Trip dates: November 2020. Total of 8 days / 7 nights.
Itinerary (rough itinerary, stops may vary based on domestic flights).
Day 1: Kabul
We fly from Istanbul at 6:45 am and land in Kabul at 8:30 am. Arrival and briefing. We’ll have a full day in Kabul exploring the infamous viewpoint Bibi Mehro Hill, Chicken Street,
Overnight in Kabul.
Day 2: Kabul – Herat
We will explore Herat, which has the largest collection of ancient buildings in the country: the Friday Mosque, the tomb of Gowar Shad, the Masullah complex, and the atmospheric shrine of Khoja Ansari at Gazar Gah, among others.
Overnight in Herat.
Day 3: Herat – Kabul
The day starts in Herat, wandering every nook and cranny and letting all the history sink in, before heading over to Kabul where we will continue our journey in this awesome capital.
Day 4: Kabul – Bamyan
We’ll fly between Kabul and Bamian, the capital of the Hazarajat – home of the Hazaras and one of the most peaceful places in Afghanistan. When we arrive in Bamyan we will have time to look at the hillsides containing many caves in which monasteries and Buddhist carvings were once situated.
Overnight in Bamyan.
Day 5 & 6: Bamyan and Band-e Amir
We will spend two days in and around Bamyan, an area of striking natural beauty. The mountains and valleys are dotted with ruins from Afghanistan’s past as well as friendly Hazara villages. It is one of the few places in Afghanistan where we can walk freely and safely in a rural environment.
The Lapis Lazuli blue waters of Band-e-Amir are often the highlight of any trip to Afghanistan. Legend has it that the dams that separate the 5 lakes were made by Ali, the prophet Mohamed’s cousin and son in law. However, geologists insist they are natural dams made from mineral deposits. The lakes contrast to the stark landscape surrounding them only adds to the beauty of this area. We will also visit the natural landscape of Dragon Valley, see the ruins of Shah e Zohak (Red Fort), and the remains of Shah e Golghola (The City of Screams).
Overnight in Bamyan.
Day 7: Bamyan – Kabul – Panjsher
Morning flight from Bamyan to Kabul. You will then visit the Panjshir Valley, described as the most beautiful place in Afghanistan by locals. We will stop to view the tomb of Ahmed Shah Massoud, the Lion of the Panjshir and Afghanistan’s most universally revered Mujahedin commander, as well as stopping off at a local fish restaurant on the banks of the Panjshir River.
Overnight in Kabul.
Day 8: Kabul – Fly out
We fly out in the morning, back to Istanbul.
The trip includes:
Accommodation: 7 nights in single occupancy.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Local Transport: including 4 domestic flights and land transportation to get around in Afghanistan.
Guiding & Entrance fees: We’ll be guided at all times and entrance tickets are paid covered.
Letter of Invitation: Our local agency will provide it, and we will assist you in navigating the visa process should you need any help.
The trip doesn’t include:
Visa: it’s up to each individual to apply for their visa. We can assist, but it’s your responsibility every traveler needs to apply directly. Hence, the cost is not included.
Insurance: Chances are your usual travel insurance won’t cover you in Afghanistan, hence you will need to cover your risks with special insurance for this trip.
Flights to Afghanistan: International flights to Istanbul and then to Kabul aren’t included.
Discretional purchases: Your personal expenses or purchases are not included.
Snacks and drinks: food and drinks of three meals are included, anything outside of that is up to each one’s discretion.
Tips.
VERY IMPORTANT! If you want to be one of the fortunate people that will travel with me to Afghanistan be sure to:
- Understand the destination and the risks involved. It’s not a place for the faint-hearted, we’ll keep a low profile, dress in local clothes, and limit our engagements more than any other destination you’ve visited before.
- Send me your travel resume and your background on the contact email as I will be doing a vetting process.
- Make sure the dates work with you!
- There are no current COVID travel restrictions to visit Afghanistan but a test will be required for the group’s safety prior to visiting.
- There is no limitation based on nationality, but you will have to check with your local Embassy to see what their visa process is. Once you’ve decided to apply, we’ll lock you in one of the spots, help you navigate the process and provide you with a LOI.
- This is a one time opportunity, but make sure you’re responsible enough to understand what it entails. If you have any doubts, just email me on the contact below.
