Author: afghanistantours.travel

If you’re dreaming of crossing Afghanistan by land one of the most intrepid and revealing journeys is traveling between Mazar-i-Sharif and Herat via Maimana. This route cuts across northern and western Afghanistan, offering everything from smooth highways to dusty rugged river valleys. It’s a route for adventurous souls rewarding you with sights of remote villages, camel-dotted deserts, winding rivers and hospitable locals.

Here’s a summary of what travelers have recently reported on this fascinating overland corridor:

Mazar-i-Sharif to Maimana

The stretch from Mazar-i-Sharif to Maimana is by far the easiest part of this trip.
• Shared taxi (Corolla): Expect to pay around 500–700 AFN per seat, depending on your negotiation and the time of day. Some early morning travelers managed 400 AFN.
• Travel time: About 5 hours, including a lunch and prayer stop.
• Landscape: Mostly desert so keep your money and energy instead of hoping for grand views here.

Tip: Sit in the back if you want more legroom and are prepared to ignore the scenery. The road is very good paved and generally smooth.

Stopover in Maimana

Maimana is the key junction town on this route. Here’s what you should know:
• Rickshaws take you between terminals inside town.
• From here, you’ll transfer to a minibus or Land Cruiser for the journey to Herat.
• Prices:
• Front seats: ~1400 AFN
• Middle rows: ~1200 AFN
• Back rows: ~1100 AFN (avoid these they can be dusty or uncomfortably cold/hot).

Tip: Try to start the next leg in morning. The scenery on this segment villages, rivers, small cliffs is worth seeing in daylight. Also it’s safer given the length and driver fatigue.

Maimana to Herat: The Real Adventure Begins

From Maimana to Herat, brace for adventure.
• Travel time: ~14 hours under good conditions. In some reports, it stretched to 16–20 hours depending on breakdowns, road blocks or weather.
• Road quality:
• First 2 hours are paved, then it’s a rough track following rivers, climbing hills with multiple river crossings. Typical speeds drop to 10–40 km/hr.
• In rainy weather, or if a truck gets stuck on a hill delays can be long.
• Health tip: Bring a scarf or face mask dust is relentless.

🛑 Safety note: Several travelers reported seeing accidents (overturned buses, car crashes). Also watch for drivers nodding off near the end of this grueling drive. Chat with them or encourage short breaks.

Possible Stops Along The Way

Here are some local highlights and practical stops, as compiled from traveler notes:
• Ghormach: Main stop between Bala Murghab & Maimana. Sparse facilities but useful if your car breaks down (common on this stretch).
• Qala-e Naw:
• From Bala Murghab to Qala-e Naw, expect to pay around 700 AFN, ~5 hours.
• Darya Safa Restaurant Hotel: Private rooms start at 550 AFN more for quieter options.
• Herat to Qala-e Naw: About 350 AFN, ~3 hours on mostly paved roads.
• Watch the Sabzak Pass, especially if there’s melting snow it can get dangerous.
• Don’t miss Laman village or Karokh, home to caves and Sufi sites.

Where to Sleep Along the Way
• Sheberghan:
• Qanaat Restaurant Hotel: 800 AFN for a decent room.
• Andkhoy:
• Sarana Baijan: 1000 AFN for a spacious private room, plus great Turkmen palaw & kabab.
• Bala Murghab:
• Ahmadzai Restaurant: Sleeping is free; pay only for food (around 600 AFN for hearty dinner).
• Qala-e Naw:
• As above, Darya Safa is a good local option.

Reverse direction: Herat to Mazar

Doing this from Herat to Mazar-i-Sharif? Similar pattern:
• Go to the “terminal” in Herat (34.361841, 62.303526) early.
• Shared Land Cruisers or minivans depart once full.
• Expect around 21 hours total, split by a vehicle change near Maimana.
• Costs reported: ~2000 AFN for front seat Herat to near Maimana, ~1000 AFN to Mazar.

Final Notes: Who Should Take This Route?

This overland route is only for patient, flexible travelers who are fine with dirt roads, river crossings, mechanical breakdowns and very long days in shared vehicles. It’s rewarding for seeing authentic Afghan countryside but not ideal if you:
• Get carsick easily
• Can’t stand dust or bumpy rides
• Are short on time or rigid with schedules

For the truly adventurous, however, it’s one of Afghanistan’s great overland experiences.

✅ Quick summary:
• Mazar to Maimana: 5 hrs, excellent road, ~500-700 AFN.
• Maimana to Herat: 14+ hrs, rough, dusty, scenic, ~1400 AFN front seat.
• Recommended: Start early, wear a dust mask and keep water handy.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
• Since the Taliban takeover, the country is officially named The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
• The tricolor flag has been replaced with a white Taliban flag, now seen everywhere

Afghanistan’s Ethnic Diversity
• Pashtuns: 42%
• Tajiks: 27%
• Hazaras: 9% (Shia Muslims with Mongolian features; mostly in Bamyan)
• Uzbeks: Mostly in Mazar-i-Sharif and nearby areas

Languages Spoken
• Dari (a form of Farsi): spoken by ~80% of the population
• Pashto: official but used mainly by Pashtuns
• Iranians and Afghans can generally understand each other

Language Barriers in Rural Areas
• In remote regions, even sign language might not work due to limited exposure to outsiders

Staying Connected in Afghanistan
• Wi-Fi: Unreliable in most places, especially outside major cities
• SIM Cards:
• Available at official branches (open 8am–4pm)
• Major providers: MTN, Roshan, Afghan Wireless, Etisalat, Salaam
• Coverage varies by region — MTN works best in major cities
• Internet Speed: Only 3G (no 4G support)

Use a VPN
• Protect your privacy on public networks
• Access blocked or censored websites
• Recommended: ExpressVPN for fast, reliable connections

Traveling by Plane in Afghanistan
Domestic flights are a practical way to move between cities. Main airlines include:
• Kam Air (book online or in physical offices)
• Ariana Afghan Airlines (frequent delays, less reliable)

Important Flight Info
• Most domestic flights go through Kabul (e.g. Herat to Mazar requires a transfer in Kabul)
• Flights cost: $60–$120 one way
• Book locally if you’re already in Afghanistan to avoid online booking issues

Booking Tip
• Online payments may not always go through—always double-check and follow up with the airline office if needed

Airport Security
• Be prepared for multiple security layers: body searches, bag checks, and document inspections
• Arrive at least 2 hours early before domestic flights

Managing Money in Afghanistan: Currency, Costs & Payment Tips

Afghanistan’s Currency
Afghanistan uses the Afghani (AFN).
Current exchange rate: $1 = approx. 72 AFN

Afghan or Afghani?
• Afghan = a person from Afghanistan
• Afghani = the currency

Exchanging Money
• You can easily exchange USD, Euros, or even Pakistani Rupees in places like Shahr-e Naw (Kabul).
• Local money changers offer competitive rates and quick service.

ATMs & Cards
• ATMs (especially Afghan International Bank) work with international cards.
• However, cards are not accepted in most shops and restaurants — carry cash at all times.

Daily Expenses in Afghanistan
• Breakfast (eggs, bread, tea): 100 AFN
• Local lunch/dinner: 200–300 AFN
• Mid-range restaurant meal: 400–600 AFN

Transportation Costs
• Taxi (short ride): 50 AFN
• Taxi (long ride): 200–250 AFN
• Half-day private taxi: $20
• Airport to city center (Kabul): 500 AFN
• Domestic flight: $60–$120
• Round-trip to Panjshir: $50
• Local city bus: 5 AFN

Accommodation Costs
• Mid-range hotel: $30–$50/night (basic, clean, secured)
• Budget hotels are cheaper but may lack security