Expeditions 1, 2 and 3. A Journey to the Source of the Oxus
The Expedition A Journey to the Source of the Oxus is an opportunity to travel to the source of this river in the Great Pamirs. Very few Europeans have ever seen it.
Expedition 1 leaves on 10th June and returns 31st June. Expedition 2 leaves on 6th August and returns on the 27th. Expedition 3 leaves on 27th August and returns on 17th September.
New for 2005
Expedition 4. Afghanistan Explorer. Bamiyan and Band-i-Amir
Bamiyan was always a popular tourist destination in the old days because of the two enormous Buddhas that dominated the valley. These were, famously, destroyed by the Taliban in March 2001, who also destroyed the painted stucco decoration in the rabbit warren of caves in the surrounding cliffs. But these were only one of the reasons to visit Bamiyan and there are a number of other sights in the area.
This Expedition combines visiting Bamiyan and Band i Amir with the Herat Expedition and Mazar i Sharif from the Road to Oxiana Expedition and a visit to the Panjshir Valley. This will leave on 14th July and return on 1st August.
Expedition 5. The Road to Oxiana
The provincial towns in the north of Afghanistan are comparatively unspoiled by the twentieth century. There are few cars. Most transport is by horse or donkey. In these places I have felt that I was in touch with the world of Kipling’s India. This Expedition will leave on 29th Sep and return on 17th October 2005.
Expedition 6. A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush: The Panjshir Valley, the Emerald Mines and the Lapis Mines of Badakhshan
The Panjshir has been most people's introduction to Afghanistan. When Afghanistan was on the tourist trail, its nearness to Kabul combined with its astonishing natural beauty, made it most people's first destination in the country. This Expedition will leave in September 2005 and the exact date to be confirmed.
Other Destinations Visited
In Xanadu: The Royal Hunting Grounds of Ajar
This stunningly beautiful valley, full of ibex and snow leopards, was the private hunting ground of the King of Afghanistan and is today almost completely unknown. Our visit in 2004 was the first by foreign tourists since 1979.
Herat and the Minaret of Jam
‘The world is like an ocean,’ it was said in ancient times, ‘...and in the ocean is a pearl, and the pearl is Herat.’
New for 2006
The following Expeditions are being planned and their routes explored for 2006. It may be possible to join some of Travel Afghanistan’s leaders as they make their reconnaissance.
Expedition 6. Lake Shiva, Marco Polo’s Ruby Mines and the Lapis Mines of Badakhshan
I believe that Badakshan is going to become one of the great trekking destinations in the world. It is an area almost completely unknown beyond a small group of Afghan specialists and the nomads who spend their summers here with their flocks amidst some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world.
Herat to Maimana and Mazar i Sharif
TBA
