Bamiyan Valley Archaeological Sites
Region: Bamiyan Province
Cultural Heritage
Giant cave complexes and Buddha statue remnants with stunning mountain scenery. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tourism in Afghanistan
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Minaret of Jam
Region: Ghor Province
Cultural Heritage
12th-century Ghurid dynasty brick minaret with magnificent decorative Kufic script.
Panjshir Valley
Region: Panjshir Province
Nature
Scenic drive through narrow valleys with cobalt blue rivers.
Old Kabul Bala Hissar Fort
Region: Kabul
Historical Site
5th-century Sassanid fortress ruins overlooking the city and Hindu Kush mountains.
Blue Mosque (Shrine of Hazrat Ali)
Region: Mazar-i-Sharif
Religious Architecture
Dazzling lapis-colored tile mosque from the Timurid period.
Band-e-Amir National Park
Region: Bamiyan Province
Nature
Cobalt blue lakes scattered across highland plateaus. Popular for trekking.
Kandahar Old City Walls
Region: Kandahar
Historical Site
Circular city remains built by the Hotak dynasty. Impressive earth-colored walls at sunset.
Kajaki Dam Lake
Region: Helmand Province
Nature
Dam lake built in the 1950s. Rocky mountains and deep blue waters create photogenic scenes.
Herat Friday Mosque
Region: Herat
Religious Architecture
Intricate mosaic tiles with four minarets. 14th-century Timurid masterpiece.
Mes Aynak Archaeological Site
Region: Logar Province
Archaeological Site
Buddhist city ruins from Kushan to Ghaznavid periods. Excavation ongoing before copper mining development.
Suggested itineraries
Silk Road Historical Highlights 7 Days
Duration (days): 7
Highlights: Old Kabul, Bamiyan Buddha Remains, Band-e-Amir Lakes, Herat Friday Mosque
Photographer-oriented route utilizing domestic flights and 4WD vehicles to traverse central highlands and western Islamic cities.
Panjshir Valley and Wakhan Corridor Exploration 10 Days
Duration (days): 10
Highlights: Panjshir Valley Trekking, Khazir Pass, Ishkashim Settlement
Plan for experienced hikers to enjoy village culture and spectacular scenery in northeastern highland regions.
Travel tips
- Obtain visas in advance at Afghan embassies in neighboring countries for safety.
- Avoid nighttime outings even in the capital; arrange trusted drivers with vehicles for transportation.
- Female travelers should wear long sleeves, long pants, and scarves at all times for security.
- Always obtain permission before photographing subjects. Women and military/police are strictly off-limits.
- Most roads outside major routes are unpaved; 4WD vehicles and spare tires are essential.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan daytime hours.
- Prepare cash in US dollars and small-denomination Afghani notes. Cards are virtually unusable.
- Bring both cold-weather gear and sun protection due to significant elevation differences.
- Purchase bottled water and avoid ice and raw vegetables.
- Prepare medications before departure from Japan and carry a basic first-aid kit at all times.