• Overall

  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;

  Kabul
  Herat
  Mazar-i-Sharif
  Kandahar 
  Helmand

   

  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.

   

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  Dates don't suit or interested in something different?

  Explore our signature Afghan Sisters: Travel Afghanistan tours.
  Women-focused itineraries travelling alongside local female guides. 

   

  Highlights

  • Travel to Helmand on a road trip through the country and visit the Ancient City of Bost.
  • Explore Afghanistan's main provinces of Kabul, Herat, Mazar, and Kandahar.
  • Expert local tour guides and specially curated itineraries to prioritise safety. 

  click image to expand

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room in Afghanistan

    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.

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • All accommodation in Afghanistan.
  • Local Afghan tour guide.
  • Expert Koryo Tours tour leader. 
  • All transportation within Afghanistan, including domestic flights. 
  • All entrance tickets and activities listed.
  • All meals.
  • Water throughout the day. 
  • Emergency support vehicle throughout the trip. 

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel to Afghanistan.
  • Afghanistan visa.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Tips for local guides. 
  • Souvenirs.
  • Extra drinks/snacks. 
  • Single supplement rooming ($210 USD)

• Notes

  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. 

  HOW TO BOOK

  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.

• Overall

  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;

  Kabul
  Herat
  Bamiyan
  Kandahar
  Mazar (optional)

   

  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. 

  20th - 23rd May: Mazar Extension

  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. 

  ---

   

  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). 

  ---

   

  Mazar Extension (20th - 23rd May)

   

  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. 

  ---

   

  *Trip Exclusive*

   

  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?

  Check out our AFGHAN SISTERS DISCOVER AFGHANISTAN (MIXED, LONG) or
  AFGHAN SISTERS DISCOVER AFGHANISTAN (MIXED, SHORT) tours. 

   

  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. 

  Highlights

  • Visit the highlights of Afghanistan - travel to Kabul, Herat, Bamiyan, Band-e-Amir, Kandahar and Mazar, ticking off all the must-sees. 
  • Overnight Stay at a Women’s Centre - explore its community spaces, participate in cultural activities, and sleep in traditional Afghan-style rooms.  
  • Celebrating Female Entrepreneurship in Afghanistan - Visit bustling artisan markets run by female vendors, dine at women-owned restaurants, and learn about organisations dedicated to empowering women through education, skills training, and economic opportunities.

  click image to expand

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room in Afghanistan

    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.

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • All accommodation throughout the time in Afghanistan.
  • Local Afghan tour guides (main guide + local guides, all female). 
  • Expert Koryo Tours tour leader. 
  • All transportation within Afghanistan, including domestic flights. 
  • All entrance tickets and activities listed.
  • 2x Meals a day (breakfast & lunch/dinner).
  • Water throughout the day. 

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel to Afghanistan.
  • Afghanistan visa.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Tips for local guides. 
  • Souvenirs.
  • Extra drinks/snacks. 
  • Single supplement rooming (190/255 USD). 

• Notes

  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. 

  How to Book

  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.

• Overall

  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;

  Kabul
  Herat
  Bamiyan

   

  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.

  ---

   

  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? 

  Check out our 13-night 
  AFGHAN SISTERS DISCOVER AFGHANISTAN TOUR (MIXED, LONG) Tour.

   

  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. 

  Highlights

  • A rare opportunity to travel Afghanistan with local female tour guides, allowing you to learn about the lives of Afghan women in context. 
  • Take part in women-focused activities, such as visiting a female-run market, taking part in an embroidery class, and supporting women's initiatives. 
  • Visit Afghanistan's main provinces; Kabul, Bamiyan, Herat, as well as the Band-e-Amir turquoise blue lake.

  click image to expand

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room in Afghanistan

    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.

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • All accommodation throughout the time in Afghanistan.
  • Local Afghan tour guides (main guide + local guides, all female). 
  • Expert Koryo Tours tour leader. 
  • All transportation within Afghanistan, including domestic flights. 
  • All entrance tickets and activities listed.
  • 2x Meals a day (breakfast & lunch/dinner).
  • Water throughout the day. 

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel to Afghanistan.
  • Afghanistan visa.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Tips for local guides. 
  • Souvenirs.
  • Extra drinks/snacks. 
  • SIngle supplement rooming (180 USD). 

• Notes

  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. 

  How to Book

  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.

• Overall

  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;

  Kabul
  Herat
  Bamiyan
  Mazar
  Kandahar

   

  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.

  ---

   

  Women-Focus 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. We will visit and stay at the Family Garden during our trip. 

  ---

  ---

  Looking for something shorter?

  Check out our 8-night
  AFGHAN SISTERS DISCOVER AFGHANISTAN (MIXED, SHORT) TOUR
  (not incl. Mazar and Kandahar). 

   

  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. 

  Highlights

  • A rare opportunity to travel Afghanistan with local female tour guides, allowing you to learn about the lives of Afghan women in context. 
  • Take part in women-focused activities, such as visiting a female-run market, taking part in a cooking class, and spending the night at a women's centre. 
  • Visit Afghanistan's main provinces; Kabul, Bamiyan, Herat, Kandahar, and Mazar, as well as the Band-e-Amir turquoise blue lake.

  click image to expand

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room in Afghanistan

    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.

  • Mazar-i-Sharif Extension (Afghanistan)

    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.

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • All accommodation throughout the time in Afghanistan.
  • Local Afghan tour guides (main guide + local guides, all female). 
  • Expert Koryo Tours tour leader. 
  • All transportation within Afghanistan, including domestic flights. 
  • All entrance tickets and activities listed.
  • 2x Meals a day (breakfast & lunch/dinner).
  • Water throughout the day. 

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel to Afghanistan.
  • Afghanistan visa.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Tips for local guides. 
  • Souvenirs.
  • Extra drinks/snacks. 
  • Single rooming ($205 USD)

• Notes

  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. 

  How to Book

  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.