• Overall

  A cultural and historic exploration into a complex country, this tour to Afghanistan is like no other. Led by local female and male tour guides, we spend over two weeks in Afghanistan visiting all five of the main provinces, seeing the must-see highlights and taking part in exclusive cultural activities.

  Visit the Bird Market in Kabul, the Buddhas of Bamiyan, Herat Citadel, the Blue Mosque of Mazar, and conservative Kandahar. Take part in a cooking class, meet the managers of women-run businesses, and have dinner with the children of a local orphanage.

  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 and learning about the complex lives of Afghan women in various contexts.

  This cultural tour to Afghanistan is perfect for those who want to gain a fuller understanding of the country both beyond the headlines and beyond the tourist sites.

  Kabul | Beginning and ending in Kabul, the tour starts with a chance to settle in, explore local markets, visit the National Museum, and enjoy some of the best food Afghanistan has to offer. We will learn about the important work of the OMAR Landmine Museum helping to de-mine the country, and spend an evening at Future Hope Charity Organisation* learning about their work and getting to know the children.

  Herat | We will then fly to Herat, where you will explore the historic Friday Mosque and Herat Citadel, as well as visiting initiatives such as a women-run organic soap factory and a family-run cafe for some saffron ice cream and coffee.

  Bamiyan | Bamiyan is home to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Buddhas of Bamiyan, and the beautiful turquoise lake of Band-e-Amir. Here, we will spend the afternoon at a women’s center* taking part in various activities such as henna, embroidery, and a cooking class to make Afghan dumplings (ashak).

  Mazar | This in-depth tour to Afghanistan takes the adventurous drive through the Hindu Kush mountains to Mazar, where we will visit the famous Blue Mosque, visit a local family’s house for dinner, and explore the ancient city of Balkh.

  Kandahar | Afghanistan’s most conservative province, full of interesting ancient and recent history and religious sites, visiting Kandahar offers a contrast to the varied realities women in Afghanistan face today.

  Both male and female Afghan guides lead this unique tour in Afghanistan, providing a unique perspective and understanding on your travel to Afghanistan.

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  We don't publish our Afghanistan itineraries for safety reasons. 

  Please contact us for more information and the itinerary at [email protected].

  * A percentage of the profits of this tour go directly to FHCO Orphanage and the Women’s Center, helping to allow them to continue their great work.

  Highlights

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

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• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room in Afghanistan

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • All accommodation throughout the time in Afghanistan.
  • Local Afghan tour guides (main guide + local guides).
  • Local safety team.
  • Expert Koryo Tours tour leader.
  • All transportation within Afghanistan, including domestic flights.
  • All entrance tickets and activities listed.
  • 3x meals a day
  • Water throughout the day.

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel to Afghanistan.
  • Afghanistan visa.
  • Tips for local guides.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Souvenirs.
  • Extra drinks/snacks.

• Notes

  This tour is limited to 12 participants only and will give priority to those who have travelled with us before.

  A tour to Afghanistan is unlike any other, and there are certain restrictions we must follow whilst on tour, especially for women. If you are uncomfortable with or have any questions on any of the topics below, do let us know.

  SAFETY

  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.

  As part of safety protocol, we aim to go above and beyond rather than doing the bare minimum in terms of respecting local cultural norms. As well as for safety reasons, you will find that this will make our travel experience a lot more pleasant and will help to ensure tours can take place in the future too.

  We will move as a group together at all times. We recommend that both men and women wear local clothing. This will help us to blend in as a group.

  Women must always be fully covered wearing loose fitting clothing from head to toe, including having hair covered at all times. Read more about what to wear as a woman in Afghanistan here.

  Our team includes safety personnel and a safety vehicle equipped with radios and a satellite telephone.

  ITINERARY

  Due to the nature of this tour, the itinerary items are all subject to availability and the safety situation on the ground. Of course, we hope that every one of them will be possible and we have planned the tour accordingly.

  However, each activity will be assessed in the lead-up to and on the day of the tour, and the safety of both the tour participants and Afghan local partners and guides will be prioritised.

  In case an activity must be cancelled last minute, it will be replaced with something else.

  Our recent trips to Afghanistan were led without any difficulties and all itinerary items could be carried out, but you never know when or how the situation changes.

  This tour is limited to 12 participants only and will give priority to those who have travelled with us before.

  This tour contains long drives, some up to 14 hours. All quoted driving times are approximate and depend on road conditions and checkpoints.

  AFGHANISTAN VISA

  We suggest entering Afghanistan via Dubai. You can get your visa from the Afghanistan Consulate in Dubai before the trip. It is a same-day visa, often ready in less than an hour if you go early. There are then multiple flights from Dubai to Kabul at a reasonable cost.

  You can fly to Kabul in the afternoon on the same day, but it is recommended to get the visa at least one day in advance to allow for any unforeseen complications. Further, we recommend latest arrival in Kabul to be early afternoon.

  We will provide visa support, including an invitation letter and other supporting documents, but you must arrange the visa yourself.

  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.

  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 with 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 24th September, 2027.