The best places to visit in Afghanistan

After years on the ground, these are the places we take travellers, and why each one earns its spot. Some are famous, some almost nobody reaches. Together they make one of the most surprising journeys left on earth.

Kabul, the capital

Loud, layered and far more relaxed than its reputation. Babur's gardens, the National Museum, the old bird market and food will think about long after. Discover Kabul. Afghan food

Bamyan and the Buddha cliffs

A calm, high valley where two giant Buddhas once stood until 2001. The empty niches still stop you cold, and the Hazara region around them is one of the gentlest parts of the country. See Bamyan and the story of the Bamiyan Buddhas.

Band-e-Amir's blue lakes

Six deep-blue lakes held back by natural stone dams, Afghanistan's first national park, an easy day from Bamyan. More on Band-e-Amir.

Mazar-e-Sharif and the Blue Mosque

The north's great city, built around one of the most beautiful shrines in the Islamic world, with the ruins of ancient Balkh nearby. See Mazar-e-Sharif and Balkh.

The Wakhan Corridor

A remote finger of Afghanistan in the Pamir, home to Wakhi farmers and Kyrgyz nomads, with world-class trekking. See the Wakhan Corridor.

Nuristan

Forested, remote and unlike anywhere else in the country, once known as Kafiristan. More on Nuristan.

Herat and Kandahar

The cultural west and the southern heartland, for travellers who want to go a step deeper. See Herat and Kandahar.

Things to do beyond the sights

Afghanistan is as much about moments as monuments. On our trips travellers love to:

• Lose an afternoon in the bazaars, from carpets to lapis to fresh bread.

• Eat their way through qabili palaw, kebabs and endless green tea.

• Trek the high valleys of the Wakhan and the Pamir.

• Time a trip with Nowruz, the huge New Year celebration at Mazar's Blue Mosque.

• Sit with local families, which is what everyone remembers most.

• Afghan food

  How to see them

Most of these places sit on our group tours, and we can build any of them into a private trip.

What travellers ask us first

What are the top places to visit in Afghanistan?

Bamyan and its Buddhas, Band-e-Amir, Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif and the Blue Mosque, the Wakhan Corridor and Nuristan.

How many days do you need?

A week covers the highlights around Kabul and Bamyan. Two weeks or more lets you add the north and the mountains.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are ideal, with summer for the high-altitude treks.

Is it safe to travel in Afghanistan?

In the regions we know and with a local team, yes. See how we handle safety.

Ready to see Afghanistan?

Pick a group tour or build a private trip, and we will take you to the best of it.