Afghanistan Travel Itinerary - Visa Application Document body { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: #000000; color: #ffffff; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0; padding: 40px 20px; } .container { max-width: 1000px; margin: 0 auto; } header { text-align: center; margin-bottom: 40px; } h1, h2, h3, p, span, li, strong { color: #ffffff; } h1 { font-size: 2rem; margin-bottom: 5px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px; } .document-meta { font-size: 1rem; margin-bottom: 30px; } .itinerary-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 20px; } .day-box { background-color: #000000; border: 2px solid #000000; outline: 1px solid #333333; padding: 20px; page-break-inside: avoid; } .day-header { border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; padding-bottom: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; } .day-header h2 { margin: 0; font-size: 1.4rem; } .day-header .location { font-size: 1rem; font-weight: normal; font-style: italic; } .activity-list { list-style-type: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; } .activity-list li { margin-bottom: 12px; padding-left: 15px; position: relative; } .activity-list li::before { content: "-"; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; } .highlight { font-weight: bold; } footer { margin-top: 40px; padding-top: 20px; border-top: 1px solid #000000; } .tips-section { margin-bottom: 20px; } .tips-section h3 { font-size: 1.2rem; margin-bottom: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; } .tips-list { list-style-type: square; padding-left: 20px; font-size: 0.95rem; } .tips-list li { margin-bottom: 8px; } .official-note { text-align: center; font-size: 0.9rem; font-style: italic; margin-top: 30px; } @media print { body { background-color: #ffffff !important; color: #000000 !important; padding: 0; } h1, h2, h3, p, span, li, strong, .location { color: #000000 !important; } .day-box { background-color: #ffffff !important; border: 2px solid #000000 !important; outline: none !important; margin-bottom: 20px; box-shadow: none !important; } .day-header { border-bottom: 1px solid #000000 !important; } footer { border-top: 1px solid #000000 !important; } @page { margin: 2cm; } } Travel Itinerary Destination: Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights Purpose of Travel: Cultural Tourism Day 1 - Arrival in Kabul & Imperial Mughal Heritage Transit & Arrival: Depart from Dhaka (DAC) and arrive at Kabul International Airport (KBL) via a connecting hub (e.g., Dubai or Istanbul). Complete passport control and customs procedures before transferring to central hotel accommodation. Gardens of Babur (Bagh-e Babur): Tour the historic UNESCO World Heritage site and terraced gardens, serving as the final resting place of Babur, the first Mughal Emperor. Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque: Visit the iconic two-story Italianate-style mosque situated along the banks of the Kabul River in central Kabul. National Museum of Afghanistan: Explore the museum's galleries displaying thousands of preserved archaeological artifacts spanning the Buddhist, Hellenistic, and Islamic historical eras. Dining Experience: Enjoy a straightforward initial evening meal at a local restaurant offering traditional Afghan grilled chicken skewers served with naan and steamed rice. Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kabul. Day 2 - Sacred Shrines, Bazaars & Sunset Vistas Sakhi Shrine (Ziarat-e Sakhi): Visit the striking blue-tiled shrine in western Kabul, famous for its detailed tile mosaics and architectural craft. Chicken Street Bazaar: Browse the historical trade center on Chicken Street (Bazar-e Murgha), exploring traditional hand-woven Afghan kilims, lapis lazuli jewelry, and regional antiques. TV Hill Panoramic Overlook: Drive up TV Hill (Koh-e Asamayi) for panoramic views across the expansive Kabul valley during sunset. Excursion Option (Qargha Lake): Visit Qargha Lake, a tranquil reservoir on the outskirts of Kabul, to observe local tea houses and peaceful waterfront views. Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kabul. Day 3 - Bamyan Valley & Ancient Silk Road Cave Networks Transit to Bamyan: Travel to Bamyan in the central highlands via a scenic mountain route or a short domestic connection. Bamyan UNESCO Valley & Buddha Niches: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape of the Bamyan Valley, visiting the massive cliff niches where the ancient Great Buddha statues stood. Monastic Cave Systems: Walk through the surrounding mountain cliff caves and passageways that served as ancient Buddhist monastic retreats and academic sanctuaries. Citadel of Gholghola: Tour the historic ruins of the Citadel of Gholghola (City of Screams), providing a commanding high view of the valley and agricultural terraces. Accommodation: Overnight stay in Bamyan. Day 4 - Band-e-Amir National Park & Hindu Kush Lakes Day Excursion to Band-e-Amir: Travel west from Bamyan to Band-e-Amir National Park, Afghanistan’s premier national park in the Hindu Kush range. Natural Travertine Lakes: Marvel at the six mineral-rich, deep-blue lakes (including Band-e Haibat) separated by natural travertine rock dams. Shrine of Ali & Coastal Walk: Visit the small white-walled Shrine of Ali situated along the edge of Band-e Haibat lake and explore the surrounding shoreline trails. Picnic & Return: Enjoy a picnic lunch near the clear waters before returning to Bamyan in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Overnight stay in Bamyan. Day 5 - Northern Mazar-i-Sharif & Ancient Balkh Heritage Transit to Mazar-i-Sharif: Travel north toward Mazar-i-Sharif via a domestic flight link or scenic highway transit through the historic Salang Pass. Shrine of Hazrat Ali (The Blue Mosque): Visit the magnificent Shrine of Hazrat Ali, renowned for its luminous cobalt tilework and serene courtyards home to thousands of white pigeons. Grand Bazaar Exploration: Walk through the main Mazar-i-Sharif market square to observe regional northern carpets, textiles, and local handicrafts. Balkh Ancient City Excursion: Drive to the neighboring ancient city of Balkh ("Mother of Cities") to view the historic Noh Gonbad Mosque, one of the earliest preserved Islamic architectural structures in the region. Culinary Option: Dine on traditional northern Afghan rice dishes with roasted chicken at a local city center establishment. Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mazar-i-Sharif. Day 6 - Herat Citadel & Timurid Architecture Flight to Herat: Take an early domestic flight west to Herat, widely recognized as Afghanistan's historical cultural capital. Great Mosque of Herat (Masjid-e Jami): Tour the magnificent Timurid-era mosque, observing its colorful faience tilework mosaics and famous 15th-century bronze cauldron. Citadel of Herat (Qala Iktyaruddin): Explore the ancient fortress complex originally constructed under Alexander the Great, featuring restored brick towers and museum exhibits on local history. Musalla Complex & Goharshad Minarets: Visit the historical ruins of the 15th-century Musalla complex and the iconic standing minarets of Queen Goharshad. Accommodation: Overnight stay in Herat. Day 7 - Kabul Bird Market, Crafts & Departure to Dhaka Return Flight to Kabul: Take a morning domestic flight from Herat back to Kabul International Airport. Ka Faroshi Bird Market: Visit the narrow alleys of the historic Ka Faroshi (Ka Faroshi Bird Market) in old Kabul for a unique cultural experience. Handicraft & Souvenir Selection: Purchase final souvenirs, including hand-embroidered textiles (Khamak), local saffron, dried fruits, and carved lapis lazuli items. Final Meal: Sample a quick lunch of roasted chicken with flatbread or a simple chicken burger before airport check-in. Airport Transfer & Departure: Transfer to Kabul International Airport (KBL) for your international flight back to Dhaka (DAC). Essential Travel Notes & Embassy Tips Visa Entry Requirements: Foreign nationals must hold an approved visa prior to travel. Applications can be submitted online via the official e-Visa portal or at designated Afghan consulates (e.g., Dubai). Submit this printed 7-day travel itinerary alongside confirmed flight bookings and passport copy (minimum 6 months validity). Currency & Banking: The local currency is the Afghan Afghani (AFN). International credit/debit card processing and foreign ATMs are unavailable. Carry crisp, uncreased US Dollar cash ($100 bills) for exchange at authorized local currency exchanges. Provincial Travel Permits: Traveling between provinces (e.g., Kabul, Bamyan, Balkh, Herat) requires registering upon arrival with the local provincial Directorate of Information and Culture offices to obtain standard tourist travel clearances. Dress Code & Etiquette: Modest and conservative dress is essential across all public spaces. Men should wear loose pants and long sleeves (or local Shalwar Kameez). Women must wear a loose-fitting head covering (hijab) and modest outer garments. Mobile Data & Communication: Purchase a local SIM card (such as AWCC or Roshan) upon arrival at Kabul International Airport to ensure basic cellular voice and data connectivity during inter-city transit. This document is prepared for visa application, immigration clearance, and comprehensive travel planning.