Crossing Khyber Pass to Balkh

This in-depth journey traces the ancient migratory and trade routes across Afghanistan, beginning in Islamabad and crossing the historic Khyber Pass into Jalalabad and Kabul. From the heart of the capital, the route moves westward through the Bamiyan highlands and Band-e-Amir’s striking blue lakes, following paths once taken by caravans and pilgrims through the central mountains. Along the way, you’ll witness centuries of cultural transformation — from the Buddhist heritage of Bamiyan to the Ghorid Minaret of Jam and the Persian grandeur of Herat. The tour continues into the ethnically diverse north, visiting Turkmen and Uzbek regions like Sheberghan, Aqcha, and the ancient city of Balkh, before reaching Mazar-i-Sharif. This central-to-northern route offers a rare and layered perspective of Afghanistan’s historical heartland, nomadic traditions, and regional diversity.