Join YPT on our carefully curated, immersive experience of Afghanistan. This is a rare opportunity to learn a different side of this beautiful and complex country meeting people from all walks of life, whilst partaking in the must-see sights of a region regarded as the “crossroads of Asia” or, to its adversaries, the “graveyard of empires”.

Your journey with us starts in Islamabad, Pakistan, where you will get a taste of the nation through visits to sights such as the Pakistan Monument and Faisal Mosque, symbols of the traditional Islamic values governing life here. We'll then head north close to the border of Afghanistan to the city of Peshawar to visit the Afghanistan consulate to obtain our Afghan visas before heading out to see what one of the most stunning and oldest living cities in South Asia has to offer.

Once we have dealt with all formalities in Pakistan, we will make our way to Kabul, the capital city where agents of the British and Russian empires tried to play each other in what is now known as the “great game”. However, we’re here to experience what life is like in present-day Kabul; you’ll visit the heart of the city, including Sakhi Shah-e Mardan Shrine, a sacred site for Muslims that houses a cloak worn by the prophet Mohamed and Kah Faroshi, and one of the oldest and largest markets in Afghanistan filled with unique birds.

Your adventure continues to Bamian with its spectacular turquoise lakes with the jaw-dropping backdrop of the Hindu Kush. Once two magnificent Buddhas stood proudly here with their unknown origin, they survived many empires, and the arrival of Islam, yet the Taliban destroyed them. Here you can marvel and appreciate the sheer size and skills of the past.

Then you'll board a domestic flight to visit Mazar-e Sharif and the ancient city of Baikh. You'll see the Blue Mosque or 'Shrine of Hazrat Ali from the outside, as it is now permitted for foreigners regardless of gender to enter since the Taliban takeover. Regardless, the view is outstanding and one of Afghanistan's most iconic buildings, which foreigners rarely see today.

Despite its reputation, Afghanistan has a rich history and culture full of breathtaking attractions and kind, welcoming people who are genuinely excited to meet you.

Trips to Afghanistan do create dangers all of their own and whilst we want you to have as much freedom as possible, we must state that both the YPT and local guides have the final word with regards to changes to the itinerary for safety reasons. Whilst the route YPT have chosen passes through areas that we consider to be stable; the situation can change and we may have to alter the route or cancel sections of the trip at short notice.

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International tours