Afghanistan
Afghanistan hardly needs an introduction; just the name is enough to have politicians panicking, journalists packing and travellers salivating with expectation.
News, time and again over the centuries, has focused on this most extraordinary arid and mountainous country in middle-Asia and now, as always, its place at the heart of world affairs. It is a land of stunning scenery and a hugely diverse culture but above all it is a place where you will encounter some of the most hospitable, interesting and proud people you are ever likely to meet.
Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo through the mountains and plains, visiting the extraordinary cities from Kabul to the Hindu Kush. The mountain caves of Bamiyan, the historic northern towns of Mazar-i-Sharif and Balkh and the famous Panjshir Valley are largely unspoiled by the twentieth century, where horse and donkey are still used instead of cars.
And last but certainly not least, the Wakhan corridor is an extraordinary region created by the British as a buffer-zone against perceived Imperial Russian expansionism. Politically and culturally another world from Afghanistan proper, the best way to reach it is over the border from Tajikistan... which leads us to a whole other Central Asian adventure.
Wild Frontiers offers Group Adventure Tours and Trekking Trips in Afghanistan and the Wakhan Corridor. Watch stunning footage taken on our Afghan Explorer Trip and Wakhan Corridor Trek.
How to book a trip
What to do in Afghanistan
Explore Mazar-i-Sharif
Mazar-i-Sharif
Located in northern Afghanistan, close to the old city of Balkh, Mazar-i-Sharif - meaning "Tomb of The Chosen One" - forms a highlight of any tour to Afghanistan. The main sight in town is the great Blue Mosque, Tomb Of Hazrat Ali, cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad. The tomb was covered with earth to escape the ravage of Genghis Khan in 1220 and remained lost until it was uncovered during the rebuilding work in 1480s.
Pedalo the Lakes, Band-i-Amir
Bamiyan
The five natural lakes, whose name translates as the "dams of the king" have been formed through the ages as minerals from the spring-fed water are deposited at the outlet of the lakes to form massive natural dams that have elevated the water level of the lakes. Each of the lakes is of a different hue of blue, creating a dramatic contrast to the barren red cliffs that surround the lakes. The most visited lake is Band-i-Haibat, which means, the lake of wonder. Its deep blue colour entices the visitor to swim. However, it should be noted that the water is ice-cold, therefore a quick trip round on one of the bazaar pedalo might be a better idea.
Trek the Wakhan Corridor
Wakhan Corridor
As probably the most extreme commercially operated tour on the market, Wild Frontiers have pioneered an amazing one month trek, deep into Afghanistan's far northeast to walk through pristine lands and meet the enduring people that live there. Although definitely not for the fitless, fickle or faint-hearted, this ground-breaking adventure offers a rare opportunity to witness a land beyond tourism where nature and the elements give constant battle to hardy folk of one of the world's most remote and isolated lands.
Walk in the Panjshir Valley
Kabul
Follow in the footsteps of travel writing legend Eric Newby by taking a short walk through this mystical land. Situated to the northeast of Kabul, this picturesque valley - known for its stark mountains and lush, green valley floors - was home to the indomitable Ahmed Shah Masood, the Lion of the Panjshir, and his spirit is ever present as you travel north passed his tomb and the litany of ruined Russian tanks that dared to enter his homeland. Learning of both recent history and the Afghan code of hospitality, a walk in the Panjshir will tell you much of what you need to know about modern Afghanistan.
How to book a trip
Where to stay in Afghanistan
How to book a trip
Suggested Itineraries
How to book a trip
Afghanistan Travel Guide
Kabul
Kabul has been the capital of Afghanistan since 1776. Once it was a fast growing city ringed with mountains and was a place of convergence for the many tourists who were journeying overland from Europe to Asia. Though most of the attractions in Kabul city have been destroyed due to heavy bombardment, there still remains the Bala Hisar Palace, the Arg (Citadel), the Mausoleum of Amir Abdur Rahman and the various mosques such as Masjid-e-Pule Kheshti, Masjid-e-Shahe Du Shamshira, Masjid-e-Sherpur (Blue Mosque) andMasjid-e-Wazir Akbar Khan – all places to be visited for their unique architecture. The life of the Afghans can be observed in various teahouses, restaurants and shops located on Chicken Street.
Mazar-i-Sharif
Mazar-i-Sharif is located in northern Afghanistan, close to the old city of Balkh. The name of the city means something like "Tomb of The Chosen One". The main sight in town is the great Blue Mosque, Tomb Of Hazrat Ali, cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad. The tomb was covered with earth to escape the ravage of Genghis Khan in 1220 and remained lost until it was uncovered during the rebuilding work in 1480s.is located in northern Afghanistan, close to the old city of Balkh. The name of the city means something like "Tomb of The Chosen One". The main sight in town is the great Blue Mosque, Tomb Of Hazrat Ali, cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad. The tomb was covered with earth to escape the ravage of Genghis Khan in 1220 and remained lost until it was uncovered during the rebuilding work in 1480s.
The Band-i-Amir
The Band-i-Amir lakes mean the "dams of the king." These five natural lakes have been formed through the ages as minerals from the spring-fed water are deposited at the outlet of the lakes to form massive natural dams that have elevated the water level of the lakes. Each of the lakes is of a different hue of blue, creating a dramatic contrast to the barren red cliffs that surround the lakes. The most visited lake is Band-i-Haibat, which means, the lake of wonder. Its deep blue colour entices the visitor to swim. However, please note that the water is ice-cold, and the waterfalls are actually covered in icicled most of the year! Still a visit to the lakes is one of the highlights for most visitors to Afghanistan.
Balkh
Balkh was the capital of the Greek Bactrian kingdom and Alexander’s headquarters for his Central Asian campaign. Archaeologists have been searching for Greek remains since the 1920s, but with no success. But now local treasure hunters have uncovered an undoubtedly Greek building. Further work will be necessary to establish its exact datebut indications are that it is very early. It seems that the first archaeological site anywhere in the world that can be linked with Alexander during his life has been discovered and it is therefore hard to overestimate the importance of this discovery. But Balkh was an established city when Alexander arrived here. It was known even then as ‘the mother of cities’. The ruins have never been properly excavated and much remains to be discovered under Tamerlane’s city.
Bamiyan
The ruined Buddhas are the main reason that most people visit Bamiyan. Created in the 6th century, they were once the largest in the world and a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Over the centuries they were slowly damaged by various invaders, and in 2001 the Taliban declared them 'un-Islamic', rolled in tanks and destroyed them completely. All that remains are the 'footprints'. The area around the Buddhas and to the west is interesting to walk around (stay on well-used paths). Many of the buildings were destroyed in war and there are occasional leftover weapons and destroyed jeeps, one of which is now used as a bridge over a stream. Shahr-i- Gholghola is a fort high above the town that gives some of the best views of the entire valley.
Wakhan Corridor
The Wakhan is a unique part of Afghanistan that could almost be a country of its own. Flanked by the Pamir and Hindu Kush Mountain ranges, this narrow corridor was created as a buffer zone between the Russian and British Empires at the close of the 19th century and is a key part of Great Game history. Scarcely populated and almost devoid of tourists, Wild Frontiers have been running trips here since 2008, visiting the schools built by the Central Asian Institute and gaining an insight into the incredibly basic lives of the Wakhi people. Also living here are a smattering of Kyrgyz nomads, who fled their homeland and have managed to maintain their traditional way of life living in yurts, working the land and bringing their own flavour to this incredible area.
How to book a trip
Afghanistan Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders require a visa to visit Afghanistan.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
In order to apply for your Afghan visa, you may need some supporting documentation from us (regulations are constantly changing & may vary from embassy to embassy) and we will forward this on to you nearer to your tour departure date. Please ensure that you have sent us a scanned/photocopied version of your passport details page at least 3 months before departure so that we can obtain the necessary paperwork.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
If you prefer to organise the visa yourself this can be done through a visa company such as:
Travcour (UK)
Tempo House
15 Falcon Road Battersea
London
SW11 2PJ
Tel: 020 7223 5295
Fax: 020 7738 2617
Email: info@travcour.com
Website: www.travcour.com
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Afghanistan, although you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria is prevalent in a number of areas so we recommend protection against malaria and that you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments. Should you be staying for longer than 4 weeks then ask your travel professional about immunity from Hepatitis B.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
