Speaker: Geoff Hann

Company: Hinterland Travel

Date: Sunday 3rd February

Time: 12.00pm

Location: Theatre 1

The beautiful, wild and mountainous country that is Central Afghanistan and its North is the theme of our talk and slide show. History, art. and architecture are our constant companion but the essence of Afghanistan is its diverse landscape that has produced its diverse people, many are tribal and all are colourful. Travelling via the historic Khyber Pass from Pakistan to Kabul is a wonderful introduction to any travel experience. From Kabul to the Bamiyan Valley, home of the great Buddhas alas destroyed by the Taliban is just the beginning of the adventure through isolated, beautiful mountain landscapes, to Herat. The Minaret of Jam is special, hidden in a narrow river valley, so difficult to reach that it achieves an air of mystery until it suddenly appears in all its glory.It is one of our highlights.

Herat, a city of wonderful Islamic remains, the Friday Mosque, the Masalla complex seems just an interlude in the journey to follow. Three/ four days on one of Afghanistan's wildest routes that to Maimanar and Mazar i Sharif. Arid Hills, semi desert conditions, dissected by wadis and streams brings you to the north. Ancient Balkh, where Alexander married Roxana and to Mazar i Sharif, home to the Mosque of Ali. The Plains of Central Asia beckon but our road crosses the Hindu Kush through the Salang Tunnel back to Kabul. A momentous journey has been undertaken.

This introduction of Afghanistan is followed, very briefly with just a glimpse of a region little travelled by Western travellers that of Kurdistan Iraq. An extraordinary mix of religions and experiences.