For the first time in more than 20 years, a mainstream guidebook to Afghanistan is being published — and it’s written by someone we at Another World Adventures know well.

James Willcox, founder of Untamed Borders and a long-time partner of ours, has spent nearly two decades guiding travellers through one of the world’s most misunderstood and remarkable destinations.

His forthcoming Bradt Guide to Afghanistan is the first of its kind in a generation. It captures a country of breathtaking contrasts — snow-capped mountains and sweeping deserts, ancient Silk Road cities and isolated Wakhan valleys — and shares insights drawn from almost 40 visits and a lifetime of on-the-ground experience.

James first began leading trips to Afghanistan in 2008. Since then, he’s pioneered cultural journeys, trekking expeditions, and even launched the Marathon of Afghanistan, the country’s only mixed-gender sporting event. From co-founding the nation’s first international ski tours to producing award-winning documentaries about its mountain communities, his work has opened a window into a place few modern travellers have seen.

“Afghanistan sits at a crossroad of cultures, geographically linking Central Asia to the Subcontinent,” James says. “While today it is the least developed country in Asia, it has a long and fascinating history – having played a vital role on the ancient Silk Road, where people from all around the world converged, leaving a rich cultural and historical legacy. There is also an immense range of landscapes. From epic snowcapped mountains and some of the world’s last true remaining wildernesses, to harsh desert, vast plains and bustling cities. It’s a country which few have had chance to experience in modern history. This provides a real sense of adventure and, for me, there is something magical about exploring a nation, which isn’t gripped by mass tourism. It provides a richer experience. For anyone who visits Afghanistan, often the people and the human interactions are what sticks most in your mind, the immense hospitality and kindness of Afghans. The last few years have seen a degree of relative stability, in comparison to the decades before. Afghanistan still has enormous challenges and poses some specific risks to travellers, but with the right preparation, it is possible to visit almost all corners of the country.”

As tourism to Afghanistan slowly revives — with nearly 9,000 international visitors recorded in 2024 — this new guidebook arrives at an extraordinary moment.

It offers travellers a grounded, honest look at a nation where adventure still means discovery.

At Another World Adventures, we’ve proudly collaborated with James for more than a decade to help intrepid travellers experience this remarkable country. His book is a testament to the courage, curiosity, and cultural exchange that define true adventure.

The Bradt Guide to Afghanistan is due for release in February 2026 and is available for pre-order now.

Explore our current Afghanistan adventures to see how you can travel there responsibly, with expert local guidance. You can opt to join a fixed date small group departure with like-minded adventure seekers or arrange a private trip. Just complete an enquiry form on the trip page for details.