Afghanistan has been at the crossroads of civilisations for millennia. From Darius the Great to Alexander the Great, Marco Polo to George Bush, the world’s shapers and invaders have all been here and left their mark. It has always been, and still is, a place of world interest – whether from politicians or tourists.
Afghanistan is a place of legendary hospitality to guests and legendary hostility to invaders. Any trip here is an adventure. The remains of the giant Buddhas of Bamian, the unreal blue of the lakes at Band e Amir or the first sight of the almost-unreachable Minaret of Jam are incredible. But most visitors’ lasting memories of Afghanistan are on a more human scale: flying kites with kids, drinking tea with ex-mujahedin or walking with catapult-wielding Hazara children.
A trip to Afghanistan offers the opportunity to see a country that has been off the tourist map for 40 years, to visit a place that is starkly beautiful and to interact with people and places that you probably know best from news reports. Whether you’re interested in Afghanistan’s ancient history or its current circumstances, we think that the experience of seeing such a striking and hospitable country will stay with you for a long time.
We currently offer trips covering large parts of the country. As well as offering some incredible experiences for the intrepid traveller, Afghanistan has some equally unique risks and dangers. Please contact us for further information and to find out what we do, to ensure you have a memorable time for all the right reasons.
Afghanistan’s capital first received an influx of foreign tourists in the late 1960’s when it became an essential stop-off on the hippy trail towards enlightenment. Chicken Street was the home of cheap hotels and souvenir shops. Chicken Street is still here, selling souvenirs, artwork and antiques, although the chickens have gone. Much of the rest of the city has changed beyond recognition in the last 30 years, new buildings in the city centre, promising signs of post-invasion reconstruction, give way to rubble and ruins on the outskirts. Yet there are occasional outbreaks of tranquility. Many mosques and mausoleums of interest remain standing, as do the lush Gardens of Babar, and the European Cemetery, final resting place of Auriel Stein, the great Silk Road explorer. Similarly, the stunning Sakhi Shrine is an example of beauty within the city (pictured). There is little left of ancient Kabul although the city walls and the Bala Hissar (sadly off limits and used by the Afghan military) still stand to give a glimpse of what it was like. There are also plenty of interesting places revealing Kabul today. The Omar land mine museum is a sobering introduction into some of Afghanistan’s more modern history.
Bamian lay on one of the silk routes and was an important religious site for the Gandharan Empire that included Takht e Bhai and Taxila in Pakistan. The cliffs overlooking the town are riddled with large numbers of caves in which Buddhist monks lived and worshipped. They were often highly decorated with Buddhist motifs including large statues of the Buddha. The giant Buddhas of Bamian were completed in the 6th century AD and stood 55 and 37m high respectively making them, for nearly 1,500 years, the highest standing Buddha statues in the world. In the 11th century, Buddhism was replaced by Islam in the region, Bamian became less important and the Buddhas fell into disrepair. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the legs of the largest Buddha in the 17th century and the Persian, Nadir Shah fired a cannon at them in the 18th century. Despite this, the statues retained their world-renowned status until March 2001 when the Taliban used artillery, anti-tank mines and finally dynamite to destroy the Buddhas over a month-long period. Even without the Buddhas themselves, the valley of Bamian is still striking, the ruins of 2 forts guard the entrance to the valley and at sunset, the rock takes on a beautiful hue. It is also possible to climb into the caves and view the valley from where the largest Buddha’s head would have been. Bamian is also host to the Marathon of Afghanistan, and also where we run our winter ski touring trips, a great way to experience rural Afghanistan in winter.
Sometimes places of note fail to live up to their reputation. No-one we have met has ever said that about Band e Amir. A series of 5 interlocking lakes that flow into each other over dams made from mineral deposits. The lakes are of such a deep blue that photos often appear to have been Photoshopped. Legend has it that the dams were created by Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the prophet Mohamed. The place does feel touched by God especially after the ride through the dark lifeless mountains that surround the lakes. It is possible to swim in the lakes and in the summer we can arrange boat trips and overnight stays.
Mazar e Sharif is the largest city in Northern Afghanistan and is home to many of Afghanistan’s ethnic Uzbeks. In 12th century a local Mullah had a dream that the final resting place of Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Mohamed was not in Najaf, modern day Iraq but in the small town where he lived. The shrine and indeed the town of Mazar-e-Sharif (Tomb of the exalted in Dari) exist as they do because of this. The original 12th century shrine was destroyed by Genghis Khan and much of what is on display today has been restored over the years. The blue tiled mosque is a fine sight and is the holiest place in Afghanistan for both Shia and Sunni Muslims. During Nau Ruz, the Persian new year, the town is packed full of pilgrims. The shrine is surrounded by flocks of white pigeons. Legend has it that if a black pigeon arrives within a month it will turn white. During the winter months we have the opportunity to watch the famous horse-back game of Buzkashi in the Mazar e Sharif & it's also only a short drive from the ancient Silk Road city of Balkh and
Known as Bactria to the Greeks and Umm Al-Belaad (Mother of Cities) to the Arabs, Balkh was the capital of the fertile area watered by the rivers running down from the Hindu Kush and the Pamirs. It is the birthplace of Zoroaster, the founder of the Zoroastrian religion and the renowned poet Rumi was also born here. Today, desertification, the increasing importance of Mazar e Sharif and a Malaria outbreak in 1911 have left Balkh as a bit of a backwater. However, there is still plenty of the cities 4000 year history to see. The blue tiled shrine of Khoja Parsa, 1500 year old Buddhist Stupas, No Gombad Mosque (the oldest in Afghanistan) and the tomb of Baba Koo-i-mastan (the holy man who first refined hashish) are some of the highlights.
Also known as Takht e Rostam (Throne of Rostam), the stupa-monastery complex at Samagan is named after the leading protagonist of an ancient Persian legend. In the most famous section of the tale, Rostum meets his own estranged son Sohrab on the battlefield and when Sohrab refuses to identify himself, they fight and Rostum kills Sohrab. This doesn’t seem to affect Rostum too much as he continues with his adventures with seemingly little remorse. The complex dates from the 4-5th century and it is carved out of the bedrock and has therefore remained well preserved from the passing of time and vandalism it may have otherwise received. In keeping with Buddhist tradition the stupa should be circumnavigated clockwise.
100km to the North East of Kabul lies the lush Panjshir valley leading up out of the plains up to the Hindu Kush mountains abd is regarded by many as the most beautiful part of Afghanistan. Panjshir means five lions, legend has it that the lions were 5 protectors who defended the valley for Mahmood of Ghazni in the 12th century. It is a famous emerald mining area and home to the largest concentration of ethnic Tajiks in Afghanistan. It was also the base of Ahmed Shah Massoud, the lion of the Panjshir. Probably the most famous mujahedin leader from the soviet war. His tomb is located at the beginning of the valley.
At 63 m high, the Minaret of Jam is the world’s second highest free-standing minaret. It is thought to belong to a set of similar minarets built between the 11th and 13th century in Afghanistan, India and Central Asia. It is also believed to be the inspiration of the Qutb minaret in Delhi, currently the tallest in the world. However, their settings could hardly be more different. It is hard to believe that this remarkable structure was “lost” until 1886 when the Anglo-Russian boundary commission “re-discovered” it. Since then only a handful of people from outside of Afghanistan have seen the minaret, located as it is tucked up a high valley over 200 kilometres from the nearest town of any size with the only connection on truly terrible roads. Still, that makes the sight of this incredible structure all the more remarkable. It's one of the fantastic sites we visit on our Afghan Central Route group trips, please contact us for the latest information if you wish to see this remarkable structure.
“Stretch a leg in Herat and you’ll poke a poet in the ass”. So says an ancient Farsi saying. The poets may be thinner on the ground these days but Herat’s history as a centre of culture remains and it boasts the best concentration of ancient buildings in Afghanistan. The skyline at sunset is sublime with minarets and domes peaking out over the rooftops. In many ways Herat has more in common with its Persian neighbours in Iran than Kabul on the other side of the Hindu Kush and has been fought over for millennia due to its strategic position and agricultural wealth of the surrounding valley. Tamerlan’s son made Herat his capital in 1381 and the minarets of the Mussallah complex still remain from the Timurid rule. From June to September Herat can sometimes get caught up in the ominously named “bad-i-sad-o-bist-roz”, the “wind of 120 days”. However, this wind is a welcome relief from Herat’s equally notorious summer heat.
The Wakhan valley is situated at the point the Hindu Kush meets the Pamirs. Based half in Tajikistan and half in Afghanistan this is an area of incredible natural beauty. Due to its remoteness, it escaped the ravages the rest of Afghanistan experienced over the last 30 years and therefore is one of the few places that is accessible for trekking and horseriding. In fact, the area is considered the premier trekking location for wilderness experiences in Afghanistan. The Agha Khan foundation has invested in some guest houses but the draw of the area is its remoteness and the hospitality of the Wakhi people and the Kyrgyz nomads. Maybe 150-200 visitors make it to this area each year so any visit to the region is a step into the wild.
Mentioned in the Mahbarata dating back to 3000BC, Kandahar has been the largest city of the Helmund region ever since. Due to its location at the cross roads of Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East Kandahar has been part of Turkic, Persian, Greek, Arabic and Mongol empires. Durrand Abbas Shah, founder of Afghanistan made Kandahar the capital in 1747 and his tomb is located within the city. Also found in Kandahar is a shrine reputed to contain the cloak of Mohamed. It was reported that, during the rise of the Taliban, Mullah Omah wrapped himself in the cloak when addressing his troops. It experienced some of the most savage fighting during the occupying soviet forces and much of the old city was destroyed.
Most visitors travelling to Afghanistan require a visa before arrival. Fortunately, obtaining an Afghanistan visa has become significantly easier in recent years thanks to the introduction of Afghanistan's e-visa system.
Historically, obtaining an Afghanistan visa could be one of the most challenging parts of planning a trip. Travellers often had to visit an Afghan embassy or consulate in person, with many Untamed Borders guests collecting visas in places such as Dubai, Islamabad or Peshawar before entering the country.
The situation today is very different.
One of the unique challenges surrounding Afghanistan visas is that Afghanistan currently has limited diplomatic relations with much of the world. There are no fully staffed Afghan embassies in most European countries, North America, Australia or many other nations. As a result, traditional embassy visa applications are often not possible for many travellers.
The introduction of the Afghanistan e-visa system has therefore been a major development for tourism in Afghanistan. Many nationalities can now apply online, removing the need to travel to a third country simply to obtain a visa. The application process is generally straightforward and considerably easier than it was only a few years ago.
If you have any questions regarding visas for Afghanistan, please contact us at info@untamedborders.com.
Travel in Afghanistan requires careful planning, permits, the crossing of regular check-points and an understanding of local restrictions.
Although independent travel in Afghanistan is technically possible, it is not straightforward. Every visitor to Afghanistan must register with the government in Kabul (or if arriving by land, at the nearest major city). You must register with the Ministry of Information and Culture’s Afghan Tour Department and state which provinces you wish to visit in the country.
The Ministry will then issue a letter showing that permission is granted and which provinces you have been approved to travel in. In this process you only have to list locations you are spending the night, rather than locations you are just passing through.
Once you arrive in each province, you must visit the Department of Information and Culture in the provincial capital and show the letter - it will then be authorised and you may have to complete a short interview with staff.
Afghanistan also has many check-points along roads throughout the country. It is common to be asked for your passports and a copy of your registration letter at check-points.
When travelling with a guide, the guide ensures this paperwork is correct. This helps passing the many check-points a smoother experience, without a guide, you are likely to encounter a lot of questions and long delays. It’s also common that English may not be spoken well or possibly at all, at both the provincial governmental departments and at check-points.
Having an experienced guide with you, who speaks Dari and Pashto ensures you can communicate easily and explain your journey to the authorities.
Despite having all the correct paperwork, the authorities in provincial capitals and security services are still known to refuse entry to an area or region, without explanation. All of the enquiries become more thorough when you’re travelling without a guide. There are also parts of Afghanistan where extra permits are needed, such as in the Wakhan Corridor.
Travelling independently in Afghanistan can be complex and opens you up to greater scrutiny. When travelling on an Untamed Borders group or private tour, our guides ensure all the necessary paperwork is in order and help you through the process.
The best time to visit Afghanistan depends on where you plan to travel.
There are many different places to visit in Afghanistan, but the country’s weather can swing from extreme heat in Summer, particularly in the south, in places such as Kandahar and Lashkar Gah, to bitterly cold in the mountains of Bamian in Winter. In Bamyan and other highland areas, there is often heavy snowfall during the colder months.
Afghanistan is a year-round destination though, but the best time to visit depends largely on where you want to travel and what you want to experience.
Spring (March - May)
Spring is one of the best times to visit Afghanistan.
Across much of the country, valleys become green, flowers bloom and temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing. This is an excellent season for cultural tours to Kabul, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif and the Bamyan Valley.
The mountains remain snow-capped and rivers are full from the winter thaw, creating some of Afghanistan's most spectacular scenery. Late spring also marks the beginning of the trekking season in some regions.
Untamed Borders operates many of its Afghanistan group tours during spring, taking advantage of the mild temperatures and clear conditions.
Summer (June - August)
Summer is the best season for exploring Afghanistan's highest mountains and most remote regions.
The famous Wakhan Corridor in Badakhshan Province is generally accessible only during the summer months, making this the ideal time for trekking in Afghanistan. Our Wakhan trekking expeditions operate during this period when high mountain passes are usually free of snow.
Temperatures can become extremely hot in lower elevations, particularly in Kandahar, Helmand and parts of western Afghanistan. However, conditions remain pleasant in the mountains of the Hindu Kush, Wakhan and Pamir regions.
Autumn (September - November)
Autumn is arguably the best overall time to travel to Afghanistan.
The weather is generally dry, skies are clear and temperatures are comfortable across most of the country. Roads remain open, mountain scenery is spectacular and travel conditions are often at their most reliable.
For visitors interested in Afghanistan's historic cities, cultural sites and landscapes, autumn offers an ideal balance of pleasant temperatures and accessibility.
Many of Untamed Borders' cultural tours to Afghanistan operate during this season and are fortunate to enjoy the vast array of fruit that ripens at this time of year, including melons and grapes.
Winter (December - February)
Winter transforms Afghanistan into a very different destination.
The mountains of Bamyan, the Hindu Kush and central Afghanistan experience heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. While some routes become inaccessible, winter also offers unique travel opportunities.
Untamed Borders operates Afghanistan ski tours during the winter months, taking advantage of the deep snow that blankets the central highlands.
Winter is also the season for Afghanistan's national sport: Buzkashi. Often described as one of the world's most dramatic sporting events, Buzkashi sees horsemen competing over a goat carcass in a fast-moving contest that has been played across Central Asia for centuries.
The largest and most prestigious matches take place during the winter months, particularly in northern Afghanistan. If you travel through the region at this time you’re bound to catch a match and we try to line-up one of our Afghanistan in 10-days departures to coincide with this.
Most travellers visiting Afghanistan arrive through Kabul International Airport, which is currently the country's main international gateway. Regular flights connect Kabul with destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Islamabad and several cities across Central Asia and the Gulf.
For travellers interested in overland travel, Afghanistan can also be entered via several land borders. Untamed Borders regularly assists guests travelling overland into Afghanistan and operates group tours that cross from Pakistan via the historic Khyber Pass.
Entering Afghanistan from Pakistan
The most famous border crossing is at Torkham, linking Peshawar in Pakistan with Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan, via the legendary Khyber Pass. This route has been used for thousands of years by traders, armies and travellers moving between Central and South Asia.
Entering Afghanistan from Tajikistan
Several border crossings connect Tajikistan with northern Afghanistan, including routes into Badakhshan and the Wakhan region. These crossings provide access to some of Afghanistan's most spectacular mountain scenery.
Entering Afghanistan from Uzbekistan
The Hairatan border crossing links Afghanistan with Uzbekistan and serves as one of the country's most important commercial gateways into Central Asia.
Entering Afghanistan from Iran
Western Afghanistan can be reached through the Islam Qala border crossing near Herat, connecting Afghanistan with eastern Iran.
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Border crossing regulations and opening hours can change, so travellers should always seek current advice before planning an overland journey. If you would like to make an overland journey to Afghanistan, please email our specialist team on - info@untamedborders.com.
Afghanistan tourism is growing and visitor numbers are continually increasing. As of 2026, it is easier and more straightforward to visit the country than it has been in decades. However, many people wonder whether it is safe to travel in Afghanistan and safety is naturally one of the most common questions.
The reality is that Afghanistan today is very different from the Afghanistan many people remember from international news coverage over the past twenty years. Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, large-scale conflict has largely ended and travellers are now able to visit parts of the country that were previously inaccessible.
Untamed Borders has operated tours throughout Afghanistan every year since 2008 and has travelled with guests extensively across the country, including visits to Kabul, Herat, Bamyan, Badakhshan, the Wakhan Corridor, Panjshir, Nuristan, Kandahar and Tora Bora.
However, Afghanistan remains a challenging destination. Risks still exist and the security environment can change quickly. There remains a threat from extremist groups, including ISIS-K, and occasional attacks continue to occur, particularly against government-related targets.
For this reason, Untamed Borders continually monitors conditions through an extensive network of local contacts, guides and international sources. Routes are adjusted where necessary and tours are only operated when we are confident they can be run responsibly.
Travelling to Afghanistan requires flexibility, realistic expectations and an understanding that circumstances can change. For many visitors, however, the greatest surprise is how welcoming, hospitable and curious ordinary Afghans are towards foreign guests.
If you would like up to date information about the security situation in the country now, please email our team on - info@untamedborders.com.
Afghanistan is a conservative country and visitors should dress modestly throughout their trip.
For women travelling in Afghanistan, loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms, legs and shoulders is strongly recommended. A headscarf should be worn in public and is expected throughout much of the country.
Untamed Borders provides abayas for female guests travelling on our Afghanistan tours.
For men, long trousers and shirts with sleeves are recommended. Shorts are not appropriate. Untamed Borders provides a traditional Afghan shalwar kameez, which is comfortable, practical and helps visitors blend in with local customs.
Temperatures can vary dramatically depending on altitude and season. Visitors travelling to Bamyan, the Hindu Kush, the Wakhan Corridor or other mountain regions should pack warm clothing even during summer.
Cash is essential when travelling in Afghanistan.
Credit cards and debit cards are rarely accepted and functioning ATMs can be difficult to find, even in larger cities. Outside Kabul, banking facilities can be extremely limited.
The local currency is the Afghan Afghani (AFN), although US dollars are widely recognised and can often be exchanged easily throughout the country.
We recommend travellers bring sufficient cash for the duration of their trip and exchange money as required. Larger denomination US dollar notes, in good condition generally receive the best exchange rates.
Afghanistan is one of Asia's most ethnically and linguistically diverse countries.
The country's two official languages are Dari and Pashto. Dari, a variety of Persian, serves as the main lingua franca across much of Afghanistan and is spoken by many different ethnic groups. Pashto is widely spoken in the south and east and is the first language of many Afghans.
However, Afghanistan's linguistic diversity extends far beyond these two languages.
In the mountains of Badakhshan, the Wakhan Corridor and the Hindu Kush, travellers encounter a remarkable variety of local languages. These include Wakhi, Shugni, Munji and several Pamiri languages, many of which are spoken only in isolated valleys.
Other important languages include Uzbek, Turkmen, Baluchi, Nuristani and Pashayi.
For travellers interested in culture and anthropology, Afghanistan's linguistic diversity is one of its most fascinating characteristics.
Internet access in Afghanistan has improved considerably over the past decade.
Most cities have mobile data coverage and visitors can purchase local SIM cards relatively easily. Kabul, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif and other major cities generally have functioning 4G networks.
Wi-Fi is available in many hotels and guesthouses, although speeds can vary significantly.
Outside urban areas, particularly in remote mountain regions such as the Wakhan Corridor, the Hindu Kush and parts of Nuristan, internet coverage becomes less reliable and may be unavailable altogether.
Travellers should be prepared for periods without connectivity when exploring Afghanistan's more remote regions.
Afghan food is one of the highlights of travelling in Afghanistan.
Situated at the crossroads of Central Asia, Persia, South Asia and the Silk Road, Afghan cuisine combines influences from several great culinary traditions.
The country's national dish is Kabuli Pulao, a fragrant rice dish served with lamb, raisins and carrots. It is found throughout Afghanistan and is often served at celebrations and family gatherings.
Other dishes visitors should try include:
Food varies considerably by region. In Herat, visitors will notice Persian influences, while the cuisine of northern Afghanistan often resembles that of neighbouring Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Tea remains central to Afghan hospitality, green tea in particular. Although there are regional differences - for example, in the south of the country milky tea is often drunk in the morning. No visit is complete without spending time in a traditional chaikhana, where travellers can share tea and conversation with local people.
Islam is the official religion of Afghanistan and plays an important role in daily life throughout the country.
The majority of Afghans are Sunni Muslims, while a significant minority, particularly among the Hazara population, follow Shia Islam.
Religion influences everything from daily routines and festivals to architecture and social customs. Visitors will hear the call to prayer throughout the day and will encounter some of the most important Islamic traditions and practices during their travels.
Afghans are generally welcoming towards visitors who show respect for local customs and religious traditions.
Understanding the importance of Islam in Afghan society helps travellers gain a deeper appreciation of the country's culture, history and way of life.
This list is not comprehensive, in fact it is very subjective. It is stuff we like and think you may as well:
Great Game – Peter Hopkirk
A rattling read about how Tsarist Russia and Victorian Britain fought a century long cloak and dagger battle over Central Asia. From Genghis Khan to Sir Francis Young. Afghanistan is at the heart of this battle for power.
The Great War for Civilisation: The Conquest of the Middle East – Robert Fisk
Robert Fisk has been reporting on the Middle East plus Afghanistan since the 1970’s and this is his incredible account of the times on which he reported.
Road to Kandahar – Jason Burke
The Observer journalist reviews his 10 years reporting from the “Islamic world” from Algeria and Iraq to Afghanistan and Indonesia. Shorter than Fisk’s epic above but enlightening nonetheless.
Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
A fictional novel based heavily on the authors experiences in pre-soviet Afghanistan. Whilst we feel the ending is a bit Hollywood his images of Kabul in the 1970’s are great.
Bookseller of Kabul – Asne Seierstad
Norwegian journalist, Asne Seierstad spent 3 months living with a Kabuli family. Her book describing her experiences portrays a bullying, book-selling patriarch and has been both successful and controversial (see below) in equal measure.
Once upon a time there was a bookseller in Kabul – Shah Muhamed Rais
Asne Seierstad’s book (see above) was controversial as the bookseller was unhappy with his portrayal, claiming that Asne could not have understood what was going on in his family as she cannot speak Dari. He still works in Kabul and has written his own book in which he tries to set the record straight. It is available in his bookshop so for fans of this book would be able to pick up a unique souvenir as well a chance to see the man himself.
The places in between – Rory Stewart
Describing Rory Stewart’s epic walk across Central Afghanistan 2 weeks after the fall of the Taliban Government in 2001. Our trips to Bamian cover some of the same ground.
A short walk in the Hindu Kush – Eric Newby
We hope our trips are a little more planned than Eric Newby’s attempt to climb a remote mountain in Nuristan, only to find neither he or his climbing partner have any climbing experience. A cracking read written in a hilarious 1950’s self deprecating style.
Return of a King – William Dalrymple
The definitive account of the first Afghan war and the retreat from Kabul in 1841 that saw a British army of 16,000 massacred in the passes between Kabul and Jalalabad. For the first time Afghan and Sikh court records are used to give new insights into this infamous page in Afghan and British history.
Champions of the Golden Valley
Untamed Borders arranged logistics and guiding for this Emmy award winning ski film, which follows the progress of the Afghan skiing community and the formation of the Bamyan Alpine Ski Club.
It had its world premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York, went on to be
multi-award winning at film festivals around the world & is now hosted on Olympics.com.
Afghanistan: The Great Game – A Personal View by Rory Stewart
A very useful two-part historical documentary explaining why Afghanistan has mattered so much to empires and superpowers, from British imperial rivalry with Russia to the Soviet invasion and the post-2001 era. Good for visitors who want a clear political and historical overview.
White Silk Road
Afghanistan’s first snowboard film, which was captured in the mountains of Bamian. Untamed Borders organised logistics and guiding for this pioneering project.
The Boy Who Plays on the Buddhas of Bamiyan
A moving documentary filmed in Bamiyan, following a young boy and his family living among the caves near the destroyed Buddha statues. It is especially relevant for travellers visiting Bamiyan, as it gives human context to one of Afghanistan’s most important cultural landscapes.
Buzkashi Boys
A short drama set in Kabul about two boys dreaming of a different future through buzkashi, Afghanistan’s famous horseback sport. One of the boys, Fawad, later worked as a guide for Untamed Borders for a spell. It is visually strong, accessible and useful for introducing viewers to Afghan urban life and traditional sport. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.
The Kite Runner
The film adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s novel is one of the most accessible Afghanistan-related feature films for a general audience. It touches on friendship, exile, class, ethnicity, guilt and the upheavals of late-20th-century Afghanistan.
The Horseman
A 1971 adventure film starring Omar Sharif and Jack Palance, set around Afghanistan’s traditional horseback sport of buzkashi. Filmed partly in Afghanistan before the Soviet invasion and later decades of conflict, it offers a rare cinematic glimpse of Afghan landscapes, horsemanship and rural codes of honour, though modern viewers may find some elements dated.
