Why should you choose Koryo Tours?
Choosing to travel to unusual destinations such as North Korea is a big decision, and choosing the right people to take you is an incredibly important part of that. Learn about how we facilitate tourism responsibly in some of the most interesting and unique destinations on our planet, and at the same time ensure you get the most out of your once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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Discover Afghanistan Through the Eyes of Its Women
A once-in-a-lifetime journey through Afghanistan, our signature Afghanistan tours are guided by the incredible women who call this country home. These tours offer a rare opportunity to explore Afghanistan’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture from a perspective rarely seen by outsiders.
From the bustling streets of Kabul to the serene lakes of Band-e Amir, wandering through vibrant bazaars, exploring ancient landmarks, or sipping coffee at a female-run café, this is a truly unique tour curated in cooperation with local Afghan women and our operators.
The heart of this tour lies in the stories shared by Afghan women—entrepreneurs, artisans, and educators—who bring each site to life with their personal experiences and insights. Along the way, you’ll visit women-led initiatives, from craft markets to community centres, and gain a deeper understanding of their pivotal role in shaping Afghanistan today. All whilst being guided by local female tour guides.
We offer four Afghanistan tours. Travel to the main provinces and must-sees of Afghanistan, including Kabul, Bamiyan, Band-e-Amir, Mazar, Herat, and conservative Kandahar. You can choose to be on a more women-focused trip, or join one of our general tours, which will still partake in a limited number of women-focused activities.
Afghan Sisters: Travel Afghanistan Women’s Tour
(Guided by local Afghan women, women-only participants)
Afghan Sisters: Travel Afghanistan Mixed Tour
(Male & female participants - short)
Afghan Sisters: Travel Afghanistan Mixed Tour
(Male & female participants - long)
Travel Afghanistan Group Tour
(Guided by a male guide, male & female participants)
With very small group sizes, priority for returning travellers, and rigorous safety measures in place, these tours promise a deeply rewarding and responsible travel experience.
Adventure. Connection. Discovery.
Afghanistan is calling.
Note: In order to prioritise safety, we do not publish our exact itinerary or dates online. We also do not publish exact women-focused itinerary items and locations. If you are interested in a tour, please get in touch on [email protected].
We will send you the tour dates and more details on the itinerary.
Upon booking confirmation, we will send the full itinerary.
Further Reading on Travel to Afghanistan -
Afghanistan Travel FAQs
Is it Ethical to Travel to Afghanistan?
How to Travel to Afghanistan Safely
12 days in Afghanistan to enjoy Afghanistan to its fullest.
Breathtaking Landscapes, Vibrant Culture, and a Truly Fascinating
Past.
From 4450 USD per person
Please apply by 14th January, 2025.
12 days in Afghanistan to enjoy Afghanistan
to its fullest. Breathtaking Landscapes,
Vibrant Culture, and a Truly Fascinating
Past.
From 4450 USD per person
An unforgettable journey through Afghanistan and Koryo Tours’ first Afghanistan tour. Travel with us to a land of immense cultural heritage, truly breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled history.
Our Travel Afghanistan tour takes you through the heart of the country, exploring its most iconic provinces;
We start in Kabul - a lively, bustling city with too much going on at once and far too much to explore. Wander through the tranquil Babur Gardens, visit the National Museum, and enjoy the majestic Darul Aman Palace. We will also take a stroll along the famous Chicken Street introduces you to the vibrant local market scene, while a visit to Wazir Akbar Khan Hill rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the capital.
From recent history to ancient history. In Mazar-i-Sharif, we will visit the beautiful turquoise domes of the Blue Mosque, a stunning centre of Islamic art and spirituality, and explore the ancient ruins of Balkh, known as the "Mother of Cities." Similarly in Herat, we visit the intricately designed Friday Mosque, explore the ancient Herat Citadel, and wander through the Caravansarai of Mukhtarzada.
We then set off for an epic road trip right through the center of the country where we have the opportunity to visit Helmand and visit the fascinating Ancient City of Bost.
Finally, we take a trip to Afghanistan’s most conservative province of Kandahar - one with deep historical roots. Visit the sacred cloak of the Prophet Muhammad at the Tomb of Ahmad Shah Durrani, climb the Forty Steps for sweeping views, and experience the lively Sarposh Bazaar.
This thoughtfully crafted itinerary takes you from ancient history to recent events, immersing you in Afghanistan’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and fascinating past.
With expert local guides, this tour is a rare opportunity to experience the soul of Afghanistan, offering both highlights and hidden gems across its storied regions.
Note: Because of weather conditions, we have not added in Bamiyan to this group tour. Bamiyan is home to the site of the famous Buddhas of Bamiyan and the Band-e-Amir Lake. If you wish to visit this after the tour, we can help you to arrange it depending on the road conditions. During the winter period, there is also skiing available.
Dates don't suit or interested in something different?
The default rooming option for this tour is shared hotel room or water vessel private cabin. Each hotel room on tour has two separate beds. On the water vessel, one bed might be a bunk bed. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra $20 USD per night.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
The safety of both our tour participants and the local guides we are working with is our number one priority. We have taken all the relevant safety precautions to create this trip and are constantly in contact with local partners.
This tour is limited to 12 participants only and will give priority to those who have travelled with us before.
Please contact us for more information and the itinerary at [email protected].
After contacting us and confirming your spot on the tour, you can book through our website.
Please contact us before booking.
Upon booking confirmation, you will be provided with a PDF of the complete itinerary including all activities and dates. Before the tour, you will be given a detailed booklet on pre-tour information and guidance.
Note: It is mandatory to attend an online pre-tour briefing for this tour and the itinerary is subject to change depending on safety and availability.
Please apply by 14th January, 2025.
2 Weeks Travel to Afghanistan with local female Afghan
tour guides and learn about the lives of Afghan women
in context.
From 3990 USD per person
Please apply by 1st March, 2025.
2 Weeks Travel to Afghanistan with
local female Afghan tour guides and
learn about the lives of Afghan women
in context.
From 3990 USD per person
A truly unforgettable journey through Afghanistan, guided by Afghan women and designed to delve deeply into the lives, histories, and vibrant cultures of this remarkable country.
Koryo Tours’ Afghan Sisters Discover Afghanistan signature women’s tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with local women and explore Afghanistan through a uniquely female perspective.
This is an Afghanistan tour designed by women, for women.
Spanning the stunning landscapes and rich histories of Afghanistan, we will visit the main provinces;
Experience the warmth of Afghan hospitality, the resilience of its communities, and the inspiring stories of Afghan women, while also witnessing the breathtaking beauty of Afghanistan’s historic landmarks, bustling markets, and tranquil national parks.
This is a truly in-depth tour to Afghanistan that spans two weeks, taking you from Afghanistan’s most liberal provinces to its most conservative. We will travel by road and air, enjoying Afghanistan’s breathtaking landscapes and best mountain scenery on stunning road trips through the country as well as from up above.
You will begin the tour in Kabul where you will have an opportunity to visit local markets, including the famous Bird Market and Chicken Street, and shop for some local attire, before crossing off Kabul’s highlights including the National Museum. We will spend three days in Bamiyan taking part in multiple exclusive women-focused activities, visiting the former site of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, and of course, enjoying boating on the beautiful Band-e-Amir Lake*.
We delve deep into the history and culture of Herat as we visit the Herat Citadel, the Caravansarai of Mukhtarzada, and the Friday Mosque, and spend one night in the conservative province of Kandahar.
If you decide to stay on for the Mazar extension, we will visit a local family’s house to have dinner and experience the life of a local Afghani family, as well as pay a visit to the famous Blue Mosque and the ancient city of Balkh.
Apart from the highlights, we will also take part in several women-focused activities.
Discover vibrant craft and artisan markets, where hundreds of licensed female vendors showcase their skills. Here, you can shop for beautiful handmade items while directly supporting women in the community. In a more hands-on experience, join a local embroidery class led by artisans who have turned their traditional craft into a sustainable livelihood.
We will also visit multiple organisations dedicated to catering to the development and empowerment of local women and children.
Food lovers will enjoy a traditional cooking class, learning how to prepare authentic Afghan dumplings – both vegetarian and meat options are available. For dining, there are opportunities to savour delicious meals at restaurants owned and run by women, featuring female chefs passionate about showcasing Afghan cuisine. And if coffee is more of your thing, we’ll also have a chance to enjoy some coffee brewed at the local female-run coffee shop.
(A complete women-focused activity list will be provided upon booking).
This trip offers a Mazar extension option to extend your trip to Mazar.
We will spend 2 nights in Mazar and one more night in Kabul. You will be able to visit Mazar's famous Blue Mosque, visit the Ancient City of Balkh, and have dinner with a local family.
Cost: $790 USD per person.
Exclusive to this trip is our one-night stay at a Women’s Retreat Centre. Tour its facilities, including a volleyball court, market, and playground, and take part in cultural exchange activities such as a Persian language lesson. Sleeping in traditional Afghan-style rooms adds a truly immersive touch.
A percentage of the profits for this trip go towards the Women's Retreat Centre.
For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path, unique travel experience, this tour offers a rare chance to see Afghanistan as few have, through the eyes of its resilient women.
Join us to discover a side of Afghanistan often unseen—one of courage, culture, and community.
Dates don't suit or want to join with your male partner, friend, or family member?
See here for our regular group tours to Afghanistan.
*Note: it is not possible to enter to the Band-e-Amir lake as women are not permitted. We will visit the lake from a viewpoint.
The default rooming option for this tour is shared hotel room or water vessel private cabin. Each hotel room on tour has two separate beds. On the water vessel, one bed might be a bunk bed. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra $20 USD per night.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
This tour is the female-only version of our mixed group Afghan Sisters tour. It follows a similar itinerary and is led by the same expert female guides. It takes part in most of the same activities apart from those that are restricted to only women. For our mixed-group tour, see below;
Afghan Sisters: Travel Afghanistan Short Tour
Afghan Sisters: Travel Afghanistan Long Tour
Female Afghan guides lead this unique tour in Afghanistan. We will have one female guide who will join us throughout the whole trip, and we will meet up with other local female guides as we travel throughout the various provinces in Afghanistan.
This tour is limited to 8 participants only and will give priority to those who have travelled with us before.
The safety of both our tour participants and the local female guides we are working with is our number one priority. We have taken all the relevant safety precautions to create this trip and are constantly in contact with local partners. Below you can find a sample itinerary that does not include precise dates and does not have a complete list of all women-focused activities.
Please contact us for more information on [email protected].
Upon booking confirmation, you will be provided with a PDF of the complete itinerary including all activities and dates, as well as a detailed booklet on pre-tour information and guidance.
It is mandatory to attend an online/in-person pre-tour briefing for this tour and the itinerary is subject to change depending on safety and availability.
Please apply by 1st March, 2025.
Explore iconic landmarks & hidden gems while
gaining unique insights into the lives of Afghan
women.
From 3040 USD per person
Please apply by 1st August, 2025.
Explore iconic landmarks & hidden
gems while gaining unique insights
into the lives of Afghan women.
From 3040 USD per person
Blend cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and empowering encounters with Afghan women and communities on this unique tour travelling to the best that Afghanistan has on offer alongside Afghan women.
This tour is a mixed-group tour version of our Afghan Sisters Women-Only Tour. It focuses on learning about the lives of Afghan women in various contexts, whilst taking in the many highlights Afghanistan has to offer in four of the main provinces;
Travelling by air and road, from the more liberal to the deeply traditional, we check off must-see destinations while gaining deep insights into the daily lives of its people.
Beginning and ending in Kabul, the tour starts with a chance to settle in, explore local markets, visit the National Museum, and enjoy the peaceful Babur Gardens. We’ll then fly to Herat, where you’ll explore the historic Friday Mosque and Herat Citadel, before starting our scenic road trip to Bamiyan.
Bamiyan is home to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Buddhas of Bamiyan, and the beautiful turquoise lake of Band-e-Amir*. We spend three nights in Bamiyan to explore the sites, and also to take part in numerous unique women-focused activities.
Apart from the highlights, we will also take part in several women-focused activities.
Discover vibrant craft and artisan markets, where hundreds of licensed female vendors showcase their skills. Here, you can shop for beautiful handmade items while directly supporting women in the community. In a more hands-on experience, join a local embroidery class led by artisans who have turned their traditional craft into a sustainable livelihood.
We will also visit multiple organisations dedicated to catering to the development and empowerment of local women and children.
Food lovers will enjoy a traditional cooking class, learning how to prepare authentic Afghan dumplings – both vegetarian and meat options are available. For dining, there are opportunities to savour delicious meals at restaurants owned and run by women, featuring female chefs passionate about showcasing Afghan cuisine. And if coffee is more of your thing, we’ll also have a chance to enjoy some coffee brewed at the local female-run coffee shop.
(A complete women-focused activity list will be provided upon booking).
A percentage of the profits for this trip go towards the Dasht-e Eisa Khan Family Garden, a family park run by females offering a safe place for women to take part in sports, school classes, large public gatherings, and other activities otherwise not permitted.
Want a longer tour to visit Mazar and Kandahar?
See here for our regular group tours to Afghanistan.
*Note: it is not possible to enter to the Band-e-Amir lake as women are not permitted. We will visit the lake from a viewpoint.
The default rooming option for this tour is shared hotel room or water vessel private cabin. Each hotel room on tour has two separate beds. On the water vessel, one bed might be a bunk bed. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra $20 USD per night.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
This tour is the mixed-group version of our female-only Afghan Sisters tour. It follows a similar itinerary and is led by the same expert female guides. It takes part in most of the same activities apart from those that are restricted to only women. For our female-only tour, see below;
Afghan Sisters: Travel Afghanistan Women's Tour
Female Afghan guides lead this unique tour in Afghanistan. We will have one female guide who will join us throughout the whole trip, and we will meet up with other local female guides as we travel throughout the various provinces in Afghanistan.
This tour is limited to 10 participants only and will give priority to those who have travelled with us before.
The safety of both our tour participants and the local female guides we are working with is our number one priority. We have taken all the relevant safety precautions to create this trip and are constantly in contact with local partners. Below you can find a sample itinerary that does not include precise dates and does not have a complete list of all women-focused activities.
Please contact us for more information at [email protected].
Upon booking confirmation, you will be provided with a PDF of the complete itinerary including all activities and dates, as well as a detailed booklet on pre-tour information and guidance.
It is mandatory to attend an online/in-person pre-tour briefing for this tour and the itinerary is subject to change depending on safety and availability.
Please apply by 1st August, 2025.
13 Nights in Afghanistan, Kabul - Herat -
Bamiyan - Mazar - Kandahar + Women-Focused
Activities
From 4310 USD per person
Please apply by 1st August, 2025.
13 Nights in Afghanistan, Kabul
- Herat - Bamiyan - Mazar -
Kandahar + Women-Focused Activities
From 4310 USD per person
Our signature women-focus tour to Afghanistan visiting all 5 of the main provinces. This is a unique tour through Afghanistan's history, nature, and culture, through a female perspective. Travelling alongside Afghan women, we tick off the highlights whilst also exploring the lives of Afghan women and communities on this unique tour travelling to the best that Afghanistan has to offer.
This tour is a mixed-group tour version of our Afghan Sisters Women-Only tour which allows only female participants.
It focuses on learning about the lives of Afghan women in various contexts, whilst taking in the many highlights Afghanistan has to offer in four of the main provinces;
Travelling by air and road, from the more liberal to the deeply traditional, we check off must-see destinations while gaining deep insights into the daily lives of its people.
Beginning and ending in Kabul, the tour starts with a chance to settle in, explore local markets, visit the National Museum, and enjoy the peaceful Babur Gardens. We’ll then fly to Herat, where you’ll explore the historic Friday Mosque and Herat Citadel, before starting our scenic road trip to Bamiyan.
Bamiyan is home to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Buddhas of Bamiyan, and the beautiful turquoise lake of Band-e-Amir*. We spend three nights in Bamiyan to explore the sites, and also to take part in numerous unique women-focused activities.
This in-depth tour to Afghanistan will also spend several nights exploring Kandahar, and Mazar, where we will visit the famous Blue Mosque, visit a local family’s house for dinner, and explore Afghanistan’s most conservative province - offering a contrast to the varied realities of women in Afghanistan must face today.
Female Afghan guides lead this unique tour in Afghanistan. We will have one female guide who will join us throughout the whole trip, and we will meet up with other local female guides as we travel throughout the various provinces in Afghanistan.
Apart from the highlights, we will also take part in several women-focused activities.
Discover vibrant craft and artisan markets, where hundreds of licensed female vendors showcase their skills. Here, you can shop for beautiful handmade items while directly supporting women in the community. In a more hands-on experience, join a local embroidery class led by artisans who have turned their traditional craft into a sustainable livelihood.
We will also visit multiple organisations dedicated to catering to the development and empowerment of local women and children.
Food lovers will enjoy a traditional cooking class, learning how to prepare authentic Afghan dumplings – both vegetarian and meat options are available. For dining, there are opportunities to savour delicious meals at restaurants owned and run by women, featuring female chefs passionate about showcasing Afghan cuisine. And if coffee is more of your thing, we’ll also have a chance to enjoy some coffee brewed at the local female-run coffee shop.
(A complete women-focused activity list will be provided upon booking).
A percentage of the profits for this trip go towards the Dasht-e Eisa Khan Family Garden, a family park run by females offering a safe place for women to take part in sports, school classes, large public gatherings, and other activities otherwise not permitted. We will visit and stay at the Family Garden during our trip.
Looking for something shorter?
See here for our Regular Afghanistan Tour.
*Note: it is not possible to enter to the Band-e-Amir lake as women are not permitted. We will visit the lake from a viewpoint.
The default rooming option for this tour is shared hotel room or water vessel private cabin. Each hotel room on tour has two separate beds. On the water vessel, one bed might be a bunk bed. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra $20 USD per night.
20th - 23rd May, Extra 3 Nights - Mazar. This trip offers a Mazar extension option to extend your trip to Mazar. We will spend two nights in Mazar and one more night in Kabul. You will be able to visit Mazar's famous Blue Mosque, visit the Ancient City of Balkh, and have dinner with a local family.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
This tour is the mixed-group version of our female-only Afghan Sisters tour. It follows a similar itinerary and is led by the same expert female guides. It takes part in most of the same activities apart from those that are restricted to only women. For our female-only tour, click here.
This tour is limited to 10 participants only and will give priority to those who have travelled with us before.
The safety of both our tour participants and the local female guides we are working with is our number one priority. We have taken all the relevant safety precautions to create this trip and are constantly in contact with local partners. Below you can find a sample itinerary that does not include precise dates and does not have a complete list of all women-focused activities.
Please contact us for more information on [email protected].
Upon booking confirmation, you will be provided with a PDF of the complete itinerary including all activities and dates, as well as a detailed booklet on pre-tour information and guidance.
It is mandatory to attend an online/in-person pre-tour briefing for this tour and the itinerary is subject to change depending on safety and availability.
Please apply by 1st August, 2025.
My next tour will be to:
[email protected] | + 86 10 6416 7544
WhatsApp (message only): +44 7822 014058
Room A409, Jucai Building. No. 76 Caoyuan Hutong.
Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100027, PR China
中国北京市东城区草园胡同76号聚才大厦A 座409 室,
邮编:100027
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