With centuries of history, ancient archaeological sites, Islamic art and pristine landscapes, Afghanistan attracts tourists – despite warnings from the Taliban regime and the UK government to “do not travel”.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the country formed part of the overland “hippie route” route through Asia and welcomed hundreds of thousands of Western tourists. But as its complex modern history unfolded, the steady flow of travelers stopped.
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against traveling anywhere AfghanistanHe highlighted the “volatile” security situation and the “continuous and high threat of terrorist attacks.” But some adventurous tourists don't let that stop them.
Joan Torres, founder of travel blogging and adventure company Against the Compass, told Sky News he had seen a “huge increase in demand” for trips in Afghanistan. In 2023, he made three trips to the country, and in 2024 that number doubled.
“Syria and Iraq were our biggest sellers, but given the situation in the Middle East, Afghanistan may soon become our best-selling destination,” he said.
Untamed Borders, which specializes in trips to “some of the most interesting and inaccessible places in the world,” has also seen a rise in interest. It has been helping travelers visit Afghanistan since 2008.
The company's tours were temporarily halted in August 2021 as the Taliban took power, and since resuming in September 2022, company founder James Wilcox told Sky News that “a significant number of tourists” have been booking.
While Afghanistan's recent history is full of war and unrest, Wilcox said people who book with his company don't visit because it is a “dangerous and exciting” destination.
“They want to experience a place that is culturally different, with different food and architecture,” he said. “One of the things that attracts you when you go to Afghanistan is that you don't see life through the prism of tourism. There is something more authentic about it.”
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Wilcox added that since the Taliban took control, the situation for Western tourists has “generally been able to visit places that we could not visit before, and the overall security situation has generally improved.”
Ali's shrine in Mazar-i-Sharif, north of the country. Image: Untamed Frontier
His comment comes after a local official in Ghazni province – about 148 kilometers south of the capital, Kabul – claimed “in a notable development” that the area “has become a favorite destination for international tourists.”
Mullah Hamidullah Nizar, head of media and culture in Ghazni, added that since the beginning of the year, 293 visitors from various countries have explored “natural monuments and archaeological sites” in the province.
The prefecture's attractions include a fort complete with 1,000-year-old towers.
While the Taliban regime did this A well-documented history of the oppression of women -And previously They were banned from entering the national park Saying “Sightseeing is not necessary for women” – Western female tourists are allowed to visit, and Unruly borders Runs mixed gender tours.
“One thing that women [travellers] “What women can often do is spend time with women in homes. But there are other things women are not allowed to do and certain places they are not allowed to visit,” Wilcox said.
“On a good day as a female traveler, you can see all the things men can see, and on a bad day, everyone ignores you.”
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Entering Afghanistan and getting permission to do so was not easy at all. Under the Taliban, only a few embassies around the world were able to issue visas and, except for one, you could only apply in person.
Tourists also need specialist insurance because regular providers do not cover travel to countries on the Foreign Office's red list. They can then fly to Kabul via another hub in Asia, such as Dubai, or cross the border on foot.
Minaret of Jam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ghor Province in the Midwest. Pic: Kyodo via AP Images
For those who jump through the necessary hoops and are willing to take risks, unique sights, history and cultural experiences await.
“We take people to Bamyan, which 1,500 years ago was the route between India and China,” Wilcox said. “It was very cosmopolitan with very different ideas and religions. It was at the heart of Asian trade.”
Tourists can also visit the famous Minaret of Jam and the cities of Herat, Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif, the site where two giant 6th-century Buddha statues stood until they were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.
