Day 01: Departure Kuala Lumpur to Kabul
Departure from Kuala Lumpur at 10:00am, arrive Sharjah at 13:10pm. Long transit in Sharjah 13 hours. Optional to check-in transit hotel in Sharjah while waiting for departure to Kabul early morning next day.
Day 02: Arrival Kabul, Afghanistan (B, L, D)
Departure from Sharjah to Kabul at 4:20am. Arrival in Kabul on the same day at 7:50am local time. Breakfast in Kabul city and check-in hotel for short rest and freshen up. After lunch, will have free and easy and visit a few important spots in Kabul. Overnight in Kabul city.
Day 03: Kabul – Fly to Mazar E Sharif – Balkh (B, L, D)
Today will depart for a 1-hour domestic flight to Mazar-E-Sharif. Arrival in Mazar-E-Sharif city and drive 1-hour to Balkh. Balkh is an ancient city, with a 2500-year long history, situated on the plain between the Hindu Kush Mountains and the river Amu Darya in the north of Afghanistan. The region, called Bactria in ancient times, was renowned for its grapes, oranges, water lilies, sugar cane, and an excellent breed of camels. Here we will visit few important sites. First one is Haji Piyada Mosque that used to be a Zoroastrian temple. Then visit to The Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa also known as Green Mosque. The shrine is decorated with mosaics and stylized quranic calligraphy. Next visit to Bala Hisar. This is a fortified area within the larger walled enclosure of Balkh situated to the north of the modern city. Abandoned today, the area marks the original location of the city of Balkh before its expansions in the Greek, Kushan, and Islamic periods. In the evening return to Mazar for dinner and rest. Overnight in Mazar E Sharif.
Day 04: Samangan Day Trip – Mazar E Sharif (B, L, D)
Today after early breakfast we will go to day trip to Samangan – about 2 hours from Mazar E Sharif. First, we will visit Takht E Rustam Stupas, an ancient Buddhist monastery built 3-4th century AD. Nearby Takht E Rustam Stupa, visit Tahmina Bazaar. Then drive to Jahan Numa Garden. Drive back to Mazar E Sharif for late lunch. After lunch visit to the Blue Mosque – Shrine of Ali. Many Afghans believe that here is buried one of the most important persons in the history of Islam – Ali ibn Abi Talib. Then we have time to walk around the hustling local bazaar in Mazar E Sharif. Overnight in Mazar E Sharif.
Day 05: Mazar E Sharif – Bamyan Valley (B, L, D)
Today we have a long drive to Bamyan Valley. It is around 10 hours depending on the checkpoint on the way. This long and scenic drive passing Hindu Kush Mountain range and Salang Mountain pass at 3800 meters above sea level. Overnight in Bamyan.
Day 06: Band E Amir Daytrip – Bamyan Valley (B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive about 1-hour to visit Band E Amir Blue Lakes. It was established on 22 May 2009 as Afghanistan’s first national park to promote and protect the natural beauty of a series of intensely blue lakes created by natural dams high in the Hindu Kush. Tourist can have recreational boating (optional) for 10-15 minutes. Then can walking leisurely for 1 hour to admire the beauty of the nature here. In the afternoon, drive back to Bamyan for lunch. After lunch, will visit to Buddha Statue that is nearby to hotel. Built in the 6th century, the statues were two monumental size statues, standing at 115 and 174 feet tall, carved into the sandstone cliffs, but they were lost forever when Taliban blew them up 20 years ago. Next, short drive to Gholgola City also known as The City of Scream. In ancient times, the Mongol siege to the citadel destroying it and killing everyone inside. Here we can walk uphill for 15 minutes and enjoy the beautiful view overlooking Bamyan Valley. Overnight in Bamyan.
Day 07: Bamyan Valley – Kabul (B, L, D)
After breakfast move to Kabul about 3-4 hours scenic drive. Arrive Kabul for late lunch. There are a few local bazaars that are worth visiting including Mandawi Bazaar. Next will visit Sakhi Shrine. The shrine is located at the foot of the Asamayi Hill, now better known as Television Hill.
Day 08: Departure Kabul to Kuala Lumpur
Move early to the airport to catch flight to Kuala Lumpur at 8:50am. Transit in Sharjah 3 hours.
Day 09: Arrival Kuala Lumpur
Arrival Kuala Lumpur at 2:15am. End tour.
