Beyond The Borders Tours

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Beyond The Borders Tours

Let's go Beyond The Borders!

We focus on cultural adventures to the most unvisited countries on the planet, countries such as North Korea, Afghanistan, Syria, Bhutan, Mongolia and many more!

26/04/2026

We’re proud to be teaming up with Afghan Cooks to bring you something truly special.

This is not just a trip. It is an opportunity to experience Afghanistan through the people who know it best.

Together, we will travel from Kabul to Kandahar, through Bamyan, Balkh and beyond, exploring ancient cities, breathtaking landscapes and places most people will never get the chance to see.

What makes this journey different is the experience itself.

From walking through historic sites with expert local guides to experiencing everyday life up close, every part of this journey is designed to give you a deeper understanding of the country, its culture and its people.

26th September to 8th October 2026
Small group experience
Limited spaces available

Register your interest by 30 April.

If you have ever been curious about Afghanistan, this is your chance to experience it properly.

Send us a message to learn more.

24/04/2026

Khwaja Abdullah Ansari Shrine, located just outside Herat, is one of the most important religious and historical sites in western Afghanistan.

Dedicated to the 11th century Sufi scholar and poet Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, the complex has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. The site you see today was largely developed during the Timurid period, particularly under the rule of Shah Rukh in the 15th century, when Herat was a major cultural and intellectual centre of the region.

The architecture reflects this period, with detailed tile work, large courtyards, and a layout designed for both religious study and gathering. Despite damage over time, much of the structure remains intact and continues to be used today.

It is a key highlight of our tours in Afghanistan when visiting Herat, offering a clear insight into the country’s history, architecture, and religious significance.

This is one of many places in Afghanistan that highlights the country’s historical depth, beyond what is often shown or discussed.

17/04/2026

Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most important and visually striking landmarks.

Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, it has served as the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past and remains the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body.

Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong has played a key role in Bhutan’s history, including the coronation of the country’s kings.

Surrounded by mountains and jacaranda trees in bloom, it is widely considered one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country.

Visit Punakha Dzong as part of our Bhutan tours.

12/04/2026

The first person you share this with owes you a trip to Bhutan 🇧🇹

09/04/2026

Taken one year ago in Pyongyang, North Korea when we were there for the Pyongyang Marathon. Unfortunately cancelled this year… fingers crossed for 2027 and a wider reopening as soon as possible! 🇰🇵

07/04/2026

We recently organised a private tour across some of Afghanistan’s most incredible regions. From the streets of Kabul to the Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, the ancient city of Balkh, the dramatic landscapes of Bamyan, and the stunning Band-e Amir lakes.

They even had the chance to witness a live buzkashi match, one of the most unique cultural experiences anywhere in the world.

Afghanistan continues to surprise people in the best possible way.

If you’re interested in organising your own trip, whether private or group, feel free to get in touch.

photos:

25/03/2026

The gho and kira are the traditional national dress of Bhutan, worn daily by many Bhutanese people and required in formal settings such as government offices, schools, and religious sites.

The gho is worn by men and consists of a knee-length robe tied at the waist with a belt known as a kera. The kira, worn by women, is a full-length woven garment paired with a blouse and jacket. Both are typically made from handwoven fabrics, often featuring detailed patterns that reflect Bhutan’s textile heritage.

The dress was formalised in the 17th century under Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, helping establish a shared cultural identity that continues to be preserved today.

Wearing traditional dress remains an important part of Bhutanese identity and reflects the country’s emphasis on preserving culture alongside modern life.

On our tours in Bhutan, you will have the opportunity to try on a gho or kira and experience this aspect of local culture first hand.

13/03/2026

Balkh is often described as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, with a history that stretches back more than 3,000 years. Known in ancient times as Bactra, it was once one of the great cities of Central Asia and an important centre of culture, trade and religion along the Silk Road.

One of the most recognisable landmarks in the city today is the Green Mosque, locally known as Masjid Sabz. The mosque was built during the Timurid period in the 15th century and is famous for its striking turquoise tiles and intricate geometric decoration, a style that became a hallmark of Timurid architecture across the region.

Balkh itself has deep historical significance. It was once a major centre of Zoroastrianism and later became an important city in the early Islamic world. The renowned 13th century poet Rumi was also born in Balkh before his family migrated west.

Today the Green Mosque stands as one of the most beautiful surviving monuments in northern Afghanistan and a reminder of Balkh’s long and remarkable history.

11/03/2026

Passenger train services between Beijing and Pyongyang are set to resume after a six year suspension.

The route, which connects the Chinese capital with North Korea via the border city of Dandong, has historically been one of the main international rail links into the DPRK.

Before the border closure in 2020, this train was commonly used by travellers entering North Korea as part of organised tours.

While the return of the service marks a notable development in cross border travel, it does not currently indicate that North Korea has reopened to international tourism.

09/03/2026

The Pyongyang International Marathon scheduled for April 2026 has been cancelled.

The race has long been one of the most unique running events in the world, offering international participants the rare chance to run through the streets of Pyongyang.

First held in 1981, the marathon has traditionally taken place each April and has become one of North Korea’s best known international sporting events.

At present, no further details have been released regarding the cancellation or whether the event will return in 2027.

For the full update, visit our blog at beyondtheborderstours.com.

06/03/2026

Afghanistan is one of the most fascinating and misunderstood countries in the world. Few travellers ever see it for themselves.

Our guided journeys take you across ancient Silk Road cities, dramatic mountain landscapes and some of Central Asia’s most remarkable historical sites.

We run small group tours with fixed departures, but we also offer completely private journeys year round. Whether you want to travel for a week or several weeks, we can design a route that fits your schedule.

Swipe through to see our upcoming group departures, private tour options and what is included.

If Afghanistan has always been on your radar, now is the time to start planning.

Visit our website or message us to learn more.

24/02/2026

The Buddhas of Bamyan once stood as the largest standing Buddha statues in the world, carved into the cliffs of central Afghanistan in the 6th century.

Destroyed in 2001, the empty niches remain one of the country’s most powerful historical sites and a reminder of Bamyan’s deep cultural heritage.

Interested in visiting Bamyan with us? Send us a message.

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Bamyan

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https://beyondtheborderstours.com/

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