15-Day Grand Silk Road Circuit Afghanistan Adventure
- 15 Days
- Spring/Summer
- Max 8
Overview
The 15-Day Grand Silk Road Circuit Afghanistan Adventure is an immersive journey through the historic crossroads of Afghanistan, tracing the ancient trade routes that once linked East and West. From the vibrant streets of Kabul to the dramatic cliffs of the Bamiyan Valley, the turquoise-tiled mosques of Herat, and the iconic Shrine of Ali in Mazar-i-Sharif, this expedition reveals a land shaped by empires, scholars, and caravans over centuries. Blending archaeological wonders, Islamic architectural masterpieces, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and authentic cultural encounters, the journey offers a rare and in-depth exploration of one of the Silk Road’s most storied and captivating destinations.
Tour Highlights
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Explore Historic Kabul – Discover the cultural heart of the country with visits to the National Museum of Afghanistan and the tranquil Babur Gardens, blending Mughal heritage with modern Afghan life.
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Witness the Legendary Bamiyan Valley – Stand before the monumental niches of the Buddhas of Bamiyan and explore ancient cave monasteries set against dramatic highland scenery.
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Admire Timurid Splendor in Herat – Experience the architectural brilliance of the Great Mosque of Herat and the imposing Herat Citadel, masterpieces of Persian-Islamic design.
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Visit the Iconic Shrine of Ali in Mazar-i-Sharif – Marvel at the shimmering blue-tiled sanctuary, one of the most revered and photogenic landmarks in the region.
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Travel the Ancient Silk Road Landscapes – Cross rugged mountain passes, fertile valleys, and desert plains that once carried caravans between Central Asia, Persia, and the Indian subcontinent.
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Authentic Cultural Encounters – Engage with local communities, visit traditional bazaars, and experience Afghan hospitality through regional cuisine, artisan crafts, and daily village life.
Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrival - Kabul
- Pick up from Kabul International AirPort
- Arrival, arrangement, and check in to the hotel
- Visiting a tailor for making a local Afghani outfit (Optional )
- Visiting the Old bird market with 100 years old, walking around the Mandavi Bazaar and talking to local people
- Will have a short visit to the Shah do Shamshera Mosque, Ethnographic Research Museum – Flexible
- Visiting one of the beautiful blue mosque in Kabul (Shrine of Sakhi), BiBi Mehro Hill (The Taliban Big white Flag)
- Overnight in the hotel
Day 02 : Kabul Tour
- Visiting the National Museum of Afghanistan
- Going to Darul Aman palace, Babur Garden/ Chilston Garden (Optional), Toop Hill with a stunning view of the houses on the mountains
- walking around the city and talking to local people (if interested)
- Visiting the Qargha Lake, continue our tour to the beautiful Paghman Valley and Palaces
- Overnight in the hotel
Day 03 : Kabul - Bamyan
- Start our trip to Bamyan, it’s around 3 and half hours driving time!
- Arrival, arrangement the permits, check in to the hotel
- Continue our tour to one of the most stunning and beautiful place in Afghanistan, the first national park – Band e Amir blue lakes
- Walking around the lakes, boat riding, horse riding and swimming (optional)
- Arranging the local Bamyan food (Kolokhi – Potato and chicken meals – If interested)
- Overnight in the hotel
Day 04 : Bamyan Tour
- Visiting the ruins of Gholghola city (the city of scream), Buddha statues (the 6th century monumental Buddhist statues were craved in to the cliffs of the Bamyan Valley), Zuhak city also known as Red city
- Walking around the bamyan city and enjoying from warm hospitality of local people
- Visiting the Dragon Valley / Shah Foladi Valley (Optional)-Flexible based on the time!
- Overnight in the hotel
Day 05 : Bamyan - FirozKoh
- Start our early morning trip to FirozKoh, Ghor Province
- Arrival, arrangement the permits!
- Overnight in the hotel
Day 06 : FirozKoh - Jam - Herat
- Continue our tour to the Jam Valley
- Visiting the Minaret of Jam, walking Around the village and talking with local people
- Continue our trip to Herat
- It will be a long driving way!
- Overnight camping on the way / continue our driving to Herat
Day 07 : Herat
- Arrival and Rest Day
- Arranging the permission letter
- will visit Bam e Herat – Takht e Safar for having the Herat city view – Flexible
- Overnight in the hotel
Day 08 : Herat Tour
- Visiting the Citadel of Herat also known as Arg e Herat (with origins dating back to the time of Alexander the Great around 330 BC), Friday Mosque, Tile Factory, and walking around the handicrafts shops (if interested – Shopping)
- Visiting the Musalla Complex (Minaret of Herat, Tomb of Gowher Shad Bigum and Amir Ali Shir Navai), Jihad Museum, and Shrine of Khawja Abdullah Ansari
- Visiting the Old Herat Bazaar ( Ancient city, Mukhtar Zara Caravanserai, Attarbashi House an old Herat house)
- Visiting the Malan Bridge – Flexible
- Overnight in the hotel
Day 09 : Herat - Helmand - Kandahar
- Starting our early morning trip to Helmand Province
- Arrival, arrangement the permits!
- Visiting the Boost Fort also known as a Qala e Boost (Boost Fort, also known as the Citadel of Lashkar Gah, is an ancient military fort in Helmand, Afghanistan, dating back to the Ghaznavid era, renowned for its strategic location, Islamic architecture, and rich historical significance)
- Continue our trip to Kandahar
- Overnight in the hotel
Day 10 : Kandahar Tour
- Visiting the Kandahar Islamic Museum and Art Gallery
- Explore the Kandahar old city, Covered bazaar, the mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Durrani (the founder Durrani empire and modern Afghanistan), Cloak Mosque (the mosque of Prophet Mohammad’s cloak )
- Driving to Arghandab district, visiting the Tomb of Baba Vali Kandahari
- Visiting the mausoleum of Haji Mirwais Khan Hotak, and Chil Zina ( Forty stairs on the hill is an ancient rock-carved staircase located in Kandahar, Afghanistan) to will have a complete view of Kandahar city
- Having short tour to the Aino Mina town and explore modern side of Kandahar
- Overnight in the hotel
Day 11 : Kandahar - Ghazni
- Start our trip to Ghazni, an ancient city of Afghanistan full of historical sights
- Arrival, arrangement, and check in to the hotel
- Visiting the Ghazni Museum, and the ruins of Soviet Union military Tanks
- Walking around the city and explore people daily lifestyle
- Overnight in the hotel
Day 12 : Ghazni - Kabul
- Visiting the Minarets of Ghazni, the mausoleum of Sultan Mahmoud Ghaznavi , the ruins of Ghazni Citadel (Arg), Tepa Sardar (a Buddhist monastery)
- Driving to Kabul
- Planning based on the remain time and your interest!
- Overnight in the hotel
Day 13 : Kabul - Mazar I Sharif Tour - Samangan
- Flight to Mazar I Sharif (10:00-11:00 AM Kam Air)
- Arrival , arrangement and check in to the hotel
- Start our trip to Samangan Province
- It’s around one and half hours driving time!
- Visiting the ruins of Jahan Numa Palace, Takht e Rustam Stupa and Takht e Bano
- Driving back to Mazar I Sharif
- Overnight in the hotel
Day 14 : Mazar I Sharif and Balkh - Kabul
- Visiting the Blue Mosque ( Shrine of Hazrat Ali – one of the most important religious sites in Afghanistan ), walking around the city and exploring people daily life
- Continue our tour to the Balkh district, visiting the ruins of Nuh Gunbad mosque – one of Afghanistan’s oldest Islamic monuments, mausoleum of Rabia Balkhi ( known as the first female poets of Persian literature), Green Mosque,Balkh ancient city, and the ruins of Burj Ayaraan (the defense wall of Balkh ancient city)
- Flight back to Kabul (14:00-15:00 PM Ariana Airline)
- Visiting chicken street – handicrafts center and shopping (if interested)
- Overnight in the hotel
Day 15 : Departure
Drop off to the Kabul International AirPort (Your drop off will be arranged based on your departure flight time)
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Accommodation: 3/4 star hotels
- Transportation: Private (4WD)
- Meal: 3x daily + water
- Expert Tour Guide
- All Permits
- Letter of Invitation
- Sights Entrance Fee
- Local Sim Card / Wi-Fi
Cost Excludes
- Visa Fee
- International Flights
- Personal Shopping + Soft drinks and snacks
- Travel Insurance
Starting from
$1799 / Person