی”. Website : www.baranhotel.com

For all hotels, feel free to bargain over the price if you think they give you too high rates.

Taxi fares from Afghanistan airports to the city

From Herat airport to the city: 500-600 Afs From Kabul airport to Shahr-e-Now: 300-400 Afs From Mazar-e Sharif to the city: 350-500 Afs From Bamyan Airport to the city: 250-350 Afs.

Individual tour guides in every city

When it comes to Afghanistan, you want someone reliable and trustworthy to be your guide. Email us and we will put you in contact with individual guides in the main cities of Afghanistan.

If you are planning to visit Herat and don’t speak Farsi, we highly recommend you hire a guide/interpreter to both show you around and translate for you. We can introduce you to a reliable and trustworthy local guide who will provide a full package for you. This will include:

• airport pick-up and drop-off
• private vehicle
• private apartment in the same building he lives and experience with a local family
• three homemade meals per day
• tea and season fruits in your apartment
• authorization letter to visit the historical sites
• use of local public baths (optional)
• sightseeing

The price is 100 USD per day. If you are interested contact us and we’ll give you his number.

Note: If you can’t book your hotels online, you can ask the guide to book it for you before you travel to Afghanistan (without advanced payment).

Book your tour in Afghanistan

We are aware that Afghanistan is not an easy travel destination. If you need more information or you want to get an organized tour of Afghanistan, contact us privately and we will arrange things for you and put you in touch with reliable tour companies.

Full itinerary of the Afghanistan tour

Day 1 : Pick up from Kabul Airport Stay in Kabul and visit: The Garden of Babur

Day 2 : Trip to the Panjshir Valley Visit the tomb of Ahmad Shah Massoud and the high mountains of Hindukush.

Day 3 : Travel from Kabul to Bamyan Visit the Buddhas and Qolghola city

Day 4 : Second day in Bamyan, visit Band-e Amir Visit the city and experience local life

Day 5 : Travel to Kabul and from Kabul Airport travel to Mazar-e Sharif

Day 6 : Visit the Blue Mosque and the city

Day 7 : Travel to Herat by plane from Mazar-e Sharif Three days in Herat City visiting the many historical places and the bazaars.

Day 10 : Travel to Kabul and visit: Koche-e-kah froshi Chicken Street visit Darul Aman Palace Qargha Dam

Day 11 : Drop off at the Kabul International Airport.

What is included in the package:

Airport pick up and drop off English-Farsi speaking tour guide All domestic airfares All domestic land transportation by air-conditioned non-armor vehicles Accommodation in 3-star hotels with proper security standards and located in the city centers Sim cards with credits and 3G data. Breakfast All entry tickets to historical places Afghan clothes for men, Muntoo and Roosary for women

What is not included in the package:

Lunch and dinner Medical expenses International airfares

We take necessary security measures and would like to blend in with the society as much as possible. Therefore, we ask our male and female tourists for the sizes below to have Afghan clothes ready for them: Height from the shoulder to the knee Shoulder width Full arm length Bicep size Trouser height Waist size Neck size

Note: The provinces that are currently relatively safe and where we can organize tours for foreigners are: Herat Balkh (Mazar Sharif) Panjshir Bamyan Kabul

The organization will take care also of the necessary security measures. We are flexible and if you have a different travel itinerary or want armed guards and armor vehicles in Afghanistan, please let us know and we will evaluate your personal itinerary. For prices and availability, email us directly and we will give you more detailed information privately.

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I'm Angela Corrias, an Italian journalist, photographer, and travel writer located in the heart of Italy's capital. Welcome to my website, your comprehensive source for your travels and expert guidance for crafting your dream travel experience.

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Top 15 unmissable things to do in tehran, capital of iran, 73 thoughts on “the most up-to-date and reliable afghanistan travel guide – 2022 update”.

Hi Angela, thanks for putting all this information together. Afghanistan is been on my bucket list for such a long time… I am on a 6 months trip through Central Asia (currently in Pakistan) and I am still thinking whether to make it to Afghanistan or not…

So, if I enter from Uzbekistan… Is the route between Mazar e-Sarif – Kabul ”relatively” safe? Does it go through any Taliban area?

Hi Joan, the road between Hayratan port (where you will enter from Uzbekistan) to Mazar is “relatively” safe, meaning not too risky, some people do it, you might or might not find Taliban checkpoints, while the road from Mazar and Kabul is NOT safe at all, Taliban always establish hasty checkpoints and carry out searches making people getting off the buses. The road itself is dangerous, meaning not standard at all. From Mazar to Kabul flying is highly recommended. Everywhere in Afghanistan is risky, and traveling as a foreigner by bus increases the risk, I myself haven’t done it even though my husband is from Afghanistan and has traveled by bus many times without me. If you know a local you can trust, it’s better.

It’s not safe for foreigners to travel by road in afghanistan. It’s better if you travel by air between cities.

By car you cant travel in every places of Afghanistan, Because its not safe for foreigners in these days.

Thanks for sharing your traveling story in Afghanistan. I have done a cycling trip in Afghanistan in August 2016. I met amazing people with a big heart in Afghanistan, the sightseeings and the landscapes were incredible.

Angela this is so neat and helpful. I would love to visit one day. To see a different culture, in a different part of the world, as it slowly slowly slowly opens up and allows in a trickle of tourists. Being a dude I reckon it’d be a wee bit easier to get around but still, I accept the fact that I am an outsider and am always super respectful of laws and cultures. Especially in such a conservative country. Obviously a total 180 but I got accustomed to keeping knees and shoulders covered – as a guy of course ;) – during a recent trip to Qatar. Neat to live in a Muslim country for a month.

Thanks Ryan, one day you might have the occasion or just decide to go to Afghanistan, it’s a very exciting trip. Keep in mind that Qatar is waaaaay more relaxed, both for men and women…

Hey Angela, thanks so much for this informative and very honest post. I am a bit torn between nerve wracking or exciting,,,,maybe it’s a bit of both?

You nailed it, Carolin, it is a bit of both, very fascinating country but also nerve-wracking!

Hi Angela- just found your post randomly on Google and this is the most informative post I have ever read about travelling to Afghanistan. The country has been on my bucket list for so long.

I just wandering about the visa process for tourist; when they asked for invitation letter- so would you mind giving me some help on who I should contact to get one. And also, do we need to book flight and hotel in advance for the visa?

Many thanks and hope for your reply soon.

Hi Quy Bui, thanks for stopping by, I’m glad you found our guide useful. When I applied for my Afghan visa I was asked also the return ticket. Not the hotel because I was staying at my fiancé’s house. Also, I didn’t bring the invitation letter but my letter stating the reason why I was going and all the cities I was aiming to visit during my stay. They wanted also a local address and a local contact, this is why probably you will be asked for a hotel. Probably a local tour company can provide you with an invitation letter, but it’s better if you contact the Afghan embassy in your country and inquire with them directly about the process.

Thanks Angela for your information- it’s very useful. Sadly we dont have an Afghan embassy in Vietnam- they have one in Beijing which will process the request from Vietnam. Many thanks anyway :)

You can obtain a tourist visa in Iran without an invitation letter then cross the border to Afghanistan. I am heading there in March.

-from another Vietnamese :)

I suggest you always check with the embassy, it depends on the nationality and where you are entering from. Usually, they ask for a contact in Afghanistan when you apply for the visa. Also, they don’t give visa on arrival if you enter by land, you need to have it beforehand.

Great informative and trustworthy site. Hamed Sayed is one of the most honest trustworthy people I know and would recommend him and his knowledge without hesitation.

Thank you, Jacki. You are a smart friend and a great man who I had the honor of working with. Hopefully, our paths will cross again, until then keep safe and stay vigilant in Afghanistan. Cheers brother

Thank you for a very informative post! I have a question on electricity and internet stability in general. You have mentioned that it’s recommended to bring a power bank which I totally agree. However, how bad does it get? Would you say how many hours of electricity there are in cities like Kabul, Mazar Sharif and Bamyan? How about the internet, does it work properly in the cities above as well?

Thanks a lot! :)

Hi Stella, in Bamiyan they don’t have electricity, they use generators, so in the hotel, you should be fine because they use it 24/7 (in the good hotels), but other than that, in many places you might find no electricity. Mazar-e Sharif and Kabul have electricity, it can happen sometimes they cut it, but I didn’t find that was often. Internet comes and goes, it’s not super slow, we did manage to work online from Kabul. If you get a good hotel, they should have a good connection. We also found internet in some cafes in Kabul. Keep in mind that overall, the infrastructure is weak. Enjoy your trip!

Hi. What is the price for a 11day tour of Afghanistan? As this articule is almost 2 years old, is all security measurements the same now compared to when it was written?

Hey Hans, yes security-wise is still like this, which is not safe at all, especially for foreign tourists. There were clashes in Mazar-e Sharif recently but now situation is back to normal. For tours and prices we can give you the name of a tour company we know. Let me know if you are interested.

Hi Angela, thank you for take your time and bring us this useful information. I’m from Colombia and I’m planning to go to Afghanistan this June 2018, I’m trying to get updated information but is not possible. Do you know something about that? Thank you in advance.

My plan is cross the border from Iran

Hi Diego, the information you read on our guide is up-to-date. Terrorist activity is still present, so really stick to the areas we mention in the guide and travel by plane. I can give you the names of some local guides who know where they can take foreigners. It’s also safer to be with a trusted local if you can’t speak Dari. If you are crossing to Iran I guess you will be heading to Herat, but will you be alone? Not really safe, better to get into Afghanistan by plane.

Situations arent so good these days in Kabul, i would suggest to everyone not to plan coming here in next few months.

Hi could you send me the price of your Afghan tour? Just the normal standard one , without armoured vehicle etc.. Is it safe to visit the mineret of Djam? Thanks, Tony

i have a plan to take a cycling trip from Herat where i reside to Kabul, the way that i cross is fully Taliban controlled area. anyone know will i be safe ?/

I’m not sure I would risk it, but you are a resident, so you will probably know better?

Hi there, thanks for taking your time and providing useful information. I’m from Afghanistan and my wife is from USA. She wants to go with me back home and live there. I don’t know if there’s any way to get her afghani tazkeerah (citizenship id). Do you know anything about that or sponsorship? I know it’s very odd. Usually people are trying to get out of there.

Hi Hasan, as far as I know, they don’t release the tazkara to foreign citizens. Your wife can get a residence permit to be renewed every year or two years. At the Afghan embassy they can sure give you better information, I think you can also apply for visa exemption for your wife since she’s married to an Afghan, so she doesn’t need a visa every time you go.

Hello. I am interested on making a trip to Afghanistan and I would like to learn from the prices of the tour companies you work with. Thank you.

Hi Ico, I will email you privately to give you the contact information, they will tell you everything you need to know, including price, security measures and itinerary.

Hin Angela,

We just come back from a trip on Pamir highway in Tajikistan. My husband ( he is Afghan) and I missed to go to Afghanistan because our visa from German embassy was incorrect. So only my 3 sisters in law ( all afghan ) went to sultan ishkashim in Afghanistan after 38 years they left their home country. We was thinking to go back next year to go to Afghanistan from Tajikistan, but today I found your blog. It sounds very interesting. I would like to check out the possibilities to travel to Afghanistan next year. Looking forward to your answer. Have a great Sunday. Kindly regards Ilona

Hi Ilona, sorry to hear you couldn’t make it to Afghanistan. Which embassy gave you the wrong visa, the Afghan embassy in Germany? That’s very weird. Your husband should have the tazkara and Afghan passport, and as his wife, you should get the visa exemption. This is what we will be doing at the Afghan embassy in Rome before our next trip. Why don’t you ask them? Let me know what they say!

Hi Angela, Nice to hear from you so quick . Thanks a lot. It is a bit more difficult . We apply for Tajik visa in Germany for multiple entry visa and this was a nightmare – really. In the end we got it, but at the Afghan border in Iskashim we found out it was wrong. Nonody knows how we could enter the country at the airport . We had to go to MFA in Dushanbe to get a new visa to get out of Tajikistan – can you velieve it. It was an adventure trip. But we like Tajikistan a lot. The Afghan visa we got in Khorog was good and easy to get. But it was for nothing because of the wrong Tajik visa.

Family is going out now. Wishing you a great sunday. Ilona

This is very confusing, I don’t know why they made it so difficult. Probably next time you can just fly into Kabul with a simple Afghan visa you do in Germany. This is what I did from Rome and I had no problems.

Yes next time we wil do it like that. It was just a try to go from Tajikistan, because we was so close. Can you send me some contacts in Afghanistan for a guided tour. That would be great. Warm regards

Hi Ilona, I will email you with the contact details of a tour operator we trust.

Perfect thanks ….dear Angela

Hello Angela,

My name is Brandon Bell and I’m from the US. I appreciate your post, and felt like I could trust your insight/discernment. I have this subtle desire to travel to Afghan to photograph and connect with the hardships that many of the people face. I’ve photographed in Egypt and Kashmir India but understand that Afghan is a field of its own. I’d particularly like to go and spend time with the refugees in the country. Do you have any advice/perspective on that?

Please provide contact information to obtain cost and travel options to Afghanistan. At the moment, there would be three of us, two Americans and one Indian, all males. If possible, a side trip to Pakistan would be of interest. Hiw long of a trip would you recommend to experience the must-see areas (safe). Our plans would be to arrive in the sping 2019. Thanks for a reply. You have an informative website.

Hi Noel, I will send you a detailed email about this. Thanks.

Thank you for your insights and sharing, Angela. This and your blog on being a western woman here are simply awesome!

Can I possibly contact you directly to ask about travel?

Thank you ~

Hi Selina, sure thing, contact me any time :)

Hi Angela, your blog is wonderful !!! I’m a single u.s. female and plan on going to Afghanistan in March 2019, i would love to get good contacts in Afghanistan for a guided tour. I’ve been to Afghanistan on my trip overland to India in the 70’s…so I’m looking forward to this new trip…any info will be very welcome…

Hi Haya, thanks a lot for your comment. I will send you an email with more details.

I liked the post. Thinking about getting to know Afghanistan is one of the few countries I haven’t met. I’ve done several trips around the world. But I confess that one of the things that prevents me from visiting this country is precisely because the information I have is still a place with many wars and that makes me afraid to visit. One of the most amazing things I find is the buildings and temples of this country.

Thanks for the detailed and informative blog. I’m planning to visit Afghan in mid March’19 for about 2 weeks. Would like to know the contacts for discussing itinerary and pricing. Planning to visit Kabul, Panjshir, Herat, Mazar I Sharif, Bamiyan, Band-e-amir and Balkh. Thanks

Thanks Venkatesh, I will reply to you by email!

I am traveling to Uzbekistan in July. From there (Tashkent) I would like to get to Termez and cross the border into Afghanistan (Hairatan). I need an invitation letter for a visa application. Does anybody have any advice? How can I get one without buying a tour?

(Lovely website! Very useful! Thanks so much!)

Hi! Thank you for such a detailed post!

Can you please email me details and price of to travel to the places you recommend?

Replied by email!

I really enjoyed reading your blog on visiting Afghanistan. I’m planning to go between September-October of this year. Could you share your contacts/pricing for Herat, Mazar-e Sharif/Balkh, Kabul/Panjshir, and Bamyan/Band-e Amir if it’s not too much trouble? Thanks

Thanks for reading, Robert. I will be emailing you the details you asked for.

Your post is great! Thank you for sharing it 😊😊 Can you please share your guide information? I want to travel between kabul and bamiyan.

I will send you an email with the contact information :)

Great post and info, thank you! I want to just transit through Kabul airport (Dubai – Kabul – Dubai or Istanbul – Kabul – Dubai). At the Afghan consulate in New York they said that I don’t need a visa as long as I don’t leave the transit area, and if I want a visa I would have to submit a Letter of Invitation. I am worried that without a visa the airline might not allow me to board the plane to Kabul, and even if they do, it might be difficult to get a return boarding pass without checking in at Kabul airport, past immigration. Do you have any advice on this? Can you recommend a Kabul travel company that could issue a LOI? Thank you so much!

Hi Paul, if you are only in transit in Kabul, you are not going to do the check-in again because you are going to stay in the transit area. I wouldn’t know who can do an invitation letter if you are not actually taking the tour…

Can I get more info thank you

Hi Angela, thank you so much for your information about Afghanistan. I want to go to Afghanistan in September. Will you please bring me in contact with local travelagencies? Thank you in advance 🙏

Best, Frank

Sent you an email :)

Thank you for this article. I’d be interested to learn more about your contact’s tour service.

Thank you in advance!

Your post is great! Thank you for all this important and useful information. I was dreaming about travelling to Afghanistan since many years and I would love to give a try. Could you please share the contact of your guide? Grazie Nadia

Hi Angela, Just found your post and it is very informative. Thank you for the good read. When this Covid 19 matter is over i would like to go there. Can you recommend guides for those places for me to contact? Thank you. Baddrul

Hi there Angela,

Are these 11-day tours still available as of right now?

If so, I love to get more details about them! Would you be so kind as to e-mail me some more information?

Thank you so much!

Hi Matheus, at the moment our guides are not running any tours because the situation is very unstable and attacks keep increasing. Also, I’m not sure the government is issuing tourist visas.

Dear Angela, I have spent a lot of time in high mountains expedition looking for nature beauty, especially flowers and animals. Hindukush mts. is my dream. Would you be so kind as to inform me about eventuality to travel in safe regions (Bamyan etc.). and find me a reliable mountain guide? Thanks for response, Zdenek

Hey could you guys please get in touch. I am very interested in visiting and would love to find a English speaking tour guide

I am very interested in visiting Afghanistan this upcoming July/August and would love to take you up on your offer to put me in touch with a tour guide/translator or to book an 11 day trip. Please reache at this email. Thank you so much, McCabe

Are the govt issuing tourist visas, I am interested in a trip to Kabul

Hi James, we are not sure about this. At the moment the situation is a bit tricky because all foreign troops are pulling out of Afghanistan so we are waiting to see what happens. For everything visa-related, I suggest you get in touch with the Afghan embassy in your country.

I am looking to travel to Afghanistan in 2022. I was wondering if I could contact you with possibly obtaining an invite letter that you had mentioned in the blog? Also, do you recommend if one can go through the Couchsurfing option? Could that be used to apply for a Visit or Tourism visa?

Thank you so much for this information as it was very informative and a great read!

Best, Kayvon

This is a great travel guide. Could you share the contact information for the tour companies you mentioned? I’m hoping to visit later this year.

Hi Andy, all our guides have been evacuated after the Taliban took over. We don’t recommend traveling to Afghanistan at the moment so we don’t promote nor arrange any tour.

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• 7 days trip – Afghanistan Highlights
• Jan’23 : 05-days trip: Buzkashi Tour
• Feb’23 : 05-days trip: Buzkashi Tour
• Mar’23 : 05-days trip: Buzkashi Tour
• Mar’23 : 7-days trip: Bamyan and Mazar Tour
• Apr’23 : 10-days trip through highlights of Afghanistan
• Apr’23 : 14-days trip Afghanistan and Minaret of Jam
• May’23 : 7-days trip: Nooristan Afghanistan
• Aug’23 : 14-days trip Wakhan
• Oct’23 : 7-days trip Bamyan and Herat
• Oct’23 : 7-days trip Minaret of Jam
• Oct’23 : 14-days trip Afghanistan and Minaret of Jam
• Oct’23 : 10-days trip through highlights of Afghanistan

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Afghanistan

Home to the mighty Hindu Kush, ancient Buddhist relics, Mughal treasures and some of the world’s largest cities, Afghanistan is best explored with the help of a local guide from tourHQ.

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Noor Mohammad Ramazan

I am born in Afghanistan and guided since 2007. I perfectly speak English and I understand two more ...

Gull Hussian Baizada

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We will show you Afghanistan (Holy sites, historical areas, tombs, natural beauty, and crowded ...

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Emerging from more than thirty years of war and conflict, it’s perhaps hard to imagine any county with a recent past more traumatic and tumultuous than Afghanistan. Its unlikeliness as a viable travel destination today has been bolstered by the continued warnings of international agencies, while any journalist will tell you that the situation on the ground is far from ideal. That said, Afghanistan’s wealth of supreme natural beauty have done well to bring it a little closer to the intrepid traveller’s fold in recent years, and the vast highlands at Koh-i-Baba and the Hindu Kush are once again slowly opening their doors to the most daring of hikers. What’s more, the country is still home to a veritable array of different religious hotspots, from the somewhat emotional and culturally loaded ruins at Bamiyan (where the grand 6th century Buddha statues were destroyed so unceremoniously by the Taliban in 2001) to the azure façade of the Shrine of Hazrat Ali in the Islamic pilgrimage city of Mazar-i-Sharif. 

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Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan

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Stretching all the way into China, and separating Pakistan from Tajikistan, the Wakhan Corridor is the narrow strip located in the east of Afghanistan, considered to be the remotest region in all Central Asia, and one of the most gorgeous too.

This belongs to the province of Badakhshan, created in 1893 to serve as a buffer between the Russian Empire (today’s Tajikistan ) and the British Empire (today Pakistan).

Despite the remoteness of this region, this used to be a relevant trading route during Silk Road times, visible in the several ancient forts and caravanserais one can find along the Panj River, once hosting long-term travelers on their way to China.

In this expedition, we will get very deep into the province of Badakhshan, driving for 4 days along the main river, and then hiking and discovering the Little Pamir for the remaining days, all the way to Chaqmatin Lake.

We will be self-sufficient, sleep in homestays, yurts and surrounded by absolutely stunning nature for more than 2 weeks. This isn’t an expedition for everyone but only for the most adventurous.

This expedition will be scheduled once a year only, so this is your only chance to visit it.

August 18th to September 2nd, 2024

Lead by Joan Torres

travelers who joined us say

Note that we always keep the itinerary flexible, and it may be subject to change, depending on the political situation.

Day 1 – Dushanbe to Shirkhan border, Kunduz and Faizabad

Day 2 – Fayzabad to Ishkashim and Qahzideh

Day 3 – Qahzi Deh to Qala e Panja

Day 4 – Qala e Panja to Sahrad e Broghil

Day 5 to 10 – Hiking to Chaqmaqtin Lake

Day 11 – Resting day in Chaqmaqtin village

Day 12 to 13 – Chaqmaqtin to Putokh and Qala Panja

Day 14 – Resting day in Qala Panja

Day 15 – Qala Panja to Faizabad

Day 1 6 – Departure

Gallery of photos

Day 1 – Dushanbe to Kunduz border and Faizabad

• Meet at the hotel in Dushanbe early morning and drive to the Shirkhan border
• Border formalities and drive to Kunduz to get the actual stamps and visa
• Drive to Fayzabad, overnight in Fayzabad

Day 2 – Fayzabad to Ishkashim and Qahzi Deh

• Early morning, get permits in Fayzabad for traveling to Badakhshan province
• Drive to Ishkashim and then Qahzi Deh, the second village in the Wakhan
• Overnight in a traditional Wakhi homestay
• Driving along the Panj river and border with Tajikistan, village hopping, stopping on the way to admire the scenery
• Stop in Khandood for arranging for more permits
• Overnight in Qala e Panja in a local homestay

Day 4 – Qala e Panja to Shahrad e Broghil

• Last day of driving, getting deep into the Wakhan Corridor Nature Refuge, surrounded by 6000-meter mountains
• Evening in Shahrad Broghil, getting ready for the following hiking days to the Little Pamir

Day 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 – Hiking to Chaqmaqtin Lake

• 6 days of hiking, averaging around 7 hours per day
• We’ll cross different mountain passes, 3700m, 4200m and 4600m
• Nights will be always spent in settlements, either in a homestay or in traditional Kyrgyz yurt, since the people in this part of the Wakhan are semi-nomadic Kyrgyz
• On day 10, we’ll reach our final destination, Chaqmaqtin Lake

Day 11 – Resting day in Chaqmaqtin village

• We will spend the day just chilling in the village, or walking around the lake. Easy life.

Day 12, 13 – Chaqmaqtin to Putokh and Qala Panja

• We’ll start our journey back to Tajikistan but, to make it different, we’ll spend the night in a different place, the village of Putokh.
• We will reach Qala e Panja on day 14.

Day 14 – Resting day at Qala e Panja

• Full day at the heart of the Wakhan , in the traditional Wakhi village of Qala Panja
• Qala Panja is a good place to learn about the Wakhi culture. We will spend some time in a house, learning how the locals cook, as well as checking out an ancient fortress, the clear heritage of the Silk Road times

Day 15 – Qala Panja to Faizabad

• 9-hour drive from Qala e Panja to the capital of Badakhshan.
• Overnight in Fayzabad

Day 16 – Transfer to Shirkhan border

• Drive to Kunduz and then to the Shikhran border.
• We will help you to find transportation from the border to the city of Dushanbe.

15 nights of accommodation

Permits and security clearance for driving around Taliban-Afghanistan

Private transportation around the Wakhan Corridor

For the 6-day hike, horses, porters and a cook will also join the team

Letter of Invitation needed for the visa

English-speaking Wakhi guide

International tour leader

Not Included

International flights to Dushanbe

Round-trip transportation from Dushanbe to the Shirkhan border

Visa fees (150 USD)

Aug 18th to Sept 2nd, 2024

Where does the trip start from?

The trip will start in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

We’ll meet at the reception of Shumon Hotel, from where we’ll drive to the border with Shikhran.

Do I need a visa for Tajikistan?

Yes, and you can easily get a multiple entry visa online.

Please read this section for further details.

How to get an Afghan visa?

With the help of our Letter of Invitation, visa can be obtained on arrival at the border of Shirkhan.

Price of the visa is 150 USD.

After the tour, can I go to Kabul instead?

Yes, you can. In fact, we have an Afghanistan expedition starting just a few days after, on September 5th, and those joining it will have a free transfer from Kunduz to Kabul.

Details of this expedition can be found here .

Which hotels do we stay?

It’s important to take into account that there aren’t any hotels in the Wakhan Corridor and that except for the 2 nights in Fayzabad, we’ll be staying in local homestays and Kyrgyz yurts, where facilities are beyond basic.

Do I need to be fit for this trip?

Yes, all participants must be reasonably fit for this trip, since we’ll be hiking for 6 days in a row, going over more than 4000-meter mountain passes, and always being self-sufficient.

What is the recommended packing list for this trip?

All the things you’d bring for a multi-day high altitude trek, which include all the proper mountain gear, plus a power bank, water filters, etc. A more detailed packing list will be shared upon booking your spot.

Is Afghanistan safe nowadays?

Since the Taliban came to power back in 2021, security in Afghanistan has drastically improved.

However, the Wakhan Corridor is so isolated that even during the war, it has always been safe, always willing to receive visitors and intrepid adventurers coming from neighboring Tajikistan.

For more information check my Afghanistan safety guide .

Can women join this tour?

Yes, of course, all women are always welcome in our Afghanistan tours.

Furthermore, Wakhi people are surprisingly open compared to Pashtuns and other ethnicities in Afghanistan. They predominantly adhere to Ismaili Shia Islam, which is perhaps the most liberal branch of Islam. You are likely to see many women unveiled and given its isolation, I don’t think this has changed much since the Taliban came back to power.

Which nationalities can join this tour?

All nationalities are welcome, including Americans.

How does payment work?

In order to secure your spot on the tour, we require a deposit. All details will be shared upon booking your spot.

Do you recommend a specific travel insurance?

Either you are joining one of our trips, or you are traveling by yourself, you might want to look for proper travel insurance. Against the Compass has been a partner with IATI for several years already, recommending it to all readers, as well as covering all Joan Torres’ personal trips.

We like it because It covers all the countries where the FCDO advises against all travel, it offers budget plans and covers all sorts of adventure activities.

Against the Compass readers can benefit from a 5% discount .

Get a quote here to claim your discount

What about the cancellation policy?

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions .

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Afghanistan Buzkashi Tour

• Feb 16 - 25th, 2024

What's it all about?

Buzkashi is Afghanistan’s national sport. It’s played every Friday from November to March and it is quite the spectacle. Imagine dozens of horseback men whacking at each other, all trying to put a goat carcass into a goal. 

This Afghanistan tour offers you the chance to see all of this land’s national and cultural highlights, from the surreal blue lakes of Band-e-Amir to the Blue Mosque and Buzkashi games of Mazar-e-Sharif.

Kabul See old and new. From Chicken Street to the bird market - This vibrant city has a lot to offer. Herat The capital of the west - See the great mosque and the towering citadel. Bamyan The iconic rock Buddha's need no introduction. Band-e-Amir An incredible national park with stunning scenery. The Food! Afghan cuisine is a fine mixture of Indian, Middle Eastern and Central Asian dishes. Where? Kabul – Herat – Bamyan – Band-e-Amir – Mazar-e-Sharif – Samangan – Kabul When? Feb 16 – 25th, 2024 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

February 16th | Kabul

• Arrival in Kabul. Airport transfers to our Hotel.
• Check in before we visit a local tailor to get measured up for our Afghan outfits.
• 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 .
• Stroll through Babur’s Gardens .
• Dinner and overnight in Kabul.

February 17th | Kabul - Herat

• Visit the Western Cemetery in Kabul 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.
• We will then catch our flight to Herat .
• 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)
• Transfer to the hotel, dinner and overnight in Herat.

February 18th | Herat

• First thing this morning we will 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.
• After lunch 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 Achaeminid 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 .
• Late evening flight back to Kabul .
• Dinner in Kabul and overnight.

February 19th | 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.

February 20th | 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.

February 21st | Bamyan - 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.
• Arrival in Mazar-e-Sharif . Dinner and overnight.

February 22nd | Mazar-e-Sharif - Samangan

• Drive out to the beautiful mountainous villages of Samangan province. 
• Visit the 3rd and 4th century temples and Stupas carved out of the ground.
• Lunch in bustling bazaar of Samangan. Walk through the streets here and soak up the atmosphere. 
• Visit the Baaghi Jahan numa (the Kings Garden) then drive back to Mazar.
• Dinner and overnight in Mazar-e-Sharif.

February 23rd | 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.
• Catch a Buzkashi game on this Friday (if there is one happening) 
• 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 its vibrant street life in the evening.
• Dinner and overnight.

February 24th | Mazar-e-Sharif - Kabul

• Catch a flight back to Kabul where we will have tea and some time to have a look around the famous bazaar on Chicken Street.
• Drive into the mountains overlooking Kabul for one last sunset.
• Final dinner & overnight in Kabul.

February 25th | Depart

• Transfer to the airport. End of Afghanistan Buzkashi Tour.

Afghanistan Buzkashi Tour.

start & finish in Kabul

Fly in and out of the Afghan capital from Dubai or Islamabad.

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9 nights in Afghanistan

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Untamed Borders offers bespoke trips and small group tours to some of the world’s most interesting and inaccessible places.

Untamed Borders was formed in 2008 by professional fixers, supporting journalists wanting to reach hard to access areas in order to provide cutting-edge stories. Today, we still serve media professionals as well as helping adventurous travellers to experience unusual and largely unvisited areas of the world.

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Pakistan – Hindu Kush & Karakorum

A 14-day road trip through the awe-inspiring Karakorum and Hindu Kush mountain ranges of Northern Pakistan. These mountains contain a kaleidoscope of people as well as some of the earth's…

Virtual Tours with Fatima: Afghanistan

Have you ever dreamt of travelling to Afghanistan, or wondered what it would be like to visit this fascinating country as a tourist? Join pioneering Afghan tour guide Fatima Haidari…

Trekking Tajikistan: Pamir Mountain Lakes

We will be traversing through the heart of the mountain range. Along the way, we will stay in the homes of the Pamiri natives, camp near centuries old caravanserais and…

Trek The Wakhan

In September 2024 we will be heading back to one of world's most remote corners. A 21-day journey to visit the land of one of the world's last and least…

Afghanistan In 9 Days

A 9 day trip to the highlights of Afghanistan and a great introduction to the country. Explore places like Bamian, the ancient city of Balkh and the new city of…

Afghanistan Central Route

An immersive 15 days exploration of Central and Southern Afghanistan. This 2000km road trip gives the visitor an insight into both the rural life of the Central highlands of Afghanistan…

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Based in Kabul, Afghanistan, we are a family owned and run tourism company licensed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a registered tourism company (License number: ATO-KBL).

Established in 2008 by three brothers, we have taken tourists from all over the world (including from USA, Germany, Australia, UK, Canada, Brazil, Italy, Indian, Iran, Russian , and so on) to visit Afghanistan, and experience its unique beauty and hospitable people.

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Afghanistan is a place of unspoiled beauty, unique culture and legendary hospitality. Any trip here is the adventure of a lifetime. The remains of the giant Buddhas of Bamian, the unreal blue of the lakes at Band e Amir or the first sight of the almost-unreachable Minaret of Jam are rare gems of the world that precious few get to actually see,

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Ski Afghanistan

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Bozkashi Trip

Buzkhasi is Played in one form or another for more than 600 years, Afghanistan’s national sport, buzkashi, is alarmingly fast and extremely physical. That, however, is not what grabs the attention—it’s the dead goat in the middle.

You can go with us in silk road trip for 14 days and have best trip experience in Afghanistan and we will provide best opportunities for you to visit all around Afghanistan

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Kolkata Knight Riders

Delhi Capitals

Match yet to begin

CSK won by 78 runs

WI Women won by 7 wickets (with 10 balls remaining)

RCB won by 9 wickets (with 24 balls remaining)

IND Women won by 44 runs

Day 3 - Essex trail by 44 runs.

Day 3 - Hampshire trail by 92 runs.

Day 3 - Warwickshire trail by 225 runs.

Day 3 - Somerset trail by 137 runs.

Day 3 - Middlesex lead by 143 runs.

Day 3 - Leics trail by 356 runs.

Day 3 - Derbyshire trail by 260 runs.

Scotland Women

United States of America Women

Ireland Women

Zimbabwe Women

Thailand Women

Uganda Women

United Arab Emirates Women

Netherlands Women

SL vs AFG [A-Team] 2024 Schedule & Results

Sri Lanka A

Afghanistan A

Sri Lanka A won by 8 runs (DLS method)

Afghanistan A in Sri Lanka 2024 Matches

Top wicket takers, top run scorers.

Welcome to ESPN India Edition

Matches All times

• Full Scores & Fixtures

Customise ESPN

Jacks and kohli ace rcb's 201-run chase in 16 overs against titans.

RCB got their second win in a row and also got an NRR boost

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Kohli brushes off strike-rate debate, hits back at those speaking 'from a box'.

RCB batter was speaking after scoring match-winning 70* in Ahmedabad, where he dominated Gujarat Titans' spin attack

Clash of batting powerhouses as KKR and DC prepare for another run-fest

Eden Gardens has regularly seen scores in excess of 200 this season, and more can be expected of the same on Monday

County Championship Division One

Dillon pennington shines for notts as draw beckons.

Seamer impresses amid the gloom with Warwickshire still 76 behind the follow on target

Kohli walks out of trial by spin with the last laugh

With all the pre-match talk about his strike rate and approach against spinners, it felt like he had a point to prove

Surrey turn the screw on truncated day at the Oval

Hampshire are staring at an innings defeat despite facing just 32 overs on day three

Delhi Capitals

Jake fraser-mcgurk never takes the foot off the gas.

Aaron Finch, Mitchell McClenaghan and Varun Aaron on the Delhi batter's strengths and how bowlers could look to target him

Are Delhi Capitals contenders for the playoffs

Aaron Finch, Mitchell McClenaghan and Varun Aaron on Delhi's chances of making the playoffs

Stats - Jacks goes from fifty to hundred in just 10 balls

RCB became the first team to win by nine or more wickets while chasing a 200-plus target in the IPL

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Aaron want to see cummins take the new ball.

Sunday's outing was only his second wicketless IPL 2024 performance

Chennai Super Kings

Finch: gaikwad stays consistent despite fickle nature of t20s.

His 98 was yet another big score in IPL 2024

PCB proposes three venues for 2025 Champions Trophy

The big question is whether India will travel for the tournament, which will be the first ICC event held in Pakistan since the 1996 ODI World Cup

Renuka Singh

Renuka singh finds her mojo ahead of t20 world cup.

With a tough 2023 behind her, Renuka's spell in the series opener would give confidence to the India management too

SA Domestic T20

Hendricks, mulder lead lions to csa t20 challenge title.

It is the second trophy for them this season after also winning the first-class competition

Aaron: Natarajan's 'range of yorkers' is setting him apart

The experts discuss whether Natajaran is back bowling at his best

Rapid Fire review Is Kohli a different batter when chasing?

All the big talking points revisited after match 45 of IPL 2024

'Awesome to hear Kohli say he has worked on playing spin'

Virat Kohli displayed a different approach to spin on Sunday evening during his half century

Finch Jacks 'extraordinary' against Titans' spin challenge

The RCB batter struck a marvellous century from No. 3 in Ahmedabad on Sunday evening

Harry Brook

Harry brook dedicates century to late grandmother as he targets england return.

Batter withdrew from India Test tour and IPL but is focussed on World Cup comeback

Bangladesh Women vs India Women 2024

Sultana fifty in vain as renuka bowls india to comfortable win.

Despite a slowdown that saw them make only 145 for 7, India managed to hold off Bangladesh easily

Gujarat Titans

Is gill's form affected by his t20 world cup aspirations.

After another below-par outing against RCB, the experts on ESPNcricinfo try to decode what's happening with the Titans captain

Aaron: Shahrukh made the difference for Titans' batting

Gujarat Titans reached a strong 200 after Shahrukh's explosive innings

Men's T20 World Cup

Ipl 2024 - will the t20 world cup be as high-scoring as the ipl.

Aaron Finch, Mitchell McClenaghan and Varun Aaron discuss what to expect at the T20 World Cup after an extremely high-scoring IPL season

Pakistan injuries unrelated to Kakul training camp, says PCB chairman

In the weeks that followed the camp, Azam, Rizwan and Niazi all had their participation in the NZ series curtailed

Gillespie appointed Pakistan men's Test coach, Kirsten named white-ball coach

Azhar Mahmood, who had been appointed on a temporary basis for the New Zealand series, will continue as the assistant coach in all formats

Top Run Scorers

Riaz Hassan , AFG-A, Right-hand bat

Average 100.00

Nuwanidu Fernando , SL-A, Right-hand bat

Average 83.00

Darwish Rasooli , AFG-A, Right-hand bat

Average 75.00

Top Wicket Takers

Bilal Sami , AFG-A, Right-arm medium

Average 12.75

Mohammad Saleem , AFG-A, Right-arm fast

Sahan Arachchige , SL-A, Right-arm offbreak

Average 13.33

You have reached ESPN's Australian edition. Stay on current site or go to US version .

Matches All times

• Full Scores & Fixtures

Customise ESPN

Man of platinum of the day : ruturaj gaikwad.

Chennai Super Kings

'as a bowler, i need to dictate terms' - deshpande's powerplay impact floors srh.

His career-best 4 for 27 included the wickets of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Anmolpreet Singh in the first six overs

Ruturaj and Deshpande star as CSK hand SRH a thumping

Rapid fire review what explains srh's batting struggles while chasing.

A bite-sized review of all the big talking points from match 46

IPL 2024 - CSK vs SRH - Aaron - Jadeja showed you what an invaluable asset he is

The Timeout crew also debate how much planning went into Tushar Deshpande's early wickets

IPL 2024 - CSK vs SRH - Finch - CSK bowlers were always one step ahead

The Timeout crew discuss CSK's defence of 212 led by a four-wicket haul from Tushar Deshpande

Pakistan Women vs West Indies Women 2024

Hayley matthews dominates with bat and ball as wi go 2-0 up.

She took three wickets and scored 58 off 43 to quell Pakistan's challenge in Karachi

County Championship Division One

Gareth roderick century gives worcestershire a shot at victory.

Jason Holder's dismissal of Sean Dickson leaves Somerset trailing by 137 with nine second-innings wickets remaining

County Championship Division Two

Holden, higgins turn the tables on gloucestershire.

Centuries from Division Two's leading runscorers drag Middlesex out of the mire and into a healthy 143-run lead

Maruti Suzuki Arena Safe Hands of the Day - Cameron Green

Cameron Green's catch to dismiss Shubman Gill features for his notable efforts in the field

Surrey turn the screw on truncated day at the Oval

Hampshire are staring at an innings defeat despite facing just 32 overs on day three

Jacks and Kohli ace RCB's 201-run chase in 16 overs against Titans

RCB got their second win in a row and also got an NRR boost

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Kohli brushes off strike-rate debate, hits back at those speaking 'from a box'.

RCB batter was speaking after scoring match-winning 70* in Ahmedabad, where he dominated Gujarat Titans' spin attack

Clash of batting powerhouses as KKR and DC prepare for another run-fest

Eden Gardens has regularly seen scores in excess of 200 this season, and more can be expected of the same on Monday

Dillon Pennington shines for Notts as draw beckons

Seamer impresses amid the gloom with Warwickshire still 76 behind the follow on target

Kohli walks out of trial by spin with the last laugh

With all the pre-match talk about his strike rate and approach against spinners, it felt like he had a point to prove

Delhi Capitals

Jake fraser-mcgurk never takes the foot off the gas.

Aaron Finch, Mitchell McClenaghan and Varun Aaron on the Delhi batter's strengths and how bowlers could look to target him

Are Delhi Capitals contenders for the playoffs

Aaron Finch, Mitchell McClenaghan and Varun Aaron on Delhi's chances of making the playoffs

Stats - Jacks goes from fifty to hundred in just 10 balls

RCB became the first team to win by nine or more wickets while chasing a 200-plus target in the IPL

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Aaron want to see cummins take the new ball.

Sunday's outing was only his second wicketless IPL 2024 performance

Finch: Gaikwad stays consistent despite fickle nature of T20s

His 98 was yet another big score in IPL 2024

PCB proposes three venues for 2025 Champions Trophy

The big question is whether India will travel for the tournament, which will be the first ICC event held in Pakistan since the 1996 ODI World Cup

Renuka Singh

Renuka singh finds her mojo ahead of t20 world cup.

With a tough 2023 behind her, Renuka's spell in the series opener would give confidence to the India management too

SA Domestic T20

Hendricks, mulder lead lions to csa t20 challenge title.

It is the second trophy for them this season after also winning the first-class competition

Aaron: Natarajan's 'range of yorkers' is setting him apart

The experts discuss whether Natajaran is back bowling at his best

Top Run Scorers

Riaz Hassan , AFG-A, Right-hand bat

Average 100.00

Nuwanidu Fernando , SL-A, Right-hand bat

Average 83.00

Darwish Rasooli , AFG-A, Right-hand bat

Average 75.00

Top Wicket Takers

Bilal Sami , AFG-A, Right-arm medium

Average 12.75

Mohammad Saleem , AFG-A, Right-arm fast

Sahan Arachchige , SL-A, Right-arm offbreak

Average 13.33