Travel Guide: Reaching Balkh Archaeological Site, Faizabad, Afghanistan

Welcome to the detailed guide on how to reach the historic Balkh Archaeological Site located in Faizabad, Afghanistan. Known for its ancient ruins and historical significance, Balkh is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Getting to Faizabad

Before reaching the archaeological site, one must get to Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan Province.

• By Air: The most direct way to Faizabad is through the air. Faizabad Airport (FBD) handles domestic flights from Kabul and other major cities within Afghanistan.
• By Road: Road travel can be challenging due to security reasons and the quality of roads. However, if you decide to undertake the journey, Faizabad is connected via the Kabul-Faizabad Highway (AH76). Travelers are advised to use a 4WD vehicle and travel in a convoy.

Reaching Balkh Archaeological Site from Faizabad

Once in Faizabad, the archaeological site of Balkh is approximately 300 km to the west. Due to its historical significance, it's worth the journey, but the trip requires careful planning.

• Hiring a Local Guide: It is recommended to hire a guide who is familiar with the region and can help navigate the security landscape as well as the actual physical terrain.
• Travel Precautions: Travelers should check the security situation regularly, travel by daylight, and always inform their embassy of their travel plans in Afghanistan.
• Road Transport: Hiring a private car or joining a tour from Faizabad may be the safest option. Remember to clarify if the driver has experience traveling to Balkh and is aware of any check-points or local nuances.

Safety Precautions

As with any travel in Afghanistan, security is of the utmost concern. It is essential to keep the following in mind: