Afghanistan Budget Buzkashi Winter Tour

Thursday 10th December – Kabul, Afghanistan

Morning

• We can assist with arranging your Afghan tourist visa collection in Dubai on Wednesday 9th December, and we recommend booking and boarding Kam Air flight RQ902 departing from Dubai at 4:00am and arriving into Kabul at 7:15am.
• On arrival, meet our guides at the airport and be transferred to our guest house.
• Pre-tour meeting held at our guest house at 9:30am, you’ll have tea followed by a briefing with your guides. This includes local customs and laws. Please remember that during the tour your guides have the final say, this is for your own and the group’s safety.
• In light of Afghanistan’s long and devastating conflict, particularly the years of war involving the US and other forces, we’ll visit the OMAR Landmine Museum – run by the Organization for Mine Clearance and Afghan Rehabilitation. This important museum offers a sobering look at the deadly legacy of landmines that continue to affect the country. On display are 51 different types of landmines and various pieces of military hardware, illustrating the wide range of explosive devices that have been used in the region. The museum serves as both an educational centre and a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges Afghanistan faces in rebuilding and ensuring safety for its people.

Afternoon

• We begin our tour by visiting the city’s famous bird market. Tucked away in a narrow alley of the old city, this bustling market is one of the oldest in Kabul and offers a fascinating glimpse into Afghan daily life and traditions. Bird cages line the pathways, filled with everything from humble pigeons to rare and exotic songbirds, with prices ranging from just $1 to well over $1000. For many Afghans, bird keeping is a cherished hobby that reflects both patience and pride. In the past, cockfighting was a popular, but it has since been officially banned.
• We will visit the Shah Do Shamshira (the king with two swords) Mosque at the heart of Kabul city built by the King Amanullah khan in the memory of the Arab King who forced Kabul people into Islam in the early 683 with his two swords.
• Visit the Sakhi Shah-e Mardan Shrine – a well-known mosque, where Mohammed’s cloak is said to have been brought.
• For dinner, we will head out and have our first taste of Afghan cuisine! We recommend trying Qabeli Palow, or Kabul plov, a famous Central Asian dish made from meat, vegetables and oily rice.
• Overnight in Kabul

Friday 11th December – Kabul – Mazar-i-Sharif: Buzkashi

Morning

• In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing to the airport for our domestic flight to Mazar-i-Sharif departing at 10:00am
• From the window, you will be able to see the incredible mountains that form a geographical barrier between Kabul and the Northern province of Mazar.
• Upon arrival, we will head to our hotel, check in and freshen up.

Afternoon

• In the early afternoon, it is time to attend a traditional winter horse game named Buzkashi, played by northern men and other communities in Mazar-i- Sharif, Afghanistan. It involves horsemen competing to grab a sand filled sack which back in the day represented a headless goat carcass, and carry it to a goal. It acts as some mix between polo and is played in other Central Asian countries under different names (such as Kok Baru).
• The event draws large crowds and the bravest of men are the ones who compete. It showcases horsemanship, bravery, and cultural pride. Buzakhi also serves as a time for social gathering and an insight into rich Afghan history.
• In the evening we will return to Mazar for dinner.
• Overnight in Mazar-i-Sharif

Saturday 12th December – Mazar – Balkh – Mazar

Morning

• Breakfast at our hotel before we drive to Balkh
• Our continues further into Islamic architecture when we visit Haji Piyada Mosque also commonly known as Noh Gonbad Mosque – the 9^th century mosque is considered one of the earliest constructed in the region built. With current excavation going on evidence suggests the mosque was built on top of Buddhist monastery.
• Visit the Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa – constructed around 1598 the stunning complex features striking white Arabic writing amongst the blue tiles.

Afternoon

• Lunch in Balkh before we return to Mazar-i-Sharif
• Blue Mosque or ‘Shrine of Hazrat Ali’ – the most famous building in Afghanistan. The mosque is located in the heart of Mazar-i-Sharif and is one of the reputed burial places of Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in law of Prophet Muhammad.
• After, try some of Mazar-i-Sharif’s famous ice cream – which we think is some of the best worldwide!
• In the evening of time permits, we can take a stroll through the souqs and antique shops selling carpets, jewelry and much more.
• Dinner in a local restaurant in Mazar-i-Sharif
• Overnight in Mazar-i-Sharif

Sunday 13th December – Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Bamiyan

Morning

• An early breakfast at the hotel, we’ll then head to airport to depart on a morning flight back to Kabul.
• On arrival in Kabul, we’ll begin making our 180km car journey to Bamiyan – also referred to as Bamyan or Bamian. Your road trip will take you north across the Shomali Plains passing over the Shibar Pass (3285m). We’ll make stops along the way to pick up supplies and stretch our legs and of course to enjoy the breath-taking scenery.
• Onwards we’ll pass by the watershed of the Indus and Oxus River systems where we can stop for a photo opportunity before finally reaching Bamiyan.

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch along the journey, and we’ll have time to relax.
• Head into the Bazaar for some souvenir shopping and interacting with the friendly local community!
• Dinner in town and overnight in Bamiyan

Monday 14th December – Bamiyan – Band-e-Amir – Bamiyan

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel and an early departure for a scenic drive to Band-e Amir, we’ll make stops along the way to stretch our legs and pick up supplies.
• Once we arrive to Band-e Amir National Park the first think you’ll notice is the high peaks of the Hindu Kush and the stunning frozen turquoise lakes.
• Band-e Amir was to become Afghanistan’s first national park in the 1960s but this was delayed due to political crises and the decades of wars. In 2004, Band-e Amir was submitted for recognition as a World Heritage site. In 2009, Band-e Amir was finally declared Afghanistan’s first national park.

Afternoon

• Return to Bamiyan
• We’ll take a short drive to the base of the Shahr-E-Golgola also known as the ‘City of Screams’. Genghis Khan sent out his grandson with an army to capture Bamiyan, the people bravely resisted and killed Genghis’s grandson. Genghis was enraged and besieged and destroyed Golgola in 1221. We’ll also climb the remains of Shah-e Zohak – the red fort where you can get an amazing view overlooking the valley.
• A genuine highlight of our tour will be visiting the Buddhas of Bamiyan – magnificent monumental statues carved directly into the cliffs around the 6th century. These towering figures stood as silent witnesses to centuries of changing empires and cultures that passed through Afghanistan, embodying the region’s rich Buddhist heritage. In March 2001, the statues were destroyed by the Taliban. Today, the empty niches remain a powerful symbol of resilience.
• Check into our hotel and head out to dinner.
• Overnight in Bamiyan.

Tuesday 15th December – Bamiyan – Kabul

Morning

• After breakfast, we will begin our drive from Bamiyan to Kabul.
• We will make a stop at Valley of the Dragon ‘Darya Ajdhahar’ – this massive rock formation is alleged to be the remains of a dragon that persecuted the villagers until Hazrat Ali, the cousin and son- in-law of the Prophet Mohammed killed it. The story is reminiscent of St George and the Dragon.
• Enjoy the scenic drive, stopping at Shahr-e Zuhak along the way. This site is also known as The Red City, an historic city ruin in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, which was once home to 3,000 people. This city used to be the primary defence for the basin.

Afternoon

• We will enjoy a local lunch in Kabul before continuing our city tour.
• Visit the Kabul Museum – no trips to Kabul complete without visiting which is considered one of the finest despite many artifacts being destroyed and looted. The collection spans over several millennia and is the perfect example of various civilizations and cultures that settled and thrived in the region.
• In the evening, we will visit the only box camera photographer of Kabul Haji Shirzaman. Who’s unique craft will take you back to the 1950s and 60s.
• We’ll enter the Green Zone and visit Flag Hill – a central park located in the heart of Kabul. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the capital.
• We will check into the hotel before heading out for dinner.
• Overnight in Kabul.

Wednesday 16th December – Kabul

Morning

• After breakfast and checking out, our first stop will be The “King’s Grave Hill” (Tepe Maranjan) where King Nadir Shah (assassinated 1933) is buried in a prominent black marble mausoleum– many local residents come here to relax and pass time. The hill has an Olympic size swimming pool built by the Soviets, however during the war the site had a more sinister side to it where executions took place.
• Next we will explore Barbur Gardens – developed in 1528 it’s a historic park which holds the tomb of the first Mughal emperor Babur.

Afternoon

• After our final lunch, we’ll head to the airport for our departure flight out of Kabul. We recommend departing on Kam Air flight RQ901 at 5:25pm and arriving into Dubai 7:55pm
• Tour concludes