This section covers the Western portion of Afghanistan. This region is inhabitanted by the Farsiwans and the Turkmens and has cultural links with Turkmenistan, but also is influenced by Iran's Khorasan Province, which used to be the ancient name for the whole region of the Afghan nation.

Cities

• Herat – an historical and lively city near the Iranian border

• Maimana – capital of Faryab province, but best saved for a future trip in calmer times

Other destinations

• Jam – a potential side trip if going overland from Herat to Kabul, it contains the enormous and random Minaret of Jam

See

• The Minaret of Jam - an enormous and oddly located minaret in the small village of Jam.

Itineraries

• The Central Route - this is a 4-6 day very rough journey between Herat and Kabul, endured in Toyota HiAces. It takes you through some great scenery in the inhospitable mountains and gives you the chance to stop in Jam to see the Minaret of Jam, one of the most off-the-beaten path sites in the country and some say well worth the sidetrip.

• The Northern route to Mazar - this 2-3 day trip is currently considered dangerous and not at all recommended.

Go next

• Iran - Herat is the nearest major city to the border and the place to launch a journey into Persia.