ULTIMATE AFGHANISTAN TOUR

14N/15D GROUP TOUR – $3500

OCTOBER 17TH – OCTOBER 31ST 2027

Ultimate Afghanistan Tour 14N/15D

Dates: 17th – 31st of October 2027

Price: $3,500 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.

Our 15 day Ultimate Afghanistan Tour takes you to Kabul, Bamyan, the Band-e-Amir Blue Lakes, the Minaret of Jam, Herat, Kandahar, Ghazni, Mazar e Sharif, Balkh District and Samangan. You'll get to experience daily life in Afghanistan, learn about the country's rich culture and history, meet the locals and eat some of the best food in the world.

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.*

Fancy a shorter tour? Why not check out our 9N/10D Essential Afghanistan Tour

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
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Bottled Water
One set of basic Afghan clothing (extras can be purchased)

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

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 buy your local Afghan clothing, you are welcome to buy as many sets of clothing as you want, premade or tailored.
Visit the top of Bibi Mahroo Hill, a beautiful view of Kabul city with a huge flag of the Taliban.
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.
We will visit the Shah-e-Du 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 3-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 Gholghola 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 Zuhak City, 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.
After an incredible day, we’ll continue with a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Yakawlang district, helping us cut down on the following day's journey.

Day 4 - Firuzkuh

A beautiful 8 hour road trip!

We will set off on a scenic drive westward toward Firuzkuh, the provincial capital of Ghor - a peaceful city nestled in the highlands of Ghor Province.
This 8-hour journey takes us through majestic valleys and traditional villages that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Along the way, we’ll stop to admire scenes of rural life and take advantage of numerous photo opportunities

Day 5 - Minaret of Jam

Afghanistan’s most remote and awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site!

We will begin our journey to the remote Minaret of Jam. The drive winds through dramatic mountains, river valleys and offers glimpses into traditional Afghan villages and rural life.
Before reaching the minaret we will have lunch at a local chaikhana (local tea house)
The Minaret of Jam is one of Afghanistan’s most remote and awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This 12th-century masterpiece of Ghurid architecture stands 65 meters tall and is celebrated for its intricate brickwork and elegant calligraphy. No tour of Afghanistan is complete without a visit to this remarkable monument.
We will continue our drive to Chisht-e-Sharif for a night stay at a local riverside guesthouse.

Day 6 - Herat

"Pearl of Khorasan"

We will start our journey toward Herat, one of Afghanistan's oldest and most culturally rich cities.
Upon arrival, we will register with the Afghanistan Tourism Department.
After checking into our hotel, we’ll take a relaxing walk through the bustling bazaar - meeting local people, experiencing daily life, and gaining insight into the city's vibrant culture.

Day 7 - Herat

A full day of ancient sites!

We will begin our action-packed day with a visit to the Masjid-e-Jami, also known as the Friday Mosque. Built in 1200 by the Ghurid Sultan Ghiyasuddin, this stunning mosque is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the region.
Next, we’ll explore the Citadel of Alexander the Great, dating back to 330 BC. Over the past 2,000 years, the fort has served as the headquarters for many empires, enduring multiple cycles of destruction and reconstruction. Though it suffered greatly during decades of war and neglect, recent efforts by international organisations have restored much of its former grandeur.
We will take a walk through the remarkable Old City (Char Suq), the four main bazaars of the old city come together at a center square called the Chahrsuq or Four Bazaar.
Then, we will explore the Caravanserai located on the Silk Road. These establishments provided essential services like lodging, food, and a marketplace for traders. Herat, strategically situated on the Silk Road, served as a major trading hub, making its Caravanserai a vital part of the network.
We’ll visit the iconic Musallah Complex, built in 1417 by Queen Gawhar Shad, wife of Shah Rukh and daughter-in-law of the legendary conqueror Tamerlane (Amir Timur). Five minarets still stand - survivors of natural disasters, war, and deliberate destruction.
We will end the day with a visit to Khawja Abdullah Ansari Shrine, arguably one of the most beautiful sites in Herat.

Day 8 - Helmand - Kandahar

A road trip to Kadahar - Traditional mud houses, markets and beautiful mosques.

We will depart Herat for our road trip to Kandahar, the founding place of the Taliban.
On the way, we will visit lots of traditional mud houses, markets and beautiful mosques.
We will pass through Helmand province, famous for conflict and home to the former British military base - Camp Bastion

Day 9 - Kandahar

A day of history!

Our day in Kandahar begins with registering at the Provincial Afghanistan Tourism Department
We will visit the historic Char Suq bazaar, where four main streets intersect, surrounded by traditional shops and stalls which ends at The Shahidan Chawk.
We will visit sacred and historical sites including the Shrine of the Prophet’s Cloak, the Mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Durrani, and the Tomb of Mir Wais Hotak.
Later, we’ll ascend Chilzina (“The Forty Steps”) for a sweeping view of the city.
Before ending the day, we’ll visit the Red Mosque.

Day 10 - Ghazni

Ancient beauty and remnants of war...

We will depart Kandahar for our road trip to Ghazni.
After arrival, we will go for registration with the Provincial Afghan Tour department.
Next, we’ll visit the historic minarets of Ghazni. The easternmost minaret was built by Sultan Mas’ud III, who reigned from 1099 to 1114. The second was erected by the last king of the dynasty, Sultan Bahram Shah (1118–1152), during whose reign the city was sacked by Alauddin of Ghor.
Then, we will explore the Bala Hesar Citadel, which dominates the town and is undoubtedly one of the most imposing fortresses in Afghanistan. The old city of Ghazni clusters around the base of the citadel, where traditional mud houses and bustling bazaars are still inhabited and active today.
We will end our day with a visit to the Graveyard of the Soviet Union tanks.

Day 11 - Ghazni - Kabul

Back to the capital!

We will depart early from Ghazni for a 3-hour drive to Kabul.
After arrival, we will visit the UNESCO Heritage Site Babur Garden, built around 1528 CE, by the Indian Mughal Emperor Babur Shah.
A short visit to the Bala Hisar Citadel, a centuries-old fortress that has witnessed many phases of Kabul’s history - from ancient empires to the modern era.
We’ll visit the Sakhi Shrine, originally built during the reign of Ahmad Shah Durrani in the 18th century. The site is believed to be where the cloak of the Prophet Muhammad was brought, making it a place of great religious significance.
Next, we’ll meet Haji Mirzaman, the only box camera photographer in Afghanistan, who still uses his 50-year-old wooden camera. He charges $30 per photo.

Day 12 - Mazar-e-Sharif

A city full of Afghanistan's most important religious sites!

We will head to the airport for our flight to Mazar-e-Sharif.
Upon arrival, we will register with the Provincial Afghan Tour Department.
Then, we’ll continue with a visit to one of Afghanistan’s most iconic landmarks - the Blue Mosque of Mazar-e-Sharif, built in 1136 by the great Seljuk Sultan Sanjar.
Afterward, we’ll take a walk through the nearby bazaar, meeting local people and experiencing their daily life and vibrant culture.

Day 13 - Samangan - Balkh

Citadels, Mosques and Buddhist complex's.

We will take a beautiful two-hour drive to Samangan, here we will visit the anicent Buddhist complex, Tahmina Bazar and the Takht-e-Rustam stone stupa. The visit also includes a walk through the Bagh-e-Jahan Nama Garden and palace.
We will then head to Balkh District, Balkh city reportedly being the oldest city in history.
Exploring Balkh will start with the Nuh Gunbad Mosque (also known as Haji Piada or Temple of Zoroaster), considered one of the earliest Islamic structures in Afghanistan.
Visit the nearby Khawaja Nasr-e-Parsa Mosque, a historic 15th-century mosque.
We will also visit the Tomb of Rabia Balkhi, followed by a walk through the ruins of Bala Hesar, the enormous citadel first built by Alexander the Great, 329 BC.
A short visit to the Rumi Abbey and the Ayaran tower, part of the old city wall that once surrounded historic Balkh.

Day 14 - Mazar - Hindukush - Kabul

A ten hour road trip over the Hindukush Mountains

We will depart Mazar for the drive of a lifetime - a stunning 10-hour road trip to Kabul. Along the way, we’ll cross the Hindukush mountains via the Salang Pass, passing through the 2.67 km-long Salang Tunnel, which was once the highest tunnel in the world at 3,200 meters above sea level.
We will make plenty of rest stops for food, and amazing photo opportunities.

Day 15 - Kabul - Tour End

Souvenirs and goodbyes!

We will explore Chicken Street (Antique Market), here you can buy souvenirs for your family and friends. You will find all kinds of handicrafts, Afghan handmade rugs and carpets, antiques and ornamental artworks, magnets, calligraphy, glasswork, jewelry, and gemstones.
After an unforgettable 15-day journey through Afghanistan, it’s time to say farewell to this beautiful country. We will escort you to the airport for your departing flight.

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.

We have a blog providing information on the safety of visiting of Afghanistan, this can be found here

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.

Why does the tour have long drives instead of flying?

There are multiple reasons as to why we opted for only one flight on this tour, the main reason being that Afghanistan is an incredibly beautiful country. You see the most whilst driving, it allows us to speak with locals and experience rural cultures in the country.

Domestic flights can be expensive in Afghanistan, this would bump up the price of the tour which we want to avoid as much as possible.

The flights in Afghanistan can be delayed by hours, our tour is packed with things to do and we don't want you to miss a single thing.

Some of the places we visit simply aren't connectable via flight.

Our shorter tours include more flights simply where it's unavoidable.

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.)

Recent news has come out of Afghanistan that certain provinces have had their fibre internet connections banned. Mobile data is still available.