Stay : On the road to archaeological sites
Most of these sites are Buddhist. There are also ruins of ancient Greek cities. 10 days are necessary to go around the main centers of interest. Archaeology buffs can try to meet, in Kabul or on the sites, the French archaeologists of the DAFA (Délégation française de l'archéologie en Afghanistan), whose offices are in Kabul.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
8 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Detail of the stay : On the road to archaeological sites - 8 days
Day 1: Discovery of Buddhist sites on the road to Mazar-e-Sharif
Steps: Pull-I-Khumri, Samangan Haïbak, Mazar-E-Charif, Kunduz
Departure by car to the north, on the road to Mazar-e-Sharif. First stop at Sukh Kotal, a Buddhist site dating from the Kushan dynasty. Remains of the great religious temple founded by King Kanishka. Continue on the road, still in the direction of Mazar-e-Sharif. Second stop at Takht-e-Rostam, one of the most interesting Buddhist sites inAfghanistan. Visit the stupa, the monastery and the troglodytic caves. Overnight in Mazar-e-Sharif.
If the security situation in Kunduz improves, it is possible to extend this thematic trip by two days. From Mazar-e-Sharif, departure for Kunduz and overnight stay. The next day, we drive to the site ofAi Khanum, 3 hours and a half away. Ancient city built between the end of the 4th century and the beginning of the 2nd century BC, there is not much left of it. It is the oldest city of Eastern Greece in the world. Overnight in Kunduz, then return to Mazar-e-Sharif.
Day 2: Balkh, "the mother of all cities"
Steps: Balkh, Mazar-E-Charif
Early morning departure for Balkh, one of Afghanistan's oldest cities. Large Buddhist centre. Kushan foundations. Islamic city. Go to the 9th century Haji Piyada Mosque. Night in Mazar-e-Sharif
Day 3: Early morning visit to the mosque and return to Kabul
Steps: Herât
After a visit to the mosque from Friday early in the morning (it is possible to enter at 5 pm), return by plane or car in Kabul.
Day 4: Departure for the Greco-Buddhist site of Hadda
Steps: Jalalabad
The Hadda site is 11 km from Jalalabad. Leave at dawn. It takes 3 hours to reach Hadda. Archaeological excavations have revealed, on this major centre of Buddhism, several thousand sculptures and many stupas. Return in the evening to Kabul.
Day 5: On the way to Bamiyan
Departure by car to Bamiyan if you do not have the possibility to take the plane. You have to leave very early, because a breakdown on the road is always possible. We count 7 hours of driving. Take a lunch break in Goohrband, a small Pashtun village, if the security conditions are sufficient. If you arrive in the afternoon, you should take the opportunity to walk on the heights of Bamiyan. Overnight in one of the hotels in Bamiyan.
Day 6: Traces of the Buddhas
Steps: Bamiyan
Visit on foot of the Buddhas site: monacales cells, remains of the famous Buddhas.
LES BOUDDHAS
Day 7: Exploration of the archaeological site in Bamiyan
Steps: Bamiyan
Second day of visit to the Buddhist site in Bamiyan: Discover the excavations on the site of the ancient city of Bamiyan.
Day 8: A short hike over the Bamiyan Valley
Steps: Ghazni, Bamiyan, Darya Adjahar, Band-E-Amir
Take the car to Shar-e-Zohak, the red city, destroyed by Genghis Khan's men during their devastating passage. From the centre of Bamiyan, it is a 30-minute drive. Climb to the top of the old citadel to admire the Bamiyan Valley. If there is time, take a walk in the valley of the dragons, Daria Adjahar, 8 km from Bamiyan on the road to Band-e-Amir. Dinner at Silk Road Restaurant
Ideas for holidays and week-end breaks Afghanistan
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