21-Day Afghanistan and Pakistan Cultural Tour with Hunza and Bamiyan

21 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on a 21-day cultural and adventure tour through Afghanistan and Pakistan, exploring ancient cities, historical landmarks, vibrant bazaars, and breathtaki...

Duration: 21 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Mazar e Sharif, Balkh, Islamabad, Herat, Kabul, Kandahar, Lahore, Karachi, Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Bamyan, Band-e Amir National Park · Languages: English

Know before you go: Ensure you have the appropriate visa for both Afghanistan and Pakistan.; For Afghanistan, a tourist visa is required, and we can assist by providing invitation letters.; Pakistan requires a valid visa for most nationalities; please check the requirements well in advance.; Vaccinations: It is recommended to consult a doctor before travelling. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and malaria are often suggested.; Travel insurance: Comprehensive medical and evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip. Ensure that it covers travel in Afghanistan and remote regions of Pakistan.; Altitude: Some areas, such as Hunza Valley and Skardu, are located at high altitudes. If you are prone to altitude sickness, please take precautions and consult your doctor beforehand.; Safety: We take safety seriously. Our guides and local contacts will help ensure that your experience is secure. Follow local customs and always ask your guide if you are unsure about anything related to safety.; Dress modestly: Afghanistan and Pakistan are predominantly conservative countries, especially in rural areas. Men and women should cover their arms and legs in public. Women may also be required to wear a headscarf at some religious sites.; Respect traditions: Handshakes are common, but some areas may have more traditional greeting customs. Always ask locals or your guide if unsure.; Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos, especially in rural areas or of people. Photography in some government buildings and military installations is prohibited.; Afghanistan: The local currency is the Afghan Afghani (AFN). Credit cards are rarely accepted, and cash is often the preferred method of payment.; Pakistan: The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is the local currency. Cash is essential, though major cities may accept credit or debit cards in hotels, restaurants, and shops.; ATMs: Both countries have ATMs, but they may not always work or accept foreign cards, so it is recommended to carry enough cash for the trip.; Tipping: Tipping is appreciated in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Guides and drivers are usually tipped at the end of the tour (suggested amount: $5-10 per day per person).; SIM cards: Local SIM cards are widely available in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. We recommend purchasing one for easier internet access and communication during your trip.; Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels in major cities, but it may be limited or slow in remote areas.; Afghanistan operates on Afghanistan Time (AFT), which is UTC+4:30.; Pakistan operates on Pakistan Standard Time (PKT), which is UTC+5:00.; Pack light, but be prepared for varying climates. Comfortable shoes and layers are important, as you will experience both hot and cool weather, especially at higher altitudes.; Don't forget your camera, and be ready for stunning landscapes!; Luxury accommodation upgrades are available upon request.

About Karachi

Pakistan

Karachi

Between the beaches of Hawke's Bay and the wondrous arabesque monuments at its heart, Karachi teems with life and action. Local guides from Everest Global Hub can help unravel its cosmopolitan character.

Explore Karachi Pakistan All destinations

What's Included

20 nights in comfortable hotels, guesthouses, or traditional lodges (twin-sharing basis)
Private air-conditioned vehicle for all road journeys
Domestic flights (Kandahar to Kabul, Lahore to Gilgit, Skardu to Karachi)
Airport transfers (pickup and drop-off in Kabul and Karachi)
Border crossing assistance at Torkham (Afghanistan-Pakistan)
Daily breakfast at hotels
Traditional lunches and dinners in selected locations (as per itinerary)
Bottled water during road travel
Professional English-speaking guides in both Afghanistan and Pakistan
Guided city tours in Kabul, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, Lahore, Islamabad, Hunza, and Skardu
Entrance fees to museums, monuments, national parks, and cultural sites
Heritage and historical site visits, including the Blue Mosque, Bamiyan Buddhas, Lahore Fort, Hunza Baltit Fort, and more
Boat rides on Attabad Lake in Hunza (if weather permits)
Visa support and invitation letters for Afghanistan and Pakistan (if required)
Travel permits for restricted areas
Local police registration assistance where needed
Security arrangements and local coordination for safe travel
24/7 on-ground emergency support
First-aid kit available during travel

Not Included

Flights to Kabul at the start and from Karachi at the end are not included
Visa fees for Afghanistan and Pakistan are not included
Travellers are responsible for arranging their own visas, though visa support documents will be provided
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is mandatory, but not included
Personal purchases, souvenirs, extra snacks, and meals outside the included meal plan
Additional hotel services (laundry, minibar, phone calls, etc.)
Any activities or excursions not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff (at the traveller's discretion)
In case of unforeseen medical or security emergencies requiring evacuation, costs are not covered

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kabul and First City Sights

Airport pickup and hotel check-in. Enjoy a short city tour featuring Babur's Gardens and Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque. Overnight in Kabul.
2

Day 02

Kabul Heritage Tour

Visit Darul Aman Palace, Kabul Museum, and Chicken Street Bazaar. Overnight in Kabul.
3

Day 03

Drive Through the Hindu Kush to Bamiyan

Take a scenic drive through the Hindu Kush mountains. Visit the Buddhas of Bamiyan. Overnight in Bamiyan.
4

Day 04

Band-e-Amir National Park Excursion

Spend the full day at Band-e-Amir Lakes, with a 1.5-hour drive each way. Overnight in Bamiyan.
5

Day 05

Scenic Highlands Journey to Mazar-i-Sharif

Enjoy a long but scenic drive through the central highlands. Arrival and rest. Overnight in Mazar-i-Sharif.
6

Day 06

Mazar-i-Sharif and Optional Balkh Visit

Visit the Blue Mosque, local bazaars, and nearby cultural sites. Take an optional short trip to ancient Balkh, about 45 minutes each way. Overnight in Mazar-i-Sharif.
7

Day 07

Overland Journey to Herat

Travel across Western Afghanistan on a full-day overland journey. Take short breaks along the way. Overnight in Herat.
8

Day 08

Herat Citadel, Mosques, and Bazaars

Explore Herat Citadel, Friday Mosque, and the traditional bazaars. Visit the Musalla Complex and the Mausoleum of Gawhar Shad. Overnight in Herat.
9

Day 09

Drive from Herat to Kandahar

Enjoy a full-day drive with scenic and cultural stops along the way. Overnight in Kandahar.
10

Day 10

Kandahar Old City and Bazaar

Visit the Cloak of the Prophet Mosque and the Old City. Explore Kandahar Bazaar. Overnight in Kandahar.
11

Day 11

Flight to Kabul and Leisure Time

Take a morning flight to Kabul. Enjoy a leisure evening or a short city walk in Kabul. Overnight in Kabul.
12

Day 12

Cross the Torkham Border to Islamabad

Drive early to Torkham Border, approximately 4 hours. Cross the border and continue to Islamabad, approximately 4 hours. Overnight in Islamabad.
13

Day 13

Islamabad Landmarks Tour

Visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and Daman-e-Koh. Overnight in Islamabad.
14

Day 14

Drive to Lahore and Visit Its Mughal Icons

Take a morning drive to Lahore. In the afternoon, visit Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque. Overnight in Lahore.
15

Day 15

Lahore Gardens, Museum, and Wagah Ceremony

Visit Shalimar Gardens, Lahore Museum, and the Wagah Border Ceremony. Overnight in Lahore.
16

Day 16

Fly to Gilgit and Continue to Hunza

Take a morning flight to Gilgit. Continue on a scenic drive to Hunza Valley, approximately 2.5 hours. Overnight in Hunza.
17

Day 17

Hunza Forts, Lake, and Passu Cones

Visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and Attabad Lake. Drive to Passu Cones, approximately 1 hour. Overnight in Hunza.
18

Day 18

Karakoram Highway Journey to Skardu

Travel along the scenic Karakoram Highway with photo stops. Overnight in Skardu.
19

Day 19

Skardu Lakes, Fort, and Bazaars

Visit Upper Kachura Lake, Shigar Fort, and local bazaars. Overnight in Skardu.
20

Day 20

Fly to Karachi via Islamabad

Take a morning flight from Skardu to Islamabad, followed by a connecting flight to Karachi. On arrival, enjoy a short Karachi city tour featuring Quaid's Mausoleum and Clifton Beach. Overnight in Karachi.
21

Day 21

Karachi Departure

Enjoy final shopping or an optional visit to Mohatta Palace. Transfer to the airport for departure.