Beyond Kabul – Discovering Afghanistan

Meeting on arrival assistance and transfer to hotel

Full day sightseeing tour of Kabul – morning we shall visit the old Kabul walk through the
winding streets, the chicken market, the bird bazaar, animal market, Do Shamshira mosque,
later visit Afghan National Museum and the private Sultani Museum. Later pass by Bala Hissar
the fortress of Kabul seat of the kings of Kabul and venue of many wars and sieges. We shall
then visit Babur’s Garden and see the tomb of Babur the Great afterwards proceed on a short
excursion to Istalif Village with beautiful houses on the cliff – visit the local pottery shops and
perhaps meet a potter

Morning depart for Bamiyan we shall take the Hajigak route going through beautiful scenery
of the rural communities. As we approach the pass the panoramic views become more and
more overwhelming and the whole valley of Bamiyan looks spectacular with views of Koh-i-
Baba range. At the mouth of the valley we shall stop to view the 12 th century fortress of Ghorid
dynasty must have been even older was destroyed by Genghiz Khan in 1221. Later proceed to
the town as we move up the hill to our Hotel Silk Road overlooking destroyed Buddha
cliff and the caves short walks around the hotel for general views of the valley

Full day visits of Bamiyan valley – In the morning we shall see the first morning shine on the
Great Buddha and the caves – on a clear day is a great sight. Later we shall visit the ruins of
caves and Buddhas to see the destruction caused by Taliban regime is appalling.
Later we shall proceed on an excursion to famous Band-i-Amir Lakes – the blue water
full of minerals from the springs feeding the lakes. Later return to Bamiyan and visit the ruins of
Shahre Gholgola – the city of screams was an old settlement destroyed by the Mongols in 1220
AD. The upper reach give a good view of the surrounding area
Return to your hotel
This evening we have organized a nice musical program over the dinner

This early morning we set off via Sheberghan Pass through Ghorband valley to Mazar-i-Sharif.
amid the dusty road we continue to ascent to reach the top of the pass and later descend into
the Ghorband Valley passing through dirt tracks. It is interesting to see the local villages as we
continue towards Charikar to arrive at the hard top road to Mazar-i-Sharif via the beautiful
Salang Pass (3363m) soon after crossing the tunnel we head down and drive through the
Hindukush defiles to reach Puli Khumri for late lunch
Later as we proceed we shall make a stop to visit Surkhkotal the site of an important Kushan
period temple. Not from this site was another called Rabotek where famous Bactrian inscription
was found on a stone now to be seen in the National Museum in Kabul. We shall make short
climb to the temple based in Bactrian Greek style
Later continue to Mazar-i-Sharif and on arrival transfer to Hotel Imperatory
Arrival in the evening

Full day excursion to Balkh – we shall visit shrine of Sufi poet Abu Nasr Parsa, then grave of
10 th century Persian poetess Rabia Balkhi and the City WallsBalkhi. Later proceed to the ruins
of 9 th century Mosque of Haji Piydeh – was built on an ancient Buddhist or Fire temple site later return to Mazar-i-Sharif and we shall visit the Mosque of Ali – see the exclusive tile work.
The original mosque was built during the Seljuk time in 12 th AD but was great damaged during
the Mongol invasion and was later rebuilt in its present form in the 16th Century. Today the
mosque and shrine is place of great reverence and devotees come from far of places to pray at
the mosque

A long day of excursion to Aqcha Bazaar a traditional Afghan bazaar in one of the remotest
corners of the land what was Bactriana. See the wonderful Afghan carpets, gillims, camel bags
and some very old pieces of embroidery. Later we shall visit an archaeological site of Tilla Tepe
was the famous site from where more than 20 thousand pieces of gold articles, buttons and
jewelry was recovered from royal tombs of Kushan dynasty.
Return in the late afternoon

Morning depart for Kabul via Salang pass – we shall make short photo stops enroute as we
pass through interesting bazaars and villages. The scenic views across Salang tunnel are very
appealing with villages sticking with the cliffs
arrival in the late afternoon and transfer to Hotel Serena Kabul

Morning flight to Herat and on arrival transfer to Hotel Nazari or Marco Polo
In the afternoon we shall make an orientation tour of the town – we shall make short stops at
few points and perhaps will take short Tonga ride (horse carriage) for a short distance will be
great to see the local way of life. We shall then proceed to Musalla Complex – once a mosque
and the Gowhar Shad’s tomb for sunset photography. Later we shall go to the Citadel for
photos.

Full day touring of Herat – we shall visit the Old part to see the covered bazaar(Chaarsouq), the
15 th century water ponds. Later we shall visit the Friday Mosque and the tile makers. Later we
shall see the Citadel and Museum.
Afternoon visit the Musalla Complex the mausoleum of Queen Gowharshad. Later visit Pul-i-
Malan, Gazargah to visit the tomb and Abdullah Ansari, a Sufi poet of 11 th Century AD. Herat is
known for beautiful tiles carpets decorating the tomb. Also visit the tomb Poet Jami short time in
the old bazaar

Free till departure and later transfer to airport for flight to Kabul
Arrival and transfer to Hotel Serena
Short visit to the shopping area of Kabul – see carpet sellers, leather products and stone work
sellers

Yes. We are government licensed tour operators and will provide LOI for your visa if you book a tour with us.

Our pricing is based on twin/double sharing room. You can opt for single room with extra charges.

Yes, we do have Pick up services from the airport

You must have your own international travel insurance with an adventure travel add-on.