Afghanistan's history as a country, spans little more than two centuries. However, before this the country was part of many great empires. It is in Afghanistan that Zoroastrianism began in the 6th century B.C. and later Buddhism spread from India. The eastward sweep of Islam reached Afghanistan in the 7th century and to this day Afghanistan remains a Muslim country.

Friendly, beautiful Afghanistan was once well known as the place to stop for unparalleled hospitality, fantastic food and great hiking. More than 20 years of war have had their impact; however the country is now struggling on the road to become again what it once was. Women are allowed to work again and many venture outside without their burqas. People are able to dance to music again and many of the fine monuments and minarets are being rebuilt.

This show will feature a road journey down the legendary Khyber Pass, crossing into Afghanistan at the Torkham Border and road trip to Jalalabad, Kabul and Bamian. We will visit the great Buddhist Heritage Site in Bamian and the stunning lakes of Bandi Amir. To get there you have to travel over high mountain passes with villages perched on cliffs and the magnificent peaks of the Hindu Kush.

Peter Langer has just returned from a visit in November 2005 to the war ravaged areas of Eastern and Central Afghanistan organized by Bestway Tours & Safaris in Canada and Sitara Travels in Afghanistan.

Excellent tours to Afghanistan & Central Asia can be arranged by:
Bestway Tours & Safaris, located in Vancouver, BC.