Day 01
Arrival in Kabul and First City Sights
- Airport pickup and hotel check-in.
- Enjoy a short city tour featuring Babur's Gardens and Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque.
Overnight in Kabul.
Afghanistan, Pakistan · Culture
21-Day Afghanistan and Pakistan Cultural Tour with Hunza and Bamiyan
The journey
Trip highlights
- 01 Explore Afghanistan's ancient cities, including Kabul, Herat, and Mazar-i-Sharif
- 02 Visit iconic Afghan landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and the Buddhas of Bamiyan
- 03 Experience the vibrant cultural cities of Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan
- 04 Discover breathtaking northern landscapes in Hunza Valley and Skardu
- 05 See major heritage sites including Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and Baltit Fort
Embark on a 21-day cultural and adventure tour through Afghanistan and Pakistan, exploring ancient cities, historical landmarks, vibrant bazaars, and breathtaking landscapes. Discover iconic sites such as the Buddhas of Bamiyan, the Blue Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Hunza Valley, while travelling from Kabul and Herat to Lahore, Skardu, and Karachi. This journey combines heritage, religion, archaeology, city life, and mountain scenery, making it ideal for history and adventure enthusiasts.
Visit the Buddhas of Bamiyan.
From the itinerary
At a glance
What this trip includes
Duration
21 Days
Tour type
Shared
Activity level
Moderate
Accommodation
Included · Standard
Transport
Included
Wheelchair access
No
Cities
Mazar e Sharif, Balkh, Islamabad, Herat, Kabul, Kandahar, Lahore, Karachi, Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Bamyan, Band-e Amir National Park
Languages
English
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 02
Kabul Heritage Tour
- Visit Darul Aman Palace, Kabul Museum, and Chicken Street Bazaar.
Overnight in Kabul.
Day 03
Drive Through the Hindu Kush to Bamiyan
- Take a scenic drive through the Hindu Kush mountains.
- Visit the Buddhas of Bamiyan.
Overnight in Bamiyan.
Day 04
Band-e-Amir National Park Excursion
- Spend the full day at Band-e-Amir Lakes, with a 1.5-hour drive each way.
Overnight in Bamiyan.
Day 05
Scenic Highlands Journey to Mazar-i-Sharif
- Enjoy a long but scenic drive through the central highlands.
Arrival and rest.
Overnight in Mazar-i-Sharif.
Day 06
Mazar-i-Sharif and Optional Balkh Visit
- Visit the Blue Mosque, local bazaars, and nearby cultural sites.
- Take an optional short trip to ancient Balkh, about 45 minutes each way.
Overnight in Mazar-i-Sharif.
Day 07
Overland Journey to Herat
- Travel across Western Afghanistan on a full-day overland journey.
- Take short breaks along the way.
Overnight in Herat.
Day 08
Herat Citadel, Mosques, and Bazaars
- Explore Herat Citadel, Friday Mosque, and the traditional bazaars.
- Visit the Musalla Complex and the Mausoleum of Gawhar Shad.
Overnight in Herat.
Day 09
Drive from Herat to Kandahar
- Enjoy a full-day drive with scenic and cultural stops along the way.
Overnight in Kandahar.
Day 10
Kandahar Old City and Bazaar
- Visit the Cloak of the Prophet Mosque and the Old City.
- Explore Kandahar Bazaar.
Overnight in Kandahar.
Day 11
Flight to Kabul and Leisure Time
- Take a morning flight to Kabul.
- Enjoy a leisure evening or a short city walk in Kabul.
Overnight in Kabul.
Day 12
Cross the Torkham Border to Islamabad
- Drive early to Torkham Border, approximately 4 hours.
- Cross the border and continue to Islamabad, approximately 4 hours.
Overnight in Islamabad.
Day 13
Islamabad Landmarks Tour
- Visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and Daman-e-Koh.
Overnight in Islamabad.
Day 14
Drive to Lahore and Visit Its Mughal Icons
- Take a morning drive to Lahore.
- In the afternoon, visit Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque.
Overnight in Lahore.
Day 15
Lahore Gardens, Museum, and Wagah Ceremony
- Visit Shalimar Gardens, Lahore Museum, and the Wagah Border Ceremony.
Overnight in Lahore.
Day 16
Fly to Gilgit and Continue to Hunza
- Take a morning flight to Gilgit.
- Continue on a scenic drive to Hunza Valley, approximately 2.5 hours.
Overnight in Hunza.
Day 17
Hunza Forts, Lake, and Passu Cones
- Visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and Attabad Lake.
- Drive to Passu Cones, approximately 1 hour.
Overnight in Hunza.
Day 18
Karakoram Highway Journey to Skardu
- Travel along the scenic Karakoram Highway with photo stops.
Overnight in Skardu.
Day 19
Skardu Lakes, Fort, and Bazaars
- Visit Upper Kachura Lake, Shigar Fort, and local bazaars.
Overnight in Skardu.
Day 20
Fly to Karachi via Islamabad
- Take a morning flight from Skardu to Islamabad, followed by a connecting flight to Karachi.
- On arrival, enjoy a short Karachi city tour featuring Quaid's Mausoleum and Clifton Beach.
Overnight in Karachi.
Day 21
Karachi Departure
- Enjoy final shopping or an optional visit to Mohatta Palace.
- Transfer to the airport for departure.
Where this trip takes you
Buddhas of Bamiyan, Band-e Amir National Park, Hunza Valley, Attabad Lake
The route
Where you'll travel
The fine print
Trip details
What's Included
- 20 nights in comfortable hotels, guesthouses, or traditional lodges (twin-sharing basis)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all road journeys
- Domestic flights (Kandahar to Kabul, Lahore to Gilgit, Skardu to Karachi)
- Airport transfers (pickup and drop-off in Kabul and Karachi)
- Border crossing assistance at Torkham (Afghanistan-Pakistan)
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- Traditional lunches and dinners in selected locations (as per itinerary)
- Bottled water during road travel
- Professional English-speaking guides in both Afghanistan and Pakistan
- Guided city tours in Kabul, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, Lahore, Islamabad, Hunza, and Skardu
- Entrance fees to museums, monuments, national parks, and cultural sites
- Heritage and historical site visits, including the Blue Mosque, Bamiyan Buddhas, Lahore Fort, Hunza Baltit Fort, and more
- Boat rides on Attabad Lake in Hunza (if weather permits)
- Visa support and invitation letters for Afghanistan and Pakistan (if required)
- Travel permits for restricted areas
- Local police registration assistance where needed
- Security arrangements and local coordination for safe travel
- 24/7 on-ground emergency support
- First-aid kit available during travel
What's Not Included
- Flights to Kabul at the start and from Karachi at the end are not included
- Visa fees for Afghanistan and Pakistan are not included
- Travellers are responsible for arranging their own visas, though visa support documents will be provided
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is mandatory, but not included
- Personal purchases, souvenirs, extra snacks, and meals outside the included meal plan
- Additional hotel services (laundry, minibar, phone calls, etc.)
- Any activities or excursions not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff (at the traveller's discretion)
- In case of unforeseen medical or security emergencies requiring evacuation, costs are not covered
What to bring
- Valid passport with at least 6 months' validity
- Printed visa approvals for Afghanistan and Pakistan
- Printed flight tickets and tour confirmation
- Multiple passport-sized photos for permits and checkpoints
- Travel insurance documents (mandatory)
- Modest, culturally appropriate clothing (long sleeves, long pants)
- Lightweight clothes for warmer regions
- Warm layers and a jacket for Bamiyan, Hunza, and Skardu
- Comfortable walking shoes for city tours and light hikes
- Headscarf for women (required at some religious sites)
- Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection
- Personal medications (with prescriptions if needed)
- Basic first-aid kit (painkillers, band-aids, etc.)
- High SPF sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Personal toiletries (some areas have limited supplies)
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
- Universal plug adapter (Afghanistan and Pakistan use Type C and D)
- Power bank for charging on the road
- Lightweight daypack for daily tours
- Reusable water bottle (we provide bottled water, but a reusable bottle is handy)
- Small torch or flashlight
- Notebook and pen
- Small snacks, especially for long drives
- Lightweight sleeping bag liner (optional for remote areas)
- Guidebook or offline maps for personal exploration
- Small gifts for local hosts (optional, but appreciated)
Know before you go
- Ensure you have the appropriate visa for both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- For Afghanistan, a tourist visa is required, and we can assist by providing invitation letters.
- Pakistan requires a valid visa for most nationalities; please check the requirements well in advance.
- Vaccinations: It is recommended to consult a doctor before travelling. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and malaria are often suggested.
- Travel insurance: Comprehensive medical and evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip. Ensure that it covers travel in Afghanistan and remote regions of Pakistan.
- Altitude: Some areas, such as Hunza Valley and Skardu, are located at high altitudes. If you are prone to altitude sickness, please take precautions and consult your doctor beforehand.
- Safety: We take safety seriously. Our guides and local contacts will help ensure that your experience is secure. Follow local customs and always ask your guide if you are unsure about anything related to safety.
- Dress modestly: Afghanistan and Pakistan are predominantly conservative countries, especially in rural areas. Men and women should cover their arms and legs in public. Women may also be required to wear a headscarf at some religious sites.
- Respect traditions: Handshakes are common, but some areas may have more traditional greeting customs. Always ask locals or your guide if unsure.
- Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos, especially in rural areas or of people. Photography in some government buildings and military installations is prohibited.
- Afghanistan: The local currency is the Afghan Afghani (AFN). Credit cards are rarely accepted, and cash is often the preferred method of payment.
- Pakistan: The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is the local currency. Cash is essential, though major cities may accept credit or debit cards in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
- ATMs: Both countries have ATMs, but they may not always work or accept foreign cards, so it is recommended to carry enough cash for the trip.
- Tipping: Tipping is appreciated in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Guides and drivers are usually tipped at the end of the tour (suggested amount: $5-10 per day per person).
- SIM cards: Local SIM cards are widely available in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. We recommend purchasing one for easier internet access and communication during your trip.
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels in major cities, but it may be limited or slow in remote areas.
- Afghanistan operates on Afghanistan Time (AFT), which is UTC+4:30.
- Pakistan operates on Pakistan Standard Time (PKT), which is UTC+5:00.
- Pack light, but be prepared for varying climates. Comfortable shoes and layers are important, as you will experience both hot and cool weather, especially at higher altitudes.
- Don't forget your camera, and be ready for stunning landscapes!
- Luxury accommodation upgrades are available upon request.
Logistics
Meeting & route
Meeting point
Kabul International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan
Tour start
Kabul, Afghanistan
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey
Your 21 days finish where they began, in Kabul.
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Starting from
USD
4,440
/person
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