A\u00a0trip designed to gain an in-depth understanding of one of the most fascinating regions in Central Asia: northeast Afghanistan. We will enter Afghanistan from Tajikistan. The Afghan visa will be easily obtained at the border, and we will enter the Emirate through the Turkmen desert. The first city we will explore in Afghanistan is the historical commercial oasis Mazar-i-Sharif with its imposing blue mosque, still alive and active… not museumized like the neighbouring architectural sites of Uzbekistan. This desert region suffered first during the Soviet invasion, but places like Balkh are a delight for lovers of art and history. We will enjoy walking around Balkh\u2019s Uzbek and Pashtun bazaar before driving to the Hindu Kush range.<\/p>\n
After having crossed this natural border, we will enter the fertile lands of the Tajik and the Hazara people<\/a>. Here, in the beautiful Bamiyan valley we will admire the remnants of ancient civilisations, before ending in the great chaotic city of Kabul, with layers and layers of history. It is an objectively \u2018ugly\u2019 city, but it keeps small architectural and human treasures that we will dissect before flying back home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Using the form below, you can download the detailed itinerary for this trip to northeast Afghanistan. Click here to easily reach the itinerary download form.<\/a><\/p>\n During our trip to northeast Afghanistan, we will head north to discover Mazar-i-Sharif, one of the country’s most important sites. This ancient oasis city is a spiritual centre of Sunni Islam and a place of legends revolving around Ali, cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. A visit to its bazaar will introduce us to the area’s rich craftsmanship, especially its famous Turkmen carpets. Also, we will stop at the spectacular shrine of Hazrat Ali, also known as the Blue Mosque. Although access is currently restricted to women, they can take advantage of the time exploring the lively local market. This city embodies, like few others, the diversity and complexity of this trip to northeast Afghanistan.<\/p>\n Very close to Mazar-i-Sharif, we will explore the historic city of Balkh. Formerly known as Bactra, it was a flourishing capital during the times of the Persians and Greeks. Despite the destruction it has suffered, it still preserves remains of walls and beautiful mosques that bear witness to its former splendour. The atmosphere of the local bazaar, dominated by the Pashtun ethnic group, will allow us to immerse ourselves in the daily life of this region. This journey will further enrich our experience of this trip to northeast Afghanistan, bringing us closer to one of its most ancient roots.<\/p>\n The route continues toward Samangan, crossing golden landscapes until reaching Sayyad, a peaceful Uzbek village where time seems to have stood still. Here we will stop to discover its simple adobe mosque and chat with its inhabitants. Once in Samangan, if the regional permit permits, we will visit one of the most breathtaking sites on this trip to northeast Afghanistan: the Takht-e Rostam stupa. Carved directly into the rock, this jewel of early Buddhism is reminiscent of Ethiopian monolithic churches. The surroundings include caves and monastic cells, a testament to the ancient spiritual splendour of this land.<\/p>\n We will enter the imposing Hindu Kush mountain range and then descend into the legendary Bamiyan Valley. This region, inhabited by the Hazara ethnic group, is known for its history, rock art, and dramatic mountain scenery. We will visit the ruins of Shar-e Zohak, razed by Genghis Khan’s troops, and the empty niches that housed the giant Buddhas, destroyed in 2001. The visit to Bamiyan is a key moment in this trip to northeast Afghanistan, as it connects us with its Buddhist past and the resilience of its cultural diversity. Before leaving Bamiyan, we will stroll through its central bazaar.<\/p>\n During this trip to northeast Afghanistan, we will visit a Hazara troglodyte village. Their rock-cut dwellings, once occupied by Buddhist monks, now house humble families. This contrast clearly illustrates the country’s transformations.<\/p>\n On this trip to northeast Afghanistan, we’ll enjoy beautiful landscapes of mountains and endless plains, where we’ll find small adobe villages. We’ll visit a Tajik community to learn about their way of life.<\/p>\n We’ll cross the mountains again to reach Kabul, where its vibrant atmosphere will greet us. We’ll climb one of the hills surrounding the city and share the sunset with local youth. Esta introducci\u00f3n a la capital nos prepara para la siguiente etapa de este viaje antropol\u00f3gico al nordeste de Afganist\u00e1n.<\/p>\n We’ll spend a full day exploring Kabul. First, we’ll have a talk about the country’s recent history. Afterward, we’ll walk through the old bird market and the few traditional streets that have survived wars and earthquakes. Also, we’ll visit historic houses, a Shia mosque linked to the Prophet Muhammad, and other sites marked by centuries of history. A pesar de su complejidad, Kabul es una pieza fundamental para comprender el sentido profundo de este viaje antropol\u00f3gico al nordeste de Afganist\u00e1n.<\/p>\n On our last day, we’ll take the opportunity to shop on the iconic Chicken Street and bid farewell to the bustling heart of the country. It will be the perfect end to a trip to Afghanistan that has allowed us to discover a land marked by spirituality, ancient history, and the strength of its people.<\/p>\n \u00a9 Photos by Edith Scharffenberg<\/a>, Jordi Zaragoz\u00e0 Angl\u00e8s<\/a> and Xavi de las Heras<\/a> taken during a trip to Afghanistan.<\/p>\n Click the button below to easily access the download form for the itinerary of this trip to Afghanistan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":22445,"template":"","etiquetas_viajes":[],"categorias_viajes":[340,180],"mes_viajes":[201],"ano_viajes":[484],"destacado_viajes":[],"guias_viajes":[],"viajes_a_medida":[],"class_list":["post-66751","viajes","type-viajes","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","categorias_viajes-afghanistan","categorias_viajes-asia-en","mes_viajes-october","ano_viajes-2027-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nDownload the itinerary for this trip to northeast Afghanistan<\/a><\/h3>\n
Discover the highlights of this trip to northeast Afghanistan<\/h2>\n
Mazar-i-Sharif, city of pilgrimage and legend<\/h3>\n
The mythical city of Balkh<\/h3>\n
Sayyad and the Buddhist stupa of Takht-e Rostam<\/h3>\n
Crossing the Hindu Kush towards Bamiyan<\/h3>\n
Caveman life of a Hazara community<\/h3>\n
We will learn about the lifestyle of the Tajik people<\/h3>\n
The old city of Kabul<\/h3>\n
\u25ba Download the detailed itinerary for this trip to northeast Afghanistan<\/a><\/h3>\n