• Overall

  One of the shortest but most in-depth and intense introductions to Afghanistan there is. We spend just over a week travelling Afghanistan’s iconic cities and sites accompanied by both male and female local guides who will provide context to this vast and complex land.

  Travelling by air and road, we check off must-see destinations while gaining deep insights into the daily lives of its people through specially curated cultural activities.

  We visit the bustling capital of Kabul, the beautiful Bamiyan and Band-e-Amir region, and also Herat, the cultural and arts capital of Afghanistan.

  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 | In Kabul, the tour starts with a chance to settle in, get a local suit tailored, explore the Bird Market and famous Chicken Street, as well as visiting the National Museum, and enjoy the peaceful Babur Gardens. We spend our first evening at FHCO Orphanage* learning about their incredible work and having dinner with the children.

  Bamiyan | Bamiyan is home to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Buddhas of Bamiyan, and the beautiful turquoise lakes of Band-e-Amir. We take the scenic drive through Afghanistan’s central mountain range to spend two nights in Bamiyan to explore the sites, and also to take part in numerous unique women-focused activities.

  We will visit the local artisan markets, where licensed female vendors showcase their skills. Here, you can shop for beautiful handmade items while directly supporting women in the community.

  In Bamiyan we spend the afternoon at a Women’s Center, where we can enjoy a more hands-on experience taking part in an embroidery class led by artisans who have turned their traditional craft into a sustainable livelihood. We will then cook our own lunch as we take part in a traditional cooking class, learning how to prepare authentic Afghan dumplings (ashak).

  Herat | We will then fly to Herat, where you will explore the historic Friday Mosque and Herat Citadel, as well as paying a visit to a local women-run art gallery with international exhibitions all over the world. Here, we will also visit initiatives such as a family-run cafe and an organic soap factory run by women.

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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 Band-e-Amir turquoise blue lake and the Buddhas of Bamiyan.

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• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Single room accommodation throughout the time in Afghanistan.
  • Local Afghan tour guides (main guide + local guides, all female).
  • 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.