Trip Info
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Kabul Airport
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Kabul Airport
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3 Stars Hotels
About This Tour
Minaret of Jam Expedition: The Lost City of Turquoise Mountain
A legendary 7-day journey into the rugged heart of the Ghor Province to witness the world’s most isolated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Minaret of Jam is more than a monument; it is a pilgrimage for the world’s most intrepid travelers. Hidden in a deep river valley in the remote Ghor Province, this 65-meter brick masterpiece is all that remains of the lost 12th-century Ghurid capital, Turquoise Mountain (Firozkoh).
Trip Highlights
- Focus: History, Architecture, Local Markets, and Culinary Delights
- Best For: Photography, history buffs, and cultural explorers.
- Experience: Professional Local Guides, Private Transport, and Authentic Afghan Hospitality.
- Route: Kabul → Bamyan → Band-e-Amir → Chaghcharan (Firozkoh) → Minaret of Jam → Kabul
- Physical Rating: Challenging (Long drives on unpaved roads and high altitudes)
Afghanistan On Tour: Minaret of Jam Tour: 7-Day Afghanistan Expedition to the Ghor Province
Minaret of Jam Tour | 7-Day Afghanistan Expedition
On this 7-day, 6-night expedition, Afghanistan On Tour takes you across the backbone of the Hindu Kush. This is a journey of endurance and immense reward—crossing high-altitude passes, meeting semi-nomadic Aimaq communities, and camping (or staying in local guesthouses) in valleys that see fewer than a hundred foreigners a year. We combine the essential sights of Kabul and Bamyan with the raw, untamed beauty of the Central Highlands.
With Afghanistan On Tour, you will stand before the intricate Kufic calligraphy of the world’s second-tallest brick minaret, explore ancient mud-walled citadels, and experience the legendary hospitality of the Aimaq and Hazara communities. This is the ultimate Afghan adventure—a 1,100km journey through history, grit, and unparalleled natural beauty.
Welcome to Afghanistan! Your adventure begins the moment you arrive at Kabul Airport, where our friendly tour representative will greet you with a warm smile.
- Money Exchange: We’ll assist you in exchanging your currency to Afghan Afghani at a trusted local exchange service, ensuring you are ready to explore.
- Afghani Traditional Clothing: Embrace the rich Afghan culture by trying on traditional Afghan clothing at a local market, a perfect memento of your first day.
- Bird Market & Gun Market: Explore two fascinating and contrasting markets in Kabul—the Bird Market, where you’ll see colorful and unique birds, and the Gun Market, where you’ll gain insight into Afghanistan’s history.
- Shah-e-Doshamshera Mosque: Visit one of Kabul’s most revered mosques, a stunning example of Afghan Islamic architecture.
- Old Bazar (Mandawi): Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kabul’s bustling Mandawi market, filled with local crafts, fabrics, and spices.
Overnight: Khayber Hotel, Kabul.
- Road Trip to Bamyan: Embark on a scenic 3:30-hour drive to Bamyan, passing through picturesque rural landscapes.
- Registration at Provincial Tourism Office: Upon arrival in Bamyan, register at the local tourism office to begin your exploration.
- Buddha Statues: Marvel at the colossal Buddha statues carved into the cliffs of Bamyan, once symbols of Afghanistan’s Buddhist heritage. (Outside)
- Drive to Band-e-Amir: Take a short 1.5-hour drive to the stunning Band-e-Amir lakes, known as Afghanistan’s “Blue Jewel.”
- Explore Band-e-Amir: Spend the day marveling at the beauty of the lakes, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and unique landscapes.
- Drive to Yakawlang: Continue your journey with a 1.5-hour drive to Yakawlang, a peaceful village known for its scenic beauty.
Overnight: Local Hotel in Yakawlang.
- Minaret of Jam: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stunning example of Islamic architecture in Afghanistan.
Overnight: Firozkoh Hotel in Cheghcheran.
- Drive Back to Bamyan: Take a 7-hour drive back to Bamyan and enjoy the surrounding landscapes along the way.
Overnight: Bam E Asia Hotel, Bamyan.
- Visit to British Cemetery: A visit to the British Cemetery, a peaceful site for reflection and remembrance.
- Chicken Street Evening Experience: We spend the late afternoon and evening on the legendary Chicken Street, once a staple of the "Hippie Trail." This is your chance to discover:
Overnight: Khayber Hotel, Kabul.
- Departure: After an emotional farewell and a journey filled with unforgettable experiences, we’ll escort you to Kabul Airport, where you’ll board your flight home, carrying with you the memories of Afghanistan’s iconic landmarks and the warmth of its people.
A Journey to Remember
As your 7-day adventure comes to an end, you’ll leave with lasting memories of Afghanistan’s beauty, resilience, and spirit.
Travel with Afghanistan On Tour – and let Afghanistan stay with you forever.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Personalized Invitation Letter
- All Permit Costs and Taxes
- Expert English – Speaking Tour Guide
- Comfortable Road Transportation
- All Accommodation
- Entrance Fees to All Sites mentioned in the itinerary
- All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- Bottled Water for Refreshment
- Afghan SIM Card with 6.6GB Internet Access
Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Sites not mentioned in the itinerary
- Visa Fee
- International / Internal Flight Costs
Since the fall of Kabul in August 2021, the fighting has stopped and Afghanistan is now the safest and most secure it has been in many years. At Afghanistan On Tour, your safety is our top priority. Our local guides and fixers have over 4 years of experience in Afghan security consultation. We only visit regions and stay in hotels that are thoroughly assessed and approved by our trusted local team. With our deep network and real-time risk evaluation, you can travel with confidence.
Afghanistan offers breathtaking destinations such as Band-e Amir National Park, Bamyan, Kabul, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif, Kandahar, and Samangan. Our tours include these highlights, offering a deep cultural, historical, and natural experience of Afghanistan.
Yes, most nationalities require a visa to enter Afghanistan. We assist all our clients with the Afghanistan tourist visa application, providing invitation letters and step-by-step guidance to ensure a smooth process.
The best time to visit Afghanistan is during spring (March–June) and autumn (September–November). These months offer mild weather, clear skies, and the most comfortable conditions for exploring the country’s scenic and historical landmarks.
Absolutely. We have hosted many solo female travelers and ensure their comfort and safety with well-planned itineraries, culturally sensitive guides, and personalized support throughout the journey. Our local team is trained to make all guests feel respected and secure.
Our experienced guides are fluent in English, Dari, and Pashto, ensuring clear communication and a rich cultural experience for international travelers. We can also arrange translators for other languages upon request.
As a locally-rooted agency, we prioritize your safety and cultural experience above all else. Our guides don’t just show you the sites; they bridge the gap between cultures, ensuring you leave with a deep, nuanced understanding of Afghanistan.