TOUR OVERVIEW
This tour is an exciting one in many ways - an epic and very unusual land border, three completely unreal countries, and a vast and unforgettable journey exploring each one of them.
Starting this adventure in Ashgabat, the white and gold capital city, famous for its magnificent monuments and wide, empty streets, we'll venture into the desert for a night sleeping in a yurt next to the Gates of Hell. We'll spend a day gawking at the yellow and pink striped walls of Yangykala Canyon. We'll stop in obscure little Turkmen towns and villages along the way, swim in an underground cave lake, and see a cemetery where all the graves have goat horns above them.
We'll then fly down to Pakistan's bustling cosmopolitan capital of Islamabad to begin our adventure through our second country. We'll experience the chaotic unbridled fanfare of the Wagah border crossing and the charm of Lahore, before the true highlight for intrepid individuals - the opportunity to cross the highly contested Torkham border, following in the footsteps of great conquerors and empires through the Khyber pass. You'll continue on to Afghanistan where you'll get to experience this ever changing country as it grapples with new realities.
As villages prepare for winter and cities buzz with year-end activity, we follow the samehistoric route through Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh, Samangan and Bamiyan – but see it through autumn’s revealing light.
Meet farmers bringing in late harvests, share warming cups of chai in ancient caravanserais, and witness Band-e-Amir’s lakes in their most reflective state. The Parwana Childrens' Circus’ seasonal performance becomes even more poignant against November’s fading light.
A journey for those who want to see beyond the postcard views – this is Afghanistan preparing for winter, full of quiet moments and unexpected warmth.
As it is the proper season we might also get the chance to see a traditional buzkashi match!
View the full itinerary