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"Ladies Only" Tour

Tour Overview:

The Women’s Tour to Afghanistan, managed by ATT, was successfully completed, marking the first-ever women-only tour manage by a local company since the Taliban’s return to power.
Due to the overwhelming success of this initial tour, ATT has announced plans for another women-only tour scheduled for April 2025.
This unique tour provided participants with a deep understanding of Afghan women’s lives, highlighting the distinct experiences of women in this complex country.
It facilitated direct engagement with Afghan women, allowing participants to gain valuable insights while exploring significant cultural and historical landmarks.

Itinerary Summary:

  • Home Visits: A highlight of the tour was the opportunity for participants to visit local homes, where they met Afghan women, experienced their daily lives, and even cooked traditional meals together. These home visits provided a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of Afghan women, fostering deeper cultural understanding and meaningful connections.
  • Kabul, Afghanistan: The journey began in Kabul, where participants explored key sites such as the Sakhi Shah-e Mardan Shrine and the vibrant Kah Faroshi market, providing a glimpse into modern life in Kabul, a city historically central to the “Great Game” between British and Russian empires.
  • Mazar-e Sharif and Baikh, Afghanistan: Participants visited the ancient city of Baikh and the iconic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e Sharif. Despite restrictions preventing women from entering the mosque, they admired its external beauty while enjoying local ice cream.
  • ⁠Samangan, Afghanistan: The tour then proceeded to Samangan, where participants discovered historical and cultural treasures unique to this region, enriching their understanding of Afghanistan’s diverse heritage.
  • Herat, Afghanistan: The tour included a visit to Herat, known for its beautiful Islamic architecture and rich history.
  • Kandahar, Afghanistan: Participants explored Kandahar, the birthplace of the modern Afghan state and a city of great historical significance.
  • Bamyan and Band-e Amir, Afghanistan: Due to ongoing Taliban operations against ISIS in the region, this portion of the tour was skipped following a security assessment and consultation with participants.
  • Kapisa and Panjshir, Afghanistan: The itinerary also covered Kapisa and Panjshir, regions known for their stunning landscapes and historical significance, offering a broader perspective on Afghanistan’s cultural and natural diversity.
  • Guidance by females: Parts of the tour were guided by Somaya, a highly experienced and knowledgeable guide. Her deep understanding of Afghan culture and history added significant value to the experience. Additionally, ATT is actively training female guides to further promote women’s empowerment in the tourism sector in Afghanistan.

Challenges and Safety

Safety remained a primary concern throughout the tour due to the inherent risks of travel in Afghanistan.
ATT and local guides maintained constant vigilance, making necessary adjustments to the itinerary to ensure the safety of all participants.
Although the chosen route included relatively stable areas, the volatile environment required flexibility, with some parts of the trip subject to last-minute changes or cancellations.

Conclusion

The successful completion of this tour marks a significant milestone in women-only travel to Afghanistan.
It provided a safe, enriching experience that allowed participants to connect deeply with Afghanistan’s culture, history and people.
The upcoming tour in April 2025 is highly anticipated, offering another unique opportunity to explore this remarkable country through the lens of women’s experiences.

ATT (Afghanistan Tours and Travel Part of ATE (Afghanistan Travel Experience)