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AFGHANISTAN We are now regularly re-visiting Afghanistan after the years of International and Internal conflict in this starkly beautiful country. Some people will think that this is a little premature given that there is still internal dissension, and still only a tenuous groping toward Central Government control and that is certainly the British Govt Foreign Office advice. We prefer to state that Afghanistan is at the cutting edge of Adventure tourism, which in its self can offer benefits and progress. As an organisation, Hinterland or rather its predecessor, Hann Overland travelled through Afghanistan frequently in the seventies and eighties. Geoff Hann personally checked out the routes in Nov 2002 that we would use and has led all the Afghanistan trips since that date. They have all succeeded in operating successfully.
Special note- all bookings with deposits received in 2008 re departures in 2009 attract a 10% discount on the tour ground cost. The country is desperately poor, frankly it needs any help that we or anyone can provide. The vast sums of money promised by the International community have only just trickled in or have yet to be fulfilled or are just promises. At least we can make a direct contribution to local people with the use of their services. The main roads had become diabolical but are now being totally reconstructed, the International community having recognised the importance of the trade routes to and through Afghanistan. The Afghan people are friendly and cheerfully welcoming, although wary until we can prove that we are travellers and not something else. Ancient and recent history are scattered everywhere, from Buddhist remains to burnt out tanks. Our tours are not so steeped in excavated ancient remains as for example is our Iraq tour and they are more scenic, peoples tours but we fit in as many religious and historical sites as we can. Herat, for example is full of Islamic remains. We, despite our adventurous natures, have to be sensible with our itineraries, so our Road tour takes in as much as the first time visitor could hope to fit in, given the time factor of 3 weeks. The Central and North exploratory tour is proving to be something very special and supremely interesting as you will see if you examine the itinerary and map and we envisage continuing this trip for the foreseeable future. The sight of The Minaret of Jam as it appears to you, suddenly through the river valleys is a supreme moment. THE ROAD TOUR This tour enters into Pakistan crosses into Afghanistan via the Khyber Pass and exits into Iran. (note. The Iran tour extensions.)
Please note that many things can conspire to change /enhance or even delay the schedule. Every trip will have its own special experience. Road and weather conditions vary as do security problems. But we always try to refine each trip. Special Note. During 2008/2009 we are having to avoid Kandahar and the road section between Ghazni and Herat due to the ongoing Military activity. CENTRAL AND NORTH AFGHANISTAN
Central and North basic tour cost - £1,980 – this includes all ground transport and the services, accommodation and breakfast, listed excursions, services of Hinterland Tour leader. Not included, International flights, individual airport transfers, main meals, any insurance and the two required visas – Afghanistan and Pakistan. Please note that The conditions will be hot and dusty and accommodation never really good. Sleeping in Chai Khana’s means sleeping on carpeted hard floors. Anyone who likes their creature comforts every day should really not consider this country for a holiday. Our Road tour is however a little more comfortable. AFGHANISTAN /UZBEKISTAN Sogdiana, The Oxus and Badakshan (Uzbekistan and the Lapis Lazuli mines of Afghanistan) Our exploratory tour of the region in 2008 was very successful and we are repeating it for September 2009 for 21/22 days. Although we are treading a well known track from Tashkent through to Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, nothing diminishes its appeal. Further we cross the Oxus river at Termez and travel to Mazar e Sharif and Balkh in Afghanistan. Our object is then to travel to a small part of Badakshan Province down to the Lapis lazuli Mines and through the Panjshir Valley, where the shade of General Masoud still lingers and on to Kabul.
The above schedule sounds so prosaic but it is redolent with history from early Greeks and Persians, Alexander and Roxane to fiery Turcomans and great figures such as Mahmoud of Ghazni, Tamerlane, Babur and through to the present day. Agfghan civil war personalities such as Generals Dost, Masoud. and the Taliban. The mountains are rugged, the Lapis when polished, very beautiful and the going in Afghanistan tough. Cost Ground section. £1,980. Includes all ground transport, accommodation, breakfast and dinner (Uzbekistan section only). Many excursions are included. English Tour leader. Not included International flights, insurance,visas, lunch in Uzbekistan, lunch and dinner in Afghanistan, individual air port transfers. Note single room supp in Uzbekistan US$125. Note- that we are also packaging the Uzbekistan section for 9 days only and the Afghan section 15 days only. Please request costs. 
THE RETREAT This is very new trek for us and subject to various problems on the ground but none surpassing those that the British Army and the vastly outnumbering Camp Followers had in .January 1842 as they abandoned Kabul . The weather was ferocious , sleet, snow and ice and intense cold and the attacks from the Afghan tribesmen pitiless. We are departing at a better time of year and hopefully prepared for the conditions. We will begin in Kabul to enjoy the city and to acclimatise ourselves before we depart into the countryside to meet our pack ponies, pony men and guides.
Costs from £1,490. IMPORTANT Please read before completing our tour booking form. At the present time Afghanistan (2009) is still recovering from a series of Wars and internal conflicts that have lasted for almost 30 years. During the last 3 / 4 years the country has had a Government supported by the U.N and Western powers although now a series of elections are beginning to bring a more stable Government presence. The armed forces of the U.S are still hunting Al Qaeda and Taliban supporters in parts of the country. British and other Forces are conducting serious campaigns in Helmand Province against Taliban insurgency. Although increasing there are still few Tourists or Travellers to be seen. The vast majority of non Afghans are NGO’S, UN personnel and various contingents of Military forces from around the World. The British Foreign Office strongly advises that in their view Afghanistan is not safe for Travellers and that British citizens should not travel to, and in, that country. For this main reason Afghanistan is basically uninsurable by ordinary Insurance companies at reasonable (sensible) premiums. However the surrounding countries such as Pakistan and Iran and your flights are insurable. We do insist that clients travelling with us take out some form of insurance for these, principally health and repatriation cover while recognising that you will not be covered by insurance for Afghanistan. But in turn all clients should realise and understand that Hinterland Travel and its staff will also not be covered by insurance. Risk will therefore apply to all. However on a positive note we are always seeking some form of insurance that we can offer to our clients and be assured once offered or found we will inform everyone. Hinterland Travel while understanding and recognising the view of the British Foreign Office however believes from its past and present direct experience of Afghanistan that Adventure tourism is possible, albeit with care. The Company monitors events and always seeks to avoid reckless, in our view, direct confrontation with danger. Schedules are changed, alternatives sought, or even cancellations. We try to take all reasonable pre cautions that are feasible at the time. Final decisions will be taken by Geoff Hann (Managing Director) in conjunction with any of our Tour leaders Hinterland Travel (Anglo Overseas Leisure Ltd) and its Managing Director, Geoff Hann firmly believe that we have a duty of care toward our clients but also this has to reasonable given the circumstances. We ask our clients to consider their response to our brochure and the advice and if there are matters which are not clear or if clarification is required then please consult Geoff Hann before booking with us. Once our booking form has been completed and a deposit received then we consider that our clients have accepted and assessed the possible risks and dangers of our trips as advertised and their own personal responsibilities. The deposit of £250 per person is required at time of booking and is then only refundable if Hinterland Travel are compelled to cancel. The full balance of monies due is payable 8 weeks prior to departure.  |
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