Tehran- IRAF- Report, the renowned global publisher Bradt has released a new Afghanistan travel guide for the first time in almost 20 years. Bradt believes the time has come for Afghanistan to return to the travel map of adventurous explorers.
Written by James Wilcox and Daniella Fakaros, the guide covers places such as the historic Khyber Pass and activities including mountaineering with nomads and watching buzkashi—the traditional equestrian sport of Afghanistan.
The book is designed for curious and adventurous travelers and introduces landmarks such as the Minaret of Jam—a 12th‑century structure beside a river, located about 14 hours from the nearest paved road—and the Bamiyan Valley, home to the destroyed Buddha statues.
It also suggests traveling with Kyrgyz nomads in the Pamir Mountains, or watching buzkashi matches under open blue skies and across vast plains—an intense sport in which horsemen compete to carry a goat carcass to the opposing goal.
The guide invites travelers to spend time in traditional teahouses—communal tea‑drinking spaces that have remained largely unchanged since the Silk Road era—and to enjoy boating in swan‑shaped boats on the turquoise waters of the Band‑e Amir lakes, Afghanistan’s first national park.
Afghanistan Is Travelable: Authentic and Unforgettable Experiences
This new title joins Bradt’s extensive collection of travel guides covering more than 150 destinations worldwide. Members of Wanderlust magazine receive a 30% discount on all Bradt books.
Daniella Fakaros, one of the authors, said:
“After all the guidebooks I’ve written—including guides to unusual destinations—this was a new and different challenge. Helping travelers rediscover this ancient destination was truly rewarding.”
Fakaros is a prolific writer who has published more than 40 guidebooks.
James Wilcox, co‑author of the book, said:
“Almost all regions of Afghanistan are now accessible, and with proper preparation, inspiring journeys to the country are possible. We aimed to create a valuable resource that showcases Afghanistan’s rich history and culture while also providing practical information for traveling and enjoying this largely unknown land.”
Wilcox, the founder of the travel company Untamed Borders, which specializes in access to remote regions, has been active in Afghanistan’s tourism industry since 2008. He has contributed to launching ski tours in the country, helped organize Afghanistan’s first national marathon, and trained and employed the country’s first—and so far only—female tour guide.
Although Afghanistan was once a key stop on the famous Hippie Trail, in recent years its name has nearly disappeared from the list of tourist destinations. The country faces a striking paradox: a nation widely known around the world, yet rarely explored or truly seen by travelers.
The publication of this guide is an effort to bring Afghanistan back onto the map for tourists and explorers once again.
