City guide · Afghanistan
Herat
Herat, also written as Harat or Hirat, and historically known as Haraiva, Horeiva and Hires, is a major city in western Afghanistan, serving as the capital of Herat Province and the Herat District.
2 ready itineraries · 3, 5-day plans
Herat, also written as Harat or Hirat, and historically known as Haraiva, Horeiva and Hires, is a major city in western Afghanistan, serving as the capital of Herat Province and the Herat District. With an estimated population of 673,273 settled residents, it is the largest city in the province and the third-largest city of Afghanistan.
As the gateway to Iran and Turkmenistan, the city collects billions of dollars in customs revenue for Afghanistan. The roads from Herat to Iran and Turkmenistan are strategically important for Afghanistan and its neighbors. thumb|The museum inside the Herat Citadel thumb|The Friday Mosque thumb|Musalla Complex in 2009 Ghala Ekhteyaradin, Takht Safar, Bagh Milat, Bagh Shaidayee, Masjid Jami, Howz Charso, Minarets, Poli Malan (Malan Bridge), Gowhar Shad Tomb, Gazer Gah Sharif, Sang Haft Ghalam, Dig Masjid Jami and tens of other beautiful places exist in Herat, and they are really worth a visit.
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want Herat without a car. The 3-day plan stays inside walking range of City.
- Skip if
- Skip Herat if you only want a beach week or an airport layover. This cluster is for people who will walk most days.
Pick a trip length
One plan per length — open it and walk the days in order.
5-day preview
Skim the walking days, then open the full plan.
- 1
City
Walk City in Herat. Start at The Friday Mosque, then Herat Citadel and Herat National Museum. Stay on foot.
The Friday Mosque · Herat Citadel · Herat National Museum
- 2
City
Walk City in Herat. Start at Mousallah Complex, then Minarets of Sultan Baiqara and Tomb of Jami. Stay on foot.
Mousallah Complex · Minarets of Sultan Baiqara · Tomb of Jami
- 3
City
Walk City in Herat. Start at Gazar Gah, then Takht-e Safar and Military Museum. Stay on foot.
Gazar Gah · Takht-e Safar · Military Museum
- 4
City
Walk City in Herat, including Yu Aw Synagogue.
Yu Aw Synagogue
- 5
City
Keep Herat on foot. No new tickets required.
Minarets of Sultan Baiqara
Where to stay
Bases that fit the walking plan.
The centre
3 to 5 nights
First-time visitors
Stay inside walking range of the first-day stops in Herat.
Getting there & when to go
Lock timing and airport basics early.
Best time
Herat works year-round for a walking trip. Shoulder months are easier on crowds and hills.
- Shoulder months
- High season
- Low season
- Rain days
Airport
Herat International Airport (XXX)
thumb|Herat International Airport The Herat International Airport is 15 km south of the city just east of the road towards Farah. Daily flights from Kabul are available from Kam Air and Ariana for 3500 Afs. UNAMA and UNHAS operate flights between Kabul and Herat, occasionally via Bamiyan, available to staff of partner NGOs. A bus service is available from Mashhad in Iran, buses are supposed to leave at 07:00 from the bus terminal but departure times are flexible, be there early.
- Public transit from XXX30 to 60 minutes · Local ticket price. Check the operator the week you fly.
- Taxi or licensed ride hail20 to 45 minutes · Treat any number you see online as an estimate, not a quote.
Practical notes
Short reads before you book.
Understand
Herat is the third largest city in Afghanistan, located in the western part of the country, close to the border with Iran. It is called Nagin Aseeya or Diamond of Asia in some literature.
The city has an eventful history of more than 3,000 years. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times; perhaps most notably, it was destroyed by Tamerlane in the 1300s.
Get in
thumb|Herat International Airport The Herat International Airport is 15 km south of the city just east of the road towards Farah. Daily flights from Kabul are available from Kam Air and Ariana for 3500 Afs.
UNAMA and UNHAS operate flights between Kabul and Herat, occasionally via Bamiyan, available to staff of partner NGOs. A bus service is available from Mashhad in Iran, buses are supposed to leave at 07:00 from the bus terminal but departure times are flexible, be there early.
Stay safe
See the warning on the Afghanistan article for information on the security situation.
Related guides
Helpful next pages for Herat.