Tour will be decided later… Subject to security concerns and evaluation of safety conditions

Afghanistan…The Land of the Turquoise & Lapis
October 12 - 23, 2022
Led by Anthropologist Elena Dak

Afghanistan is a country rich in culture and history. Its geographic position puts it at the crossroads of China, the Mediterranean world, and Europe. It is a melting pot of cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity. Despite recent events, Afghanistan preserves a rich array of architecture, paintings, music, poetry, art, and relics of bygone civilizations. From ancient cities to spectacular natural wonders, with incredible cultural treasures and some of the highest mountains in the world, Afghanistan continues to amaze and delight the intrepid traveler.

This journey takes us from bustling Kabul to the foothills of the Hindu-Kush. Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great as we travel through the country’s safest areas in the northern regions. Visit the fabulous city of Herat, once a great medieval center of Islamic learning and culture. Marvel at the legendary mountain caves of Bamyan and the spectacular lakes of Band-e-Amir. Tour the historical town of Mazar-i- Sharif, famous for its blue-tiled mosque, and the ancient caravan town of Balkh. Sample delicious Afghan cuisine, and shop for jewelry, carpets, and antiques.

Can be combined with Pakistan tour (September 25 to October 12, 2022)

Trip Grade:
III Challenging – Parts of the trip are physically challenging, involve some hiking on unpaved terrain or in sand. There may be long drives on rough roads; weather conditions with high heat (in the 90’s). You may have simple picnic lunches, primitive bathroom facilities along the road and remoteness from modern towns or cities.

LODGING Level:
**Delightful: Comfortable yet on the Spartan side, usually small but always with private facilities. Some breakfasts are simple and basic but all hotels should have “working” A/C though not very reliable. (Average classification if you dare to compare to western style hotels is about 2 or 3 stars.

Special Tour Remarks:
Anyone wishing to join this trip must understand that in many places the tourist infrastructure is very primitive. Some days are long and hard, and the level of services will not match those offered in more conventional tourist locations. The hotels are quite comfortable but lack the luxuries of the west. Security checkpoints can be rather long on some days and we have to adhere to the instructions of our guards and escorts and have a flexible, patient attitude when delays happen. Many companies in Europe have been successfully running tours to Afghanistan since 2004 and we are using the top logistics and organizing agency in the country to handle our program. They are accustomed to managing foreign groups, but participants should be aware that last minute changes and amendments to routing, modes of travel or overnight stops will happen if deemed prudent to do so. We also have the right to omit at short notice any destination due to security concerns. Food can be nondescript, and alcohol is not allowed in the country. Women and men should keep their arms and legs covered while women may sometimes have to wear a lose head scarf when entering religious towns or sites. By signing up for this tour, participants are acknowledging their full understanding and acceptance of all terms and conditions and are admitting that they are in good physical and mental health and are equipped with an open mind, a sense of adventure and a tolerant and patient spirit to cope with the possible rigors of the tour.

Airline Note:
The best airline choice would be Turkish Airways. You can also use Emirates Airline, but it will mean long layovers in Dubai and a possible forced overnight. If you need our help, please discuss your options with our office staff.