Afghanistan Silk Road Journey — 15 days

Al Hamid Tour and Travel · Kabul, Bamyan, Herat, Balkh and Badakhshan · $3,120 - $4,130 per person

The Silk Road was never one road, and it was not founded in one place. It was a network of trade routes, and Afghanistan sat at its crossroads: caravans from China, India, Persia and Central Asia met here. This journey follows its five main waypoints inside the country.

Afghanistan Silk Road Journey at a glance

• Length: 15 days
• Price: $3,120 - $4,130 per person
• Provinces: Kabul, Bamyan, Herat, Balkh and Badakhshan
• Starts and ends: Kabul
• Focus: Silk Road history

The Afghanistan Silk Road Journey, stage by stage

Days 1–2: Kabul

Kabul was the central crossroads, where routes from every direction met.

You see Kabul's museums and old streets, at an unhurried pace. This stage is our Kabul Heritage Walk (2 days). Kabul is where most trips through Afghanistan begin. We meet you at Kabul airport; airport pick-up and drop-off are included in every package.

Days 3–5: Bamyan

Bamyan was a key stopping point in the central highlands. The Buddhas of Bamyan stood here, and their empty niches still tower over the valley.

You see the Bamyan valley, with local stories and strong mountain views. This stage is our Bamyan Culture Loop (3 days). Bamyan is about 180 km from Kabul: a scenic drive of four to six hours through the central highlands, or a short domestic flight. Band-e-Amir is a further two hours by road west of Bamyan town.

Days 6–7: Herat

Herat was the western hub, linking Afghanistan to Persia.

You see the citadel and Herat's bazaar life. This stage is our Herat Bazaar & Citadel (2 days). Herat is in the far west of Afghanistan, about an hour from Kabul by domestic flight, which we book as part of the trip. It can also be reached overland.

Days 8–10: Balkh

Balkh was one of the great Silk Road trading cities, called the "Mother of Cities". It lies beside Mazar-e-Sharif and its Blue Mosque.

You see the Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, old Balkh and calm courtyard walks. This stage is our Spiritual Route (3 days). Mazar-e-Sharif is about an hour from Kabul by domestic flight. Overland, the road crosses the Salang Pass and tunnel through the Hindu Kush, a dramatic drive in good weather.

Days 11–15: Badakhshan

Badakhshan carried the northeastern route into Central Asia and China, and was the source of the lapis lazuli traded along it.

You see Faizabad, the historic lapis lazuli mines and the Kokcha River valley. This stage is our Faizabad & Lapis Route (5 days). Badakhshan is usually reached by a domestic flight to Faizabad, the provincial capital, followed by long drives, and trekking if you go into the Wakhan Corridor.

How the Afghanistan Silk Road Journey price is worked out

The price is the five stage packages added together:

• Kabul Heritage Walk (Kabul): 2 days, $350 - $500
• Bamyan Culture Loop (Bamyan): 3 days, $650 - $850
• Herat Bazaar & Citadel (Herat): 2 days, $420 - $580
• Spiritual Route (Balkh): 3 days, $650 - $850
• Faizabad & Lapis Route (Badakhshan): 5 days, $1,050 - $1,350

Without Badakhshan, the route is 10 days and $2,070 to $2,780 per person.

What the Afghanistan Silk Road Journey price includes

• An English-speaking guide who knows the region
• Private vehicle and driver, including airport transfers
• Hotels with breakfast, two people per room
• Help with the visa invitation letter and the provincial permits

Not included: international and domestic flights (we can book the domestic ones for you), lunch and dinner, and the visa fee.

When to take the Afghanistan Silk Road Journey

Each province has its own best season. September is the month that falls in all five.

• Kabul: Spring to early autumn
• Bamyan: Late spring to early autumn
• Herat: Spring and autumn
• Balkh: Spring and autumn
• Badakhshan: June to September

Afghanistan Silk Road Journey: questions and answers