Afghanistan Road Trip Itinerary
Take the Afghanistan Road Trip and explore the country's diverse landscape and culture. This 10-day trip starts and ends in the city of Kabul, and covers a distance of approximately 2004km. Along the way, you'll visit major towns such as Bamiyan, Chishti Sharif, Dizak, and Kandahar.
Bamiyan is home to the famous Buddhas of Bamiyan, two monumental statues carved into the side of a cliff, and the nearby Bamiyan Valley, with breathtaking views of the Hindu Kush mountain range. Chishti Sharif is a holy city, with traditional mud-brick houses and the Shrine of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari. Dizak is a beautiful, rural town surrounded by lush green hills, and Kandahar is the birthplace of the Afghan nation, with a rich cultural heritage.
The best time of year to take this road trip is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the roads are in the best condition. However, be aware that the roads are still partly curvy and narrow, so it's important to drive with caution. This road trip is suitable for all drivers and can be completed on a budget.
10
number of days
1,956 km
route length
low
budget
survivalist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
extreme
accident level
Afghanistan Map
❯
❮
START
Kabul
Distance 1,956 km
Driving time 61.2 h
Pace: slow
449.9 kWh
Airports
KBL
[detailsContainer]
Kabul, Afghanistan is the perfect starting point for the Afghanistan Road Trip. Located in the heart of the country, it offers easy access to the rest of the country. The city is full of fascinating sights, from ancient monuments to bustling markets.
The most impressive monument in Kabul is the Darul Aman Palace. Built in the early 1920s, it is an impressive example of traditional Afghan architecture. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens and is a great place to explore.
The Kabul Museum is another must-see in Kabul. Located in a historic building, the museum houses a collection of artifacts from Afghanistan’s rich history. Its exhibits include religious artifacts, ancient coins, and weapons.
The city also boasts several bazaars, where you can purchase traditional Afghan handicrafts and souvenirs. The most popular bazaar is the Kabul Bazaar, which is located in the center of the city.
The closest international airport is Kabul International Airport (KBL). From here, car rentals are available, making it easy to explore the rest of the country.
Kabul is an exciting city with a lot to offer. It is the perfect starting point for the Afghanistan Road Trip, allowing travelers to explore the country’s fascinating culture and history. With its convenient airport and car rental options, it is easy to get around and explore the city and beyond.
Kabul
❯
❮
1
Kabul
- Bamiyan
Distance 184 km
Driving time 6.8 h
Pace: slow
42.3 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip starting in Kabul, Afghanistan and ending in Bamiyan! This 181 km journey will take you less than 5 hours to complete and is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. It is recommended to use a 4WD car to make the most of this trip, as parts of the route are on unpaved roads. Along the way, you will have the chance to visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Minaret of Jam and the Buddhas of Bamiyan.
This route offers breathtaking views of the Afghan countryside, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery. You will also come across some historical sites, such as the ruins of the ancient city of Balkh, which is believed to be the birthplace of Zoroastrianism.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an amazing road trip experience!
Bamiyan - Afghanistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Bamiyan - Afghanistan - Asia - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
2
Bamiyan
- Chaghcharan
Distance 310 km
Driving time 13.1 h
Pace: slow
71.4 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an amazing road trip that starts in Bamiyan, Afghanistan and ends in Chaghcharan? This 306km-long journey will take you less than 9 hours to complete, so get ready for an amazing adventure! For this route, we recommend you rent a 4WD car, as some sections of the road can be quite narrow. Keep in mind that gas station availability may be limited, so it's best to fill up when you have the chance.
Along the way, you can visit some of the UNESCO Heritage sites, such as the Minaret of Jam and the Buddhas of Bamiyan. Make sure to admire the breathtaking scenery of the Hindu Kush mountain range, and don't forget to take some pictures!
At the end of the trip, you will arrive in Chaghcharan, where you can explore the ancient ruins and explore the local culture.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. We hope you have an amazing journey!
Chaghcharan - Afghanistan - Asia - Road Trip - Flickr
❯
❮
3
Chaghcharan
- Chishti Sharif
Distance 216 km
Driving time 9.4 h
Pace: slow
49.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an amazing road trip from Chaghcharan to Chishti Sharif! This 214 km journey will take you less than 7 hours, and you will be able to witness some breathtaking scenery. We recommend that you take a 4WD vehicle for this journey as it is the best way to enjoy the winding roads. Be aware that there may be a lack of gas stations along the way, so make sure you plan accordingly. As you drive, keep your eyes open for interesting sights and attractions, such as the ancient hilltop fort in Chishti Sharif. You can also explore the vibrant markets in Chaghcharan and Chishti Sharif. For more information on attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Chishti Sharif - Afghanistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikipedia
❯
❮
4
Chishti Sharif
- Herat
Distance 172 km
Driving time 5.2 h
Pace: slow
39.5 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Chishti Sharif to Herat! This 177 km journey is full of fascinating sites, and can be completed in less than 4 hours. Along the way, you’ll be able to admire the beautiful scenery, as well as explore some of the historical sites. A 4WD car is recommended to make the most of this journey.
Begin your adventure in Chishti Sharif and visit the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. This shrine is a large complex, with a mosque, a tomb, and a small museum. After exploring this site, drive through the desert and stop at the Shrine of Khwaja Abdallah Ansari. This shrine is also known as the Shrine of the Afghan Sultan.
Continue your drive and make a stop in the city of Shindand. Here, you can visit the ruins of the ancient city of Zohak, which date back to the 3rd century BC. Next, make your way to the city of Kushk, where you can explore the ruins of Kushan, an ancient city that was once part of the Kushan Empire.
Finally, make your way to the city of Herat. Here, you can explore the Citadel of Herat, a fortress that was built in the 11th century. You can also visit the Minaret of Jam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the 12th century.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Herat - Afghanistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
5
Herat
- Dizak
Distance 209 km
Driving time 4.3 h
Pace: modest
54.4 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an incredible road trip that starts in Herat, Afghanistan and ends in Dizak? This 209 km journey will take you less than 4 hours to complete and you will have the opportunity to experience some of the most amazing historical sites in the region.
You will start your journey in Herat, a city with a long and rich history. While there, you should visit the Citadel of Herat, the Great Mosque of Herat, and the Shrine of Hazrat Ali. All of these attractions are steeped in history and provide a unique glimpse into the past.
Your next stop is the city of Chishti Sharif, where you can visit the Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa. This site is an important pilgrimage site for Sufis and a great place to learn about the culture and history of the region.
Finally, you will end your journey in Dizak, which is home to some of the most beautiful mosques in Afghanistan. Be sure to visit the Great Mosque of Dizak and the Shrine of Imam Ali.
This is just one stage of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your road trip today!
Dizak - Afghanistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
6
Dizak
- Gereshk
Distance 239 km
Driving time 7.1 h
Pace: slow
55.0 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Dizak to Gereshk? This route is 239 km long and will take you less than 4 hours. You'll be able to visit some of the most interesting places in Afghanistan along the way.
Start your journey in Dizak, where you can explore the ruins of the old city, the ancient fortifications, and the beautiful mosque. Then, head to Gereshk, where you can visit the old market, the local museum, and the stunningly beautiful mosque.
This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the beauty of Afghanistan on this amazing road trip from Dizak to Gereshk!
Gereshk - Afghanistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
❯
❮
7
Gereshk
- Kandahar
Distance 126 km
Driving time 3.5 h
Pace: slow
29.0 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an exciting road trip between Gereshk and Kandahar, two vibrant cities in Afghanistan! The journey is just 126 kilometers and can be completed in less than 3 hours. For this route, a 4WD car is recommended due to some narrow sections of the road. Along the way, you can enjoy the picturesque views of the stunning Afghan countryside.
Make sure to stop at the bustling Gereshk market to pick up some souvenirs and explore the ancient ruins of the city. If you’re looking for a fun activity, you can take a camel ride at the nearby oasis. From there, you can continue your journey to the city of Kandahar. Make sure to check out the city’s iconic monuments, such as the Chilzina Monument and the Shrine of the Cloak.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Kandahar - Afghanistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikipedia
❯
❮
8
Kandahar
- Ghazni
Distance 350 km
Driving time 7.8 h
Pace: modest
91.0 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an exciting road trip through Afghanistan? Start your journey in Kandahar and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the country as you drive to Ghazni. This 350km journey will take you less than 8 hours and it is advisable to use a 4WD car for the trip.
On the way, make sure to visit the majestic Kandahar Citadel, the former residence of the Afghan kings. The view of the city from the citadel is breathtaking. Additionally, you can also visit the Shrine of the Cloak, a sacred place for Muslims, located in the city.
Continue your journey to Ghazni and visit the famous Ghazni Minaret, a 12th century minaret located in the city. Admire the intricate designs on the minaret and take a look at the nearby archaeological site, which is a part of the Ghazni Historical Park.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey and explore the wonders of Afghanistan!
Ghazni - Afghanistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
9
Ghazni
- Kabul
Distance 150 km
Driving time 4.1 h
Pace: slow
34.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a fun-filled road trip from Ghazni to Kabul, a journey of only 150km and a driving time of fewer than four hours. This is one of the most interesting stages of your tour, as you will be able to visit some of Afghanistan's most iconic historical sites. A 4WD car is recommended for this route, as it will be able to traverse the country's winding roads.
Start your journey in Ghazni, a city known for its ancient citadel and for being the site of the Battle of Ghazni in the 11th century. Visit the Ghazni Citadel, a fortification built by the Ghaznavid dynasty, and the Mausoleum of Sultan Mahmud, a tomb built in honour of the Sultan of the Ghaznavid Empire.
Continue your journey to Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. Visit the National Museum of Afghanistan, located in the old city, and the Kabul Zoo, the largest zoo in the country. Then, explore the ancient ruins of the Kabul Citadel, a fortification built in the 5th century, and the Minar-e-Istiqlal, a tower built in honour of Afghanistan's independence.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and happy journey!
Kabul - Afghanistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
Kabul
[detailsContainer]
Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan and the end of the "Afghanistan Road Trip", is an ancient city with a rich history. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, with artifacts from the Bronze Age and a long history of rulers, from Alexander the Great to Genghis Khan.
Kabul is a great place to explore, with plenty of historical sites, markets, and museums. The Kabul Citadel is a must-see, an ancient fortress with a history stretching back to the 5th century BC. The National Museum of Afghanistan is an excellent place to get a glimpse of the country's art and culture, with artifacts from the Bronze Age to the present day. Kabul also has many bazaars and markets to explore, with a variety of goods and souvenirs.
For those traveling by car, the main routes into Kabul are the Kabul-Kandahar Highway, the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway, and the Kabul-Herat Highway. All of these are safe to travel along, and offer stunning views of the Afghan landscape.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Kabul International Airport (KBL), with regular flights to major cities in the region.
Kabul is an exciting place to visit, with plenty of history, culture, and sights to explore. Whether you're looking to take in the sights or shop in the bazaars, Kabul is sure to be a memorable part of the "Afghanistan Road Trip".
Afghanistan Road Trip at a glance
-
Start:
Kabul
-
End:
Kabul
-
Distance:
1,956 km
-
Stay:
10 days
-
Getting there:
Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL)
-
When to drive:
June, July, August, September, October, November
-
More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an enriching 10-day journey through Afghanistan's diverse cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, spanning approximately 2004 km round Trip from Kabul. Along the way, you'll explore historically significant cities and regions, each providing a unique glimpse into Afghanistan's storied past and resilient spirit.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- In Bamiyan, not only can you witness the UNESCO World Heritage site where the monumental Buddhas of Bamiyan once stood, but you can also explore the remains of an ancient Buddhist monastery and the cultural landscape that offers insight into the region's pre-Islamic history. The Bamiyan Valley, surrounded by the Hindu Kush mountains, is a testament to Afghanistan's complex geological history, home to a rich variety of flora and fauna.
- The holy sites in Chishti Sharif are a testament to the enduring Sufi traditions within Afghanistan. Its historical shrines and traditional architecture embody the spiritual diversity of the region. Dizak offers a serene rural retreat, showcasing Afghanistan's agricultural practices and local customs that have been preserved over generations.
- Kandahar is a city of great historical significance, as it was the birthplace of Ahmad Shah Durrani, the founder of modern Afghanistan. Exploring its ancient bazaars and architectural marvels provides insight into the cultural blend of Greek, Persian, and South Asian influences that have shaped Afghan culture.
Best Time to Go:
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are indeed the most favorable times for a Road Trip in Afghanistan, offering a reprieve from the extremes of summer heat and winter snow. The landscape is particularly vibrant in spring, with wildflowers in bloom and the snow-capped mountains providing a stunning backdrop.
Potential Risks:
It is crucial to consider Road conditions, which can be problematic, with some areas featuring unpaved, curvy, and narrow Roads. Additionally, travelers must remain vigilant about their safety, as the security situation in Afghanistan can be volatile.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
Afghanistan's Road network has historical significance, with some routes tracing the ancient Silk Road. As you travel, you'll be following paths that have connected civilizations for millennia. The diversity of Afghan cuisine will surprise you, with influences from Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, reflecting the country's role as a cultural crossRoads.
A good choice for:
Embarking on this Afghanistan Road Trip is a profound way to engage with the nation's complex history and dynamic natural environment. While it offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into Afghanistan's cultural and historical heritage, travelers must undertake this adventure with preparation and an understanding of the current travel advisories and safety precautions.
-
