DISCOVER AFGHANISTAN TOUR

8D / 13D – $1750 / $2700

GROUP TOUR

NOVEMBER 23RD – NOVEMBER 30TH / DECEMBER 5TH 2026

Discover Afghanistan Tour

Dates: November 23rd – November 30th / December 5th 2026

Price: $1,750 / $2,700 USD

Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, Afghanistan is the most stable it has been in 40 years. Join us as we explore ancient cities, stunning landscapes and meet the people beyond the headlines.

We have produced our Afghanistan tours from the ground up, working closely alongside our local partners, ensuring a unique experience.

The Discover Afghanistan Tour is offered in two parts. The first 8 days takes you through Kabul, Bamyan, the Band-e-Amir Blue Lakes, Samangan, Balkh and Mazar-e-Sharif, offering an immersive introduction to Afghanistan’s landscapes, history and everyday life.

For those wishing to continue, the journey can be extended to a 13-day itinerary, adding visits to Ghazni, Kandahar, Helmand and Herat. This extended route provides a deeper exploration of the country’s cultural heritage, historic cities and regional diversity.

Throughout both itineraries, you’ll experience daily life across Afghanistan, learn about the country’s rich history and culture, meet local communities, and enjoy some of the finest traditional cuisine in the region.

This is a tour like no other and an adventure that will leave you with memories of a lifetime.

*This tour is open to 12 people, we keep it small for safety and a more personal experience. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about visiting Afghanistan.*

What’s Included

Visa support and invitation letter
Permit Costs and Taxes
English Speaking Local Guide
Beyond The Borders Tour Leader
All Accommodation
Any Domestic Flights
All Site Entries
One set of basic Afghan clothing (extras can be purchased)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Bottled Water

What’s Not Included

Flights to Afghanistan
Visa Fee
$40 per night single supplement
Souvenirs
Optional box camera photo - $30 per photo
Optional tips for guides

8 Days - $1,750

Day 1 – Kabul

Welcome to Afghanistan!

Upon arrival into Kabul, our local guide, Beyond the Borders tour leader and local driver will meet you at the airport. We suggest departing on the 4:30am Flydubai flight from Dubai arriving into Kabul at 8:05am.
We will grab some local breakfast, check into our hotel, have some rest and have a short briefing with our local guide.
Your tour starts with a venture into Kabul to exchange some money and organise your local Afghan clothing, you are welcome to buy as many sets of clothing as you want, premade or tailored.
Stroll through the historic open-air Mandawi bazaar and Bird Market, an amazing insight into local life, you will find all types of vendors, butchers, blacksmiths, fresh and dried food, vegetables, and bakeries.
As sunset approaches, we will head to Bibi Mahroo Hill, also known as Big Flag Hill, to enjoy panoramic views and see one of the largest flags in Afghanistan.
We will visit the Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque (Mosque of the King of Two Swords)

Day 2 – Bamyan

Bamyan Buddhas, ancient cities & incredible scenery.

We will depart Kabul for a scenic 5-hour drive to Bamyan, home of the iconic Bamyan Buddhas. Our route will take us through the Hajigak Mountain Pass, located at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level.
Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and register with the Provincial Afghan Tourism Department.
Visit the ruins of Gholghula City, also known as the City of Screams. Here, you’ll learn about the Mongol siege of Bamyan and discover how the city earned its chilling nickname.
We will visit Shahr-e-Zohak, also known as the Red City, which was built between 500 and 600 AD and once housed around 3,000 people. We'll hike to the top of the ruins and learn how the city was ransacked by the forces of Genghis Khan.
We’ll end our day with a visit to the incredible Buddha Statues, once the tallest standing Buddha statues in the world. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.

Day 3 – Band-e-Amir Lakes

Afghanistan’s first national park.

We will head to the magnificent Band-e-Amir Lakes, a destination that offers a unique glimpse into domestic tourism in Afghanistan.
On our way to Band-e-Amir, you will admire breathtaking landscapes, catch glimpses of nomadic life and stop at unbeatable photograph spots.
At the lakes, you can rent swan pedal boats, browse local stalls, and enjoy fresh fruit. You'll also have the chance to meet friendly locals, many of whom gather here for picnics and to take in the stunning natural scenery.
On our return journey, we will visit Dragon Valley, a remarkable natural formation said to resemble a dragon split in two.
We then return to Bamyan for the evening.

Day 4 - Samangan and Mazar-e-Sharif

A beautiful 10 hour Hindu Kush road trip!

We leave early this morning for a long drive of around 10 hours towards Samangan and Mazar-e-Sharif. Along the way, we will stop to purchase breakfast items such as fruit, cakes and milk, and take breaks for photographs of the scenery and the river beside the road.
We will cross the Salang Pass, known for its dramatic mountain views and cooler temperatures, and pass through several provincial bazaars, including Pol-e-Khomri, Aybak and smaller towns.
In Samangan, we will visit the Stupa and Monastery of Takht-i-Rostam, a significant Buddhist site that flourished during the 4th and 5th centuries AD.
We then continue on to Mazar-e-Sharif.

Day 5 - Balkh and Mazar-e-Sharif

Ancient Balkh, Poetry, and Buzkashi Thrills

After breakfast, we visit the Afghan Tour branch in Mazar-e-Sharif before driving to Balkh Province for a full day of historical exploration.
We begin with Masjid-i-Haji Piyada (also known as Masjid-i-No Gumbad), one of the earliest surviving Islamic monuments in Afghanistan, dating back to the 9th century AD.
We then visit the Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa, a distinguished 15th-century theologian, followed by the Tomb of Rabi’a Balkhi, the celebrated Afghan poetess whose life is remembered for its tragic love story.
We will also explore Bala Hissar, the ruins of ancient Balkh, and visit the Khanqah of Baha al-Din Walad, father of the great poet Rumi.
In the afternoon, we will watch a game of Buzkashi (goat-grabbing), the iconic equestrian sport of northern Afghanistan.
If time allows, we may also attend a car drifting event, a popular spectacle among the younger generation in Mazar-e-Sharif.

Day 6 - Mazar-e-Sharif and Kabul

Visit Afghanistan’s Most Iconic Mosque

After breakfast, we check out and visit Afghanistan’s most iconic mosque, the Blue Mosque of Mazar-e-Sharif, dating back to the 15th century.
We then transfer to the airport for our flight to Kabul.
On arrival, we check into our hotel and have lunch before visiting the Sakhi Shrine, set against the mountains and associated with the period of Ahmad Shah Durrani, when it was linked to the safekeeping of the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak.
Later, you will have the opportunity to have a traditional black-and-white photograph taken with a 50-year-old camera by the renowned photographer Haji Mirzaman.

Day 7 - Kabul

Kabul’s History, Gardens, and Antiques

After breakfast, we visit Darul Aman Palace, an important symbol of Afghanistan’s early modern history and its independence from British influence.
We then explore the National Museum of Afghanistan, followed by a visit to Babur Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded around 1528 by Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire.
We will enjoy saffron tea in the gardens before heading to Chicken Street’s antique shops at sunset to browse for souvenirs - lasting reminders of your journey through Afghanistan.

Day 8 - Farewell

The end of an incredible Afghanistan adventure!

After eight days of discovery and adventure, it is time to say goodbye. We hope this journey has given you an authentic insight into the daily life, culture and hospitality of the Afghan people.

13 Days - $2,700

Day 7 – Ghazni

Ghazni’s Fortresses and Minarets

Today, we will drive approximately 143 km (around three hours) to Ghazni Province, with stops along the way for photographs.
We will have lunch in Ghazni, a city recognised as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World in 2013.
Our first visit is to the Ghazni Citadel (Bala Hisar), one of Afghanistan’s most impressive fortresses, much of which was damaged during the First Anglo-Afghan War (1838–1842).
We then continue to the Minarets of Ghazni, the province’s best-known monuments, both built in the 12th century. We will also visit the tomb (mausoleum) of Sultan Mahmud (998–1030), the great ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire.

Day 8 – Drive to Kandahar

Journey to Kandahar

After breakfast, we drive approximately 345 km (around seven hours) to Kandahar. We will have lunch in Zabul Province and make stops along the way for photographs. On arrival in Kandahar, we will complete the required registration.

Day 9 – Kandahar and Helmand

Sacred Kandahar and Ancient Helmand

We begin the day with visits to some of Kandahar’s most important historical and religious sites. We will see the Kherqa Sharif Ziarat (Shrine of the Prophet Muhammad’s Cloak), located near the Mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Durrani, founder of the Durrani Kingdom in the 18th century.
Next, we visit Chihlzina (The Forty Steps), a rock-cut chamber set high above the plain at the end of a rugged mountain chain forming the western defences of Kandahar’s Old City.
Our final stop in Kandahar is the Mausoleum of Mir Wais Hotak, the Ghilzai chieftain who declared Kandahar’s independence from Persian rule in 1709.
We then drive to Helmand Province; after registration, we will visit Bost Qala, a historic citadel associated with early Arab conquests around 661 AD.

Day 10 – Drive to Herat

Journey to Herat Through Rural Afghanistan

After breakfast, we drive approximately 429 km (around eight hours) to Herat. We will have lunch in Delaram and make stops en route to photograph traditional mud-brick houses and rural scenes.

Day 11 – Herat

Herat’s Mosques, Citadel, and Shrines

Following registration, we visit the Great Mosque of Herat (Jami Mosque), whose current form was laid out in 1200 by the Ghorid Sultan Ghiyasuddin on the site of an earlier 10th-century mosque.
We then walk through the bazaar to reach the Citadel of Herat. Next, we visit the Musalla Complex, designed and built in 1417 under the artistic direction of Queen Gawhar Shad.
We continue to Gazargah, the Shrine of Khwaja Abdulla Ansari (1006–1088), the celebrated Sufi poet and philosopher.
We also visit the Mokhtar-Zadah Caravansary, known for its surviving historic decoration in the heart of the city.

Day 12 – Herat and Kabul

Kabul’s History, Gardens, and Antiques

After breakfast, we drive about 10 km south of the old city to Pul-e-Mallan (Mallan Bridge). Local legend tells of two sisters, Bibi Nur and Bibi Hur, who funded its construction by mixing eggshells with clay.
We then fly back to Kabul.
On arrival, we will have lunch before visiting Darul Aman Palace, closely tied to Afghanistan’s early modern history.
We will also visit the National Museum of Afghanistan, followed by Babur Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded around 1528 by Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire.
We will enjoy saffron tea in the gardens, and before sunset we will visit the antique shops of Chicken Street to pick up souvenirs - lasting reminders of your time in Afghanistan.

Day 13 - Farewell

The end of an incredible Afghanistan adventure!

After eight days of discovery and adventure, it is time to say goodbye. We hope this journey has given you an authentic insight into the daily life, culture and hospitality of the Afghan people.

Is Afghanistan safe to visit?

Since the change in government, Afghanistan is the most stable it has been in decades. Our main priority is safety and we work very closely with our local guides to ensure our trips are as safe as possible.

If we need to make any changes to the itinerary due to safety concerns, we will do our best to let you know in advance.

If you have any questions or concerns about visiting Afghanistan, please contact us, we are more than happy to answer any questions you have.

Can I withdraw money?

Withdrawing money is possible in the major cities but ATMs are unreliable, we recommend bringing USD, ideally $100 notes as anything below $100 has a lower exchange rate. We will assist you with exchanging money in Afghanistan.

What currency do I bring to Afghanistan?

We recommend bringing USD or EURO as ATMs cannot be relied on, we can help you exchange this in the country.

What do I need to wear in Afghanistan?

Please dress conservatively when visiting Afghanistan. Women are expected to wear long loose fitted clothing and a headscarf. Men should wear trousers and long sleeved shirts.

We will take you to buy Afghan clothing on the first day of the tour.

What is the accommodation like?

We use standard hotels throughout the tour, these hotels are the most safe and secure for tourists.

When is the best time to visit Afghanistan?

We plan our tours for Autumn (September to November) this allows for mild weather, vibrant landscapes, perfect for exploring the country.

We may offer winter tours in the future, perfect for anyone who wants to see a snowy Afghanistan.

What food do they offer in Afghanistan?

The food in Afghanistan is incredible, fresh vegetables, rice dishes and a lot of grilled meat, you can even find some dumplings thrown in there as well!

We believe that food is a big part of travel, we will make sure to offer all of the staple foods in each place we visit.

A vegetarian diet isn't impossible but it's very hard, we will try and accommodate a vegetarian diet as much as possible.

How do I get an Afghanistan visa?

All nationalities require a visa for Afghanistan, this is normally a 30 day tourist visa and needs to be applied for at an Afghanistan consulate or embassy, we recommend the Afghanistan Consulate in Dubai. Please dress modestly when visiting the consulate, long trousers and women wearing a headscarf.

We have experience with the visa process and can help with any questions or issues.

Required Documents for the Visa:

Valid passport (with at least six months validity)
Completed application form
Invitation letter, provided by our local partner
Passport-size photos
Proof of itinerary or accommodation
Visa fee (varies by nationality)

We have a regularly updated Afghanistan visa blog, this can be found here

Can I tip the guides?

Yes, you are welcome to tip the guides and anyone else in Afghanistan, this will be appreciated by the people.

Can I access the internet in Afghanistan?

The hotels all have wifi, please ask us and we can get the passwords for you. The wifi in hotels isn't the best but it's enough to stream a video, watch a movie or make a call. (please keep in mind that the internet can go down in some hotels for hours at a time, this is out of our control.)