Luxury Travel Afghanistan- Urbane Nomads- Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Kabul. We'll have you based at one of the city's new hotels.

Day 2
Orientation in Kabul, beginning at the mausoleum of Nadir Shah. Situated on a hill above the stadium, this offers an excellent vantage point, offering views of the Kabul River and the old city as well as the ancient fort of Bala Hissar.
The home of some of the most important kings and conquerors in the history of Afghanistan, the fort reputedly has commanding views, as extolled by the Mogul Emperor Babur. Contemporary history has set Bala Hissar Fort as the stage for battle between Massoud and Heekmatyar's forces in the 1990s. (Note: Visitors are no longer allowed into the fortress due to the prevalence of unexploded land mines).
From the mausoleum, descend into the old city and the Shor Bazaar. Heavily shelled during the 1990s, the bazaar has come back to life and its alleys are full of Oriental bustle. We follow the Kabul River, stopping to see the Mausoleum of Timur Shah and the two-storied Mosque, then continuing to the ruins of Darulaman Palace. Built by King Amanullah in 1923, Darulaman was intended to be the new political centre of Kabul, but today the palace is an empty shell. To one side is the Kabul Museum. Once hailed as one of the most impressive collections in Asia; war, looting and the Taliban have left the museum impoverished. Some of the stolen exhibits have been recovered and fresh archeological finds are slowly rebuilding the collection – there are some Greek/Bactrian and Buddhist artifacts worth seeing. Heading back towards the old city, we will stop for a picnic lunch at the Gardens of Babur, just outside the ancient city walls. Named after the same Mogul Emperor, one-time habitue of Bala Hissar and who had so lyrically waxed about the views from the fort, Emperor Babur was transported here to be buried according to his wishes. The gardens have recently been reconstructed and re-created according to its original 16th century plans as far as is possible, creating a haven in the city centre once again.
Later in the afternoon, go shopping in Chicken Street, stopping by the store of the Bookseller of Kabul.
Day 3 onwards sees us travelling by jeep throughout Afghanistan.
Day Itinerary
Day 3
Early morning drive out of the Kabul valley up over the Koh-i-Baba (Grandfather of Mountains) range through the Shibar Pass descending into the Bamiyan valley. The road up to the pass is lined with picturesque villages, colorful pennant adorned shires of local holy men, ancient Qala (forts) and Caravanserai (rest stops for Camel caravans). The road down from the pass offers dramatic views of the surrounding snow caped peaks and eventually winds into a tight canyon with cliff faces jutting up several hundred meters on either side. Finally the road breaks out of the canyon with stunning views of Shari Zohak (also known as the Red City) perched atop the red cliffs poised to defend the Bamiyan valley from invasion.
Accommodation in a hotel on the hill overlooking the Buddhist site.
Day 4
Tragically, after the destruction of the large and small Buddhas by the Taliban, the huge niches stand empty. The piles of rubble at the bottom have been collected and sorted, but will not be reconstructed. However, there is still much to see. The niches themselves are still clearly visible
across the town, and remain impressive at over 60m and 40m high. A complex of stairways and caves winds its way up the side of each niche, and some frescoes remain on the walls. Above each niche is an open gallery which connects the cave complexes on each side. Preservation
work has been carried out on the niches and caves and fresh archaeological work is being carried out on the site.
Rise early to view the Buddha niches in the changing light as the sun rises over the Bamiyan valley. Spend the morning exploring the cave complex built into the face of the cliff surrounding the small Buddha and then head for a picnic lunch in the shaded lawns that line the bubbling brooks of Foladi Canyon. Afternoon visits to Shari Ghulghula (City of Screams), destroyed by Genghis Khan after a local princess out of jealousy gave away the secret entryway to this fortified city, and Kakrak Valley, location of hundreds of caves, sculptures and paintings on the walls of the valley made by the Buddhist inhabitants who dwelled in this valley centuries ago.

Day 5
A day, side-trip to Band-i-Amir lakes, aforementioned lakes that have been extolled by Time Magazine as being "among the world's least visited yet most dramatic natural wonders". A conglomeration of five lakes, dip your toes in its rich mineral content- the waters are believed to be able to cure one of madness; one of the more frequent accusations levelled at you by friends, family and loved ones for venturing into Afghanistan.
On the way back to Bamiyan, we will stop at Darya Ajdahar –the Valley of the Dragon. Legend has it that many years ago, a dragon lived in this valley, terrorising the people of Bamiyan, who placated him with a daily offering of two camels and a beautiful girl. The dragon's reign was ended by Hazrat Ali, who split him in two with his sword. The dragon-shaped rock that can be seen in the valley today is split with a 300m fissure, and from the “head”, the dragon's tears are still pouring out in the form of mineral springs. The groans of the dragon can be heard by placing an ear close to the fissure.
Day 6
Travel from Bamiyan via Shibar Pass and then back to Kabul.
Accommodation in a Hotel in Kabul.
Day 7
Drive north through the Salang Pass to Pul-i-Khumri and from there on to Mazar-i-Sharif. At Samangan, we will stop to see the Buddhist stupa known locally as Takht-i-Rustam (“Rustam's Throne”). At the base of the hill is a monastery complex consisting of five caves. Local people prefer to believe that the mound and caves mark the location of the wedding of the semi-mythical Sogdian hero Rustam to the daughter of the King of Samangan, Takhmina.
In the afternoon, we will arrive at Mazar-i-Sharif, and stay in a hotel in the centre, close to the shrine of Hazrat Ali (one of the four Caliphs whom local lore attributes as the dragon-slayer at your previous stop).
Day 8
Dominated by the mosque and shrine for which the city is named. The cult of Hazrat Ali similarly dominates the lores of this part of Afghanistan as the mosque is believed to be the tomb of Hazrat Ali and is visited throughout the year by countless pilgrims. The shrine, constructed in 1481, is decorated in blue tile and is the most beautiful building in Afghanistan. As well as being an important religious centre, Mazar is famous for its rugs and carpets, which are sold in the shops around the shrine.
Next to Mazar-i-Sharif is the city of Balkh, the city forgotten in favour of Mazar-i-Sharif but was once used as the base of operations by names as various as Alexander the Great to Aurangzeb. Dubbed the 'Mother of Cities', the city was variously sacked by Genghis Khan and Timur Lane, although it later enjoyed a revival under the latter.
One building of note is the Masjid-i-No Gumbad (“Mosque of the Nine Domes”), constructed early in the 9th century. Only a few examples of mosque architecture from this early period exist anywhere in the world.
Return to Mazar in the evening.

Day 9

Travel south from Mazar-i-Sharif through the Salang Pass (3,363 m) to Kabul. The Salang Tunnel, constructed by the Soviet Union (1958-1964), is 2.7 Km long with an additional 5 Km of galleries to keep the approaches free from snow. Upon descending into the Shamoli plain we will visit the hillside village of Istalif, which combines beautiful scenery with the charm of Afghan village life. The Takht (“throne”) was a favourite picnic spot of Babur. The village is famous for its colourful glazed pottery and it is possible to see the potters at work. We will then leave the village behind and head back into the bustling capital city of Kabul.
Day 10
Fly with your guide to Herat.
We will begin our tour of Heart at the Takht-i-Safar (the Traveller’s Throne) for a panoramic view of the city at sunset.
Accommodation in a Hotel. Days 11 and 12
Herat, as it is known today, first appeared in history as Aria during the Achaemenid Empire founded by Cyrus the Great. Perhaps no one has described this city more vividly than Nancy Hatch Dupree when she writes that it “reflects the cultures of Iran, Central Asia and Afghanistan for it is the pivot around which these areas spin. Many ethnic groups, Persian, Pushtun, Uzbek, Turkoman, Baluch and Hazara, mingle in the crowded bazaars which display the full range of their handicrafts. In addition to this richly mixed fabric of modern Afghanistan, Herat also contains superlative vestiges of a brilliant past when kings and queens, acknowledged suzerains from China’s borders to the Tigris River, lavished their loving attention on this city.” This statement is as true today as it was when she wrote it some thirty five years ago. The city with its university and tree lined boulevards maintains an air of independence with a population of artisans and academics who are proud of its rich history.
The tour of Heart will include visits to the Citadel, Minarets and Mausoleum of Gawhar Shad, Masjid-i-Jami (Friday Mosque) and tile workshop, Musalla complex, Sufi Shrine of GazarGah, and the Old City. We will also spend time exploring the cities bazaars full of handicrafts, antiques and the city’s famed hand-blown blue glass.
Day 13
Fly back to Kabul. Afternoon free time to explore the bazaars at your own leisure. Car and translator will be available to take you to various bazaars.

Day 14
Day trip outside of Kabul to the beautiful Panjshir Valley, where we will picnic by the Panjshir River and visit the grave of the famous Muyahadin leader Ahmed Shah Masoud. This day trip is a highlight for many travelers as they will be impressed with the rugged terrain and dramatic canyons that were the heroic battlefields of the anti-Soviet resistance.
Day 15
Fly out of Kabul to Dubai .
Details of Itinerary
Route: Trace the ancient caravan route from the capital city of Kabul to Balk(Bactria). Passing through Bamiyan Valley( where the Buddhas of Bamiyan were located), take a day trip to the lakes of Band-i-Amir, dubbed by Time Magazine as being "among the world's least visited yet most dramatic natural wonders", that also went on to describe the lakes as being "preternaturally pristine" and possessing a "blueness of indescribably intensity" before heading back over the Shibar Pass in the direction of the Hindu Kush, Mazar-i-Sharif and Balkh. Then turn back south through the Salang Tunnel and return to Kabul. From Kabul take a round trip by air to Herat.
Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Kabul. We'll have you based at one of the city's new hotels.

Day 2 Orientation in Kabul, beginning at the mausoleum of Nadir Shah. Situated on a hill above the stadium, this offers an excellent vantage point, offering views of the Kabul River and the old city as well as the ancient fort of Bala Hissar.
The home of some of the most important kings and conquerors in the history of Afghanistan, the fort reputedly has commanding views, as extolled by the Mogul Emperor Babur. Contemporary history has set Bala Hissar Fort as the stage for battle between Massoud and Heekmatyar's forces in the 1990s. (Note: Visitors are no longer allowed into the fortress due to the prevalence of unexploded land mines).
From the mausoleum, descend into the old city and the Shor Bazaar. Heavily shelled during the 1990s, the bazaar has come back to life and its alleys are full of Oriental bustle. We follow the Kabul River, stopping to see the Mausoleum of Timur Shah and the two-storied Mosque, then continuing to the ruins of Darulaman Palace. Built by King Amanullah in 1923, Darulaman was intended to be the new political centre of Kabul, but today the palace is an empty shell. To one side is the Kabul Museum. Once hailed as one of the most impressive collections in Asia; war, looting and the Taliban have left the museum impoverished. Some of the stolen exhibits have been recovered and fresh archeological finds are slowly rebuilding the collection – there are some Greek/Bactrian and Buddhist artifacts worth seeing. Heading back towards the old city, we will stop for a picnic lunch at the Gardens of Babur, just outside the ancient city walls. Named after the same Mogul Emperor, one-time habitue of Bala Hissar and who had so lyrically waxed about the views from the fort, Emperor Babur was transported here to be buried according to his wishes. The gardens have recently been reconstructed and re-created according to its original 16th century plans as far as is possible, creating a haven in the city centre once again.
Later in the afternoon, go shopping in Chicken Street, stopping by the store of the Bookseller of Kabul.

Day 3 onwards sees us travelling by jeep throughout Afghanistan.
Day Itinerary
Day 3 Early morning drive out of the Kabul valley up over the Koh-i-Baba (Grandfather of Mountains) range through the Shibar Pass descending into the Bamiyan valley. The road up to the pass is lined with picturesque villages, colorful pennant adorned shires of local holy men, ancient Qala (forts) and Caravanserai (rest stops for Camel caravans). The road down from the pass offers dramatic views of the surrounding snow caped peaks and eventually winds into a tight canyon with cliff faces jutting up several hundred meters on either side. Finally the road breaks out of the canyon with stunning views of Shari Zohak (also known as the Red City) perched atop the red cliffs poised to defend the Bamiyan valley from invasion.
Accommodation in a hotel on the hill overlooking the Buddhist site.

Day 4 Tragically, after the destruction of the large and small Buddhas by the Taliban, the huge niches stand empty. The piles of rubble at the bottom have been collected and sorted, but will not be reconstructed. However, there is still much to see. The niches themselves are still clearly visible
across the town, and remain impressive at over 60m and 40m high. A complex of stairways and caves winds its way up the side of each niche, and some frescoes remain on the walls. Above each niche is an open gallery which connects the cave complexes on each side. Preservation
work has been carried out on the niches and caves and fresh archaeological work is being carried out on the site.Rise early to view the Buddha niches in the changing light as the sun rises over the Bamiyan valley. Spend the morning exploring the cave complex built into the face of the cliff surrounding the small Buddha and then head for a picnic lunch in the shaded lawns that line the bubbling brooks of Foladi Canyon. Afternoon visits to Shari Ghulghula (City of Screams), destroyed by Genghis Khan after a local princess out of jealousy gave away the secret entryway to this fortified city, and Kakrak Valley, location of hundreds of caves, sculptures and paintings on the walls of the valley made by the Buddhist inhabitants who dwelled in this valley centuries ago.

Day 5 A day, side-trip to Band-i-Amir lakes, aforementioned lakes that have been extolled by Time Magazine as being "among the world's least visited yet most dramatic natural wonders". A conglomeration of five lakes, dip your toes in its rich mineral content- the waters are believed to be able to cure one of madness; one of the more frequent accusations levelled at you by friends, family and loved ones for venturing into Afghanistan.
On the way back to Bamiyan, we will stop at Darya Ajdahar –the Valley of the Dragon. Legend has it that many years ago, a dragon lived in this valley, terrorising the people of Bamiyan, who placated him with a daily offering of two camels and a beautiful girl. The dragon's reign was ended by Hazrat Ali, who split him in two with his sword. The dragon-shaped rock that can be seen in the valley today is split with a 300m fissure, and from the “head”, the dragon's tears are still pouring out in the form of mineral springs. The groans of the dragon can be heard by placing an ear close to the fissure.

Day 6 Travel from Bamiyan via Shibar Pass and then back to Kabul.
Accommodation in a Hotel in Kabul.

Day 7 Drive north through the Salang Pass to Pul-i-Khumri and from there on to Mazar-i-Sharif. At Samangan, we will stop to see the Buddhist stupa known locally as Takht-i-Rustam (“Rustam's Throne”). At the base of the hill is a monastery complex consisting of five caves. Local people prefer to believe that the mound and caves mark the location of the wedding of the semi-mythical Sogdian hero Rustam to the daughter of the King of Samangan, Takhmina.
In the afternoon, we will arrive at Mazar-i-Sharif, and stay in a hotel in the centre, close to the shrine of Hazrat Ali (one of the four Caliphs whom local lore attributes as the dragon-slayer at your previous stop).

Day 8 Dominated by the mosque and shrine for which the city is named. The cult of Hazrat Ali similarly dominates the lores of this part of Afghanistan as the mosque is believed to be the tomb of Hazrat Ali and is visited throughout the year by countless pilgrims. The shrine, constructed in 1481, is decorated in blue tile and is the most beautiful building in Afghanistan. As well as being an important religious centre, Mazar is famous for its rugs and carpets, which are sold in the shops around the shrine.
Next to Mazar-i-Sharif is the city of Balkh, the city forgotten in favour of Mazar-i-Sharif but was once used as the base of operations by names as various as Alexander the Great to Aurangzeb. Dubbed the 'Mother of Cities', the city was variously sacked by Genghis Khan and Timur Lane, although it later enjoyed a revival under the latter.
One building of note is the Masjid-i-No Gumbad (“Mosque of the Nine Domes”), constructed early in the 9th century. Only a few examples of mosque architecture from this early period exist anywhere in the world.
Return to Mazar in the evening.

Day 9 Travel south from Mazar-i-Sharif through the Salang Pass (3,363 m) to Kabul. The Salang Tunnel, constructed by the Soviet Union (1958-1964), is 2.7 Km long with an additional 5 Km of galleries to keep the approaches free from snow. Upon descending into the Shamoli plain we will visit the hillside village of Istalif, which combines beautiful scenery with the charm of Afghan village life. The Takht (“throne”) was a favourite picnic spot of Babur. The village is famous for its colourful glazed pottery and it is possible to see the potters at work. We will then leave the village behind and head back into the bustling capital city of Kabul.

Day 10 Fly with your guide to Herat.
We will begin our tour of Heart at the Takht-i-Safar (the Traveller’s Throne) for a panoramic view of the city at sunset.
Accommodation in a Hotel.

Days 11 and 12 Herat, as it is known today, first appeared in history as Aria during the Achaemenid Empire founded by Cyrus the Great. Perhaps no one has described this city more vividly than Nancy Hatch Dupree when she writes that it “reflects the cultures of Iran, Central Asia and Afghanistan for it is the pivot around which these areas spin. Many ethnic groups, Persian, Pushtun, Uzbek, Turkoman, Baluch and Hazara, mingle in the crowded bazaars which display the full range of their handicrafts. In addition to this richly mixed fabric of modern Afghanistan, Herat also contains superlative vestiges of a brilliant past when kings and queens, acknowledged suzerains from China’s borders to the Tigris River, lavished their loving attention on this city.” This statement is as true today as it was when she wrote it some thirty five years ago. The city with its university and tree lined boulevards maintains an air of independence with a population of artisans and academics who are proud of its rich history.
The tour of Heart will include visits to the Citadel, Minarets and Mausoleum of Gawhar Shad, Masjid-i-Jami (Friday Mosque) and tile workshop, Musalla complex, Sufi Shrine of GazarGah, and the Old City. We will also spend time exploring the cities bazaars full of handicrafts, antiques and the city’s famed hand-blown blue glass.

Day 13 Fly back to Kabul. Afternoon free time to explore the bazaars at your own leisure. Car and translator will be available to take you to various bazaars.

Day 14 Day trip outside of Kabul to the beautiful Panjshir Valley, where we will picnic by the Panjshir River and visit the grave of the famous Muyahadin leader Ahmed Shah Masoud. This day trip is a highlight for many travelers as they will be impressed with the rugged terrain and dramatic canyons that were the heroic battlefields of the anti-Soviet resistance.

Details of Itinerary
Route: Trace the ancient caravan route from the capital city of Kabul to Balk(Bactria). Passing through Bamiyan Valley( where the Buddhas of Bamiyan were located), take a day trip to the lakes of Band-i-Amir, dubbed by Time Magazine as being "among the world's least visited yet most dramatic natural wonders", that also went on to describe the lakes as being "preternaturally pristine" and possessing a "blueness of indescribably intensity" before heading back over the Shibar Pass in the direction of the Hindu Kush, Mazar-i-Sharif and Balkh. Then turn back south through the Salang Tunnel and return to Kabul. From Kabul take a round trip by air to Herat. Prices are approximate only.

Afghanistan Sample Itinerary