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Travel Advisory November 27, 2023

Tajikistan - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued after periodic review with updates to risk indicators, Level 3 areas, and the “If you decide to travel” section.

Exercise increased caution in Tajikistan due to terrorism, unexploded landmines, and occasional violence near the border with Kyrgyzstan . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to :

  • Within five miles of Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan
  • Gorno-Badakhshon Autonomous Oblast

Country Summary: Terrorist organizations are known to have a presence in the region and have targeted foreigners and local authorities in the past.

Terrorist attacks can happen with little or no warning, with terrorists targeting public areas such as tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, restaurants, places of worship, school campuses, and government facilities.

Unexploded landmines and cluster munitions are a hazard along the Afghan-Tajik and Uzbek-Tajik borders, as well as in the Vakhsh and Rasht valleys. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions.

Be cautious when traveling within five miles of the Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan border . There have been several instances of armed skirmishes between Tajik and Kyrgyz border guards over the past five years, particularly in the Isfara area and the Vorukh enclave.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Tajikistan.

If you decide to travel to Tajikistan:

  • Have a plan to depart Tajikistan which does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Keep a low profile.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Tajikistan.
  • Follow the Department of State on   Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Border Areas with Afghanistan – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel within five miles of Tajikistan's border   with Afghanistan due to terrorism. The current political situation in Afghanistan creates a challenging and unpredictable environment in the border areas due to evolving security conditions. Additionally, the land border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan has been closed since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Travel in the mountainous region along the Afghan border can be dangerous due to the proximity of militant groups across the border. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid activities that develop predictable patterns of movement. If documenting travel on social media, please ensure your privacy settings are appropriately set.

Gorno-Badakhshon Autonomous Oblast (GBAO)– Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The challenging and unpredictable environment in northern Afghanistan has the potential to spill over insecurity into neighboring Tajikistan’s GBAO region. GBAO is a restricted region for non-Tajik citizens, requiring a travel permits from Tajik authorities. Violent clashes with security forces erupted in GBAO in recent years, and the government of Tajikistan can suspend travel permits for non-Tajik citizens on short notice. 

Please visit our website for information on Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

At least six months from the date of entry.

At least two blank pages.

Required for stays longer than 30 days. See Entry, Exit, and Visa Requirements below for more information about visa-free entry.

$3,000 USD.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy dushanbe.

109A, Ismoili Somoni Avenue Dushanbe, Tajikistan 734019 Telephone: 992-37-229-2000 or 992-37-229-2300 (consular direct line) Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  992-98-580-1032 Fax:  992-37-229-2050  Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

COVID-19 Requirements: There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens in Tajikistan.

Requirements for entry: 

  • Passport valid for at least six months with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
  • Visa if you plan to stay longer than 30 days or are traveling for a non-tourist purpose.
  • Visa support letter if you are traveling on a non-tourist visa.

Visa-free entry:  Beginning January 1, 2022, U.S. citizens are eligible for visa-free entry into Tajikistan for stays lasting no more than 30 days (non-extendable), regardless of the purpose of travel. Registration within 10 days of arrival at the nearest Department of Visas and Registration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR) is required . Registration costs 180 Tajik Somoni and takes up to three business days. Failure to register or loss of the registration form can result in fines and delay your departure. Tourists should seek registration assistance from their hotel or tour operator.

In emergency situations (i.e. positive PCR test), the Main Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) can provide an emergency exit visa for a one-month period upon submission of a formal request letter, a copy of the positive PCR test, and a copy of the original itinerary.

Travelers planning to spend more than 30 days in Tajikistan should obtain a tourist e-visa online or a T-visa from the Tajik Embassy to the United States.

Tourist e-visas:  Tajikistan offers two types of e-visas: single entry and multiple entry. Visas are issued for a period of 90 days and are valid for stays up to 60 days. The e-visa is non-extendable and you can apply for it only if you are outside of Tajikistan. Registration with the Department of Visas and Registration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR) is not required when admitted using an e-visa.

Refer to the Embassy of Tajikistan’s website for further visa information.

Non-tourist visas:  Applications for non-tourist purposes of travel, including to visit family or friends (XC1-visa), to conduct business (K-visa), or to attend an educational facility (O-visa), can be submitted online to the Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Supporting documents, including a Tajik visa support letter, are required. Visa validities and fees vary depending on purpose of travel. A personal appearance at a Tajik embassy or consulate may be required depending on the visa category.

Tajik visa support letters are required for all non-tourist visas. To obtain a visa support letter, the inviting organization submits a request to the MFA. When invited by a private Tajik resident (e.g., a friend or relative), the inviting party requests a notification letter from the Department of Visas and Registration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR). Any required supporting documents and the visa support letter should be submitted to the MFA Consular Department in Tajikistan by the inviting party.

Some non-tourist visa categories allow for the visa to be issued upon arrival, eliminating the need to appear in person at a Tajik embassy or consulate. This upon-arrival request must be selected at the time the application is submitted online and an additional fee will be required.

Tajik visa registration stamps are required for non-tourist stays more than two days. Most travelers must register within three days of entering the country at the nearest Department of Visas and Registration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR). Journalists, official travelers, and employees of international organizations must register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Failure to register can result in fines and delay your departure.

Border Zones : Tajik authorities have implemented restrictions on travel to areas near Tajikistan’s border with other countries.  The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens provide an itinerary for intended travel to any border zone to the Department of Visas and Registration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR) to obtain prior permission and information about any restrictions.

Exiting Tajikistan:  Be sure to leave Tajikistan before your visa or visa-free admission expires or you may be required to pay a fine as well as pay for an exit visa. 

Departure options from Tajikistan are limited.  To maximize departure options, obtain extended visas for travel to countries with reliable connections to Tajikistan, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, and Russia. 

Transit Visas to Russia:  When traveling from Tajikistan through Russia to a third country – including plane changes – you must have a transit visa for Russia. You cannot get a Russian visa at the airport. If you arrive in Russia without the appropriate visa, authorities may restrict you from future travel to Russia. Refer to information on  Travel.State.Gov for visa requirements for Russia .

Dual Nationality:  Tajikistan does not recognize dual citizenship with the United States. If you are a U.S.-Tajik dual citizen traveling on your U.S. passport, be sure to have a valid Tajik visa in your U.S. passport. Otherwise, you may encounter problems with immigration authorities upon your departure from Tajikistan. 

U.S.-Tajik dual citizens, including U.S. citizen minor children, who are planning to remain in Tajikistan for an extended period of time, are also required to have a valid Tajik visa. Please note: fines for not maintaining a valid visa accumulate quickly and can be very expensive. U.S.-Tajik dual citizens will be required to pay any outstanding fines before exiting the country.

HIV/AIDS Information:  Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors and foreign residents of Tajikistan. If you are applying to be in Tajikistan for more than 90 days, you must present a medical certificate with your application confirming that you are HIV-free. Due to frequent policy changes, verify this information with the  Embassy of Tajikistan  before traveling. 

Additional Information: Find information on  dual nationality , the  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on  Travel.State.gov.

Contact information for  the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan : 

1005 New Hampshire Avenue Washington, DC 20037 Phone:  202-223-6090 Phone:  202-223-2666 (Consular Issues) Fax:  202-223-6091 E-mail:  [email protected]  (Consular Issues)

Safety and Security

Potential for Terrorist Activity: Terrorist organizations, including ISIS, have a presence in the region, mostly by attracting sympathizers and followers through online platforms and social media. Terrorists have planned and carried out attacks against foreigners and government entities, such as law enforcement and security services.

Tajik authorities maintain a high level of security to thwart terrorist attacks. This could lead terrorists to seek softer targets including facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate such as residential areas; clubs and restaurants; markets; places of worship; schools; hotels; outdoor recreational events, including popular hiking areas; and resorts. U.S. citizens should avoid predictable patterns of movement and revealing their personal information and location on social media. If using social media, ensure your privacy settings are appropriately set.

U.S. Embassy Dushanbe employs heightened security precautions. U.S. citizens should report any unusual activity to local authorities and then inform the Embassy.

Border areas with Afghanistan:  Reconsider travel near and along Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan due to terrorism. The current political situation in Afghanistan creates a challenging and unpredictable environment in the border areas due to evolving security conditions. Additionally, the land border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan has been closed since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Travel in the mountainous region along the Afghan border can be dangerous due to the proximity of militant groups across the border. Be vigilant when camping, biking, or sheltering in the open after dark.  U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid activities that develop predictable patterns of movement. If documenting travel on social media, please ensure your privacy settings are appropriately set.

Restricted zone of Gorno-Badakhshan: Reconsider travel to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). The current political situation in Afghanistan creates a challenging and unpredictable environment in the border areas due to evolving security conditions. Do not enter the Gorno-Badakhshan (GBAO) region without official permission. Persons violating the law may be detained by Tajik law enforcement. Violent clashes with security forces erupted in GBAO in recent years, and the government of Tajikistan can suspend travel permits for non-Tajik citizens on short notice. To enter this restricted zone, request a special permit from Tajik embassies/consulates or from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or the Department of Visas and Registration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR) registration department if applying within Tajikistan. Submit authorization requests at least two weeks in advance of your trip. If granted, authorities will annotate your passport with the names of the settlements and cities you are authorized to visit.

If applying for an e-visa for tourism, you can apply for official permission to visit GBAO at the same time, for an additional fee.  Please visit the Republic of Tajikistan’s e-Visa Application webpage for information on electronic visas to Tajikistan and instructions for a GBAO permit.

Border areas with Kyrgyzstan: Exercise caution in areas near and along Tajikistan’s border with Kyrgyzstan. Several instances of armed skirmishes between Tajik and Kyrgyz border guards have occurred, particularly in the Isfara and Vorukh districts.

Unexploded landmines and cluster munitions are a hazard along the Afghan-Tajik and Uzbek-Tajik borders, as well as in the Vakhsh and Rasht valleys.  Heed land mine warning signs.  Do not venture off the road into areas marked off with red and white plastic tape.  Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails.  Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions.

Crime: Criminal activity in Dushanbe is moderate. Incidents are not usually violent, but muggings, armed robberies, and pick-pocketing do occur. Police do not provide adequate or immediate assistance and often will not open minor or routine cases.

Other criminal activity, such as narcotics trafficking, can result in violence.

Travel in pairs, especially at night. Sexual harassment of unaccompanied women is very common. Carry a copy of your passport (separate from your wallet) with you at all times.

See the Department of State and the FBI webpages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of crime, including sexual assault and domestic violence, should contact the police or head to the nearest hospital to seek medical attention and report the crime. Please also contact the U.S. Embassy at (992)-37-229-2000.

The local equivalent to the 911 emergency line in Tajikistan is 01 for fire, 02 for police, and 03 for ambulance service, and in Dushanbe, dial 235-4545 for the State Traffic Inspectorate (GAI) police for traffic accidents.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

·   Replace a lost or stolen passport.

·   Help you find appropriate medical care facilities.

·   Put you in contact with appropriate police authorities.

·   Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.

·   Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms.

·   Provide a list of local attorneys.

·   Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.

Tourism: No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place in most locations. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is for the most part not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase traveler’s insurance for on-the-ground medical coverage as well as medical evacuation insurance . 

Demonstrations and Protests: Both are rare in Tajikistan; however, due to security reasons, U.S. citizens are advised not to participate.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website. 

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information. 

  • Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe. Expect long jail sentences and heavy fines if you are convicted. 
  • Tajikistan maintains zero tolerance for alcohol-related incidents. 
  • It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Ask before taking photographs of anything of possible military or security interest. 
  • Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport, Tajik visa, and visa registration, since local police frequently conduct document inspections. Check your visa and registration validity dates regularly, and renew them before they expire. 

Currency and Banking:  Tajikistan is a cash-only economy. Credit cards are rarely accepted, and traveler’s checks are not used. 

International banking services are limited. Some ATM machines are available and dispense local currency. Tajikistan’s national currency is the Somoni, which is convertible to USD. 

Earthquakes: Tajikistan is an earthquake-prone country. Visitors to Tajikistan should evaluate their own emergency preparedness and plan accordingly. For information on natural disaster preparedness, see  U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) . 

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details: 

  • Faith-Based Travel Information
  • International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
  • Human Rights Report  – see country reports
  • Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events, although Tajik society is generally hostile to LGBTI interests. See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:  Buildings, public transportation, communication, and road crossings are inaccessible. 

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips . 

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers . 

Medical care is limited and significantly below U.S. standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, prescriptions drugs, and antibiotics. 

For emergency services in Tajikistan, dial 03 (103 from cell phone).

Ambulance services are (select one or more as appropriate):

  • Not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except in Dushanbe.
  • Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
  • Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

COVID-19 Requirements for Entry: There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. 

COVID-19 Testing: 

  • Gemotest Medical Laboratory (48-703-13-13) provides same-day Russian language test results, as well as English language certificate with a QR code confirming the validity of the test results at a cost of 123 TJS (approximately $13) paid by the patient. Travelers have the option to receive the results and certificate through email or download them from the laboratory’s official website, or collect a physical copy from the facility.
  • Diamed Clinic (44-601-90-16) provides same-day English language test results at a cost of 130 TJS (approximately $13) paid by the patient. Travelers will need to collect a physical copy of their results from the clinic.
  • Prospekt Medical Clinic (48-702-44-00) charges 403 TJS (approximately $40) paid by the patient with the next-day results. The clinic provides the services during weekdays and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Travelers will need to collect a physical copy of their results from the clinic.

COVID-19 Vaccines:  The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Tajikistan. The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe is aware that Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Sinovac-CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccines are available at Prospekt Medical Clinic (48-702-44-00), subject to availability. Please contact the clinic directly for information about cost and availability.

Due to extremely limited vaccine availability, we strongly recommend that travelers complete their COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to Tajikistan.

Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.   

There have been outbreaks of the following diseases: 

  • Water-borne diseases (such as Giardia)
  • Hemorrhagic Fever
  • Hepatitis A, B & C (frequently transmitted through medical and dental procedures)
  • Malaria – in the southern region at Afghan border
  • Tuberculosis (including multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) varieties)
  • Typhoid – in Dushanbe and the southern provinces of Khatlon
  • Chicken Pox 

Drink bottled or thoroughly boiled water while in Tajikistan. Avoid contact with street dogs in urban areas. 

Pollution levels in Tajikistan are reported online at  AirNow.gov .  Exercise caution and adjust your outdoor activities on days when pollution levels are elevated.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. 

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides medical coverage in Tajikistan. Care providers in Tajikistan are not able to accept credit cards; therefore, providers only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas. 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation due to inability of local medical providers to address many urgent-care situations. 

Prescriptions:  If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Tajikistan’s  website  to ensure that the medication is legal in Tajikistan. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Further health information:

  • World Health Organization
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Travel is difficult and unreliable. Neighboring countries sometimes unilaterally close borders, many border crossing points are not open to foreigners, and some borders are poorly delineated and even mined. Armed police or military checkpoints can make road travel outside Dushanbe more difficult. 

  • Some of the most common dangers encountered in Tajikistan are related to poor road infrastructure and natural events such as rock slides and avalanches, particularly in winter. Exercise caution on rural or mountainous roads, especially in underpopulated areas. 
  • Drivers with non-Tajik government-issued plates may run into problems crossing the Tajik-Uzbek border and can also expect to be stopped by police often in Dushanbe. 
  • Only travel by car during the day and on routes you know. Travel in the mountainous region along the Afghan border can be dangerous, even during daylight hours. 
  • Car accidents and erratic driving are common. Pedestrians tend to “jaywalk” or walk along highways without paying attention to traffic. 
  • Public transportation in the city is often overcrowded and not always safe. Bus service between major cities is unreliable. 
  • The State Traffic Inspectorate (GAI, or in Tajiki, BDA) maintains checkpoints in cities and along highways. The GAI frequently stops vehicles to inspect vehicles and driver documents. The government will not register vehicles with darkly tinted windows. 
  • Traffic police are notorious for randomly pulling over cars and exacting bribes. In Dushanbe, luxury cars and those with government license plates routinely speed past police, sometimes on the wrong side of the road and through stoplights, while other cars are flagged down for “document checks.” 

Winter Road Travel:  Please exercise caution and limit winter travel to Tajikistan’s mountain regions. Avalanches are common. Don’t attempt to travel over closed mountain passes. Roads are often not well maintained. Please see the  Ministry of Tajikistan's website  for the most up-to-date information. 

Land Mines : Land mines and cluster munitions are a hazard along the Afghan-Tajik and Uzbek-Tajik borders, as well as in the Vakhsh and Rasht valleys. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked off with red and white plastic tape. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions. 

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Tajikistan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Tajikistan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Tajikistan travel advice

Latest updates: Safety and security – addition of information on an increased terrorist threat

Last updated: March 21, 2024 07:16 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, tajikistan - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Tajikistan due to crime.

Borders with Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the areas within 30 km of the borders with Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan because of security concerns.

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Increased terrorist threat

On March 20, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan issued the following security alert: "Navruz celebrations will take place over the extended holiday weekend. Tajik authorities maintain a high level of security to thwart terrorist attacks. However, terrorists may seek softer targets including facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate such as residential areas; clubs and restaurants; markets; places of worship; schools; hotels; outdoor recreational events, including popular hiking areas; and resorts. U.S. citizens should avoid predictable patterns of movement and revealing their personal information and location on social media. If using social media, ensure your privacy settings are appropriately set. … Avoid non-essential travel to areas along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border region and Gorno-Badakhshon Autonomous Oblast."

If you are in Tajikistan:

  • avoid large gatherings, concerts, or public events
  • always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
  • monitor local media for the latest information

Security alert – Embassy of the United States in Tajikistan

Border areas

Some border crossings with neighbouring countries are not properly identified, especially in the Fergana Valley, where the Tajik border meets eastern Uzbekistan and southern Kyrgyzstan.

Borders may close without notice.

  • Afghanistan

The land border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan has been closed since the Taliban takeover in 2021.

Tensions and occasional clashes due to territorial disputes have occurred on the border between the Sughd region of Tajikistan and the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan, including near the Vorukh enclave. Conflicts have resulted in numerous casualties, including civilians.

In September 2022, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan signed a ceasefire agreement, but the situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate without notice.

The passage of persons, goods and vehicles to and from Kyrgyzstan is restricted at certain border checkpoints located on the Tajik-Kyrgyz border until further notice.

In 2020, Uzbekistan announced the completion of a demining operation along its border with Tajikistan.

Although no incidents have been reported since, landmines still pose a threat to your safety.

Marked and unmarked minefields may be present in areas bordering the following countries, especially in uncontrolled areas:

If you are traveling in any of these areas despite the advisory in effect:

  • stay on main roads and paved surfaces
  • avoid roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails
  • cross only at official border crossings
  • strictly observe warning signs indicating the possible presence of landmines

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging, occurs. Criminals target foreigners.

Officials at the Dushanbe International Airport  have claimed travel documents to be invalid in order to extort payments from travellers.

  • Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
  • Don’t show signs of affluence or carry large sums of money
  • Exercise caution, particularly in tourist areas, commercial and public establishments frequented by foreigners (e.g. markets, hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools and places of worship) and at outdoor recreation events
  • Ensure that your passport and visa are in order when travelling to and from the airport
  • Report any case of harassment or intimidation to the Embassy of Canada to Kazakhstan, in Nur-Sultan

Violent crime

Violent crime occur.

Attacks have occurred near Dangara in southern Tajikistan, resulting in casualties.

Be vigilant if hiking or cycling in the countryside, especially in areas near the border with Afghanistan.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Travel in groups and in daylight.

Advice for women travellers

There is a threat of terrorism. Even though terrorist groups are known to operate in the country, attacks are infrequent and mostly target Government of Tajikistan installations, including law enforcement and military facilities.

Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:

  • government buildings, including schools
  • police and military installations and personnel
  • places of worship
  • airports and other transportation hubs and networks
  • public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Energy, water and food shortages as well as power outages are common throughout Tajikistan, especially in winter and spring.

Maintain a stock of emergency items at your hotel/residence. If you intend to remain in Tajikistan for extended periods, prepare and review personal emergency plans with your family.

If you intend on trekking:

  • never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
  • buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
  • ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
  • ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
  • inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
  • know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
  • obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes
  • register your trip with the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence (CESCD)
  • book your travel through an accredited travel agency, who will register you with the CESCD

Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence  - Government of Tajikistan (in Tajik and Russian)

Tourist facilities

Tourist facilities are very limited. Wireless service is unreliable in less populated areas.

Public transportation

Rail service is unreliable and underdeveloped.

Road safety

Roads outside of large towns are poorly maintained and often inaccessible to vehicles that are not equipped with 4-wheel-drive.

A new tunnel links Dushanbe and Khujand, but this road is particularly dangerous in the winter due to icy conditions.

In the spring, avalanches and landslides may block roads, and travellers may be trapped for long periods waiting for emergency services, which are slow to respond in remote areas. There are no roadside assistance companies. Many roads in the interior of the country are only open during the summer.

Gas stations are rare outside of towns. If you drive to or through remote areas, ensure that you are well equipped: bring supplies that could last you for several days and a satellite phone.

Driving practices differ greatly from those in Canada and local vehicles are poorly maintained.

There are many checkpoints, and security forces may fire at vehicles that don’t stop. Exercise caution when travelling east of Dushanbe, as armed groups have established checkpoints and targeted foreigners.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Air travel is limited. In winter, poor weather conditions commonly cause sudden flight delays and cancellations. Reservations on regional airlines are not always honoured, and overcrowding on flights is common. Flights may be cancelled or significantly delayed on short notice.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Tajik authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months following the issuance of the visa, and for 60 days beyond the date of entry into Tajikistan.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

  • Foreign Representatives in Canada
  • Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days Business visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days Student visa: required

If you’re staying for more than 10 days, you must register with the local authorities.

If you intend on staying for more than 30 days, you must apply for a visitor visa online, valid for 60 days.

Visa Electronic Application Center - Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Restricted areas

You must obtain a permit from Tajik authorities to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast. You may require a permit for other high risk and closed areas.

Health entry requirements

You must be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if you are planning to reside in Tajikistan for more than three months.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

  • Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
  • COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •   washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate. Frequent shortages of energy and water can interrupt or impede the provision of medical services. There is also a severe shortage of basic medical supplies.

You will likely need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. The Tajik government is stepping up its raids to counter narcotics trafficking.

Although rarely enforced, smoking while walking on the street is illegal and punishable by a fine.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Identification

Carry a copy of your passport at all times. Individuals are frequently required by the police to produce identification.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

The laws of Tajikistan don’t prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely socially accepted.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Tajikistan.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Tajikistan.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Tajikistan, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Tajikistan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Tajikistan by an abducting parent:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Tajikistan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

  • International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
  • Travelling with children
  • Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
  • Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Dress and behaviour

Although Tajikistan is a secular country, Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to, particularly in conservative rural areas. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

The currency is the Tajik Somoni. The economy is primarily cash-based. U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Few international banking services are available, although an increasing number of ATMs can now be found in Dushanbe. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, some restaurants and most banks.

Tajikistan is located in an active seismic zone.

In higher-altitude areas, there is a significant danger of floods, avalanches and landslides, especially in the spring.

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

There is no resident Canadian government office in Tajikistan. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the Embassy of Canada to Kazakhstan, in Nur-Sultan.

Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Kazakhstan, in Nur-Sultan, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Is Tajikistan Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Tajikistan

Tajikistan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia that shares borders with Afghanistan to the south, Xinjiang in China to the east, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and Uzbekistan to the west and northwest.

Tajikistan may not be among the most visited tourist destination, but its attractions are far from ordinary.

It boasts mountains that are among the most beautiful ones in the world and the famous  ‘Pamir Highway’ enables road trips that are the biggest tourist attraction in this country.

You can start the road trip from the capital, Dushanbe, eastwards into the Pamir mountains and onwards to the north-eastern border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

This route is equally attractive to all adventure seekers, whether they are traveling by car, on foot or riding a bicycle.

This road along the western arm of the Himalayas has brought an increasing number of tourists to Tajikistan, which caused significant developments in this country concerning the accommodation of this increasing influx of visitors.

  • Warnings & Dangers in Tajikistan

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Generally speaking, Tajikistan is relatively safe to visit. It has a low crime rate and a friendly population that will try to make you feel like home. Apply all precaution measures to minimize the chances of something going wrong.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Transport is relatively safe in Tajikistan. The main roads frequented and known by tourists are in good condition, but don't be surprised when you run into poor local roads with little or no signage. Be on the lookout on public transport as this is where pickpockets tend to operate.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

While official numbers of street crime are hard to get to, it is generally known that petty crime, as well as violent crime, can be described as moderate. This means you should be careful when handling money, try and not flaunt your valuables, never leave them in plain sight and be careful in crowded places.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

Tajikistan is a country severely affected by natural disasters. Over the first six months of 2016, as much as 41 natural disasters have hit the country, including twenty-four mudslides and floods, seven wind squalls, four landslides, three lightning-and-thunderstorm-related cases, one case of rockfall, one case of an earthquake, and one case of an avalanche.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Violent crime is not a serious issue in this country. Muggings and kidnappings are not common, but you should avoid dark and deserted areas after dark, just in case. Do not walk through Victory park or Children's Park at night.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Although there haven't been any recent terrorist attacks in Tajikistan’s recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out, so remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

As for scams, keep in mind that police and other officials might try a couple of scams to try to get you to give them a bribe. They might confiscate your belongings and extort money from you or invent situations where you might feel forced to bribe them. Otherwise, check your change twice and be wary of anyone trying to distract you or offering unsolicited help.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Generally, Tajikistan is safe for solo female travelers and many women will find Tajikistan much easier to explore than countries such as India and Egypt where staring and groping are much more common. However, you shouldn't relax as there have been incidents involving over-friendly tour guides making solo female travelers feel uncomfortable. Avoid deserted and poorly lit streets and areas and try to avoid going anywhere after dark unaccompanied.

  • So... How Safe Is Tajikistan Really?

Tajikistan is somewhat safe to visit, definitely more so than its neighbors, with crime levels decreasing rapidly and friendly people willing to help and make you feel at home.

First of all, you should know that Tajik law enforcement officials are not ones to count on.

Policemen and other officials are known for being corrupt and they often target foreigners trying to extort bribes from them.

If you end up in a pickle or mixed up in any type of criminal activity, do not go to the police, as they are unlikely to help.

Instead, contact your embassy.

Now as for crime, you should know that it isn’t as bad as you would expect.

During the day, you might even think that it is non-existent as the locals strolling ladies with children hopping by them, passers-by smiling and people sipping tea at pavement cafes create an idyllic picture.

However, after dark, the streets are empty and the only present living souls are the boy racers under the influence that race up the main drag, Rudaki.

The emptiness of the streets and the darkness surrounding you if you wind up outside after sunset, make you feel uneasy and unsafe.

However, it is unlikely that you will get hurt.

Just apply all precaution measures and avoid strolling the streets after dark.

In certain areas of the country, there is a small threat of terrorism.

The hotspot where terrorist attacks are possible is the Rasht (Gharm) valley.

In September 2010 there was an ambush on Tajik soldiers in the Kamarob Gorge, but this shouldn’t be of concern to tourists as they are unlikely to visit this region of the country.

However, in the capital, Dushanbe, there have been minor, unexplained explosions that occur from time to time, so follow the authorities’ instructions if something like this happens.

  • How Does Tajikistan Compare?
  • Useful Information

Many countries do need a visa to enter Tajikistan, but they can be easily acquired online or at the Dushanbe International Airport upon arrival. Multiple-entry visas for visits longer than 45 days cannot be obtained online, and you will need to contact your local embassy. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your arrival. Another requirement you might need is the Tajik registration stamp for travelers. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

There are two official currencies in Tajikistan: Tajikistani somoni and rubles. ATMs are widespread in Dushanbe and northern cities but don’t expect to find any reliable ones in the Pamirs. Cash is more used than credit cards almost everywhere except Dushanbe.

Tajikistan has a continental climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. If you plan on venturing to the Pamir Mountains expect semiarid to polar climate.

Dushanbe International Airport is the main airport in Tajikistan. It is located in the country’s capital, Dushanbe.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Tajikistan, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Tajikistan Weather Averages (Temperatures)

  • Average High/Low Temperature
  • Where to Next?

Afghanistan-wallpaper-18

2 Reviews on Tajikistan

What do you mean.

Tajikistan is super safe

Mud slide everyday?

Very safe. Friendly people. Beautiful nature. Don’t give cash to beggars and kids cities and in the remote areas. Get some candies and when kids approach just treat them with some they mostly just scram. Some people can invite to their houses its sincere, but look at the situation.

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Article Contents

  • Overall Risk
  • Transport & Taxis Risk
  • Pickpockets Risk
  • Natural Disasters Risk
  • Mugging Risk
  • Terrorism Risk
  • Women Travelers Risk
  • Weather Averages (Temperatures)
  • User Reviews
  • Share Your Experience

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Latest update

Exercise a high degree of caution in Tajikistan overall due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of civil unrest.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Tajikistan

Tajikistan (PDF 255.09 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 03 or go to the hospital.

Call 02 or go to the local police station.

Advice levels

Do not travel to the border region with Afghanistan.

Do not travel to the border region with Afghanistan due to the volatile security situation.

Reconsider your need to travel to border regions with the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan and to the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO).

Reconsider your need to travel to:

  • border regions with the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan because of the risk posed by landmines and criminal activity
  • to the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) due to the risk of violence.
  • Terrorist attacks have happened in Tajikistan. In recent years, there have also been explosions in some locations, including Dushanbe. Be cautious when visiting possible terrorist targets. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.
  • Avoid travelling to the border area with Afghanistan due to the volatile security situation. It's also a transit point for drugs and other smuggled goods. If, despite our advice, your travel to this area, be alert to your surroundings at all times.
  • In September 2022, military clashes in the Sughd Region bordering the Kyrgyz Republic escalated into an armed conflict. Following a ceasefire agreement, the security situation remains volatile and could deteriorate further with little warning. Avoid all non-essential travel to the Tajik-Kyrgyz border area. 
  • Political violence has happened in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). Extra security measures are in place.
  • Earthquakes, avalanches, mudslides and floods happen in Tajikistan. Closely monitor local media and other sources, like the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System . Follow the advice of local authorities.

Full travel advice:  Safety

  • Some medications containing codeine are restricted in Tajikistan. If you intend to bring medication, confirm it's legal and check the rules that apply. Declare all medicines and other restricted items on arrival. If you don't, or if the amount you carry is over the legal limits, you could face charges.
  • Ticks are very common in forests and country areas from spring to autumn. Check your body for ticks during and after travel in forests. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
  • Unprotected uranium and pesticide waste dumps in the northern Sughd Region may pose a health risk. Seek local advice.
  • Medical facilities and services are limited in Tajikistan, and there's a shortage of equipment and medications. Hygiene is poor. Doctors require up-front payment before providing treatment.

Full travel advice:  Health

  • Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences include lengthy imprisonment in local jails.
  • You must carry a copy of your current passport and visa at all times.
  • It's illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level above zero. It's illegal to smoke on the street and in public places. Taking artefacts or cultural items out of Tajikistan without official permission is illegal.
  • Be careful when taking photos. Photographing sensitive sites, including transport facilities, government buildings and military zones, assets and personnel, is illegal.
  • Tajikistan has conservative codes of dress and behaviour. If in doubt, dress conservatively and seek local advice. Same-sex relationships are legal in Tajikistan, but they're not widely accepted. Avoid public displays of affection.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

  • You can enter Tajikistan once and stay up to 30 days without a visa. You'll need a visa if you stay longer than 30 days or need multiple entries. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Tajikistan for the latest details.
  • You must register with the local authorities within 10 working days of arrival.  
  • You need a permit to visit Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Tajikistan for details.
  • Tajikistan's borders can close without notice. Ask local authorities which border crossings are open and if you can use them. 
  • Declare any money you bring into Tajikistan on arrival. Present your customs declaration form when you leave.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

  • The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
  • Australia doesn't have an embassy in Tajikistan. Contact the  Australian Embassy in Russia  for consular assistance.
  • To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy's social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Terrorist attacks have occurred in Tajikistan. Tajik security forces have prevented many more. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations and other public areas.

In November 2019, it was reported that 17 people were killed in an armed attack on the Tajik security checkpoint Ishkobod in Rudaki District on the Tajik/Uzbek border, 60km south-west of Dushanbe. Local authorities advised that IS was responsible for the attack.

Explosions have been reported in some locations, including Dushanbe, in recent years.

To stay safe:

  • be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
  • be cautious when visiting potential terrorist targets
  • report any suspicious activity or items to police
  • monitor the media for threats
  • take official warnings seriously
  • follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

Civil unrest and political tension

Avoid travelling to the border area with Afghanistan due to the volatile security situation. It's also a transit point for drugs and other smuggled goods. If, despite our advice, you travel to this area, always be alert to your surroundings.

In September 2022, military clashes at the border between the Sughd Region of Tajikistan and the Batken region of Kyrgyz Republic escalated into an armed conflict, where more than 100 people were killed and 140 000 evacuated. Following a ceasefire agreement, the security situation remains volatile and could deteriorate further with little warning. Avoid all non-essential travel to the Tajik-Kyrgyz border area.

Political violence has occurred in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). Extra security measures are in place.

You need a special permit to travel into the GBAO. See  Travel .

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings.

Monitor the media and local sources for updates about possible unrest. Avoid affected areas.

  • Demonstrations and civil unrest

Pickpocketing is common in Dushanbe and on international rail services. Travellers may be targeted.

Women can be subject to verbal and physical harassment.

Criminal activity increases after dark.

Criminal groups are particularly active in Tajikistan's border regions. The region bordering Afghanistan is a transit point for drugs and other smuggled goods.

Occasional clashes occur between government forces and criminal groups, particularly in the regions bordering Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.

To protect yourself from crime:

  • leave valuables in a secure location
  • carry a copy of your passport and visa
  • take particular care if travelling alone or at night
  • watch your belongings on buses and taxis, especially at night
  • always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked
  • be alert to suspicious behaviour

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

  • Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Climate and natural disasters

Earthquakes  happen in Tajikistan.

Avalanches, mudslides and  floods  happen in mountainous areas.

If a  natural disaster  or  severe weather  occurs:

  • secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
  • closely monitor local media and other sources, like the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
  • keep in contact with your friends and family.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

  • what activities and care your policy covers
  • that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

  • have a basic health check-up
  • ask if your travel plans may affect your health
  • plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

  • General health advice
  • Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Some sleeping tablets and medications containing codeine are controlled in Tajikistan.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Tajikistan. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

  • what the medicine is
  • your required dosage
  • that it's for personal use

Declare all medications and other restricted items on arrival. If you don't declare them or you're carrying amounts over the legal limit, you could face charges even if you have the required paperwork.

  • Embassy or consulate of Tajikistan
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan

Health risks

Ticks are very common in forests and country areas. They're active from spring to autumn (March to November).

Check your body for ticks during and after travel in forests.

To protect yourself against illness:

  • ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
  • use insect repellent
  • wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
  • consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic, and other  infectious diseases  are common. They include:

  • tuberculosis
  • brucellosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

  • drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
  • avoid ice cubes
  • avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
  • avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help immediately.

Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Tailings and pesticides

Unprotected uranium and pesticide waste dumps in the northern Sughd Region may pose a health risk.

Seek local advice.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities and services are limited in Tajikistan. Hygiene is poor, and there's a shortage of medical equipment and medications.

Doctors will ask for up-front payment before providing treatment.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you may be moved to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

The  Australian Embassy in Moscow  can give you a list of medical facilities in Tajikistan.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

Law enforcement agencies in Tajikistan cooperate closely with agencies in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. If you commit an offence in one of these countries, you may be detained in another (including at the border) and extradited for prosecution.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

  • Arrested or jailed

Penalties for drug offences include long prison terms in local jails.

  • Carrying or using drugs

You must always carry a copy of your current passport and visa.

In Tajikistan, it's illegal to:

  • drive with a blood alcohol limit of over 0%
  • smoke in public places, including on the street
  • take artefacts or cultural items out of Tajikistan without a permit

It's also illegal to photograph sensitive sites, including:

  • military zones, assets, or personnel
  • transport facilities
  • government buildings

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

  • Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Tajikistan doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the  consular services  we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Tajik authorities may insist you enter Tajikistan on your Tajik passport. If they don't, always travel on your  Australian passport .

  • Dual nationals

Local customs

Tajikistan has conservative and traditional standards of dress and behaviour.

Public displays of affection may offend locals.

If in doubt, dress conservatively and seek local advice.

Same-sex relationships are legal in Tajikistan, but they're not widely accepted. Avoid public displays of affection.

  • LGBTI travellers

The Islamic holiday month of  Ramadan  is observed in Tajikistan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our  Ramadan  page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Australians can enter Tajikistan under a visa-free arrangement. The arrangement covers single-entry stays of up to 30 days.

You'll still need a visa for the following:

  • stays of more than 30 days
  • multiple entries.

Tajik visas specify validity, the number of entries and length of stay. Check your visa details are correct when you get it.

The length of stay on your visa may differ from the length of your application.

Ensure you have the correct visa type and leave the country before your visa expires.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, customs and quarantine rules, contact:

  • an  embassy or consulate of Tajikistan
  • the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, Consular Service Section

Other formalities

Registration.

You must register with the local authorities within 10 working days of arrival.

Hotels will only register you for the duration of your hotel stay. If you change accommodation, you will need to register again.

Travellers visiting Tajikistan for more than 90 days must do a health test.

  • Embassies and consulates of Tajikistan

You need a permit to visit Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO).

Tajik embassies and consulates issue this permit. The permit is subject to the security situation in the neighbouring regions.

Apply at the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs  or Passport-Registration Service of the Ministry of Interior of Tajikistan.

Border crossings

Tajikistan's borders can close without notice.

Some border crossings may only be open to locals.

Ask local authorities which border crossings are open and if you can use them.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

For Tajikistan, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has 2 empty pages.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

  • In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
  • If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

  • LGBTI travellers  

The official currency is the Tajik Somoni (TJS). US dollars and euros are readily accepted.

You can't exchange US banknotes issued before 1996.

You'll need to declare any money you bring into Tajikistan on arrival. Immigration officers will check your customs declaration form when you leave to make sure you're not taking more money out than you brought in.

The Tajik economy is largely cash-based. Traveller's cheques aren't accepted. Very few places accept credit cards.

International banking services are limited.

You'll find several ATMs in Dushanbe and larger cities, but not in some rural areas.

Local travel

Driving permit.

To drive in Tajikistan, you need both:

  • a valid Australian driver's licence
  • a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia. Driving without it could void your insurance.

Road travel

Road conditions and driving standards are poor.

Driving at night is dangerous.

It's illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level above zero.

Police and military checkpoints are common. You may need to provide identification documents at checkpoints.

Avalanches and landslides can occur in winter and spring. Road conditions can be unpredictable during this time.

Many interior roads are open only in the summer, including the main road from Dushanbe to Khujand.

Service stations are limited in rural areas.

To stay safe when driving:

  • understand local traffic laws and practices
  • avoid driving at night
  • ask locals for advice on road conditions
  • make sure you have enough petrol when travelling in rural areas
  • Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Only use licensed taxis and limousines. Arrange these through your hotel.

Public transport

Public transport  in the city is often overcrowded and unsafe.

Bus services between major cities are unreliable.

Rail travel

Rail travel can be unreliable. It can also be dangerous due to criminal activity.

Flight cancellations and delays at Dushanbe International Airport are common.

If you need to leave Tajikistan quickly, you may need valid entry visas for alternative destinations.

In April 2022, the EU announced that 21 Russian-owned airlines were banned from flying in EU airspace due to safety concerns.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Tajikistan's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

  • family and friends
  • travel agent
  • insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter . It details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in Tajikistan. You can contact the Australian Embassy in Russia for consular assistance.

Australian Embassy, Moscow

13 Kropotkinsky Pereulok Moscow 119034 Russia Phone: (+7 495) 956-6070 Fax: (+7 495) 956-6170 Website:  russia.embassy.gov.au Twitter:  @PosolAustralia

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

  • +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
  • 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

  • Packing List

After Your Trip

Map - Tajikistan

Be aware of current health issues in Tajikistan. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

  • Updated   Global Measles March 22, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Tajikistan.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Tajikistan.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Tajikistan. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Tajikistan, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

  • Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
  • Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
  • Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Tajikistan. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

  • Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
  • Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
  • Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
  • Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

  • Tick bite 
  • Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
  • Avoid Bug Bites

Leishmaniasis

  • Sand fly bite

Airborne & droplet

  • Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
  • Bite from an infected rodent
  • Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
  • Avoid rodents and areas where they live
  • Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Tajikistan, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

  • Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
  • Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
  • Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
  • Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Tajikistan. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Tajikistan include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Tajikistan’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Tajikistan. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Tajikistan may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Tajikistan, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

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Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

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For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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A guide for traveling to Tajikistan (Tips + 3-week itinerary)

By Joan Torres 2 Comments Last updated on September 11, 2023

Best time to visit Tajikistan

The ex-Soviet Republic of Tajikistan is a truly wild country that you don’t want to miss in your Silk Road journey.

Home to the Pamir range, one of highest mountain ranges in the world, the mountains of Tajikistan attract the most adventurous travelers, especially those wanting to drive the M-41, or Pamir Highway, an impressive road and architectural masterpiece that goes through some of the remotest and most beautiful mountain scenery in Central Asia .

With tourism increasing year by year, the country is daily becoming more prepared to receive international travelers and, after spending 1 month in the country, I have compiled this guide that contains all the tips needed for traveling to Tajikistan , plus a compelling 3-week itinerary.

traveling in Tajikistan

In this Tajikistan travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

  • COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
  • Travel Insurance
  • Best time to visit
  • The country and culture
  • Scams and corruption
  • Food and alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Useful books
  • Accommodation
  • More information

eSIM card for browsing when traveling in Tajikistan

With Holafly , you can now get an electronic SIM card for Tajikistan from home with just 2 clicks.

5% discount with the following code:

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😷 COVID-19 Travel restrictions for Tajikistan

Officially, Tajikistan doesn’t require any sort of COVID-related status but know that airlines might require it so, meaning that either proof of vaccination or PCR test is a must.

Travel Insurance for Tajikistan with COVID-19 coverage

IATI Insurance is one of the few providers that offers full Coronavirus coverage, not only when it comes to treatment, but also cancellations costs in case you tested positive before departure.

Moreover, IATI offers up to 1-year plans, so it’s perfect for big overlanding trips around the Stans.

Readers of Against the Compass can get an exclusive 5% discount .

🪪 How to get a visa for visiting Tajikistan

In 2022, tajikistan implemented a free-visa policy for up to 52 countries.

The free visa for Tajikistan is valid for both airport and land borders, and these countries include:

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia , Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States

Problem > GBAO Permit

The  Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region  (GBAO) is the region located in the east of Tajikistan, where the Pamir Highway and Wakhan Valley are. 

If you want to visit it, you’ll have to get an extra permit.

How to get a GBAO permit:

  • By applying for an e-visa and ticking the GBAO checkbox in the application form of the e-visa. That costs 20USD. While this might seem a convenient option, it makes the free VOA become totally useless.
  • At the Tajikistan Embassy.
  • At the Migration Police Office (OVIR) in Dushanbe, find the location here . This costs 20 Somoni.

Read: 30 Tips for traveling to Kazakhstan

trekking in tajikistan

The rest of the nationalities might be able to apply for an e-visa

And you can apply through the official portal , also valid for any port of entry.

The visa costs 50USD, is valid for 60 days, is single entry, and takes 1 or 2 working days.

Double-entry visa for Tajikistan

For the e-visa, it’s finally possible to buy a multiple-entry tourist visa for Tajikistan.

Tajikistan visa

🚑 Travel Insurance for Tajikistan

Tajikistan is an adventurous destination, with crazy high mountains, the Pamir Highway averaging around 4,000 meters above sea level, so you should get travel insurance with the following features and benefits:

  • It covers adventure activities, including trekking in high altitudes
  • It offers long-term plans, perfect for big overlanding trips around the Stans.
  • COVID-19 coverage

For that, I recommend IATI Insurance because it gathers all the above, plus readers of this blog get a 5% discount .

⛅ Best time to visit Tajikistan

If you plan to do some trekking in eastern Tajikistan, you should come in summer.

I remember being in Alichur, a small village in the Pamir Highway and one of the coldest places in Central Asia, and, in the morning, during August, it was -5ºC and there was a freezing, strong wind, so it felt even colder. 

Imagine the weather there during the rest of the year.

tajikistan travel safe

Nevertheless, the Pamir Highway is open all year long so, if you are self-driving, you can drive it at any time.

Actually, my friend Joao Leitao from Nomad Revelations drove it in winter.

On the other hand, the Fann Mountains in west Tajikistan are at lower altitude, hence warmer, so they can be visited during spring and fall. 

I did the 7 lakes trek in September and it was particularly hot!

tajikistan travel safe

🕌 The country, the people and its culture

After the Soviet Union’s dissolution in 1991, Tajikistan went through a dark period of Civil War that lasted pretty much until 1997 and it was not only in 1999, that they formed an actual, stable government, even though  Emomali Rahmon , who is still today President of Tajikistan today, had already been ruling from 1994.

It was one of the countries most affected by the Soviet Union’s breakdown, as all their economy and development depended on the Russians so, after getting their independence, the country went to ruin.

Murghab

That crisis can still be seen today, as this is clearly the least developed of all the Stans (not counting Turkmenistan), a country with high rates of unemployment, and the fact that most of their infrastructure is still from the Soviet Union times.

It is also the least Westernized country, also due to the fact they are far from Russia so, unlike  Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan , their cultural influence is not that visible, hence they have less international exposure.

Actually, after having some conversations with quite a few highly educated Tajiks in Dushanbe, I felt that they don’t really know anything about what is going on in the outside world.

tajikistan travel safe

They were people with very few Western values and no apparent ambition who asked me many times why I would ever want to travel to Tajikistan.

Moreover, Tajikistan is one of those fake democracies where elections are celebrated but there is only one political party, so the same President has been ruling since 1994.

There is no freedom of speech and I remember when my Australian friend, Sam, was talking to a local man for about half an hour at the main square in Dushanbe, a man in a suit came to ask what was going on and invited him to leave.

This means that, still today, the Government doesn’t like their citizens to get international exposure.

The Tajiks – Tajiks are a Persian ethnic group who live mainly in Tajikistan and Afghanistan , but also in Xinjiang (China) and Uzbekistan .

Actually, nearly half of the total Tajik population live in Afghanistan.

Tajik people

Nevertheless, you should know that, like all the Stans, Tajikistan is ethnically mixed and, actually, most of the people living in the Pamirs are Kyrgyz, whereas those in the Wakhan Valley are Wakhis, so if you want to meet the real Tajiks when you are traveling to Tajikistan, you will have to explore Dushanbe and the western part of the country.

tajikistan travel safe

Language – Tajik, which is a dialect of Persian (the language spoken in Iran and Afghanistan) is the official language. Russian is, of course, widely spoken among most people. English tends to be a problem across all the country. I recommend you learn some basic Russian before you visit Tajikistan. 

Religion –  Tajiks are Suni Muslims but, like in all Central Asia, religion is not a very big deal. However, I felt that Tajiks were the most religious people in all Central Asia, especially those from the Fann Mountains. I remember that the men there never said hello or shook hands with my girlfriend.

Read: 65 Tips for traveling to Uzbekistan

Places to visit in Tajikistan

🛫 How to travel to Tajikistan

Travel insurance for Tajikistan I recommend IATI Insurance : 5% discount + wide adventure activities coverage Get your discount when buying through this link

Travel to Tajikistan by air

Traveling to Tajikistan by air is very easy, as there are many international flights connecting Dushanbe with Europe.

If you intend to travel the Pamir Highway, many people fly into Osh, the largest city in southern Kyrgyzstan and the beginning of the M-41 on the Kyrgyz side.

Travel to Tajikistan by land

Moreover, if you want to travel to Tajikistan by land, know that it shares a border with 4 countries and most of them have multiple border crossings. 

Kyrgyzstan – There are 6 border crossings and 4 of them are open to foreigners. The most obvious is the Kyzyl Art border crossing , which is the one that follows the Pamir Highway. For more information, read the latest Caravanistan updates .

tajikistan travel safe

Uzbekistan – There are 5 border crossings with Uzbekistan and all of them seem to be open. I personally crossed the one at Konibodom , that links Khujand with the Fergana Valley , but if you don’t plan to visit that region, it is not very convenient. The Oybek border crossing is the one that connects Khujand with Tashkent and Penjakent is the one that connects the Fann Mountains with Samarkand. For more information, check the latest updates on Caravanistan .

Afghanistan – You can cross at Ishkashim, the gate to the Wakhan Corridor and a very safe part of Afghanistan; or the border crossing south of Dushanbe, which is also open but leads to Kunduz, a not very safe part of Afghanistan. Both borders are open but, if you plan to travel back to Tajikistan, remember to have a double entry visa.

China – Apparently, Kulma Pass is open now, as long as you have a valid printed visa on your passport. For more information, check the latest updates on Caravanistan .

Kulma Pass leads directly to the Karakoram Highway that connects Kashgar with Islamabad in Pakistan. Read here the full guide .

tajikistan travel safe

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Tajikistan?

In summer 2018, 4 cyclists traveling across Tajikistan were murdered in Danghara , an area relatively close to Dushanbe. ISIS claimed the attack.

That accident triggered a big concern among many travelers and the Tajiks are concerned that it might affect their tourism negatively.

This unfortunate event, however, has been a one-off thing and I personally think that it shouldn’t affect your decision to travel to Tajikistan. A similar case happened in Morocco in December 2018 when 2 Scandinavian girls were killed and, so far, it doesn’t seem that tourism has been affected.

Aside from that, Tajikistan is a safe country with very low crime rates.

tajikistan travel safe

Scams and corruption when visiting Tajikistan

I still remember being in the car with a homestay owner, on our way to Khujand, when he gave some money to a policeman after stopping at one checkpoint.

Why did you give him money? – I said

Oh, this is just the standard bribing procedure. If we don’t pay him, then he would try to find a reason to fine or arrest us. 

The corruption in Tajikistan is a well-known fact and some of these police officers also try to rip off foreigners but luckily, as tourists, there is not much they can do to you unless you are credulous and believe their lies.

Common scams include policemen telling you that there is a problem with your Tajik visa or making you pay an entrance fee to a place that, obviously, doesn’t require an entrance fee.

Dude, just think:

How the hell there is going to be something wrong with your visa? And also, where have you been where you need to purchase an entry ticket from a policeman?

Just say no and continue with your business.

things to do in Tajikistan

💻 Internet and connectivity in Tajikistan

Wi-Fi – From Murghab to Khujand and Dushanbe, the Wi-Fi connection when you are traveling in Tajikistan is one of the worst I have ever seen. In Dushanbe, the Wi-Fi in my hostel was particularly bad and then every day I would go work to a fancy café and the internet was down every now and then. In the Pamir Highway and the Wakhan Valley, Wi-Fi doesn’t exist.

SIM Card – 3G was just OK anywhere outside of the Pamir Highway. I bought MegaFon and, for a few Somonis, I got plenty of GBs.

eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Tajikistan

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination. 

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Tajikistan . 

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code:  AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

Get a VPN for traveling in Tajikistan

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Tajikistan. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

💰 Money when you travel in Tajikistan

The official currency is the Tajik Somoni and approximately:

1 USD = 10.84 TJS

ATMs and credit cards – You can find ATM’s in the big cities (not in the Pamir Highway).

How much does it cost to travel to Tajikistan

It really depends on where you go and, ultimately, how you travel the Pamir Highway.

Typically, meals cost something between 1 and 3USD and budget homestays around 10-15USD, which tends to include dinner and breakfast.

In Dushanbe, you can find dorms for 3-4USD and the local transportation ranges from 2 to 10USD, depending on where you go.

For all costs referred to the Pamir Highway , read my guide .

tajikistan travel safe

🍲 Food and alcohol when visiting Tajikistan.

Like in all Central Asia, the food won’t be the highlight of your visit in Tajikistan. 

In the Pamirs and different homestays, you are likely to eat shorpo for every meal, which is a meat broth.

In local restaurants, you will just find things like shahslik , meat skewers;  lagman , a noodle soup; manti , fatty meat dumplings; or plov , rice fried in lamb fat.

As per alcohol, as in all ex-Soviet countries, beer and especially vodka are found everywhere.

food in Tajikistan

🛺 Transportation when you travel around Tajikistan

The below information refers to types of transportation in western Tajikistan, not the Pamir Highway. For this, read my guide to the Pamir Highway .

Marshrutkas – Marshrutkas is what former Soviet countries call their public minivans. They are really cheap and travel between most towns and cities.

Local shared taxis – Actually, we used more local shared taxis than marshrutkas and, as far as I could see, they are the most preferred option among locals.

Hitchhiking – Highly doable and easy! We actually had one of our most crazy hitchhiking experiences, when we spent more than 48 hours in a truck, on our way from Khorog to Dushanbe.

tajikistan travel safe

📚 Books for traveling to Tajikistan

For more book options, check: the best 28 books on the Silk Road

Tajikistan Travel Guide by Bradt – The most comprehensive travel guide to Tajikistan. I bought all the Bradt guides to Central Asia (e-Book format). They are, by far, the most insightful guides I have ever read recently.

tajikistan travel safe

Central Asia Travel Guide by Lonely Planet – I am not a fan of this guide, but if you are traveling to all the Stans and want to buy just one book, it is a good choice as well.

tajikistan travel safe

🏨 Accommodation in Tajikistan

Homestays –  On the Pamir Highway, homestays are the way to go. I recommend you stay in random homestays, not in the popular ones. This way, the benefits will be spread more equally plus random homestays are cheaper.

Hostels – Hostels are popular, from Khorog to Dushanbe and Khujand.

Hotels – In Khorog, Dushanbe, and Khujand you can find hotel options for mid-range travelers.

Yurts – In the Pamirs, you can also find nomadic yurt camps where Kyrgyz nomads live.

tajikistan travel safe

Traveling to Tajikistan – 3-week Itinerary

I traveled to Tajikistan from Kyrgyzstan via Kyzyl Art Pass and left through Uzbekistan at Konibodom, so this Tajikistan itinerary reflects the direction I took.

Map of the Tajikistan itinerary

Things to do in Tajikistan – Pamir Highway (8-9 days) 

Built by the Soviets in 1930, the Pamir Highway is an architectural masterpiece that goes through some of the remotest landscapes you can ever imagine.

Officially, it starts in Osh (Kyrgyzstan) and ends in Afghanistan but the highest and most beautiful part of it lies in Tajikistan.

The following information is just a small summary. For the full guide, read my 6,000-word guide to the Pamir Highway .

travel to tajikistan

How many days are needed for the Pamir Highway?

Well, it is really hard to say. We spent more than 2 weeks between the Pamir Highway and the Wakhan Valley but that is because we stopped in many places plus we also did a 3-day trek.

Normally, most people take a 5 or 7-day tour (starting from Osh), which also includes the Wakhan Valley, but, to be very honest, it is not enough to explore the side valleys, which is where the most stunning landscapes are.

travel in Tajikistan

If you don’t have the time, I get it but, if you do, here are all the places you need to stop at:

Karakul (1 night) – The first big settlement coming from Kyrgyzstan, Karakul has a very big lake and with some pretty cool snow-capped mountains at the background.

Murghab (2-3 nights) – Murghab is the main town on the M-41 and a base for visiting other places and valleys. We first stayed 2 nights because we waited for a festival and then we stayed a 3rd night after coming back from the trek.

Tajikistan travel guide

Gumbezkul Pass trek (2-3 nights) – If you have your own car, you can do this trek in 1 day but we did it in 3, cause we walked all the way from Murghab and spent one amazing night with some real nomads in the middle of nowhere.

Alichur  (1 night) – Very cool landscapes, yaks, trekking and Marco Polo sheep safaris.

best things to do in tajikistan

Bulunkul (Stopover) – The coldest place in Central Asia is home to a beautiful lake. The trek from Alichur to here is a popular one. You can find a few homestays.

For most travelers, the Pamir Highway is, definitely, one of the best things to do in Tajikistan.

visit Tajikistan

Places to visit in Tajikistan – Wakhan Valley (3-4 days)

Many travelers tend to classify the Wakhan Valley as part of the Pamir Highway (M-41), which is completely wrong because they are 2 different places.

Actually, to reach the Wakhan Valley you need to leave the road and drive towards Afghanistan for several kilometers.

is travel to Tajikistan safe

Anyways. The Wakhan Valley is one of my most favorite places in entire Central Asia and my most favorite place in my Tajikistan itinerary.

And the reason is that, besides being home to intriguing and jaw-dropping landscapes, the Wakhan is of great historical importance as the ancient border between North Asia and South Asia and on the remarkable Silk Road route, which can be seen in the many fortresses and other sites of cultural heritage there.

Moreover, in the 20th century, the Wakhan Valley marked the border between the Soviet Union and Afghanistan and the Soviet tanks came through here to invade Afghanistan in the 70s.

Today, the river you will go along during your whole journey, whose other side is in Afghanistan, is the main entry point for smuggling products, especially heroin, and, from the window of your car, you can wave and say hello at the many Afghans across the river, from whom you are separated by only a couple of meters.

Once again, this is a small summary, so for more information, don’t forget to check my guide to the Wakhan Valley in Tajikistan.

should i travel to Tajikistan

These are all the places we stopped at:

Langar (1 night) – The first big settlement you find is Langar.

We personally didn’t like Langar, as it is the only place in the Wakhan where the locals are very pushy in trying to promote their homestays, plus it is actually far from the river.

I recommend you continue for a few kilometers to Hisor, a more genuine village and with nicer views to actual Afghanistan.

Vrang (stop) – Vrang is another old village that has an ancient Buddhist temple. It is worth stopping for a few hours.

Yamchun (1 night) – The most striking fortress in the Wakhan, which stands with the Afghan Hindu Kush on its background.

travel to Tajikistan safe

It also has some famous hot springs called Baby Fatima that are believed to have some fertility benefits.

Namadgut (1 night) – There is nothing in particular to see here but travelers don’t tend to stop here, so it is quite untouched. That is why here we had the best cultural experience with a local woman who blessed us with her hospitality.

Kaakha Fortress – The second most famous fortress after Yamchun has also great views to Afghanistan.

Ishkashim (1 night) – The main town in the Wakhan Valley. It used to hold the Afghan market in no man’s land but it is temporarily closed. It is also the border to Afghanistan for those interested in doing the Afghan Wakhan corridor.

travel to Tajikistan safety

Tajikistan itinerary – Khorog (2 days)

After nearly two weeks of showering with buckets, using holes and bushes as toilets, exclusively eating shorpo and with no internet at all, getting to Khorog felt particularly good.

It is not a very big town but it has a good local market where you can buy many food items that were not available in the Pamir Highway, like cheese, and supermarkets with cold beer.

There is also an Indian restaurant that tends to be filled with travelers and a really good Tajik restaurant by the river, serving high quality grilled meat and other stuff.

Other than this, Khorog is a place to just chill, where we spent 4 days just catching up with work and filling our bellies with decent food.

By the way, the famous Afghan market takes place on Saturday.

tajikistan travel safe

Where to stay in Khorog

Backpacker Hostel –  Pamir Lodge  – All right, it is a cool place and there is a friendly atmosphere. However, the hostel has the capacity for nearly 100 people and it only has two toilets and two showers, so when I came in August, it was very difficult to find them empty, apart from being quite dirty of course.

Backpacker Hostel –   Hostel Do Nazarbayg  – An alternative to Pamir lodge. You will find fewer backpackers but the location is much better and it is not that busy.

Guest House – Riverside – A quieter, more homestay-style place.

The journey to Dushanbe – 1 day

The road to Dushanbe is a very long way.

Shared taxis take around 12 hours and cost 30USD. They leave from near the market but you need to be there early, 7am at most.

We arrived before 8am and there weren’t any marshrutkas or taxis left, so we decided to hitchhike and it took us 3 days, spending more than 48 hours in a truck.

The distance is only 518km but the road is really bad but beautiful and interesting as, again, it goes along the Afghan border for the most part of it.

traveling in Tajikistan is it safe

Things to do in Tajikistan – Dushanbe (2 days)

The capital of Tajikistan is another place to chill for a few days while you collect some visas, like the Uzbek or Turkmen visas.

Well, not the Uzbek visa anymore, as from February 2019, they started issuing visas on arrival. Check my Uzbekistan travel guide for more information.

Dushanbe has cafés with real coffee, a variety of restaurants and a few pubs where to hang out at night.

What I liked about Dushanbe is that it was my first introduction to the real Tajikistan, as most people you meet in the eastern part are Kyrgyz, Wakhis or Pamir, so you will see a significant difference with the people living here, especially in the way women dress.

Don’t forget to check the main bazaar and the Rudaki Park, which holds the second tallest flagpole in the world

Where to stay in Dushanbe

Backpacker Hostel –   Green House Hostel – We spent so many days here because the hostel was really comfortable. Comfy beds, a big kitchen and a living room with awesome couches.

Budget Guest House –  Hello Dushanbe  – If you want a less backpacker-friendly place, Hello Dushanbe may be slightly more expensive but the facilities are great. It has both private rooms and a dorm.

tajikistan travel safe

Hissor Fortress – Day trip from Dushanbe

If you are bored to be in Dushanbe, we also did a day trip to a fortress named Hissor, which was built by the Uzbeks in the 18th century, as this part of Tajikistan used to belong to the Emirate of Bukhara. The north was part of the Russian empire. 

All right, the fortress itself was boring, as it was overly refurbished, but we always like to get out of town, take a local marshrutka and just see other towns, so it was worth it only for this reason. 

How to get to Hissor fortress

From Dushanbe, you need to take a marshrutka to a town named Khisor. From there, take a taxi or hitchhike back to the fortress which is 4 or 5km away.

travel guide Tajikistan

Places to visit in Tajikistan – Penjakent and the Fann Mountains (3-4 days)

Once again, this is a small summary.

For all the information needed, read my guide to the Fann Mountains .

While they are not as stunning as the valleys around the Pamir Highway, the Fann Mountains are also very pretty and their main advantage is that, unlike the Pamirs, they are heavily populated and filled with several tiny villages where actual Tajik people live.

where to travel in Tajikistan

Therefore, visiting the Fann Mountains is a great opportunity to discover the real Tajik rural life, so different from anything you have seen during your Tajikistan itinerary. 

Most people come to the Fann Mountains to visit Iskanderkul lake but I recommend going to the area around Penjakent and doing the 7 Lakes Trek .

why travel to Tajikistan

The reason is that, although Iskanderkul is a beautiful lake, no people live there plus it is always busy with domestic tourists, which isn’t a bad thing, but you won’t see much of the local culture. 

On the other hand, the 7 Lakes trek starts in Penjakent and goes through several tiny villages where you can do homestays.

From Penjakent, we took a UAZ-452, the classic Soviet mini-van, and drove to a village named Rachnapollon.

That area is really off the beaten track, so the driver himself invited us to stay at his place, for free, but we decided to give him a generous tip because he had been feeding us. 

How to get to Penjakent

First, take a local shared taxi from Dushanbe to Penjakent, which costs  70TJS (8USD) . It is a 230km journey.

In Penjakent, for just a few somonis, we got in the UAZ-452 to Rachnapollon, from where we started walking on the next day.

Remember to check my guide to the Fann Mountains

a travel guide to Tajikistan

Places to visit in Tajikistan – Khujand (2-3 days)

Khujand is the purest Tajikistan in its most genuine form and one of the oldest cities in Central Asia (2,500 years old). 

It is the second largest city in the country, a city with little international exposure that has kept its traditional values.

Most travelers use it as a mere transit point, as it is close to the closest border with Tashkent, but I recommend spending here two nights at least.

Arbob Palace Tajikistan

Things to do in Khujand

Don’t forget to check the traditional bazaar, one of those traditional bazaars where everybody asks for a photo and gives you free stuff; and all the mausoleums and historical buildings around the main square. The Arbob Palace is also worth checking out. 

Khujand

Where to stay in Khujand

Budget Hostel – Somoni Hostel – The best choice for backpackers and a really cool hostel.

Budget Hotel – Golden Apartments – The alternative to a backpacker hostel.

things to do in Khujand

❗ More information for visiting Tajikistan

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Tajikistan destination

  • Travel Guide to Wakhan Valley
  • Fann Mountains Travel Guide
  • Travel Guide to Pamir Highway

Travel guides to other countries in Central Asia

  • Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide
  • Travel Guide to Uzbekistan
  • Travel Guide to Kazakhstan
  • Pakistan Travel Guide
  • Afghanistan Travel Guide

traveling to Tajikistan

Hi, first of all thanks for sharing all this info, it is very rare to find such a helpful person.I saw your itinerary, you crossed the wakhan valley from the Tajik side, I wanted to ask you what type of permit should you ask for? I will be doing the pamir, so I will have to ask for GBAO permission. Do I still have to apply for an Afghan visa to cross the wakhan valley from the Tajik side or is the GBAO enough?

Hi there. Sorry, I am a bit confused about your question. There are two Wakhan Valleys: Tajik and Afghan. I did visit Tajik Wakhan, but I never visited Afghan Wakhan. To visit Tajik Wakhan you need GBAO permit. To visit Afghan permit you need an Afghan visa but now that it’s under Taliban rule, I don’t know how can you visit it.

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The Adventures of Nicole

The Ultimate Tajikistan Travel Guide

Updated October 2023,   The Ultimate Tajikistan Travel Guide was originally written December 2016

Where Carib-blue glacial lakes reflect atmosphere scraping mountains, hospitality is something of legend and where travel is just opening up. Without a doubt traveling in Tajikistan is a rewarding experience. Wild and rugged, Tajikistan is a country that attracts few adventurers, but those who dare go here are more than rewarded.

If you’re looking for idyllic raw nature where few others roam Tajikistan is the place for you. But don’t worry, there are a few stops to get in some creature comforts for those not as intrepid. Here is everything you need to know about Tajikistan travel.

I can honestly say after so many trips I’ve lost count and several months years spent in Tajikistan, it is my favorite country in the world. There’s nowhere else I’ve spent more time (aside from home) and nowhere else I’ve written this extensively about. Here is literally everything I’ve learned on the road in all my Tajikistan travel experience.

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Wanna join an epic trek in the Fann Mountains or a Journey along the Pamir Highway?

I will be leading a 12 day trek that takes in the best of Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains again this summer, followed by a 12 day trip down the Pamir Highway. The Fann Mountains Trek will take place June 12-23, 2024 and the Pamir Highway Expedition will be from June 25-July 6, 2024, with the option to combo both into a 25 day Tajikistan Expedition .

General Travel Info

Tajikistan’s currency is the Tajik Somoni ( TJS  for short). As of  March 2024 , the exchange is now:

  • $1 USD=11.00 TJS
  • €1=11.60 TJS
  • £1=13.35 TJS

Gone are the days of the black market, and since 2019 ATMs in major cities and towns generally work! This was a welcomed change from my previous years spent in Tajikistan where 80% of ATMs were out of money, 19% didn’t take foreign cards, leaving that rare 1% to serve you.

I still recommend bringing some USD in with you in the event ATMs go back to their old ways– USD is still widely accepted for larger payments, but money can be exchanged quite easily if need be.

I have found ATMs accepting foreign cards in Dushanbe, Khujand, Khorog, Qalaikhumb, Istaravshan, and Panjakent. Murghab still does not have an ATM as of 2023.

Tipping isn’t standard in Tajikistan, however, those in services that cater toward tourists like guides and drivers will likely expect a tip of 10%. Many restaurants in cities will include a 10% gratuity as a service charge on the bill.

Just starting to plan your visit to Tajikistan? Grab a copy of Bradt’s Tajikistan guidebook

Hospitality

Tajiks are extremely welcoming and hospitable so it’s not uncommon for complete strangers to invite you to their home for a meal or to spend the night with their family. Typically Tajiks will not accept any kind of payment in this case, so it is recommended to either hide a few Somoni in the home or give it to the eldest child.

The country isn’t particularly wealthy and people will go above and beyond and even into debt to show you Tajik hospitality. Bringing small gifts is another great idea to show your appreciation.

Long story short, learn basic phrases in Russian and/or Tajik before you head to Tajikistan.

Tajik is the official language of Tajikistan. It is more or less a dialect of Farsi spoken in Iran and Dari spoken in Afghanistan . The one thing that sets Tajik the furthest apart from Dari and Farsi is the use of the Cyrillic alphabet over the Persian-modified Arabic script.

Russian is still commonly used and understood especially among locals over the age of 30, if traveling the whole of  Central Asia , Russian will most likely prove the most useful to learn. Then, of course, there are several regional languages: Pamiri, Bartangi, Wakhi, Yagnobi/Sogdian, and so on. Children and teenagers may know a few words of English as it is becoming more popular.

Make sure you can read Cyrillic script before you come to Tajikistan or Central Asia. Many signs and menus in Tajikistan are written in Cyrillic.

Islam is the main religion in the country. The majority of people are Sunni.

In Khorog, the  Wakhan , and the  Bartang Valley  you’ll find a large number of Ismaili Muslims who are a quite progressive Shia sect. Of course, there is a small number of other religions practiced, such as Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Russian Orthodoxy, and so on.

Mevlana Yakub Charki Mosque in Dushanbe, Mevlana Yakub Charki Mosque, mosque, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

What To Wear

As with most majority Islamic countries, respectful dress will make your trip much easier. Tajikistan is a somewhat conservative society but is nowhere near as conservative as other Islamic nations.

For women, as long as you don’t show too much skin you should be fine (even if you do, you will still likely be fine, just stared at). Great outfit options for women are harem pants with loose-fitting shirts, or leggings and tunics. Another good idea would be to have a Tajik style dress (similar to a shalwar kameez) made.

Covering your hair is not required or the norm, but do have a scarf handy with you just in case you find a mosque you’d like to explore. While the headscarf isn’t necessary, you will still see some women wearing it. Mostly they tend to wear a scarf tied around their hair wrapped in a bun.

For men, you can likely wear similar clothing to what you would wear at home. You’ll see men wearing jeans and t-shirts, as well as dress pants and button-down shirts. Shorts above the knee aren’t common.

Men do cover their heads when entering mosques, many mosques will have loner doppa caps you can borrow, or you can pick up a doppa at a bazaar.

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How Long To Travel Tajikistan

This depends largely on what you plan to do and where you’d like to go. Most Tajik visas given out are 60 days in length which is a decent amount of time to get to know the country. 2-3 weeks is a good amount of time to fit in the highlights of Tajikistan.

The biggest attraction in Tajikistan is the famed  Pamir Highway  road trip, followed by trekking in the  Fann Mountains .

The typical amount of time needed to travel the Pamir Highway between Dushanbe and  Osh, Kyrgyzstan  is 6-9 days, though it is possible to do it in as little as three days. I do not recommend trying to cover the Pamir Highway in 3 days as this would mean sitting in the car for 8-16 hours each day and doesn’t give you any time to actually get out of the car except for to sleep at night.

Usually, people take between 5 and 9 days to complete it. However, those wanting to really get a feel for the region and get some trekking in could spend weeks here and not feel like they scratched the surface.

For those visiting the Fann Mountains, most will spend 2-10 days in the area trekking in the mountains to the beautiful lakes. Of course, you can spend 2 weeks to a month easily if wanting to more thoroughly explore the Fanns as well as the nearby  Yagnob Valley .

Here Are A Few Examples Of Time Allotments For Those Planning Tajikistan Travel

  • Pamir Highway  (without the Wakhan Valley): 5-7 days
  • Pamir Highway (with the  Wakhan Valley ): 7-9 days
  • Fann Mountains  Trekking ( Lakes Loop ): 3-5 days
  • Haft Kul  (7 Lakes of Marguzor or Shing) Trekking: 1-2 days
  • Yagnob Valley  Trekking: 4-10 days
  • Jizeu Trek : 1-2 Days
  • Dushanbe : 1-2 days
  • Khujand  1-2 days
  • Khorog : 1 day
  • Murghab : 1 Day
  • Istaravshan : 1 Day

Read:  1-4 Week Tajikistan Itinerary Ideas

When To Travel Tajikistan

The best time of year to visit Tajikistan is largely dependent on what you plan to do. The best time to access mountain passes, camp, and even travel around the Pamir Highway is from mid-June to mid-September.

Summer stretches from June to August, this is when the high-altitude passes are most easily accessible.

The lower-lying cities such as Dushanbe, Khujand, Kulab, and even Khorog can be downright scorching hot in summer. Fall is the best time to visit cities as temperatures start to cool down in September and steadily drop through October.

Trekking is still possible and quite beautiful in fall, although October can get quite cold toward the end of the month and snow can be expected at higher elevations.

Winter stretches from November to March and roads through passes will be closed at times. Winter can be a great time to visit for those wanting to ski Tajikistan’s nearly untouched mountains.

The spring months of April & May bring wetter weather and landslides to the Fanns and Pamirs making travel difficult. In spring head for the Karotegin Valley, or into the rarely-touristed southwest of Tajikistan.

Most of your transportation in Tajikistan will be by shared taxi, minibus/marshrutka, private 4×4 hire. Hitchhiking is possible but can vary in difficulty depending on where in the country you’re at or plan to go. Note that pretty much anyone with a car will function as a taxi driver, so even when planning to hitchhike many drivers will still expect some payment.

Shared taxis and marshrutka/minibusses tend to only leave when full from taxi stands and bus stations in cities and towns. They typically have a fixed price per seat, so if you are in a hurry and would like to depart sooner it’s possible to pay for the empty seats. The prices listed below are a rough estimate of shared taxi prices based on my most recent visit ( summer 2023 ), do plan to haggle with drivers.

Private 4×4 hire is a common way tourists get around the country as well, although more expensive. Most travelers will travel the Pamir Highway by 4×4 hire split amongst a group of backpackers. Prices tend to fall between 0.70-0.90 (USD) per kilometer.

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Shared Taxi Prices Per Seat Unless Stated Otherwise

  • Dushanbe-Penjikient: 130 TJS
  • Dushanbe-Sarvoda: 50 TJS
  • Sarvoda-Alovaddin: 200 TJS (entire car)
  • Sarvoda-Margib: 300 TJS (entire car)
  • Penjikent-Khujand: 120-150 TJS
  • Khujand-Istaravshan: 20 TJS
  • Khujand-Isfara: 30 TJS
  • Dushanbe-Khorog: 400 TJS to Khorog, 350 TJS back to Dushanbe
  • Khorog-Ishkashim: 50 TJS
  • Ishkashim-Langar: 70 TJS
  • Langar-Khorog: 120 TJS
  • Khorog-Murghab: 120 TJS
  • Murghab-Osh: 200 TJS

Private Car Hire On Popular Routes

For private car hire there are two ways of doing this and one is often substantially more expensive. If you will be going on a popular route such as the ones listed above for shared taxis, you can simply go to a shared taxi stand and offer to purchase all the seats in the vehicle and leave right then and there. For example, if you want to go from Dushanbe to Sarvoda- a seat in a shared taxi would normally cost 50 TJS and there are four passenger seats in the car, so you’ll pay 200 TJS to charter the entire car.

The other way that is more expensive, though you’ll be able to guarantee your departure time, will most certainly have a better quality vehicle, and you don’t have to deal with haggling a price is to book a car in advance with a tour operator in the country. Doing it this way you will spend anywhere between .70-.90 per kilometer and if you have a group, you can split this cost amongst your group members.

Get In & Out

The only ways you can enter Tajikistan are by air or by land ( train or car ).

Both Dushanbe and Khujand have international airports.  Somon Air  is Tajikistan’s sole national carrier, otherwise, Tajikistan is served by an array of international carriers: Turkish Air, China Southern, Kam Air, Air Astana, Air Manas, Avia Traffic Company, FlyDubai, Nordstar, S7, Ural Airlines,  Utair, Uzbekistan Airlines, and Yamal. Cities connected to Tajikistan by flight are Almaty, Astana, Bishkek, Kabul, Tashkent, Urumqi, Beijing, Dubai, Istanbul, Delhi, Frankfurt, and several cities across Russia.

tajikistan travel safe

Note that some land border crossings can take hours, and the crossings with  Uzbekistan  used to be the most notorious, though the newly re-opened Samarkand-Panjakent border is a breeze.

Tajikistan has several border crossing points with Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, and one border crossing with China. To see all of Tajikistan’s land border crossings and which are and aren’t open to foreigners, please check out my Tajikistan Border Crossings article.

There are several reports online of border guards extorting bribes from travelers or being pervy if you’re a solo female. From personal experience, I’ve never had any issues crossing the  Kyzyl-Art-Bordobo  between Tajikistan and  Kyrgyzstan , or at the recently reopened  Panjakent-Samarkand  crossing between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

I did have a little bit of a hassle when I was exiting Tajikistan at  Ishkashim  into Afghanistan because my e-visa had not been stamped when I entered the country at  Khujand  (I don’t know why this was an issue as my passport had a stamp in it), however, after arguing for a couple of minutes I was allowed to exit Tajikistan with no further problems.

Two exciting updates have happened more recently,  in 2017 the  Qolma Pass  into China is now open to foreigners (it has reopened following Covid in July 2023 as I received confirmation of the first foreigner to cross) and as of 2018 the Panjakent border to Uzbekistan is open again after a several-year-long pissing match between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The train isn’t a viable option to travel in Tajikistan and is realistically only used by those heading for Uzbekistan. Trains link Khujand with Uzbekistan, and in the south, a train links Dushanbe to Kulob, and Qurgonteppa with Uzbekistan. Read more on  Caravanistan . 

There is a 5 day long train to Moscow from Dushanbe. It can be difficult due to the train crossing into Uzbekistan,  Turkmenistan , and  Kazakhstan , and from the sounds of it you may need to have transit visas in order.

Need more in-depth info in Tajikistan’s border crossings? Read my post on all of Tajikistan border crossings here

Plan the perfect trip with my 10 day Uzbekistan & Tajikistan itinerary

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Starting January 2022 Tajikistan became visa-free for stays up to 30 days for a number of passport holders. The 2016 e-visa system is still in place as well, as several countries will still need to obtain an e-visa in order to enter the country.

Those not on the visa-free or e-visa lists will need to obtain a visa from their nearest Tajik Embassy or Consulate.

Check out my Tajikistan Visa Guide for in-depth details on the visa policy of Tajikistan

visa policy of tajikistan

Tajikistan Travel Permits

The previously mentioned GBAO Permit is a must for travel in the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast. The GBAO region makes about for the eastern half of the entire country, and those traveling along the  Pamir Highway  will travel through most of the GBAO. There are police posts set up along the Pamir Highway and it will be checked.

The only other required permits are for the Tajik National Park, Lake Sarez, and for Zorkul.

GBAO Permit- $20:  This is a must for anyone traveling the Pamir Highway and anywhere in the eastern half of the country. It is easiest to apply for it at the same time when applying for your  e-visa  (you can apply for it at embassies and consulates when applying for your visa as well), otherwise, you’ll have to visit the OVIR office in Dushanbe (located at Mirzo Turzunzade Street 5, quick turn-around, permit costs 20 TJS). I believe that if you don’t have it arranged and you’re traveling from Osh to Dushanbe you’re just shit out of luck.

Lake Sarez- $50/day:  There is varying information out there on getting the permit. I had read they will be issued for free in Dushanbe from the Ministry for Emergency Situations and can take a month or more to be issued and I’ve also read info stating that you can arrange through tour agencies at a cost of $50/day and a guide is required.

In 2017 I visited  Lake Sarez  and the Usoi Dam with Nurmuhammed, the owner of  Sarez Travel , and I was told by him that a guide is mandatory and that the guide must apply for the permit for you. This is all the more information I know.

When researching the permit before my trip last summer and even asking Tajik friends I got varying responses from “you can just pay KGB if you meet them out there” to “you must have a guide, Sarez Travel is the only organization that can go out there”, and “if you’re caught without a guide and permit you can be thrown in jail and deported”, but most commonly the response I got was that they just flat out didn’t know.

No one was able to give me information on whether or not you need the permit to visit the lake from the south via the Mountain Lakes of Bachor and Bulunkul/Yashilkul, so if anyone has first-hand information please comment at the end of the post or email me at adventuresoflilnicki @ gmail.com.

The Tajik government is really cautious about people visiting Lake Sarez because if the Usoi Dam were to ever breach it would have catastrophic consequences.

Zorkul- $10/day:  Lake within a protected area on the Afghan border in very remote eastern Tajikistan. You will be checked for permits at the post from Khargush Pass. I was told it is only available by applying at  PECTA  (Pamir Eco-Cultural Tourism Association) in Khorog’s City Park. I have read that it is available in Murghab as well, but I am not sure if this is true.

Tajik National Park- 18 TJS/day:  The Tajik National Park is massive, to say the least. You should have a permit for visiting anywhere on the map below that falls within the green area (sorry for the water stains on my permit & map).

Popular places in the Tajik National Park includes are: treks around the Bartang Highway (including Grum Grijmailo Glacier,  Khafrazdara Valley , Lake Sarez), trekking around the Vanj Valley Road (including Poi Mazar & Fedchenko Glacier), the Mountain Lakes of Bachor, Yashilkul, Pshart Valley, Madiyan Valley, and trekking much beyond the shores of Karakul from Karakul Village.

You can purchase your Tajik National Park pass from  PECTA  in Khorog, or from park rangers once you are in the park. You may very well never meet a park ranger when exploring Tajik National Park, my only time having crossed paths with any was when I ended a trek from the Karotegin Valley.

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Food in Tajikistan

Nomadic ways meet the Soviet Empire. Tajikistan as well as the greater Central Asia region is not known as a foodie destination. Meals are simple and meat-centric, with little spice. With that said there are some great dishes like Qurutob, which is a personal favorite Tajik dish.

In Dushanbe and to a lesser degree in Khorog international food including Indian, Italian, and more can be found. The best places to go for traditional Tajik fare are chaikhanas (tea houses) or bazaars. Most homestays include at least breakfast and dinner in your nightly fee.

If you want to check out some of the best dishes to try in Tajikistan check out my post on Tajik food and drink .

Here is a list of common dishes you will likely encounter in Tajikistan.

*One thing to note: Tajikistan, as well as the rest of greater Central Asia, have very meat-heavy diets. Vegetarians and vegans will have a challenge outside of cities (more so for vegans). Vegetarianitz/vegertarianka is what vegetarians can call themselves and many people do understand. 

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Read:  Best Restaurants in Dushanbe  to find out where to get the best Kurutob

Accommodation

In cities such as Dushanbe, Khorog, Panjakent, and Khujand you will have a wider variety of accommodation options but outside them, you can expect simple guesthouses and homestays.

If you plan to do any trekking it would be wise to bring a tent if you want to stray away from known settlements.

For those that require luxury, I don’t recommend leaving Dushanbe, and you may want to consider traveling to a different country altogether.

Here are some of my favorite accommodations I’ve stayed at in my travels in Tajikistan, note that many of the accommodations listed do not have websites, but you can call to reserve or go to  Pamir Top , and they can usually book just about anywhere for you online.

  • Dushanbe:   Hello Hostel Dushanbe
  • Dushanbe:  Green House Hostel
  • Dushanbe:  Taj Palace Hotel
  • Dushanbe:  Hyatt Regency
  • Dushanbe:  Serena Dushanbe

Pamir Highway

  • Qalaikhumb:  Roma Jurayev (+992 934712117 or +992 919268610)
  • Khorog: Welcome Inn (+992 937035393)
  • Bachor:  Sultansho Qurboniev Homestay (+992 501849454
  • Alichur:  Rahima Doronshoeva Homestay (+992 908482612 or +992 931065658)
  • Murghab:  Erali Guesthouse (+992 93563751421618)
  • Murghab:  Tulfabek Guesthouse (+992 935389159)
  • Murghab:  Tillokhan Guesthouse
  • Karakul:  Tildakhan Homestay (+992 906554831)
  • Jarty Gumbez:  Jarty Gumbez Guesthouse & Hunting Camp

Wakhan Valley

  • Ishkashim:  Hanis Guesthouse (+992 935825820)
  • Yamchun/Vichkut: Charshanbe Homestay(+992 938305239)
  • Hissor: Davlatakhon Homestay (+992 935148819)
  • Langar:  Yodgor Homestay (+992 934288869)

Bartang Valley

  • Jizeu:  Lola Homestay (+992 906886676)
  • Barchidev:  Nurmuhammed Homestay (+992 935004150)
  • Pasor:  Gulsiyat Homestay (+992 900505573)

Fergana Valley

  • Khujand:   Sharq 21 Guesthouse
  • Istaravshan:  Sadbarg (+992 919887048)

Fann Mountains

  • Panjakent:   Salom Hostel
  • Panjakent:  Hotel Umariyon
  • Haft Kul:  Najmidden Homestay (+992 926366748 or can be booked through  ZTDA )
  • Iskanderkul:  Shezok Guesthouse (+992 939048921)
  • Sarytag: Shaboz Guesthouse (+992 903436200)
  • Sarytag:  Dilovar’s Homestay (+992 927882235 or can be booked online through  ZTDA )

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Tajikistan Travel: Top Things To See & Do

Where to start, where to start… Tajikistan is  one of  the most stunning countries I’ve visited. The mountains and remoteness are usually the main allure for most tourists who travel to Tajikistan. Here are a few popular adventures:

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The Pamir Highway (M41)

The Roof of The World or ‘Bam-i-Dunya’ as the Pamiris call it.

Note that there is extensive construction happening on the Pamir Highway in summer 2023! The roadwork is happening between Qala i Khumb and Khorog and is causing major delays, so it’s adviseable to split the Dushanbe-Khorog jounrye into two days, spending a night in Qala i Khumb.

The  Pamir Highway  is the most popular reason people come to Tajikistan. This is the mother of all road trips.

The Pamir Highway actually extends from  Mazar i Sharif , Afghanistan, makes a quick bend into southeastern  Uzbekistan , traverses Tajikistan from west to east to north, and then terminates in Osh, Kyrgyzstan (there are arguments as to the beginning and end of the highway though).

The main stretch of the Pamir Highway most tourists travel on is between Dushanbe and  Osh . This road trip will take you through high altitude passes, Pamiri and Kyrgyz villages, jagged mountains, crystal clear lakes, and even give you glimpses into the Pakistani Hindi Kush and rural northern Afghanistan just a mere few meters across the Panj River. It also provides access to many treks into the Pamirs ranging in difficulty from easy to hardcore mountaineering.

Expect to pay in the range of 0.70 -0.90 USD per kilometer for a Landcruiser or Pajero with a driver. On my first trip to Tajikistan I chose to travel by private car hire (I wanted to really get the most out of my Pamir Highway adventure, little did I know I’d be back yearly). The driver, Khorasan I ended up arranging to get me from Dushanbe to Khorog from  Hello Hostel  was absolutely lovely, so once we arrived in  Khorog  and he offered me a generous $0.70 per kilometer off the starting gate to take me from Khorog to Osh I immediately took him up on it.

I did numerous side trips and ended up racking up 1,500 km between Khorog and Osh so my grand total came to $1,050 USD. If you were to drive straight from Khorog to Osh it’s about 730 km, which would be substantially cheaper than what I did.

You can also cut down on costs if hiring a private 4×4 by putting a note up on the board at the  PECTA  office in Khorog’s City Park (Pamir Eco-Cultural Tourism Association), or even contacting them via e-mail and arranging a group of you to go in on a 4×4 to bring down the cost. You can also essentially do the same thing in Osh and  Murghab  if you are headed in the opposite direction. A great place to check to find other travelers is on the  Caravanistan Forum .

The cheapest way to do this trip would be of course cycling (most the travelers I met in the Pamirs were cycling it), or walking if you’re really determined (there was one man walking the road when I was there). If a private 4×4 even split amongst travelers is out of your budget and you aren’t up for a looooong bike ride or walk, the next cheapest option is to go by means of shared taxis.

Shared taxis will be a fraction of the cost of a Landcruiser of Pajero. However, you sacrifice the freedom of stopping every kilometer to take a photo and the possibility of being ‘stuck’ in a place for a few days until you can arrange the next leg out.

It is possible to make the trip between Dushanbe and Khorog in 3 days, but why? Most who travel the highway making side trips and treks will take around 9 days. For those really wanting to see the area, a month can even not yield enough time.

I personally have spent 2 weeks along the Pamir Highway in 2016, and over 4 weeks in 2017, and yet there is still a lot I haven’t seen in the Pamirs and GBAO region.

If you need help planning and budgeting your Pamir Highway adventure go check out my  Pamir Highway Guide . If you want help curating the perfect itinerary, check out my 10 day Pamir Highway itinerary .

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Trekking in the Fann Mountains, Haft Kul & Yagnob Valley

The Fann Mountains are the best trekking destination you’ve never heard of. With many jagged peaks, stunningly beautiful crystal clear lakes, glacially carved valleys, and a decent network of homestays to experience rural Tajik culture and life it’s easy to see why the Fanns are the second most visited part of the country. Treks range from easy to extremely difficult ascent to summit 5000+ meter peaks.

The Fanns are located in northwestern Tajikistan, the main jumping-off points into the Fanns is the small city of  Panjakent . For those wanting to combine trekking in the Fanns with the historical Silk Road city of  Samarkand  across the border in Uzbekistan, it became easy yet again with the re-opening of the  Panjakent-Samarkand border crossing  in 2018.

Artuch Base Camp can be reached by shared taxi or minibus from Panjakent, and Panjakent can be easily reached by shared taxi and minibus from  Dushanbe ,  Khujand , Sarvoda, Ayni, and Samarkand. The popular and easiest to access trek in the area is the  Seven Lakes of Marguzor  (the Haft Kul). The lakes can easily be reached by shared taxi and minibus from Panjakent. Note that your passport and e-visa will be checked at the checkpoint near Shing Village on your way down to the lakes.

Popular treks and sites in the Fanns include the  Haft Kul , the  Lakes Loop Trek ,  Iskanderkul , Kulikalon Bowl,  Chimtarga Pass ,  Dukdon Pass , Lake Alovaddin,  Bolshoi Allo Lake , and Kaznok Pass. To find out more about the Fanns and arrange homestays and guides, visit  ZTDA  (Zerafshan Tourism Development Association). To learn more about traveling in the Fann Mountains and trekking recommendations check out my  Fann Mountains Travel Guide ,  Haft Kul Trekking Guide ,  Chimtarga Pass Guide , and  Lakes Loop Trekking Guide .

The Yagnob Valley is much less visited than the Fann Mountains albeit being not very far away. The draw here is to visit villages where people have lived traditionally for hundreds of years and still speak the ancient Sogdian language. The Yagnob valley can be reached by a shared taxi from Sarvoda to Margib.

Margib is the jumping-off point for trekking into the Yagnob Valley. Read my  Yagnob Valley Trekking & Travel Guide  that was recently written after my visit in 2019.  ZTDA  can help arrange transport, guides, porters, homestays, and more.

Need more hiking ideas? Read the  10 best treks in Tajikistan

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The Wakhan Valley

Many include the excursion through the Wakhan Valley as an alternative route on their Pamir Highway trip. From Khorog, rather than follow the true M41 through the Ghunt Valley toward Jelondy and Bulunkul, you will head south to the beautiful  Tajik Wakhan Valley  and meet back up with the M41 via the Khargush Pass near Bulunkul.

The Wakhan Valley follows the Afghan border through some truly amazing scenery with glimpses of the ice-capped Hindu Kush forming the natural border of Afghanistan and Pakistan across the Pamir River, which forms the natural border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

You will pass through the picturesque villages of Ishkashim, Namadgut, Darshai, Yamchun, Yamg, Vrang, Zong, Langar, and finally Ratm as you travel along the valley. At every turn, there are sights your eyes will be glued to, but make sure to stop off at Garam Chashma (hot spring), Qaaqa Fortress, Darshai Gorge, Yamchun Fortress, Bibi Fatima (hot spring), Vrang’s Buddhist Stupa, and so many more.

Find more information on traveling in the Wakhan and more check out the  Tajik Wakhan Valley Guide .

Ishkashim is also the jumping-off point and the border crossing into the Afghan Wakhan Corridor. In 2017 I did make the visit across into the Afghan Wakhan. Check out my article on what it was like to  travel as a solo woman in the Afghan Wakhan , learn  how to get an Afghan Visa in Khorog , and see  photos from my travels in the Afghan Wakhan & Great Pamir Mountains .

Ishkashim is also home to the popular cross-border Saturday market where Tajiks and Afghans come to buy and sell goods with each other, which takes place on an island in the Panj River (technically on the Afghan side). The main reason tourists visit the market is for the bragging rights of saying they’ve been to Afghanistan, however without having to shell out big money for the visa. The market was sporadically open in 2016 and was closed for 2017 as far as I am aware.

If you happen to be in the area and the day lines up, ask locals if it may be on, but as of right now, do not expect it to be.

Got the Afghan Wakhan on your mind?

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Bartang Highway & Valley

This is probably the wildest ride you’ll have in Tajikistan and is a popular alternative for traveler and cyclists to the Pamir Highway. This road cuts through the super remote Western Pamir along the Bartang River Valley. The Bartang Highway links up with the Pamir Highway at the village of Rushan (50 km north of Khorog) in the south, and near  Karakul  in the north.

The best time of year to travel the Bartang Highway is from mid-July until mid-September. Earlier in the spring, the road is usually inaccessible due to the river running high and landslides and in the later fall because of heavy snow.

The most visited stretch of the Bartang Highway is just a few kilometers up from Rushan where travelers get dropped off at suspension bridge and make the  short trek to the beautiful village of Jizeu .

Other excursions in the Bartang Valley include the  Khafrazdara Valley/Grum Grijmailo Glacier , experiencing the remote life of the Bartangi people (they’re famed for their legendary hospitality),  Lake Sarez , trekking in Basid & Badara, visiting remote sites between Gudara & Kök Jar, and trekking beyond Jizeu to the Ravmed Valley.

Learn more about visiting the Bartang Valley in the  Bartang Valley Guide . I also have articles on  How to Visit the Khafrazdara Valley ,  How to Visit Lake Sarez , and the  Jizeu trek .

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This is the bustling capital of Tajikistan and a likely entry point for those flying into the country. There are a number of attractions around the city including the world’s second-tallest flagpole, the world’s largest teahouse, Mehrong Bazaar, Rudaki Park, and more.

Check out the  Dushanbe City Guide  for more information on everything you need to know before visiting Dushanbe. Looking for the best places to eat in Dushanbe? Check out my post:  Best Restaurants in Dushanbe .

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This is the largest city in the GBAO region and home to most of Tajikistan’s Ismaili population- Ismailis are Shia and known for their very progressive interpretation of Islam.  Khorog  is a great jumping-off point for many adventures in the Badakhshan, making arrangements if you plan to travel across the border into  Afghanistan , getting an  Afghan Visa , and a nice place to relax between adventures in the Pamirs.

Make sure to spend an afternoon at Khorog’s Central Park, where you’ll find a large swimming pool, carnival, walking paths, a couple of chaikhanas, and home to the  PECTA  office. Other sites to visit include the Botanical Garden, Aga Khan Foundation, and the Central Asia University.

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The Tajik Fergana Valley

Khujand  is the main city in the Tajik Fergana Valley with enough sites to keep you busy for a couple of days. Make sure to visit the bustling Panshanbe Bazaar, Sheikh Massal ad-Din Mausoleum & Complex, the ancient Citadel & Kamoli Khujandi Park, and the tallest Lenin Statue still standing in Central Asia.

Istaravshan  is another popular stop in the Tajik Fergana Valley, located only about 90 minutes by shared taxi from Khujand. Istaravshan has several lovely mosques and madrasa without the large crowds that Samarkand and Bukhara draw on the other side of the border. The attractions here include Mug Teppe, Shahr-e-Kuhna, Hazrat-i-Shah Mosque, Hauz-i-Sangin Mosque, Sary Mazar, Chor Gumbez, and Abdullatif Sultan Madrasa.

Murghab, Tajikistan, Eastern Pamir

You’ve officially made it to the wild wild East. Beautiful surrounding valleys, but  Murghab  isn’t the most picturesque village/town. A great jumping-off point for adventures into the  Eastern Pamir – Pshart Valley, Rang-Kul, Madiyan Vally, Shaimak, and more.

For those headed for the Chinese border at  Qolma Pass , you will likely spend a night in Murghab before or after crossing.

Part of the Zorkul Nature Reserve  ( I unfortunately still have not visited here). Known for its surrounding green valley and remoteness. On the Afghan border near to the Khargush Pass and Keng Shiber.

You do need a Zorkul permit to visit which can be obtained at the  PECTA  office in Khorog (see the previous section on  permits ).

This large lake sits smack in the middle of Tajikistan and only exists because of disaster. In 1911 a magnitude 7.4 earthquake shook down a mountain face that crushed the villages of Usoi and Sarez, naturally creating the Usoi Dam. This dam blocked off the Murghab River and began to fill the valley.

This is a beautiful lake in remote Tajikistan, but you should have a guide and permit before visiting. Learn more about how to get to Lake Sarez in my  Lake Sarez Guide .

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Just north of the Ak-Baital Pass is Karakul (sometimes spelled Qarakul), Tajikistan’s largest lake sitting alongside the village of the same name.  Karakul  is believed to be a crater formed by a meteor impact about 10 million years ago, that is now a salt lake, but still freezes in the winter.

There are a handful of homestays here in Karakul where you could break up your Osh to Murghab journey. Attempts are being made to declare Karakul the highest navigable lake in the world, beating out Lake Titicaca in  Peru / Bolivia .

Where To Go In Tajikistan

Dushanbe & around.

Dushanbe and the surrounding areas are often overlooked by most travelers to Tajikistan that are headed to the country for wild mountain adventures in the Pamirs & Fanns. The Rasht Valley and many of the sites around Dushanbe are popular with expats, especially on the weekends.

Dushanbe is the capital and largest city in Tajikistan. Must-see highlights include Bayrak (the world’s second-tallest flagpole), Rudaki Park, Mehrong Bazaar, Kohki Nowruz, Mevlana Yakub Charki Mosque, Victory Park, and more.

Dushanbe is a great place to relax between adventures in the Fanns and Pamirs as well. Read more about what to do, where to stay, and what to eat in my  Dushanbe City Guide . Shop Dushanbe accommodations  here .

Plan your  visit to Dushanbe  and  where to eat  in the city

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Hisor is one of the more popular half-day trips from Dushanbe. Travelers come here to explore the Fortress of Hisor and Hisor Caravanserai, as well as the 16 & 17th-century madrasas at the fortress that house a museum. Learn more about how to visit  Hisor here .

How to visit  Hisor Fort  on public transport

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Just a short drive north of Dushanbe Varzob Valley is a great day trip away from the bustle of Dushanbe. Make sure and trek out to Gusgarf Falls On your visit. Read more on how to get to  Varzob Gorge & Gusgarf Falls here .

Timur Dara Lake

This beautiful lake sits in the Karatag Valley near the villages of Shahrinav & Hakimi about 45 km west of Dushanbe at the southern fringes of the  Fann Mountains . This trek can be done as a long day trip, or as a multi-day trekking trip in the Karatag Valley. I finally made a day trip from Dushanbe out to Timur Dara in August 2019, well worth the effort.

Read more about getting to Timur Dara Lake  here .

Read the  Timur Dara Trekking Guide  and start planning

Timur Dara Lake, Shimkent, Sughd, Fann Mountains

Nurek Dam & Reservoir sits about 80 km southeast of Dushanbe along the route most start the Pamir Highway trip from. Nurek Dam is the second highest manmade dam in the world, blocking of the Vakhsh River. Renting a houseboat and lazing around in the water at the Aqua Club are popular excursions from Dushanbe.  Read more here .

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Rasht Valley

Located in the Rasht Valley (also called Karotegin Valley) in north-central Tajikistan. The main draw to Garm is trekking in this little-visited part of the country. Treks can be arranged that will take you on a loop around from Hazor Chashma Village.  Caravan Tours  can arrange trips to visit the Rasht Valley.

Located along the main road between Garm and Jirgatol is the picture-perfect village of Jafr. This is one of the most scenic parts of the Rasht Valley Road. One of the main reasons to come to Jafr is to meet Mirzosho Akabirov. Mirzosho has an amazing botanical garden with exotic fruit trees that he has spent years grafting to grow various fruits.

Tavildara is a larger town along the Pamir Highway for those taking the Northern Route between Dushanbe and Qalaikhumb. Nearby to Tavildara is the Sagirdasht Pass that is typically closed from October to May due to snow.

Jirgatol is a small town and the last town along the Rasht Valley Road before hitting the (closed to foreigners) Karamyk border crossing. The main appeal to Jirgatol is to head to nearby Jelondy to take on the  Gardan i Kaftar hike  and trek across the Peter the First Range to a village named Langar, not too far from Tavildara. Jirgatol is also the jumping-off point for those taking on the climb up Peak Somoni.

Plan your visit to the Rasht Valley:  The Rasht Valley Travel Guide

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Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast

The Badakhshan, or commonly just called by its acronym GBAO accounts for about half of Tajikistan’s landmass. With that said, the GBAO is desolate, with only 3% of Tajik citizens calling it home. The GBAO is the most popular draw for tourists wanting to take on the famed  Pamir Highway .

Qala i Khumb

Qala i Khumb feels like a great oasis for those making the long journey between Dushanbe and Khorog. I highly recommend splitting the trip into two days, by spending the night in Qala i Khumb. Qala i Khumb is small and easily walkable with a few shops, restaurants, and accommodations.

I recommend spending the night at  Roma Jurayev Guesthouse  that sits right on the river. Run across the street for a riverside dinner at the Oriona Chaikhana (they serve wine, you’re welcome).  Shop other Qala i Khumb accommodations here .

Qala i Khumb, Tajikistan Pamir, Pamir Highway

Check out my travel guide to Qala i Khumb , especially if you plan to spend any time there

Continuing along the Pamir Highway toward Khorog brings us Vanj. Vanj is the jumping-off point for explorations of Fedchenko Glacier, the world’s longest non-polar glacier.

Head east off the M41 on the Vanj Valley Road to Poi Mazar. From Poi Mazar the nose of the glacier is a long day hike there and back but can be split into an overnight trip. There are two homestays along the Vanj Valley the can be booked through  Pamir Top .

Rushan is located about 65 km north of Khorog and is the jumping-off point for further explorations into the Bartang Valley. If planning to spend the night in Rushan before departing into the Bartang Valley,  Mubarek Homestay  comes recommended (+992 934052304).

The Bartang Highway is a wild adventure for anyone wanting to explore into the remote Bartang Valley in the Western Pamir. The most popular excursion along the Bartang Highway is the short and gentle trek to the beautiful village of Jizeu. From KM 23, cross the suspension bridge across the Bartang River and follow the trail for about 2 hours to reach the lower village of Jizeu.

7 of the 14 homes in  Jizeu  act as homestays and will gladly take you in. I stayed at Lola Homestay when I visited Jizeu in 2016 and had a wonderful time there.

But the Bartang Valley is more than just Jizeu. Two of my favorite treks begin from the Bartang Valley. The trek to the wildly remote  Khafrazdara Valley  & Grum Grijmailo Glacier begins from the quaint village of Pasor, as well as the start of the  journey to Lake Sarez  from the village of Barchidev.

Other stops along the Bartang Highway include trekking around Basid & Badara, the adorable village of Savnob, going beyond Jizeu into the Ravmed Valley, and more. Read up more on travel in the Bartang Valley in my  Bartang Valley Travel Guide .

Everything you need to know before taking on the  Bartang Highway

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Khorog  is the only real town you’ll find in the GBAO region, home to just under 30,000 people. It’s a laid-back and fairly liberal town in regards to much of the rest of Tajikistan. The population is largely of Ismaili faith- a Shia branch of Islam. It’s not uncommon to see women and girls wearing knee-length skirts, and the headscarf is less popular.

English is fairly widely spoken as Khorog is a well-educated town in Tajikistan thanks to the Aga Khan Foundation’s efforts. You’ll often find yourself being stopped on the streets by friendly locals wanting to speak English with you. Attractions in Khorog include the City Park, Botanical Garden, and Regional Museum. Khorog is a great place to relax between trekking adventures into the Pamirs.

There are a number of guesthouses, hostels, and hotels in Khorog, so check them out  here , and  here . For lunch try Nan Melan’s Qurutob, for a cup of coffee, walk over to Cafe Luni, and for dinner head to Dehli Darbar for great Indian food. If you need to stock up on anything head to the busy bazaar.

Plan your visit to Khorog:  The Khorog Travel Guide + 6 Things To Do

Gunt Valley

For those wanting to stay on the true Pamir Highway between Khorog and near Jelondy, this is the route. As you head out of Khorog you’ll pass a number of green orchard villages along the sky-blue Gunt River, with some of the most impressive mountain backdrops happening around Dehmyona.

For those wanting to trek the stunning lakes of Bachor, you’ll need to get a minibus to Shazud Village on the Pamir Highway (20 TJS, go to the main taxi stand by the Khorog Bazaar and start asking for Shazud). Once to Shazud ask around for a taxi to Bachor (should cost about 100-120 TJS). From Bachor, the hike takes off toward the east where you’ll eventually run into signs pointing you toward Zarojkul (north, to your left), or Yashilkul (east, straight forward).

To make the loop up to Langar Pass, Uchkul, Zarojkul, back down to Tsaxinkul, and back to Bachor plan for 5-7 days trekking. You can arrange guides and pack animals in Bachor.

Don’t forget to order Jan Bakker’s ebook,  Trekking in the Pamirs  for a detailed guide on reaching the Mountain Lakes of Bachor. Technically you’re supposed to have a Tajik National Park permit to trek around in this area.

The next attraction off the M41 after Shazud and Bachor is the hot springs at Jelondy. Jelondy is a popular weekend trip for people living in Khorog. Further east of Jelondy you will cross up and over the 4,272 meter Koi-Tezek Pass into moon-like landscapes.

There are some treks that can be done in the Koi-Tezek Pass area, including a summit of 5,700 meter Kyzyldong , one of a handful of non-technical summits you can find in the Pamir.

Further east of Koi-Tezek you will descend to the turn off for Bulunkul and Yashilkul, continuing a little further you will pass by Sassykul and the turnoff toward Khargush Pass and the Wakhan Valley. Continuing east will take you toward Alichur and on to Murghab.

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Shokhdara Valley

The Shokhdara Valley runs nearly parallel and in between the more popular Wakhan Valley and Gunt Valley. If you want to explore a lesser-visited stretch of the Pamirs, this is it. Sites to check out along the valley include the ancient shrine in Tandem, the main town of Roshtaqala and the Red Fort it gains its name from, the beautiful lake of Durum Kul, views of Pik Engles & Pik Karl Marx, and up the tough Maisara Pass to rejoin the M41 near Jelondy.

Homestays are available along the valley at Vezdara, Sindev, Shohirizm, Javshanguz, and Bodomara. It is possible to make several treks from the Shokhdara Valley into either the Wakhan Valley or the Gunt Valley. I personally have not traveled along the Shokhdara Valley in my Tajikistan travels yet. For information on some of the treks between the Wakhan Valley and the Shokhdara Valley,  click here .

Roshtqala, Shokhdara Valley, Tajikistan

Little-visited but well worth the effort: Plan your traverse of the Shokhdara Valley

The much-talked-about Wakhan Valley is a highlight for many in their travels in Tajikistan. As you twist and turn down the Wakhan Valley road you’ll at times feel so close to the villagers walking the narrow dirt path on the Afghan side of the border just across the river that you could have a conversation with them (hint: you pretty much can!). And the backdrop of the white-capped Hindu Kush Mountains that form the Afghan-Pakistani border.

Popular stops along the Wakhan Valley include the largest village of the Tajik Wakhan Valley- Ishkashim, the Qaaqa Fortress near Namadgut, the trek up to Darshai Gorge, Yamchun Fortress and Bibi Fatima Hot Spring near the village of Vichkut, the Buddhist Stupa in Vrang, the adorable green village of Langar and finally the last scattering of houses up the hill at the village of Ratm.

A great trek to try in the Wakhan is the Pik Engles Meadow Hike that can be done from Zong to Langar or vise-versa.

If you’re planning to visit the Wakhan Valley, make sure and read my  Tajik Wakhan Valley Guide .

Before you go:  The Tajik Wakhan Valley Guide

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Zorkul is a large lake and nature reserve that sits right on the Afghan border near to the Khargush Pass and Keng Shiber. You do need a Zorkul permit to visit which can be obtained at the  PECTA  office in Khorog. North of Zorkul back towards Shakhty are grand Neolithic cave paintings. There are several treks that can be done in the Zorkul area.

Bulunkul & Yashilkul

Bulunkul & Yashilkul sits 14 km north off the M41. Bulunkul is allegedly the coldest place in all of Tajikistan with winter temperatures that can drop below -40 C.

There are a couple of homestays in the small scattering of whitewashed buildings that comprise the village of Bulunkul. Bulunkul is still a good option to spend a night as sunrise on the lake is a sight to see with perfect reflections of the surrounding mountains. The wind usually picks up later in the morning, so you’ll want to get an early start for perfect reflections.

Another 4 km away sits Yashilkul which translates out to green lake. Yashilkul is much bigger than Bulunkul in size and the lake is more of a blue color than the green it’s named after. From Yashilkul it’s possible to trek to Langar Pass and the mountain lakes, or straight west to Bachor.

Technically you are supposed to have a Tajik National Park Permit for visiting Yashilkul, however, I’ve never been asked for it or seen a ranger out there.

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If you’re traveling the Pamir Highway from Dushanbe, this is where you’ll notice things become more obviously Kyrgyz. Alichur is a village of several white-washed rectangular buildings just off the highway of predominantly Kyrgyz families. There are several guesthouses here marked with signs as well as stolvonaya- meaning canteen.

The locals in Alichur are really friendly and will likely come to hang out while you wander the village. There are many yurts that sit just off the highway around Alichur and along the highway nearby, and you’ll likely even see people out herding yaks in the pasture.

There is one guesthouse listed on  booking.com , but otherwise, there are several around the village. I personally have stayed at Rahima Doronshoeva Homestay (+992 908482612 or +992 931065658) when I spent a night in Alichur, and eaten a couple of times at the canteen on the east end of the village (it’s usually full of truckers headed down from Kashgar to Dushanbe).

I recommend spending the night in Alichur so that you can visit the nearby Ak-Balyk pond in the morning just east of Alichur. Ak-Balyk means white fish in Kyrgyz, the small pond is filled with unbelievably clear and turquoise water best viewed in the morning before the wind picks up and you can see perfect reflections of the mountains to the south dazzling in it.

Another highlight of Alichur is the great stargazing you’ll have right outside your guesthouse.

As far as must-see sights in Alichur there aren’t many. There is a mosque in the middle of the village, and there are a few treks that can be started from Alichur to Zorkul and toward the Bazardara Valley.

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Jarty Gumbez, Keng Shiber, Kara Jilga & Bash Gumbez

To reach Jarty Gumbez, Keng Shiber, Kara Jilga & Bash Gumbez you will need your own transport (ie: 4×4 hire). Jarty Gumbez and Keng Shiber are Marco Polo sheep hunting camps that are possible to visit in the summer months (May-October).

Jarty Gumbez is located down a dusty dirt track south off the Pamir Highway at Povorot. Head south along the Afghan border between high altitude peaks to search for Marco Polo sheep (I saw hundreds of them out here). There is a very nice guesthouse at Jarty Gumbez with heated rooms and a hot spring, the family that runs the guesthouse and hunting camp, as well as the hunting guides that live out here, are incredibly friendly.

Keng Shiber is another hunting camp located just north of Zorkul, which can be reached from either the track that leads east from the Khargush Pass toward Zorkul and onto Shaimak or from the track that heads south from Bash Gumbez. Both Jarty Gumbez and Keng Shiber are great places to head for those wanting to photograph the milky way.

Nearby sites to Jarty Gumbez along the dirt tracks back toward the Shaimak-Murghab Road is the Ak Bura Meteor Crater, and the Shor Bulak observatory that is no longer in working order and allegedly closed to foreigners (I’ve been there and there was no one else there, and at that point, I did not know it was closed to foreigners).

Kara Jilga is another great place to head in this area. There is usually a yurt camp in the area with beautiful Wakhan scenery all around and the turquoise lakes of Kazankul & Jigitkul. West from Kara Jilga, you’ll have awesome views of Zorkul.

Read more in the  Eastern Pamir Travel Guide

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Madiyan Valley

Madiyan Valley is reachable from the Pamir Highway, where you’ll head west down a dirt track just south of Murghab. There is a settlement named Ak Tal in the valley that has lush green sceneries and trees along the river. Continuing deeper into the valley you’ll eventually follow the Elisuu River toward the south to reach Madiyan hot springs .

It’s worth stopping briefly in the village of Ak Tal to ask which route to take to Madiyan Hot Springs. There’s a lower route that stays alongside the Elisuu River and a higher route that climbs high above the river when the water is running high. You will need to cross a scrap metal footbridge to cross the river and reach the hot spring.

For those looking for a trek, you can trek up and over the Gumbezkul Pass to connect with the Pshart Valley that is located just north of Murghab. Madiyan Valley sits within the Tajik National Park, so you are technically supposed to have a permit on you, but chances are you won’t run into a ranger out here, and if you do they’ll just ask for the day fee (18 TJS).

Check out my guides to both the Gumbezkul Pass Hike and to Madiyan Valley Hot Springs

Madiyan Valley Hot Springs, Tajikistan

Welcome to the wild wild east!  Murghab  is where those wanting to explore deeper into the eastern Pamir will base themselves. Murghab is set in a scenic valley, but the town itself is more utilitarian than it is attractive.

Somoni and Lenin are the two main streets through the town. There are a handful of guesthouses, the Pamir Hotel, and a chaikhana here. Don’t miss out on the shipping container bazaar in the heart of town. Both times I’ve arrived in Murghab I’ve stayed at Tulfabek Guesthouse (+992 935389159).

Make the most of your time in the east:  The Murghab Travel Guide

Murghab, Murghab Bazaar, Shipping container Bazaar, Tajikistan, Eastern Pamir

The draw to the Rangkul area is sand dunes, mountain desert landscapes, and salt lakes. There are yurt stays and guesthouses in Rangkul and it’s even possible to go camel trekking in the area. Rangkul is located northeast of Murghab near the Chinese border (north of the Qolma Pass), and there are shared taxis that depart in the last afternoon on most days from the bazaar in Murghab for around 30 TJS per seat.

Shaimak is pretty far off the beaten path. Most who visit Shaimak do so as an alternative to the Pamir Highway, but heading east from the Khargush Pass to Zorkul and Kara Jilga and then continuing east to the furthest southeast corner of Tajikistan- Shaimak.

Shaimak is a small village that sits below the impressive bluff of Ak Tash. Shaimak was of strategic importance during The Great Game when between 1830 and 1907 Britain and Russian vied for power in Central Asia. Shaimak was important because it was the one point you could be at and view western China, Afghanistan’s Little Pamir and across into Pakistan (back then British India).

North from Shaimak shortly before returning to Murghab are beehive-shaped tombs at Konyekurgon. You can take a detour off the Shaimak-Murghab road to visit the Ak Bura Crater, and Shor Bulak Observatory. There is a guesthouse in Shaimak, but note that to reach Shaimak it will likely be by 4×4 hire.

Shaimak, Ak Suu, Aksu, Ak Suu Valley, Aksu Valley, Tajikistan, Eastern Pamir, Ak Tash

Pshart Valley

Pshart Valey swirls with color just north of Murghab. From the yurt camp in the Pshart Valley, it is possible to do the long day trek previously mentioned up the Gumbezkul Pass to connect with Madiyan Valley. You can grab a shared taxi out here from Murghab for about 100 TJS per seat. It is possible to continue west on foot in the Pshart Valley to eventually reach the Murghab River where it flows into Lake Sarez.

Pshart sits in the Tajik National Park, so you should have a permit on you.

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Ak Baital Pass

Ak Baital means white horse in Kyrgyz and is the chosen name for this 4,655 meter pass. The pass looks like something out of this world, and also don’t be surprised to see it snow here- even in summer. This is also one of the best places to try and spot Marco Polo sheep from along the Pamir Highway, so make sure and stop to have a look for them.

Ak Baital, Ak Baital Pass, White Horse Pass, Tajikistan, Eastern Pamir

Karakul  is usually the last stop for those headed for the Kyrgyz border at Kyzyl Art. Karakul is a massive lake just off the highway caused by a meteor impact.

There is a small village on the east shore of the lake of the same name where it’s possible to grab a meal or spend the night in a guesthouse. South of Karakul it’s possible to follow jeep tracks toward Kök Jar where you can link back up to the Bartang Highway and descend to Gudara. Read up more on  what to do during your stay in Karakul .

If you’re spending any time around Karakul and you’re looking for a good warm-up hike, check out the Aral Yuj (South Aral Peak) day hike .

Plan your visit:  The Karakul Travel Guide

Karakul, Tajikistan, Pamir, Pamirs, Pamir Highway

Sughd Region

The Sughd region is located in northwestern Tajikistan and is centered around the ancient Sogdiana Civilization. The Sughd Region is a bit wealthier than the remainder of Tajikistan as the Fann Mountains helped create a natural barrier that protected them from the 1990’s Tajik Civil War that ravaged much of the country.

Khujand  is Tajikistan’s second-largest city situated in the Tajik Fergana Valley. Most who end up in Khujand are traveling either to/from Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan as the three borders gnarl together here.

Sites to check out in Khujand include Panjshanbe Bazaar, Sheikh Massal ad-Din Mausoleum & Complex, the ancient Citadel & Kamoli Khujandi Park, and the tallest Lenin Statue still standing in Central Asia. There are a number of chaikhanas around town to grab a meal and quite a few hotels and hostels which you can book  here .

If you’re looking for some awesome day trip from Khujand, I’d definitely recommend visiting the former uranium mines at Taboshar as well as the blinding white Akhkon Salt Flat in Asht District.

Plan your time in Khujand:  Khujand Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do

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Istaravshan

Istaravshan  is a 90 minute shared taxi away from Khujand and a great place to stop off for a couple of hours or a day to break up the drive time between Khujand and Pankjakent or Dushanbe.

Make sure and visit Mug Teppe, Shahr-e-Kuhna, Hazra i Shah Mosque, Hauz i Sangin Mosque, Sary Mazar, Chor Gumbez, and Abdullatif Sultan Madrasa before you leave. Many of these sites are smaller and less impressive, yet similar to what you would see in the more famous and more crowded Silk Road cities across the Uzbek border. Shared taxis from Khujand will cost 15 TJS per person.

Don’t miss anything:  The Istaravshan Travel Guide + 8 Things To Do

Istaravshan, Tajikistan, Mug Teppe

The main reason people head to  Panjakent  is that it’s the jumping-off point to the  Haft Kul  and the  Lakes Loop Trek  in the  Fann Mountains .

Panjakent does have a few attractions in itself including Ancient Panjakent Archeological Site, Rudaki Museum, Olim Dodkhokh Mosque & Madrasa, the Panjakent Bazaar, the Devastitch Statue, and a golden Lenin Statue.

There are a handful of hotels and guesthouses in Panjakent, I personally recommend  Salom Hostel . For transport to Khujand, Istaravshan, the Haft Kul, Artuch, Dushanbe and Samarkand taxis leave from taxi stands not far from the bazaar. Just ask around the bazaar and you will get pointed to which one you need to head to.

If you’re planning to cross the border between Panjakent and Samarkand, read  this post  first.

Make the most of your Panjakent visit:  The Panjakent Travel Guide + 5 Things To Do

Ancient Panjakent, Old Panjakent, Stari Panjakent, Panjakent, Penjikent, Tajikistan, Central Asia, Sughd, Sogdiana, Sogdia

Panjrud is located off the main road to Panjakent on the way to Artuch Base Camp. Panjrud is important because it is the village that Rudaki the famous Persian poet was born. There is a mausoleum dedicated to Rudaki in the middle of Panjrud. Check  booking.com  for guesthouses in Panjrud.

Panjrud, Rudaki Mausoleum, Tajikistan, Sughd

The Haft Kul is a string of seven beautiful lakes that vary in color from light turquoise to nearly black. This is the easiest trekking to access in Tajikistan and can even be done as a day trip from Panjakent.

The road goes all the way to the 6th lake, making the only lake reachable by foot only the 7th lake of Hazorchashma. Many will spend 2-3 days trekking here getting dropped off near the village of Shing and trekking down to the 7th lake and back.

There is a homestay ran by the friendly Jumaboy and family called Najmidden Homestay near Nofin Lake.

You can make an alternate trek starting from the village of Mogiyon to the west of the Haft Kul, hiking down to Rogich Village and then up and over the Komichura Pass to reach the 6th Lake (Marguzor) in the Haft Jul and then trek back to the first lake.

Additionally, from the west shore of Marguzor, you can trek to Kiogli Village and then over Tavasang Pass to either head toward Artuch, Chimtarga Pass, or Kaznok Pass to the Lakes Loop Trek, or to the Dukdon Pass to continue to  Iskanderkul .

Make sure and have your passport and e-visa handy as they will be checked at the checkpoint near Shing. Read more on trekking in the Haft Kul in my  Haft Kul Travel Guide .

Plan your  trek in the Haft Kul

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The Fann Mountains are stunningly beautiful and home to the gorgeous lakes of Alovaddin, Kulikalon,  Bolshoi Allo ,  Iskanderkul , and many more. There are several routes that can be taken leading you to these lakes, as well as beautiful valleys and rivers.

For those more serious into mountaineering, there are a few 5,000 meter + peaks in this range, the tallest being Gora Chimtarga. Read more about trekking in the Fanns in my  Fann Mountains Travel Guide .

Read:  The Ultimate Guide to the Fann Mountains

Maloye Allo, Zindon River, Zindon Valley, Fann Mountains, Tajikistan

Yagnob Valley & Margib

The  Yagnob Valley  is much less visited by foreigners than the Fanns and the Haft Kul but is equally as interesting. The Yagnob Valley is home to several remote settlements of people who still live traditionally as they have for hundreds of years and even still speak the ancient Sogdian language.

Margib is the main village and jumping point into the Yagnob Valley. Shared taxis are available from Sarvoda on most days as the Yagnobi traders that come down from Margib will be returning home, seats usually run about 60 TJS, but usually, it’s easier to charter the entire car from the Sarvoda Bazaar for 300 TJS.

Margib, Yagnob, Yaghnob, Yagnob Valley, Tajikistan, Sughd, Central Asia

Read more and plan your trip to the  Yagnob Valley

Ayni isn’t much of a stop in itself as it is the main transport hub for those headed into the eastern Zeravshan Valley. There is an ATM here for those hoping to withdraw cash and a mosque that may be of interest.

Sarvoda isn’t a site itself, much like Ayni. The main reason you would be here is to grab a shared taxi bound for either Margeb & the Yagnob Valley, Iskanderkul, or Vertical Alovaddin Base Camp.

There is a guesthouse here called Mehmonkhona Yazdon if you end up getting stuck here overnight. There is a chaikhana just outside of Sarvoda that is painted green and has outdoor seating right along the main highway that sells great laghman.

Sarvoda Bazaar, Sarvoda, Tajikistan, Sughd

Khatlon Region

The Khatlon region makes up the southwestern corner of Tajikistan. Khatlon can get dreadfully hot in the summertime. The best time of year to visit the Khatlon area is in springtime.

Qurgonteppa

Qurgonteppa is a city situated in the southwest of Tajikistan, about two hours by bus or shared taxi from Dushanbe. The main attractions to check out in Qurgonteppa include the Chiluchor Sacred Spring, the Ajina-Teppa Buddhist Monastery, and the Mausoleum & Museum of Bibikhonum. Learn how to get to  Qurgonteppa and more here .

Yahksu Valley, Sary Khosar Nature Reserve & Childukhtaron Reserve

These three areas offer some truly off-the-beaten-path experiences in Tajikistan and offer a taste of rural Tajik lifestyle.

Sary Khosar is reachable by heading north of Kulab to Baljuvon where you can either arrange a UAZ (500 TJS) or wait with the locals for the “Machina Kalon”, an old Gaz-66 (20 TJS per person) that trundles up and down Sary Khosar Valley a couple of times a day.

Childukhtaron is probably the most well-known of these three destinations as it is a popular Tajik vacay spot. You can reach Childukhtaron by heading north of Kulab to Muminobad where you can begin arranging transport. A windy mountain road also connects Baljuvon to Childukhtaron which I recommend if you’re visiting in early summer and have your own transport (the rolling green hills of Khatlon between Baljuvon and Childukhtaron reminded me of being in parts of Italy).

A little further north, the Yakhsu Valley which can tie you to Tavildara along the Northern Pamir Highway Route can be accessed through a town by the name of Khovaling.

Read more about the Yakhsu Valley, Sar i Khosar, and Childukhtaron  here .

Sary Khosar, Khatlon, Tajikistan

Kulab is Tajikistan’s third-largest city The biggest attractions here are to stock up at the massive bazaar before heading out on the Pamir Highway and the Shrine to Mir Said Ali Hamadani.

Visiting Hulbuk Fortress in Pingan can be done as a day trip from Dushanbe or as a stop along your Pamir Highway adventure, as it is very close to Kulob. The main attraction is, of course, the 11th-century Hulbuk Fortress. Read up on how to get to  Hulbuk in this post here .

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Trekking In Tajikistan

Tajikistan is a dream for trekkers and mountaineers. There are far too many treks to mention in this already forever-long guide. To learn more about trekking in the country check out the following posts:

  • The 10 Best Treks in Tajikistan
  • The Fann Mountains Guide
  • Trekking The Haft Kul In Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains
  • A Guide to the Lakes Loop, Fann Mountains

Crossing Chimtarga Pass

  • A Guide to Bolshoi Allo Lake in the Fann Mountains
  • A Quick Guide to Iskanderkul & Sarytag
  • The Trek to Timur Dara Lake in the Southern Fanns
  • Crossing Dukdon Pass
  • Yagnob Trekking & Travel Guide
  • The Lakes Loop
  • The Yagnob Valley  Trekking & Travel Guide
  • The Jizeu Trek, the Best Overnight Trek in the Pamirs
  • How To Get To Lake Sarez
  • How To Get To The Khafrazdara Valley & Grum Grijmailo Glacier
  • Trekking Over Gardan i Kaftar Pass from the Rasht Valley
  • The Gumbezkul Pass Hike from Pshart to Madiyan Valley
  • The South Aral Peak Hike neay Karakul
  • A Trek to Pik Engles Meadow

The Tajik Wakhan Valley Travel Guide

  • The Pamir Highway Guide

Looking for more ideas? Read the  10 best treks in Tajikistan

Imamat Day, Khorog, Tajikistan

Tajik Festivals

There is no shortage of festivals in Tajikistan. There are many that are only celebrated in one particular village and others that are celebrated nationwide. Here are a few to list:

  • Nowruz – This is the Persian New Year that usually falls March 20-21 each year. The day is marked by celebrations all over the country.
  • Sayri Guli Lola Festival – Held in spring just after Navruz typically. The festival celebrates springtime and the tulips it brings with it. The song Naqshi Kalon is commonly played and celebrations usually include choirs, traditional music, and dancing.
  • Victory Day – Celebrated on May 9 each year marking the Soviet defeat of the Germans in 1946 during WWII. The largest celebration happens at Victory Park in Dushanbe.
  • Ruz i Nour – Held on May 25, celebrated by Ismailis to commemorate the current Aga Khan’s first visit to the GBAO in 1992.
  • Imamat Day – Celebrated by Ismailis in the Badakhshan on July 11 each year. Commemorates the anniversary of the current Aga Khan taking over the Imamat of the Ismaili.
  • Roof Of The World Festival – Held in Late July in Khorog each year celebrating Pamiri traditions & culture. Features music, dancing, and artwork from across the GBAO region.
  • Roof Of The World Regatta – Held at the end of July, this sailing competition takes place on lake Karakul. There are hopes to get Karakul marked the official highest navigable body of water in the world, beating out Lake Titicaca.
  • At Chabysh – Held in late July to early August each year near Murghab. The festival is centered around horse games but also includes craft & art exhibits and yurts.
  • Eid al Qurban – Eid al-Qurban or ‘Feast of the Sacrifice’ is a huge holiday in Tajikistan as well as the rest of the Muslim world as it marks the end of the Hajj. The dates of Eid al-Qurban do float around year to year, but the holiday is usually celebrated in mid-August to mid-September. If you are in Tajikistan on the 3 days Eid al- Qurban is celebrated, you may very well be invited by a complete stranger to their family celebrations. On my first visit to Tajikistan, I was wondering the streets of Dushanbe trying to find a good place to grab lunch when an older man walked to me and asked what time it was ( in Russian ). I responded ‘Sechas chas’ ( one o’clock ). He then told me I looked hungry and grabbed my arm and walked me down a street, down an alleyway (um, am I being kidnapped?!) that finally opened up into a courtyard. The man’s entire family that came from all over Dushanbe and the surrounding communities was there. The whole family then proceeded to feast for about the next 6 hours, setting plate after plate out that we dug into. His family members only spoke Russian and Tajik (my Russian was fairly limited and my Tajik was minimal back then) so one of his sisters called her cousin who was going to university in Khorog who spoke English and acted as a translator to fill the gaps in my Russian capabilities. This is why I love Tajiks, some of the friendliest and fun people in the world.
  • Independence Day – Celebrated September 9th each year, marking Tajikistan’s 1991 Independence from the Soviet Union. Independence Day is celebrated nationwide and usually includes parades, concerts, and fireworks.
  • Ruz i Mavlud – The Aga Khan’s birthday, celebrated on December 13.

tajikistan travel safe

Tajikistan Travel & Tour Operators

Tajik companies offering tours within the country.

  • Paramount Journey  Offers some of the best itineraries around Tajikistan and staff are extremely knowledgeable.
  • Pamir Guides  Ran by the friendly and kind Saidali (he’s helped me out of a number if binds in the country!). Can arrange travel to both Pamirs and Fanns.
  • Unique Pamir Started in 2018 by the amazing Zhandiya (she is a wealth of knowledge on the Pamirs!), Unique Pamirs offers a number itineraries in Tajikistan as well as the Afghan Wakhan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
  • Women Rockin’ Pamirs  First female guides in Tajikistan! Started by French NGO to get Tajik women into the guiding business. Offering trekking tours of the Pamirs.
  • Discover The Pamirs  Specializing in trips in the Tajik Pamir and Bartang Valley, ran by the wonderful Saidmamad.
  • Pamir Highway Adventure  Offers trips to both Pamir and Fanns.
  • Tour De Pamir  Agency offering guided Pamir trekking.
  • Sarez Travel  Specializes in Lake Sarez travel as well as the Pamirs and Fanns.
  • Bartang & Sarez Tours  Specializes in the Bartang Valley including Lake Sarez and Khafrazdara Valley.
  • Badakhshan Travel  Specializes in the Pamirs and GBAO.
  • Discovery Tajikistan  Agency offering tours all over the country.

Western & Foreign Based Companies Offering Tours In  Tajikistan 

  • G Adventures  Offering overlanding adventures that include Tajikistan, as well as itineraries continuing through or coming from other ‘Stans including Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and China. Most range from 6 to 23 days.
  • Intrepid Travel  Another popular overlanding style tour company. Offering a 13 day tour from Bishkek to Dushanbe including the Pamir Highway.
  • Mir Corp  US based company offering trips to Tajikistan in addition to trips they lead all over the former USSR and Balkans.
  • AdvanTour  Tour company that specializes in Central Asia tours, as well as areas of the former Soviet Union.

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Tajikistan Travel Budget

Traveling Tajikistan on a budget isn’t too difficult to accomplish, however, it’s not as cheap as backpacker meccas of Southeast Asia or Central America. Here are three different tiers of travel style budgets (these estimates are per person):

285 TJS/$25 USD Per Day

Staying in dorms & homestays, eating at the bazaar & chaikhanas, traveling by marshrutka & sometimes shared taxi, and trekking unguided.

570 TJS/$50 USD Per Day Per Day

Staying in decent double rooms & homestays in rural areas, eating at chaikhanas & international restaurants, traveling by shared taxi or splitting the cost of car & driver hire with other travelers, and going on an occasional guided trek.

1140 TJS/ $100 USD Per Day

Sleeping in luxury hotels in cities & homestays in rural areas, eating at international restaurants when in cities and chaikhanas when in the rural, traveling by private car hire, taking guided and fully supported treks including equipment, porters, and meals.

My personal budget when averaged out over my first trip in Tajikistan averaged  750 TJS ($81 USD)/day (including the Pamir Highway)-  I, of course, did not travel Tajikistan on the tightest budget- this was my dream destination so paying a little more to do what I truly wanted to do on my timeframe was worth it in my eyes (I did hire my own driver on the Pamir Highway). However, you can do this trip for a hell of a lot cheaper than this. Little did I know that I would return every year.

In 2017 my budget (excluding my private tour to Lake Sarez) averaged less than 180 TJS ($20 USD)/day-  On my second trip to Tajikistan, I traveled by marshrutka & shared taxi everywhere I went and stayed in hostel dorms & homestays. Plus I spent nearly two months in Tajikistan so I didn’t have much on time restraints.

Tajikistan Travel Packing List

Trekking & Camping Gear

  • Inreach Explorer+ – GPS & SOS beacon, that can also send and receive text messages. Delorme/Garmin offers some good monthly plans when in use.
  • Solar charger – To keep electronics charged in remote areas.
  • External battery pack – Great in a pinch when batteries are dead and you’re in the middle of nowhere.
  • Backpack – I recommend the  Osprey Ariel 65L backpack  for women.
  • Daypack – My personal favorite is the Osprey Hikelite Plus.
  • Hydration Pack – Have water available without having to reach for a water bottle.
  • 3 Season tent – I use the  MSR NX Hubba-Hubba solo tent  when I’m traveling alone and love it! I also use a Mountainsmith Morrison Evo 2 tent for when I’m traveling with others.
  • Sleeping bag – Useful for trekkers & cyclists. I use a  Nemo sleeping bag  cold rated to 15 F/-5 C.
  • Hiking Boots – My personal favorite is the  La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX  hiking boot.
  • Lightweight cooking camp set – For trekkers and cyclists that plan to prepare their own meals.
  • Water Purifier – I personally use the  Katadyn water filter . Tap water in the entire country is unsafe for drinking and natural water sources can be contaminated.
  • Trekking Poles – Useful for the steep scree slopes and river crossings you may encounter.
  • Headlamp – Useful while camping, and for the usual power outages, you’ll have in Murghab and other rural areas.
  • Sunscreen – Don’t let the cold fool you, the sun is still powerful, especially at high elevations.
  • Mosquito Repellant – Recommended in the summertime especially in the Khatlon Region & around Karakul.
  • Prescription & Over the counter medications
  • Tajikistan and the High Pamirs  by Robert Middleton & Hue Thomas. This is a huge book, but it has so much good info on Tajikistan from the history, great-game stories, travel information, and more.
  • Bradt Guide Tajikistan  by Sophie Ibbotson. Probably my top pick for guidebooks on the country.
  • Central Asia  by Lonely Planet. Handy to have with you, although don’t necessarily treat it like a bible. Things rapidly change and the currency can fluctuate so it’s not always dead-on, however, the new book for 2018 just released in June. The  Central Asia Phrasebook  by Lonely Planet I found this to be a handy item for Tajik, Russian and Kyrgyz phrases, not so much for the Wakhi phrase section.
  • Trekking In Tajikistan by Jan Bakker & Christine Oriol. The much anticipated and hugely updated print version of Jan’s ebook. Jan has become a friend over the years and along with Christine have led trekking expeditions in the Pamirs, Fann, and the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan.
  • The Pamirs Map  by Markus Hauser
  • Northern Tajikistan Map  by Gecko Maps
  • Southern Tajikistan Map  by Gecko Maps
  • Fann Mountains Map  by EWP (can be ordered direct from  EWP  as well)

Lake Alovaddin, Fann Mountains, Tajikistan

Great Online Tajikistan Travel Resources

  • Pamirs.org : A great all-around resource for all things Pamir. From trekking, visa & permit information, cycling, sport, and more.
  • Trekking in the Pamirs : Jan Bakker’s website with information on many hikes all over Tajikistan (not just the Pamirs!).
  • ZTDA : Zeravshan Tourism Development Association. Munira & Jamshed are very knowledgable about trekking, cultural experiences, handcrafts, and more in the Zerafshan, Fann Mountains, and Yagnob Valley. Office located in Kamoli Khujandi Park in Khujand.
  • PECTA : Pamir Eco-Cultural Tourism Association. Zhendaya who is often working in the office in the City Park in Khorog is very helpful. Can arrange just about anything for the Pamir and can arrange guides and/or porters.
  • Trekking In The Pamirs : Jan Bakker’s website with information on trekking in Tajikistan.
  • Monk Bought Lunch : Travel blog by Stephen Lioy who has been based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for a few years now.
  • Indy Guide : Making travel in the whole of Central Asia & Mongolia easier by providing the largest community marketplace of Central Asian tour operators and drivers.

Internet & Mobile

Tajikistan now offers tourist sim cards to travelers. You can get one from the Dushanbe Airport or at a Tcell or Megafone shop. The only downside is that the sim cards are only active for 10 days at a time. Once the 10 days are up you will have no service at all until you go into a shop and provide a copy of your passport, visa, and a registration slip from your accommodation (ask your hotel/hostel/etc for one).

In Dushanbe, you’ll have LTE coverage, outside it’ll range from 3G to nothing at all.

When I visited Tajikistan in 2016 social media apps like Facebook, Instagram & Twitter were all blocked, so I had to download a VPN in order to use them. When I returned in 2017 this was not the case, so know that some websites could be blocked at any time without any notice.

Tajikistan Travel Health & Safety

In general, Tajikistan is a safe country to visit. Of course, Tajikistan has had occasional incidents over the years but the vast majority of visitors depart the country unscathed.

The most common afflictions travelers encounter in Tajikistan are food poisoning/stomach upset and altitude sickness.

For tips and tricks to stay safe and healthy in Tajikistan, read my Tajikistan Safety Guide .

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Any Questions On Tajikistan Travel?

Ask your Tajikistan travel questions in the comments below.

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  • Travel Tips

A Guide For Traveling To Tajikistan (Tips + 3-week Itinerary)

Published: September 16, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Ella Mcgowan

  • Plan Your Trip
  • Travel Guide

a-guide-for-traveling-to-tajikistan-tips-3-week-itinerary

Introduction

Welcome to Tajikistan, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Central Asia. With its breathtaking mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, vibrant bazaars, and rich cultural heritage, Tajikistan offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path travel experience that is bound to leave you captivated.

Despite being one of the smallest countries in the region, Tajikistan boasts a wealth of natural and cultural wonders that will amaze even the most seasoned traveler. From the soaring peaks of the Pamir Mountains to the historical Silk Road cities, there is something here for everyone.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help you plan your trip to Tajikistan, providing you with valuable tips and insider information to ensure a smooth and unforgettable journey. Whether you are a nature lover, adventure seeker, history buff, or simply craving a unique travel experience, Tajikistan has it all.

Discover the vibrant capital city of Dushanbe, where modernity meets tradition in a perfect blend. Explore the rugged beauty of the Pamir Mountains, often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” and witness the breathtaking landscapes that will leave you in awe. Immerse yourself in the colorful markets and ancient cities along the historical Silk Road route. And don’t forget to indulge in Tajikistan’s warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions.

As you dive into this guide, you will find valuable information on how to prepare for your trip, including visa requirements and entry procedures. We will also provide tips on health and safety to ensure a worry-free journey. With a 3-week itinerary that highlights the must-visit destinations, you’ll have a well-rounded experience of Tajikistan’s diversity.

So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey to Tajikistan. This guide will be your trusted companion, revealing the hidden treasures and insider secrets of this fascinating country.

Part 1: Preparing for your trip to Tajikistan

Before embarking on your adventure to Tajikistan, it’s essential to make some preparations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Travel Documents: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date. Check the visa requirements for your nationality and apply in advance if necessary. Remember to make copies of your passport and other important documents.
  • Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. Verify that your policy includes coverage for adventurous activities such as trekking and mountaineering.
  • Health Precautions: Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic to get up-to-date information on vaccinations and health precautions for Tajikistan. It is advisable to carry a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications.
  • Climate and Packing: Tajikistan experiences a wide range of climates, from hot summers to freezing winters. Pack appropriate clothing for the season and the regions you plan to visit. Don’t forget essentials like comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
  • Money Matters: The local currency in Tajikistan is the Tajik Somoni (TJS). While credit cards are accepted in major cities, it’s wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments, especially in rural areas. ATMs are available in urban centers, but it’s always helpful to have some USD or Euros as a backup.
  • Language: The official language of Tajikistan is Tajik, which is similar to Persian. English is not widely spoken, so it’s useful to learn a few basic phrases in Tajik or Russian to communicate with locals.
  • Cultural Etiquette: Tajikistan is a predominantly Muslim country, so it’s important to respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It’s also customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
  • Transportation: Research transportation options within Tajikistan, particularly if you plan to explore remote areas. Shared taxis and public buses are common modes of transport, but be prepared for long and bumpy rides. Hiring a driver or joining a guided tour can provide a more comfortable and convenient experience.
  • Safety: Tajikistan is generally a safe country to visit, but it’s always advisable to take precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid traveling alone at night, and follow any local advice or restrictions. Stay updated on the latest travel advisories for the region you plan to visit.

By considering these factors and making necessary preparations, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your unforgettable journey in Tajikistan. Part 2 of this guide will explore the different ways to get to Tajikistan, so stay tuned!

Part 2: Getting to Tajikistan

Getting to Tajikistan is an adventure in itself, as the country is located in a remote part of Central Asia. However, with proper planning, it is possible to reach this enchanting destination. Here are some transportation options to consider:

  • By Air: The most convenient way to get to Tajikistan is by air. The international airport in the capital city of Dushanbe, called Dushanbe International Airport (DYU), is well-connected to major cities in Europe, Asia, and the CIS countries. Several airlines offer direct flights to Dushanbe, including Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, and Uzbekistan Airways.
  • By Land: If you prefer a more adventurous route, you can enter Tajikistan by land. The country shares borders with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, and Afghanistan. There are land border crossings available, but it’s important to check visa requirements and any travel advisories beforehand. Shared taxis, buses, or private cars are common modes of transport for crossing the borders.
  • By Train: Tajikistan does not have its own extensive railway network, and the train system is limited. However, you can reach neighboring countries and then take a shared taxi or bus to enter Tajikistan. For example, you can take a train to Termez in Uzbekistan and then cross the border into Tajikistan.
  • By Bus: International buses operate between Tajikistan and neighboring countries such as Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan. These buses are an affordable option, but be prepared for long journeys, rough roads, and border crossings.
  • By Car: If you enjoy road trips and have the time, driving to Tajikistan can be a thrilling experience. However, it is important to be aware of the challenging road conditions, including unpaved roads in some remote areas. Renting a car or hiring a driver who is familiar with the local terrain can make your journey safer and more enjoyable.

Once you arrive in Tajikistan, there are multiple transportation options available to navigate within the country. Public buses, shared taxis, and private cars are common modes of transport. It’s advisable to book transportation in advance, especially for longer journeys and remote areas.

Now that you know how to get to Tajikistan, it’s time to explore the visa requirements and entry procedures. Part 3 of this guide will provide you with all the information you need to ensure a hassle-free entry into this captivating country.

Part 3: Visa Requirements and Entry Procedures

Before traveling to Tajikistan, it’s essential to understand the visa requirements and entry procedures. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Visa Requirements: Most visitors to Tajikistan require a visa to enter the country. However, citizens of some countries are exempt from visa requirements or eligible for visa-on-arrival. It is important to check the Tajikistan embassy or consulate website in your country for the most up-to-date information regarding visa requirements.
  • Types of Visas: Tajikistan offers several types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, and transit visas. The tourist visa is the most common for travelers visiting for leisure purposes. Visas can be single-entry or multiple-entry, and the duration of stay can vary. It is recommended to apply for the appropriate visa type based on your travel plans.
  • Visa Application Process: The visa application process for Tajikistan typically involves submitting a completed visa application form along with the required documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of travel itinerary, and supporting financial documents. Some embassies or consulates may require a letter of invitation from a hotel or travel agency in Tajikistan.
  • Visa-on-Arrival: While it is generally advisable to obtain a visa in advance, Tajikistan offers visa-on-arrival for certain nationalities at Dushanbe International Airport. However, it is essential to confirm the availability and requirements of visa-on-arrival with the embassy or consulate before traveling.
  • Registration: Upon arrival in Tajikistan, it is mandatory to register with the local Migration and Citizenship Service within three days. If you are staying in a hotel, they will usually take care of the registration process for you. However, if you are staying in a private accommodation or camping, you will need to register yourself.
  • Border Crossings: Tajikistan has several border checkpoints with neighboring countries, including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, and Afghanistan. It’s essential to check the latest information, border crossing points, and travel advisories before planning your route. Some border crossings may have specific restrictions or require special permits.
  • Customs and Immigration: When entering Tajikistan, you will need to complete an immigration form and declare any items of value. It’s important to adhere to customs regulations and ensure you have the necessary documentation for any restricted or prohibited items you may be carrying.
  • Visa Extension: If you wish to stay in Tajikistan beyond the duration permitted by your visa, it is possible to extend your visa. You will need to visit the State Migration Service office in Dushanbe or other regional offices to apply for a visa extension. It is advisable to start the extension process well in advance of your visa expiration date.

It’s crucial to note that visa requirements and entry procedures can change, so it’s always recommended to check with the Tajikistan embassy or consulate in your country or consult an experienced travel agent for the most up-to-date information.

Now that you are familiar with the visa requirements and entry procedures for Tajikistan, it’s time to explore the health and safety tips for traveling in this captivating country. Part 4 of this guide will provide you with essential information to ensure a safe and healthy journey.

Part 4: Health and Safety Tips for Traveling in Tajikistan

Ensuring your health and safety when traveling to Tajikistan is of utmost importance. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe and healthy during your visit:

  • Travel Insurance and Medical Preparations: Before traveling to Tajikistan, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation. Consult your healthcare provider or a travel clinic to get the necessary vaccinations and medications for Tajikistan.
  • Stay Hydrated and Eat Safe: Drink bottled water or use purified water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Be cautious when consuming food and stick to well-cooked meals to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. Avoid street food, unpeeled fruits, and undercooked meat or seafood.
  • Altitude Sickness: If you plan to visit high-altitude areas, such as the Pamir or Fann Mountains, be aware of the risk of altitude sickness. Gradually acclimatize by spending a couple of days at lower altitudes and staying hydrated. Consult your healthcare provider for preventive measures and medication if necessary.
  • Protect Yourself from Sun and Insects: Tajikistan has long sunny days, especially during the summer months. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF, wear protective clothing, and use mosquito repellent to prevent sunburns and insect bites.
  • Personal Safety: Although Tajikistan is generally safe, it’s important to take basic precautions. Stay vigilant in crowded areas, keep your belongings secure, and avoid displaying signs of wealth. Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious or conservative areas.
  • Transportation Safety: Use licensed taxis or arrange transportation through reputable companies. When traveling by road, be cautious as driving conditions can be challenging, especially in mountainous regions. Follow safety guidelines and wear seat belts when available.
  • Emergency Numbers: Familiarize yourself with the emergency contact numbers in Tajikistan, including local authorities, your embassy or consulate, and your travel insurance provider. Keep a copy of these numbers handy in case of any emergencies.
  • Respect Nature and Wildlife: Tajikistan is blessed with incredible natural beauty, and it’s important to preserve it. Respect nature, follow designated trails, and avoid littering. If you encounter wildlife, maintain a safe distance and do not disrupt their habitat.
  • Local Customs and Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with Tajik culture and customs to show respect to the locals. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of individuals.
  • Be Prepared and Stay Informed: Stay updated on the latest travel advisories and news related to your destination. Research the local culture, traditions, and etiquette to enhance your travel experience and interact respectfully with the locals.

By following these health and safety tips, you can ensure a memorable and worry-free trip to Tajikistan. In Part 5 of this guide, we will explore Dushanbe, the vibrant capital city of Tajikistan, and discover its cultural and historical attractions.

Part 5: Exploring Dushanbe: The Capital City

Welcome to Dushanbe, the vibrant capital city of Tajikistan! Nestled in the picturesque Hissar Valley, Dushanbe offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and modernity. Here are some highlights to explore during your visit:

  • Somoni Park: Start your exploration in the heart of the city at Somoni Park, a beautifully manicured public space named after the national currency. Admire the iconic statue of Ismail Samani, a revered Tajik hero, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
  • Rudaki Park: Located near the city center, Rudaki Park is a great place to relax and unwind. Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the beautiful fountains, and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of this popular recreational spot.
  • National Museum of Tajikistan: Discover the rich history and culture of Tajikistan at the National Museum. Explore the exhibits showcasing archaeological artifacts, traditional costumes, ancient manuscripts, and artwork that offer insights into the country’s past.
  • Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments: For music enthusiasts, a visit to the Gurminj Museum is a must. Explore the extensive collection of traditional musical instruments and learn about Tajikistan’s rich musical heritage.
  • Flagpole of National Unity: Marvel at one of the tallest flagpoles in the world at the Flagpole of National Unity. Standing proudly at 165 meters, it symbolizes the unity and pride of the Tajik people.
  • Navruz Palace: Visit Navruz Palace, a stunning architectural masterpiece adorned with intricate Tajik designs. This grand building is not only an official state residence but also hosts cultural events and exhibitions.
  • Dushanbe Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional bazaar at Dushanbe Bazaar. Explore the bustling market stalls, sample local delicacies, and shop for souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts.
  • Haji Yakoub Mosque: Experience the Islamic heritage of Tajikistan with a visit to Haji Yakoub Mosque. Admire the intricate tilework, serene courtyards, and peaceful ambiance of this beautiful place of worship.
  • Dining and Nightlife: Indulge in the local flavors at the various restaurants and cafes scattered across Dushanbe. Sample traditional Tajik dishes, such as plov (rice dish), shashlik (grilled meat), and somsa (stuffed pastry). In the evenings, enjoy lively nightlife at the city’s bars, clubs, and live music venues.
  • Botanical Garden: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore the peaceful surroundings of the Botanical Garden. Wander through the flower-filled pathways, relax by the tranquil ponds, and soak in the natural beauty of this serene oasis.

Dushanbe’s welcoming atmosphere, charming parks, and cultural treasures make it a delightful city to explore. Immerse yourself in the local culture, interact with friendly locals, and savor the unique charms of Tajikistan’s capital.

In Part 6 of this guide, we will venture into the majestic Pamir Mountains, a mesmerizing region known for its breathtaking landscapes and remote mountain communities.

Part 6: Discovering the Pamir Mountains

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure as we venture into the majestic Pamir Mountains, also known as the “Roof of the World.” This remote and breathtaking region of Tajikistan offers unparalleled natural beauty and a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Pamiri people. Here are some highlights to discover during your exploration:

  • Wakhan Valley: Begin your journey by exploring the stunning Wakhan Valley, a narrow strip of land bordering Afghanistan. Marvel at the rugged beauty of the Pamir River as it carves through towering cliffs, and visit the ancient Sarhad-e-Broghil Fort and ancient petroglyphs along the way.
  • Murgab: Make a stop at Murgab, the highest town in Tajikistan at an altitude of over 3,600 meters. Experience the unique culture and hospitality of the local Kyrgyz community and visit the nearby Karakul Lake, a surreal and pristine alpine lake nestled between towering mountains.
  • Bartang Valley: Embark on a journey through the picturesque Bartang Valley, known for its remote and untouched landscapes. Encounter traditional Pamiri villages, turquoise rivers, and breathtaking viewpoints. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike to Jizeu, a high altitude lake surrounded by jaw-dropping peaks.
  • Yamchun Fortress and Hot Springs: Visit the ancient Yamchun Fortress, perched high on a hilltop overlooking the Panj River. Explore the intricate mud-brick structure and take in the sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. Afterwards, reward yourself with a dip in the nearby hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties.
  • Po-i-Kalyan: Discover the fascinating Po-i-Kalyan complex in the town of Khorog. Admire the intricate architecture of the Khorog Mosque and Madrasa, and explore the Khorog Regional Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region.
  • Ishkashim: Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by visiting the bustling town of Ishkashim. Explore the Ishkashim Bazaar, where Afghan and Tajik traders gather to sell their wares, and learn about the unique traditions and customs of the Pamiri people.
  • Pamir Highway: Embark on a breathtaking road trip along the iconic Pamir Highway, one of the highest and most scenic mountain roads in the world. Marvel at the dramatic landscapes, towering peaks, and remote villages along this epic journey.
  • Homestay Experience: To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, consider staying with a local family in one of the homestays scattered throughout the Pamir Mountains. Experience their warm hospitality, savor traditional Pamiri cuisine, and gain insights into their way of life.
  • Trekking and Mountaineering: If you’re an adventure enthusiast, the Pamir Mountains offer excellent opportunities for trekking and mountaineering. From multi-day treks to challenging ascents of peaks like Peak Lenin, the highest peak in the region, there’s a thrilling adventure awaiting all levels of experience.

The beauty and tranquility of the Pamir Mountains will leave you in awe, offering an escape from the rush of everyday life. Explore the stunning landscapes, connect with the hospitable locals, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

In Part 7 of this guide, we will venture into the captivating Fann Mountains, another natural wonder of Tajikistan that promises breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures.

Part 7: Exploring the Fann Mountains

Prepare to be mesmerized as we venture into the captivating Fann Mountains, a jewel in Tajikistan’s natural landscape. This stunning range is renowned for its pristine lakes, majestic peaks, and picturesque valleys, offering a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here are some highlights to explore during your journey through the Fann Mountains:

  • Iskanderkul: Begin your exploration of the Fann Mountains at the breathtaking Iskanderkul Lake. Surrounded by towering peaks and lush greenery, this azure lake offers a serene setting for picnics, leisurely walks, and admiring the natural beauty.
  • Seven Lakes: Embark on a legendary trek through the Seven Lakes of the Fann Mountains. Each lake boasts its own unique charm, ranging from vivid turquoise to deep emerald hues. Hike through dense forests, traverse scenic passes, and camp by these stunning bodies of water.
  • Haft Kul: For a more remote and off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Haft Kul (Seven Glacial Lakes) in the Zarafshan Range. These high-altitude lakes are nestled amidst snow-capped peaks and offer a tranquil and untouched setting.
  • Chimtarga Peak: For those seeking a challenge, tackle the ascent of Chimtarga Peak, the highest peak in the Fann Mountains. This fascinating mountaineering experience rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire region.
  • Alauddin Lakes: Journey to the picturesque Alauddin Lakes located in a remote alpine valley. These emerald lakes are surrounded by stunning mountain peaks, providing a paradise for camping, hiking, and photography enthusiasts.
  • Alaudin Pass: Trek through the stunning Alaudin Pass, a high-altitude route that connects the Fann Mountains to the Zeravshan Valley. Marvel at the dramatic landscapes, meadows of wildflowers, and the sense of achievement as you cross this breathtaking mountain pass.
  • Saritag Valley: Explore the enchanting Saritag Valley, known for its picturesque waterfalls, lush green meadows, and colorful alpine flowers. Take in the tranquility of this hidden gem as you hike through its pristine landscapes.
  • Waterfalls of the Fanns: Discover numerous cascading waterfalls scattered throughout the Fann Mountains. Among the most notable are Marguzor Waterfalls and Nitrate Waterfall, each offering a unique display of natural beauty.
  • Pik Saroy: Challenge yourself with a climb to Pik Saroy, a prominent peak in the Fann Mountains. Experience the exhilaration of conquering this summit and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

The Fann Mountains offer a haven for outdoor adventurers, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty, engage with the friendly locals, and create memories amidst the stunning landscapes of this captivating region.

In Part 8 of this guide, we will travel back in time along the historical Silk Road, exploring the cities of Khujand and Istaravshan, where ancient history and vibrant culture intertwine.

Part 8: Experiencing the Silk Road: Khujand and Istaravshan

Travel back in time along the historic Silk Road as we explore the ancient cities of Khujand and Istaravshan. These cities showcase the rich cultural heritage and architectural wonders that have stood the test of time. Here’s what you can experience in these captivating Silk Road destinations:

  • Khujand: Start your journey in Khujand, the second-largest city in Tajikistan and a bustling hub of trade and culture. Visit the impressive Kamoli Khujandi Square, adorned with a statue of the renowned Persian poet and philosopher, Abu Abdallah Rudaki. Explore the Panjshanbe Bazaar, one of the oldest and most vibrant open-air markets in Central Asia, where you can find a variety of goods and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
  • Timur Malik Fortress: Discover the ancient Timur Malik Fortress in Khujand, a historical site that dates back to the 6th century. Climb the fortress walls to enjoy panoramic views of the city and explore the museum within, which showcases artifacts from the region’s rich history.
  • Arbob Cultural Palace: Immerse yourself in Tajik culture at the Arbob Cultural Palace in Khujand. Attend a traditional music or dance performance, or visit the art gallery to admire the works of local artists, which encompass Tajikistan’s vibrant artistic expressions.
  • Istaravshan: Journey further along the Silk Road to Istaravshan, one of the oldest cities in the region with a history spanning over 2,500 years. Explore the UNESCO-listed Istaravshan Historical Reserve, home to remarkable architectural gems such as the 16th-century Kukhna Mosque and the 15th-century Kok Gumbaz (Blue Dome) Mosque, showcasing intricate tilework and distinct Persian architectural influences.
  • Chor-Gumbaz Madrasa: Delve into the sacred history of Istaravshan with a visit to the Chor-Gumbaz Madrasa, an ancient Islamic school. Admire the beautifully crafted facade and marvel at the peaceful courtyard, providing a serene atmosphere for contemplation.
  • Zarafshan Valley: Venture into the picturesque Zarafshan Valley near Istaravshan, known for its stunning landscapes and traditional villages. Explore the village of Mug Tepa, where you can witness traditional craftsmanship and visit the workshops of local artisans.
  • Tastamakan Caravanserai: Discover the Tastamakan Caravanserai, an ancient Silk Road inn that once served as a resting place for travelers and traders. Marvel at the architectural elements and imagine the bustling activity that took place within its walls during the glory days of the Silk Road.
  • Local Cuisine: Indulge in the regional cuisine of Khujand and Istaravshan. Sample delicious dishes such as plov (rice pilaf), shirin (sweet) and khalvat (savory) halva, and traditional Tajik pastries. Don’t miss the opportunity to try traditional shashlik (grilled meat skewers) for a flavorful culinary experience.
  • Local Handicrafts: Take the chance to admire and purchase traditional handicrafts, such as ceramics, textiles, and intricate embroidery, that showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of the region.

Khujand and Istaravshan offer a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Tajikistan. Explore the ancient sites, savor the local flavors, and appreciate the enduring legacy of the Silk Road in these captivating cities.

In Part 9 of this guide, we will delve deeper into the vibrant Tajik culture and traditions, providing insights into the warm hospitality and unique customs that make Tajikistan a remarkable destination.

Part 9: Immersing in Tajik Culture and Traditions

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Tajikistan as we delve into the vibrant traditions and warm hospitality that define this remarkable country. From traditional arts and crafts to religious customs, here’s a glimpse into Tajik culture:

  • Hospitality: Tajik people are known for their warm and welcoming nature. If you’re invited into someone’s home, be sure to accept the invitation and embrace the opportunity to experience Tajik hospitality firsthand. Expect to be treated to a feast of traditional dishes and generous servings of tea.
  • Tajik Cuisine: The culinary traditions of Tajikistan reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. Indulge in flavorful dishes such as plov (rice pilaf), manti (dumplings), and shashlik (grilled meat). Don’t forget to taste the national drink, green tea, or sample the refreshing sour yogurt drink known as doogh.
  • Traditional Music and Dance: Tajikistan’s musical heritage is diverse and vibrant. Experience the soul-stirring melodies of traditional Tajik instruments such as the long-necked dutar or the tambur. Watch captivating traditional dance performances, where graceful movements depict folk stories and celebrations.
  • Handicrafts and Textiles: Tajikistan is renowned for its intricate handicrafts and textiles. Explore local markets and artisan workshops to discover intricately woven carpets, colorful Suzani embroidery, and delicate ceramics. Support local artisans by purchasing these authentic and beautifully crafted pieces.
  • Traditional Attire: Traditional Tajik clothing reflects the country’s cultural heritage and local customs. Women often wear brightly colored dresses adorned with ornate embroidery, while men opt for long robes known as chapan. Being respectful of these traditions is appreciated when visiting rural areas or attending cultural events.
  • Religious Customs: Islam is the predominant religion in Tajikistan, and religious customs hold a significant place in everyday life. When visiting mosques or religious sites, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Be respectful of worshippers and follow any guidelines or restrictions.
  • Festivals and Celebrations: Tajikistan is known for its rich calendar of festivals and celebrations. Experience the vibrancy of Navruz, the Persian New Year, which is a significant cultural event celebrated with music, dance, and feasts. Other festivals, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are also celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.
  • Language: The official language of Tajikistan is Tajik, which is closely related to Persian. While Russian is also widely understood, learning a few basic Tajik phrases can go a long way in connecting with the local people and showing respect for their culture.
  • Respecting Customs and Traditions: When visiting Tajikistan, it’s important to be mindful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, particularly in religious or rural areas, and be respectful of local customs. Seek permission before taking photographs of individuals, especially in more conservative settings.

By immersing yourself in Tajik culture and traditions, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the country and its people. Enjoy the warm hospitality, savor the traditional cuisine, and embrace the chance to connect with the vibrant cultural heritage of Tajikistan.

In Part 10 of this guide, we will provide practical tips to make your journey in Tajikistan even more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Part 10: Practical Tips for Traveling in Tajikistan

Here are some practical tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey as you travel through the beautiful landscapes of Tajikistan:

  • Pack Appropriately: Be prepared for diverse weather conditions by packing layers, as the climate can vary greatly depending on the region and altitude. Bring sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection against the sun.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially in high-altitude areas like the Pamir and Fann Mountains. Carry a reusable water bottle and stay well-hydrated to avoid altitude sickness and dehydration.
  • Observe Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with local customs and respect cultural norms when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Dress modestly and be mindful of local traditions, seeking permission before taking photos of people or religious sites.
  • Stay Connected: Get a local SIM card upon arrival in Tajikistan to stay connected with family and friends. Local network providers offer affordable data and call packages. Ensure your phone is unlocked before traveling.
  • Money Matters: Carry cash in small denominations, as credit cards may not be widely accepted, especially in rural areas. ATMs are available in major cities, but it’s advisable to carry enough cash for smaller establishments and remote regions.
  • Language: While Russian is widely understood in Tajikistan, learning a few basic Tajik phrases can go a long way in enhancing your interactions with locals. Carry a phrasebook or language app for easy reference.
  • Photography: Tajikistan offers incredible opportunities for photography. Respect individuals’ privacy and ask for permission before capturing their portraits. Be cautious when taking pictures of sensitive locations such as military or government buildings.
  • Communicate and Plan: Inform your embassy or consulate of your travel plans and register with them if required. Share your itinerary with family or friends and keep them updated on your whereabouts. Stay informed about any travel advisories or safety precautions for the areas you plan to visit.
  • Transportation: Plan your transportation in advance, especially for long-distance journeys or off-the-beaten-path destinations. Public transportation options include shared taxis and buses, but hiring a private driver or joining a guided tour can provide convenience and flexibility.
  • Health and Safety: Prioritize your health and safety by carrying a basic first aid kit, insect repellent, and any necessary medications. Stay updated on vaccinations and consult a healthcare provider or travel clinic before your trip. Follow basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

By following these practical tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your journey through Tajikistan. Embrace the unique experiences, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes that await you, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Congratulations! You are now equipped with a comprehensive guide to exploring the enchanting country of Tajikistan. From the vibrant capital city of Dushanbe to the breathtaking Pamir and Fann Mountains, and the historical Silk Road cities of Khujand and Istaravshan, Tajikistan offers a plethora of unique experiences for every traveler.

As you traverse this hidden gem of Central Asia, remember to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Tajikistan. Embrace the warm hospitality of the locals, savor the flavors of Tajik cuisine, and appreciate the intricate craftsmanship showcased in the traditional arts and handicrafts.

While on your journey, stay mindful of practical tips for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Respect local customs and traditions, stay hydrated, and be prepared for diverse weather conditions. Take in the breathtaking landscapes, explore ancient historical sites, and indulge in thrilling outdoor adventures.

Always prioritize your health and safety by staying informed about travel advisories, obtaining the necessary vaccinations, and carrying essential medications. Respect nature, practice responsible tourism, and leave a positive impact on the local communities and environment.

Tajikistan is a country that will mesmerize you with its natural beauty, rich history, and warm-hearted people. Let your senses be captivated by the soaring mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and vibrant bazaars. Immerse yourself in the cultural treasures, befriend the locals, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and embark on an extraordinary journey to Tajikistan. Let this guide be your trusted companion as you explore the hidden gems and experience the wonders that await you in this captivating country.

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Bradt Guides

Nature has been kind to Tajikistan, bestowing the country with breathtaking beauty: here you’ll find mountains, glaciers, lush river valleys and dense forest, supporting a bewildering array of flora and fauna. Sophie Ibbotson, author of Tajikistan: the Bradt Guide

Tajikistan is the roof of the world. When you first start to read about the country, this same cliché pops up time and again.

Initially it may seem that such repetition shows a lack of imagination among writers (at least a century of them, and counting), but when you finally come to stand atop a peak in the High Pamir, staring down as a concertina of meringue-like peaks unfolds beneath you, or even swoop down to land on a scheduled flight, holding your breath else the pilot brushes the snow off the mountaintops with the underside of the plane, you too will find the same phrase tripping off your tongue. Tajikistan  is the roof of the world.

Nature has been kind to Tajikistan, bestowing the country not only with breathtaking beauty but with a moderate climate too. Mountains and glaciers, lush river valleys and dense forest support a bewildering array of flora and fauna, including the famed (but sadly camera-shy) Marco Polo sheep and the even rarer snow leopard.

Hot springs – either the result of geological faults or miracles enacted by ancient holy men – are scattered through the valleys, their warm, mineral-rich waters both a pleasant diversion on a journey, and, for local Muslims, important pilgrimage sites. Alpine meadows bursting with the bright colours of spring flowers create a patchwork rainbow that streaks across the horizon, the pastures welcome picnic spots for road-weary tourists and grazing goats alike.

Food and drink in Tajikistan

Tajikistan does not have a long tradition of eating in restaurants: it was nigh on impossible during the Soviet period due to food shortages and the fact that people were encouraged to eat collectively in the work canteen. This has changed in urban centres, particularly as families choose to host wedding feasts and other large celebrations in restaurants rather than at home, but you will not find the density or diversity of restaurants typical in some other parts of Asia.

Restaurants in Tajikistan (particularly those situated outside of Dushanbe) typically have a limited menu of Russian and Tajik dishes. It is rare for everything listed to actually be available. If the restaurant is not fully booked for a celebration you won’t need a reservation, nor to wait for a table. Service may be chaotic but it is generally good-natured.

Sit-down places to eat typically fall into three categories. There are large, often fairly ghastly, restaurants which only cater to groups, either private parties or tour groups. These serve a buffet or set menu, and they may or may not welcome independent guests.

Second, and infinitely preferable, are Western-style restaurants which have multiple tables, a menu, and cook to order. You can wander in off the street and sit down, as long as it’s during opening hours. In larger cities you’ll have a choice of different cuisines – Dushanbe’s restaurant scene is looking decidedly cosmopolitan these days – and you can expect a reasonable level of customer service. You will be expected to leave a tip: 10% is standard.

Thirdly, you have local cafés, which are unpretentious and generally offer good value for money. These typically serve Tajik cuisine or other easily prepared snacks, and depending on the establishment you will either order from the counter and then take a seat, or wait for someone to come to you. There is unlikely to be a menu, and staff may well not speak English, so be prepared to look around at what other people are eating, point and smile. A tip, though not expected, is always appreciated.

More common than restaurants and cafés are street-side food stalls: from American fast-food stands with burgers and fries, to smoking grills and the vinegary smell of shashlik and onions wafting down the road, making your stomach rumble. Women with trays piled high with savoury pastries saunter through markets and the lobbies of office buildings; trestle-tables nearly buckle beneath the weight of freshly baked bread. The local fare tends to be tastier (and cheaper) than attempts at foreign food.

Tajik cuisine

Tajikistan runs on bread and tea. Wherever you are, from a customs post to a shepherd’s hut, there will always be a kettle on the boil and a few china tea bowls filled with a light, steaming tea. 

Tajik cuisine is definitely central Asian (plenty of grilled meats and dairy products), but with an influence from Afghanistan and Russia too. The national dish, as far as there is one, is plov or osh , an oily rice-based dish with shredded carrot, meat and occasionally raisins, roasted garlic or nuts. Plov is eaten with the hands from a communal plate at the centre of the table. 

Equally popular is qurutob . Balls of salted cheeses ( qurut ) are dissolved in water and poured over dry, flaky bread. The dish is then topped with onions fried in oil. It may be accompanied by laghman (noodle soup with mutton). Tajik restaurants tend to offer diners quite a limited menu. 

Every meal is accompanied by round, flat bread called non . Non is treated almost reverentially: it should not be put on the floor, placed upside down or thrown away. If it has turned stale it should be given to the birds. 

Common snacks include manti (steamed meat dumplings), somsa (triangular pastry with a meat and onion stuffing) and belyash (deep-fried dough stuffed with minced lamb). 

Dairy products feature heavily in Tajik cuisine. In addition to the qurut are  chaka (sour milk) and kaymak (clotted cream), both of which are eaten with bread. Western-style yoghurt, including bottled yoghurt drinks, is popular for breakfast. If you are in Tajikistan in late summer and early autumn, the country is bursting with fresh fruits. Roadsides stalls sell watermelons the size of beach balls; the sweet, juicy pomegranates are a glorious shade of pink; and you can also enjoy grapes, apricots, apples, figs and peaches. 

Health and safety in Tajikistan

The medical system in Tajikistan is seriously overstretched. The quality of medical training has fallen since the end of the USSR, many doctors have left to find work abroad, hospitals are run-down and equipment is out of date. Outside the major cities there is also a shortage of drugs and other medical supplies.

If you are ill or have an accident, you will be able to receive basic emergency treatment in Dushanbe, Kulob or Khujand but will then require evacuation (MEDEVAC) to a country with more developed medical infrastructure for ongoing care. One of the best hospitals in the country is in Khorog, opened with the help of the Aga Khan Foundation, with doctors who have often trained or worked overseas and tend to speak a good level of English.

Most towns in Tajikistan have aptekas, small pharmacies selling a range of generic drugs. You do not need a prescription to purchase medication, but should read the instructions carefully or get someone else to explain them to you.

Do not drink tap water – it can be a serious health hazard. Use bottled water, which is widely available, or even better, take a reusable water bottle and filter with you. Water purification tablets can be used when trekking or camping.

Tajikistan is generally a safe country for tourists to visit. All parts of the country are accessible to foreigners, though you will need a permit to visit GBAO. It is advisable to check the FCO travel advice before travelling, however, as issues such as Covid-19, natural disasters, and border openings/closures may influence how and when you travel.

Female travellers

Tajikistan is generally a safe place to travel, whether you are male or female. That said, you should exercise the usual personal safety precautions and dress modestly, especially in conservative rural areas. It is not culturally acceptable to wear revealing clothing (including shorts, vest tops, or T-shirts which reveal your stomach) in Tajikistan. If in doubt, look at what ordinary women are wearing on the street, and dress with commensurate modesty.

LGBTQ+ travellers

Homosexuality has been decriminalised in Tajikistan but there is, to our knowledge, no open gay scene in Dushanbe. Many people in Tajikistan are deeply conservative, especially when it comes to the issue of sexuality, and homosexuality is still often seen as a mental illness (a hangover from the Soviet period). 

If you are travelling with a same-sex partner, you would be wise to refrain from public displays of affection and be cautious when discussing your relationship with others: it is often simplest to allow others to assume you are simply travelling with a friend. Double rooms frequently have twin beds, so asking for one room is unlikely to raise eyebrows in any case.

Travellers of colour

Travellers of African descent, and those with red or blond hair and very pale skin, tend to stand out while travelling through Tajikistan, despite millennia of cultural mixing in the region. You may be stared at on the street, or approached to have your photograph taken, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Many of these  interactions are out of curiosity and easily, even humorously, managed. However, alcohol-fuelled aggression is not uncommon, so try to avoid physical confrontation if possible.

Travelling with a disability

People with mobility problems will experience difficulty travelling in Tajikistan. Public transport is rarely able to carry wheelchairs, few buildings have disabled access, and streets are littered with trip hazards such as broken paving, uncovered manholes, and utility pipes. Hotel rooms are often spread over multiple floors without lifts and assistance from staff is not guaranteed. If you have a disability and are travelling to Tajikistan, you are advised to travel with a companion who can help you when the country’s infrastructure and customer service fall short. 

Travel and visas in Tajikistan

Unless you are a CIS national, you will almost certainly need a visa to enter Tajikistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs now offers an electronic visa for tourists that can be processed online through a special website . The process usually takes up to five business days, requires a scanned copy of your passport (with at least six months’ validity remaining) and costs US$50, plus an additional US$20 if you wish to visit the GBAO.

As of 1 March 2020, you can now apply for an e-visa with multiple entries, which is ideal if you’re planning a wider trip through central Asia and need to enter Tajikistan more than once.

Getting there and away

However you choose to travel, Tajikistan is not a particularly easy country to reach. Land borders open and close somewhat erratically, flights are irregular at the best of times and cancelled at the first sign of bad weather, and wherever you arrive from by train you’ll require a passport full of visas and the patience of a saint.

The vast majority of visitors arrive in Tajikistan on a flight to Dushanbe and this is, on balance, the easiest way to travel. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, you will need to have a visa before boarding the plane and may be prevented from flying if you do not.

Direct flights to Tajikistan tend to come only from the Middle East, Russia and the other CIS countries, although national carrier Somon Air is starting to open up new routes, including a new direct flight to New Delhi. It is likely, therefore, that if you take a flight originating in Europe or the USA you will need to get a connection in one of the regional hubs (Almaty, Istanbul or Moscow).

The safety record of many of central Asia’s airlines is such that they are prevented from flying in European airspace, although Somon Air does serve a number of more localised routes, including to Moscow and Istanbul.

There is a certain romance attached to train travel, and if you have the time to sit and watch the world pass by at a leisurely pace (very leisurely in the case of the old Soviet rail network), it is still a viable way to reach Tajikistan. Regardless of where the train originates, you will need to ensure you have a valid transit visa for every country en route , as well as a visa for Tajikistan.

Ticket classes are categorised in the Russian style. First-class or deluxe accommodation ( spets vagon ) buys you an upholstered seat in a two-berth cabin. The seat turns into a bed at night. Second class ( kupe) is slightly less plush, and there are four passengers to a compartment. Third class ( platskartny ) has open bunks (ie: not in a compartment) and, if you are really on a very tight budget indeed, a fourth-class ticket ( obshchiy ) gets you an unreserved and very hard seat. Bring plenty of food for the journey, and keep an eye on your luggage, particularly at night, as theft is sadly commonplace.

There are three main train routes to Tajikistan. There are two trains a week in each direction between Moscow and Dushanbe, a weekly service between Moscow and Khujand, and a twice-weekly service between Samara (Saratov) and Khujand. All these services pass through Tashkent; the Dushanbe train also passes through Samarkand. Tickets to Moscow (second class) start from just over US$145 and the trip takes four days.

The train timetable for the whole Russian rail network (including central Asia) is online at www.poezda.net . The Man in Seat 61  also has detailed information, including personal observations, about train travel in the former USSR.

Our preferred way to enter Tajikistan is through a land border, not because customs and immigration make it a particularly easy or pleasant experience, but because of the freedom having your own transport gives you once you finally make it inside.

Border crossings open and close regularly, often with little warning, and some crossings are open only to locals and not to foreigners. Keep your ear to the ground and, if in doubt, contact a tour operator or Tajik consulate before confirming your travel plans. We have previously ignored our own advice, with the result that we had to drive overnight from Panjakent to the Oybek crossing north of Khujand to leave Tajikistan before our visas expired. We would not recommend you follow suit. 

When to visit Tajikistan

Tajikistan’s climate is continental, and varies dramatically according to elevation, so when to visit Tajikistan depends on where you are going. It is the wettest of the central Asian republics, but again rain and snowfall depend on location, from the relatively dry valleys of Kafiristan and Vakhsh (500mm a year), to the Fedchenko Glacier, which receives in excess of 2,200mm of annual snowfall.

Temperatures in Tajikistan’s lowlands range on average from -1°C in January to as much as 30°C in July. The climate is arid, and artificial irrigation is required for agriculture. In the eastern Pamirs it is far colder: winter temperatures frequently fall to 20° below freezing, and the average temperature in July is just 5°C.

When to visit

Tajikistan explodes into life in the spring. As the snows subside and the higher parts of the country once again become accessible, the lower mountain slopes and pastures are a riot of colour. Tajiks celebrate Navruz, the Persian New Year, on the spring equinox, 21 March, with feasting, dancing and adrenalin-charged games of  buz kashi , Tajikistan’s answer to polo.

In the summer months, when temperatures in Dushanbe and the lowlands soar to uncomfortable levels, the Pamirs come into their own: you can drive the Pamir Highway without the risk of snow from June to September, and at the same time climb the higher peaks. Glacial meltwaters have slowed, the rivers are no longer in spate and, though an occasional blizzard may still catch you unawares, you can join the shepherds as they drive their flocks up into the mountains to grow fat on the grasses of high pastures. 

Tajikistan marks its Independence Day on 9 September, and the crops in the Fergana Valley and other agricultural areas are harvested. The fresh fruits at this time of year are divine. Nights in late September will already be cold in the Pamirs, and from October roads in the higher mountains will be impassable due to snowfall and ice. As the autumn progresses the emerald-green trees that form ribbons through the bottom of each river valley turn almost overnight to a fiery red and orange. In Tajikistan’s lower regions, which include most of the north and southwest, there’s a bite to the air come nightfall, but bright sunshine still warms up the day.

The winter is hard in Tajikistan, with many communities cut off and, if the harvest has been poor, dangerously short of food. For those with money, however, the snowfall marks the start of the ski season, and the Takob ski resort becomes busy with day trippers from Dushanbe.

What to see and do in Tajikistan

Some 12km to the east of Bokhtar are the archaeological remains of Ajina Tepa, the 8th-century Buddhist monastery from which the remarkable Sleeping Buddha (now in the National Museum of Antiquities in Dushanbe) was uncovered in the 1960s.

Though all of the finds were removed to Dushanbe or museums in Russia, it is still possible to see remnants of the 2.5m-thick mud-brick walls that protected the internal courtyard and monastic buildings. Approximately 1,500 artefacts have been excavated from the site since the initial archaeological dig in the 1960s, a testimony to the monastery’s importance and opulence.

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Ironically, despite its holy affiliations, the name Ajina Tepa itself means ‘Devil’s Hill’, and fragments of gargoyles and other demon-like sculptures were found among the ruins; scholars believe these items served to scare away opponents of Buddhism.

With its style caught somewhere between stark Soviet-era and laid-back Western café culture, Tajikistan’s capital city feels more like a market town than a metropolis. Its skyline is scraped by a handful of mid-rises and accented by the world’s now second-tallest flagpole, and the parks and gardens have benefited from some lush landscaping and impressive water features.

Without centuries of Silk Road wealth or the patronage of indulgent emperors, Dushanbe’s façades have historically been far humbler than those of many of its central Asian rivals, though that is changing with the controversial push towards bigger, bolder buildings: the opulent Navruz Palace and immense National Museum of Tajikistan among them.

But the geography of the valley, the paths of the rivers, and the acres of parkland and trees still define the shape of the city and give it a quietly bustling feel. In the heart of the Hisor Valley, at the confluence of the Varzob and Kofarnihon rivers, Dushanbe (meaning ‘Monday’) takes its name from the weekly market, which historically took place on this site.

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Dushanbe’s geographical isolation may have contributed to its less starkly Soviet architecture, but many of the more notable buildings from the country’s decades as a republic of the USSR – including the central post office and the much-loved Vladimir Mayakovsky Drama Theatre – have been demolished in recent years and replaced by even larger commercial structures financed by developers from across Asia.

Still, many of the buildings in the centre of the city are predominantly low-rise, brightly painted, and hark back to an earlier Russian style. The tree-lined avenues, and the manicured parks and cafés in squares, create an almost continental feel, and the clutch of monuments and museums speak to Tajikistan’s push for a post-independence architectural legacy.

The best things to see and do in Dushanbe

National museum of antiquities.

The largest and most important museum in Dushanbe, this cultural highlight houses artefacts covering 3,000 years of Tajik history. Recently renovated, the museum is laid out according to a mixture of geography and chronology. Some of the more important items are labelled in English, and the staff are keen to tell you about the items on show.

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The museum’s greatest draw, the Sleeping Buddha, takes pride of place on the second floor. Since the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in 2001, this 16m-long statue is the largest remaining Buddha in central Asia. Dating from around ad500 and sculpted from local clay, it was discovered at the Buddhist monastery of Ajina Tepa in 1966 and had to be moved to Dushanbe in sections.

Rudaki Park

Sandwiched between Rudaki and Ismoili Somoni, this sprawling park is a well-maintained space with numerous flower beds that come into bloom in early summer and are a colourful addition to the landscape right through to autumn. In September, the beds are a riot of red and orange.

Whichever path you take through the park you’ll be unable to miss the world’s second-tallest flagpole. Rising 165m above the park, this controversial structure cost US$3.5 million to build and was erected as the world’s tallest in May 2011 as part of celebrations to commemorate 20 years of Tajik independence. Three years later, the city of Jeddah erected a 170m pole, snatching the flag for Saudi Arabia.

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At its heart lies the Palace of Nations, an imposing structure that can be seen from across the city. With its golden dome, it is home to both President Rahmon and many of the government ministries. Though photogenic, the palace guards are a little jumpy about foreigners wielding cameras, so if you wish to take a photo then do so subtly. This is not the place to set up your long lens on a tripod.

Other photo opportunities in this area are the ostentatious golden statue of Ismoili Somoni with its two uniformed guards, the elegant, marble Independence monument (aka Stele), and the rather more tasteful Arch of Rudaki. The statue of Rudaki stands beneath a colourful mosaic arch and is reflected in the pool of water below. Don’t miss the immense artificial waterfall built into the side of a hill overlooking the racetrack and the river.

National Library of Tajikistan

Relocated from its original position by the Academy of Sciences, the new National Library opened in 2012 and is designed to look like an open book. The biggest library in central Asia, it holds over 10 million books – the original building housed only 2.5 million when it opened, but a call was put out to Tajiks to donate books to help fill the shelves.

On the first floor you can find books about Tajik history, culture and traditions. The library also houses an important collection of ancient manuscripts that includes one of the earliest copies of Firdausi’s famous work, the Shahnama (Book of Kings).

Writers’ Union Building

On the northern side of Ismoili Somoni, this is one of Dushanbe’s most unusual but striking constructions. It dates from the Soviet period but its façade is covered with life-sized statues of Tajik poets and other cultural heroes whose lives and work span the last millennium.

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With the notable exception of Firdausi, few of the names are easily recognisable to foreigners, but this monument does show the high esteem in which the Tajik people hold their vernacular literary figures.

Garm Chashma

Some 30km south of Khorog on the road to Ishkashim is the village of Andarob – the turning-off point for Garm Chashma, the best hot springs in Tajikistan. Legend has it that Ali struck the ground with his sword while fighting a dragon, and hot water spewed forth. 

Garm Chasma Tajikistan by Tourist Development Centre Tajikistan

The springs, which are surrounded with a vast, cave-like mineral deposit, are reputed to treat 72 different types of illness, the primary ones being dermatological and orthopedic conditions. They are used in turn by men and women; if you arrive during the other sex’s session you can either wait or use the covered (and far less dramatic) side pools. 

It is expected that you will bathe naked, and the salts and sulphur leave your skin feeling remarkably soft. At 65°C, it’s recommended to stay in the water for only 10–15 minutes, but we were assured by staff at the pool that the waters are safe for everyone. Prices range from TJS2 to TJS25 depending on when you go and whether you use the VIP pool.

It is possible to stay at the site overnight at the Somon-TM hotel, owned by the president’s daughter. Rooms are all en suite and expensive by Tajik standards (especially outside Dushanbe), but you do get breakfast and a private session at the VIP pool included in the price.

Close to Andarob, a little off the main road, is the Kuh-i Lal (Ruby Mountain) described by Marco Polo. The mine here still produces small quantities of spinels (also known as balas ruby) and you will occasionally be offered uncut stones to buy.

One of Tajikistan’s largest and wealthiest cities, Khujand has an almost cosmopolitan air and it bears the weight of its turbulent history well. Parks and monuments have all been sensitively restored, the bazaar is one of the liveliest in central Asia, and the mighty river, Syr Darya (Jaxartes), is a striking urban centrepiece. The well-paved streets, commercial centres and modern airport all reflect the city’s relative prosperity and solid position as an economic engine in the Fergana Valley.

Khujand feels much friendlier and relaxed than Dushanbe, having a compact centre where it’s impossible to escape the smell of its infamous shashlik, and many an hour can be whiled away people watching from the pavement restaurants and cafés.

While its most famous monuments are centuries old, they are starting to be rivalled by newer attractions such as the cable car, opened in 2019, and the increasing number of boat trips being offered down the sparkling clear river.

The best things to see in Khujand

Sheik muslihiddin mosque.

The fairly modern Sheik Muslihiddin Mosque is the city’s largest place of worship and cuts a striking figure on the skyline: the intricate portico, tiled minaret and turquoise domes would not look out of place in Bukhara or Samarkand. There is an attractive 19th-century minaret made of baked-mud bricks. It stands 21m tall and is a particularly popular resting place for the local pigeon population.

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Sheik Muslihiddin (1133–1223) is buried in the 14th-century gilded mausoleum on the same site. He was a holy poet come miracle worker who was revered by local people. Originally buried in the suburbs, his remains were moved here shortly before the Mongol invasion. The mud-brick tomb and its contents were burned by the Mongols and completely destroyed, so the mausoleum you see today dates from two later periods of construction in the 14th and 16th centuries respectively.

Panjshanbe Bazaar

On the opposite side of the square to the mosque is Panjshanbe Bazaar, Khujand’s central market. The vast pink edifice with its attractive white plasterwork and central semi-dome looks as if it should be the set for a fairy-tale wedding or an 18th-century royal ball, but it in fact dates from 1964 and was always intended to house market traders and their wares.

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Climbing the stairs to the right of the main entrance enables you to get a closer look at the beautifully painted ceiling, and also offers a good vantage point for photographs across the square. The market itself has a lively atmosphere, particularly in the morning, and you’ll scarcely be able to set foot among the fruit stalls before someone will accost you with a slice of melon or handful of pomegranate seeds to try.

Every kind of good is for sale here, and the hours fly by as you rummage around, engage in riotous charades and buy all sorts of things you never knew you needed. It’s a great place for people watching, and the market traders are friendly, always keen to chat and pose for photographs.

Khujand Fortress

A short distance west of Ismoili Somoni is Victory Square (also called Pushkin Square) and the historic centre of the city: Khujand Fortress. Archaeological excavations on the site have unearthed Graeco- Bactrian coins, pottery shards and other items which date the earliest parts of the citadel to the 4th century bc. Many of these are displayed in the museum.

The fortress was continually rebuilt and expanded for 2,500 years, however, as every time it was attacked, significant reconstruction was required. It reached its greatest extent in the 13th century, with thick clay walls atop an embankment, a water-filled moat, and a city wall encompassing 20ha of land, but even then it was no match for Genghis Khan. The Mongols completely destroyed the fortress.

Kamoli Khujand Park is home to one of Khujand’s newest tourist attractions, a cable car taking you on a slow and graceful journey over the Syr Darya, with an optional stop on the north side of the river. VIP carriages offer the opportunity to relax and enjoy the view while sitting on a sofa.

Lake Sarez (3,263m) is often referred to as the ‘sleeping dragon’, and it is easy to see why. It was formed by an earthquake in February 1911 estimated to be between 6.5 and 7.0 on the Richter scale, as the resulting landslide shifted over 2 billion m³ of rock and formed the Usoi Dam. At approximately 5km long, 3.2km wide and up to 567m high, it is the tallest natural dam in the world.

Named after the village buried by the landslide, it killed an estimated 302 people. The isolation and destruction of the mountain tracks was such that word did not reach the Russian posts at Murgob and Khorog about the earthquake for six weeks.

Following a landslide that caused a 2m-high wave in the lake in 1968, investigations were held into the stability of the dam. The primary danger is thought to be a partially detached section of rock around 3km³ in size which could break loose and fall into the lake. Owing to the narrowness of the valley below, a flood would be highly destructive.

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Initially, a 50m-tall wave of water travelling at 300km/h would destroy all of the villages in the Bartang Valley. Within 10 hours, the wall of water would flood the flat parts of south Tajikistan before dividing into two large rivers which move on to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, finally reaching the Aral Sea. In total, it is thought the flood could affect over 5 million people, 370,000 of whom are from Tajikistan.

Trekking routes

Treks focused on Lake Sarez start in Barchidev, the last settlement where you’ll find a homestay. The first day of the trek takes you south along the Murgob River and to the vast, natural dam at Usoi, the village now buried beneath the rockfall. It is possible to turn from here to Barchidev if you only have time for a short trek, though most people prefer to continue round the lake to Irkht. There are two variations to this part of the route: a boat trip across the water, or the strenuous and vertigo-inducing climb over the Marjanai Pass (3,972m).

Irkht was once a meteorological station, but little indication of this now remains. It’s another day’s hard walk up the Langar River to Vykhinch and thence the three head-like lakes at Uchkul. There is another steep climb, this time to the Langar–Kutal Pass (4,630m), from where it is 20km to the summer pastures at Langar (not to be confused with Langar in the Wakhan Corridor). You’ll be welcomed with bread and tea, and possibly fresh ewes’ milk too.

Langar lies just below Jasilkul, one of the four largest lakes in the Pamirs. The final leg of the trek winds its way down the river valley to Bachchor at the northeastern end of the Gunt Valley. The path rejoins the road at Bachchor, whence it is 22km back to the Pamir Highway or 116km to Khorog. We would advise driving.

To complete this trek you will need detailed topographical maps of the area. The best currently available ones are those produced by the Soviet military, and thankfully the topography of the area has changed little since they were drawn up. You can download the complete set from Mapstor . They go down to 1:50,000 scale.

Maps are no substitute for a competent guide who knows the local area and can read the conditions on the mountains. You should contact PECTA or Pamir Silk Travel , both of which are in Khorog, to get a reliable recommendation.

Ideally located only a short drive from the Uzbek border, with its historical sites and bustling bazaar, Panjakent (often spelled Penjikent) strongly deserves to be more than just an overnight stop en route between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan .

Long the gateway between the two countries, it should probably be part of Uzbekistan given that 70% of the population is ethnically Uzbek. The superb archaeological sites of ancient Panjakent and nearby Sarazm have earned it the moniker ‘the Pompeii of central Asia’ and are potent reminders of its historical importance and erstwhile wealth

Ancient Panjakent

Ancient Panjakent is remarkable due to the state of its preservation. Having been abandoned suddenly and never built over, it is still possible to walk the streets laid out much the same way as they were the day the Arabs came. At its height in the 8th century, the city covered around 20ha, and about half of this area has been carefully excavated, with finds being removed to the National Museum in Dushanbe and the local Rudaki Museum. Most impressive among the buildings are the citadel on top of the hill overlooking the city, the necropolis, and the fine, once multi-storied buildings where the famous frescoes were discovered.

There is a small museum near the entrance to the ruins, featuring a handful of artefacts and detailed information about the life of Russian archaeologist Boris Marshak, who spent half a century excavating the site and lobbying for its preservation. As per his will, Marshak is buried on the grounds.

Taxis can be hired to visit the ruins, which overlook the modern city a mere  2km south of Rudaki, adjacent the airport. The labyrinthine ruins are open around the clock, but it is advisable to visit only within the operating hours of the museum.

Some 15km west of Panjakent, just before the newly reopened Uzbek border, are the impressive ruins of one of Tajikistan’s other great archaeological sites: Sarazm. Discovered in 1976 by the Soviet archaeologist Abdullojon Isakov, it is remarkable for both its size and its antiquity.

Sarazm is an open-air site so there are no fixed opening times, and no entrance fee. Local people may appear to ‘guide’ you around the site, in which case give them a small donation for their time. There is very little information on the site itself aside from a few weathered information boards, so it’s a place you can let your imagination wander.

The earthen mounds and depressions on the site were once urban structures, burial sites and reservoirs, and a visit to Sarazm is a nod to the long human history of Tajikistan. Known by archaeologists as a ‘proto-urban site’ because of its status as one of the world’s oldest cities, the Sarazm settlement originally spread across 130ha.

It was the first settlement in central Asia to form such far-reaching trading connections and have such a vibrant cultural heritage. Carbon dating confirms it was already inhabited by 3500BC, peaking at the start of the Bronze Age when it was likely the largest metallurgical centre in central Asia. It thrived until the 3rd millennium BC and was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 2010 (the first UNESCO site in Tajikistan) in recognition of its historical significance in being the physical and cultural meeting point of settled farming tribes and the nomads of the Eurasian steppe.

The name ‘Sarazm’ means ‘where the land begins’, and for several millennia the settlement served as a great centre of trade and industry, producing handicrafts, tools and other artefacts that were sold and utilised throughout the ancient world.

The Pamir Highway

The prize for the world’s best drive is hotly contested, but the Pamir Highway certainly comes close to perfection (at least in terms of thrills and views). Magnificent mountains, gushing rivers and waterfalls, summer settlements with nomads and sheep, and scarcely another vehicle in sight are all points in its favour.

While it’s not a route for the faint-hearted, if you have the physical and mental stamina it’s a once in a lifetime experience whether you’re travelling by two wheels or four. Be sure to visit in the summer months as the road is impassable during the rest of the year.

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Whether you choose to take the southern route through the southwest of Tajikistan, or the harder, more rugged route through the central part of the country, either way you end up in laid-back Khorog, the backpackers’ hub in the Pamirs. From here it’s a challenging drive south to the Afghan border, then on to the windswept wasteland of the Murgob Plateau. 

Khorog to Murgob

The eastern section of the Pamir Highway between Khorog and Osh, Kyrgyzstan, was built by Soviet military engineers in the early 1930s. Its construction was a phenomenal achievement. It is the second-highest international road in the world (after the Khujerab Pass between Pakistan and China), and primary construction took just three years.

It was significantly upgraded to allow improved military access for the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, as this was one of the most important routes for the ill-fated campaign. However, the road appears to have received little love and attention since, and this is a challenging route requiring a sturdy vehicle and a lot of patience.

If using apps to map your route, expect the journey to take considerably longer than the estimated duration, and take your time – the views are beautiful, and the odd memorial is a stark reminder that it is more important to reach your destination safe, albeit a little later than planned.

Murgob to the Kyrgyz border

The final stretch of the Pamir Highway heads north from Murgob to Bor Dobo, just across the Tajik–Kyrgyz border, and thence to Sary Tash and Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second city. This northern part of the Pamirs is the remotest part of Tajikistan, and also home to some of the finest trekking routes (and rarest wildlife) in the country.

Strangely, the quality of the roads seems to improve, and the final stretch of the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan takes you past more jagged peaks and turquoise lakes.

As you near the Kyrgyz border, you’ll also see a short fence on your right – this understated feature is the border with China.

Yagnob Valley

The word Yagnob (or Yaghnob) is thought to be derived from the Tajik adaptation of the Yagnobi phrase ‘ix-I nou’, meaning ‘ice valley’ or ‘ice river’. Until the Russians blasted the road through the mountains, the Yagnob Valley was almost entirely cut off from the outside world, accessible only on foot when the weather would allow. It remains one of Tajikistan’s most wild, unspoilt spots and a fascinating anthropological microcosm.

The valley’s singularity of language, traditions and landscape was first noticed by Europeans in the late 19th century, but the inhabitants of the region themselves consider their ancestral line to go back some 2,500 years into the past, to the era of the ancient Sogdiana civilisation.

At almost 3,000m above sea level, the valley houses a mere 500 people during the winter months spread among some ten small settlements, though this swells to around 3,000 in the summer. The low population is due mostly to forced resettlement of the villagers to cotton-growing regions by the Soviets in the mid 20th century. The Yagnobis’ stone houses are typically clustered in the relatively wide areas along the Yagnob River, surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks and incredible trekking trails.

Tajikistan is a paradise for nature lovers and those who spend time in the great outdoors, and this is never more true than in the Yagnob Valley. Zamin Karor (the Yagnob Wall, which translates as ‘quiet ground’) can be found in the Yagnob Valley. The dramatic cliffs can be seen for miles around and are often home to climbing competitions. There are eight distinct peaks with altitudes ranging from 3,709m to 4,767m, with western and northwestern walls providing the most complex mountaineering routes.

The valley is also home to striking petrified forests dating back to the Jurassic period, when the region was much more humid and fertile. The ferrous vines and hardened tree trunks stand up to 5m high, a reminder of the valley’s timelessness and the resilience of nature.

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For more information, see our guide to Tajikistan :

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Not Another Backpacker

Tajikistan is a small country in Central Asia. Although it’s often overshadowed by its neighboring countries, it’s one of the best destinations in the world for adventurous travelers.

Here, you can find mountains as high as 7000 meters, stunning hiking trails, beautiful alpine lakes, and even the second-highest highway in the world.

During my travels in Central Asia, I devoted one month to exploring Tajikistan. I traveled the Pamir Highway, enjoyed stunning hikes in the Pamir Mountains, and immersed myself in remote Tajik villages.

In this detailed travel guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know for your travels in Tajikistan; the best places to visit, how to get around, and things to consider when planning your trip!

Note: Your trust is important to me. Therefore, I’d like to point out that this article contains referral links (also known as affiliate links). This means I get a small commission if you buy a product after clicking on one of the corresponding links, which are marked with a *. There are no extra costs for you, but it helps me keep this blog ad-free. Thank you!

Related Posts about Tajikistan

Is iskanderkul lake in tajikistan worth visting, 10 best things to do in dushanbe city, pamir highway in tajikistan: tour highlights + tips, quick facts and travel tips for tajikistan.

  • Capital: The capital of Tajikistan is Dushanbe City , which has approximately 1.2 million inhabitants and is located on the Western side of the country.
  • Language: The official language in Tajikistan is Tajik, but most people speak Russian as well.
  • Currency: The currency in Tajikistan is Somoni. Currently, 1 USD is worth about 11 Tajik Somoni.
  • Climate: Tajikistan is home to a continental climate, which means the winters are cold the summers are warm. However, due to the altitude, some places in Tajikistan are cold all year long.
  • Best time to visit: For most activities, you want to visit Tajikistan in the summer months of June, July, and August, when the weather is at its warmest.
  • Religion: The majority of the population in Tajikistan is Muslim.
  • Dress Code: Tajikistan is one of the most conservative countries in Central Asia. To not attract any unwanted attention, I recommend female travelers cover their shoulders and knees when traveling in this part of the world.
  • SIM-Cards: You can buy several SIM-Cards in Tajikistan. I was recommended Tcell and MegaFon, but neither of them provides coverage in all of Tajikistan. In some parts of the country, Tcell may work better than MegaFon, whereas, in other places, MegaFon works better.
  • Wi-Fi: In cities like Dushanbe, you won’t have trouble finding Wi-Fi, but if you plan a visit to remote parts of the country, you should expect to be offline for a while.

Most Popular Things to Do in Tajikistan

Pamir Highway Tajikistan Featured Image

These are the best things to do in Tajikistan:

1. Travel the Pamir Highway!

Although Central Asia has become a slightly more popular travel destination over the past years, the country of Tajikistan is still far from most tourist maps. So, if you’ve come to Tajikistan, I am sure of one thing: You’re a real adventurer at heart.

In this case, you should definitely travel the Pamir Highway . It’s the second-highest country on the planet and leads across the entire country.

Along the way, you can visit remote Tajik villages, hike in the Pamir Mountains, and swim in gorgeous alpine lakes. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget and undoubtedly the number one thing to do in Tajikistan!

2. Go Hiking in the Fann Mountains!

You can’t wait to slip into your hiking boots and venture out into the wild? Then you should head to the Fann Mountains in the northwest of the country. Most people come here to visit the Seven Lakes, which are connected and surrounded by spectacular hiking trails. However, if you don’t have much time, you can visit the lakes by car as well.

Unfortunately, I’ve never had the chance to visit the Seven Lakes myself, but if you’re interested in the topic, you should check out this article by Timetravelturtle.

3. Visit Iskanderkul Lake!

If you’re short on time, you should consider visiting Iskanderkul Lake – the largest lake in the country. It sits 2195 meters above sea level on the Gissar Range of the Fann Mountains and is surrounded by beautiful hills.

Although you can find some short hiking trails around here, Iskanderkul Lake is mainly a place to chill out and kick back. You can cover the area easily in one or two days to squeeze it into your itinerary.

Food in Tajikistan

I have to be completely honest: Tajikistan is one of the worst countries for food I’ve ever been to (no offense).

Especially when traveling to remote parts of the country, you won’t have many options, and you’ll probably find yourself eating more or less the same meals every day. In guest houses, they often serve meat stews or yak meat with fried potatoes. However, if you’re in a city, you’ll have a few more options.

These are some meals and snacks worth trying:

  • Osh: Osh is a very popular dish that is similar to the Uzbek dish Plov. It consists of rice, meat, carrots, and spices, and can be found in most Tajik restaurants.
  • Sambusa: If you’re looking for street food, you should try Sambusa. These pastries are filled with meat and onions, before being baked in a tandyr (tandoori oven).
  • Manti: A Manti is a steamed dumpling that is typically stuffed with meat. It’s one of the best snacks in Tajikistan and can be found all over Central Asia.

How to Get to Tajikistan

Village Jizev in Baghtan Valley

A lot of people visiting Tajikistan travel by land from Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan, but you can also fly into the country. These are the best ways to get to there:

  • Traveling to Tajikistan from Uzbekistan: The best way to travel from Uzbekistan to Tajikistan is by land. From Samarkand, you can take a taxi to the Tajik border, which takes around one hour. Once, you’ve crossed to the other site, you can hire a shared taxi to take you straight to Dushanbe. This is about a four-hour drive.
  • Traveling to Tajikistan from Kyrgyzstan: Unfortunately, the Tajik-Kyrgyz border is closed at the moment, which means you’ll either have to take a detour through Uzbekistan or China or take a flight.
  • Traveling to Tajikistan from Afghanistan: At the time of writing, there was no information on any legal land crossings between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
  • Traveling to Tajikistan from China: If you’re really adventurous and you want to travel to Tajikistan from China, you can cross over at the Kulma-Pass from the Chinese Xinjiang region. I personally haven’t done this myself, but if you want more information, you can check out this article .
  • Flying into Tajikistan: If you’re not crossing by land, you can also fly to Dushanbe. I usually book my flights through Skyscanner* , which automatically searches the web for the cheapest ticket prices.

Visa and Entry Requirements

US citizens, as well as nationals from most other countries, need a visa to travel to Tajikistan . You can either apply for your visa online or upon arrival. However, when traveling to Tajikistan without obtaining a visa prior to arrival, you may need to apply for an entry permit called IATA. To check whether you qualify for a visa on arrival in Tajikistan, visit Visaguide .

Also, keep in mind that you need to register your visa at the Department of Visa and Registration within three days of arrival. If you plan to visit the Pamir Highway, you will also need to apply for a GBOA permit , which can be done when registering your visa.

Note: Visa regulations and entry requirements can change without my knowledge. Please double-check all travel requirements yourself before traveling to Tajikistan.

How to Get around Tajikistan

When traveling around Tajikistan, there are several options to get around:

  • Shared taxis and minibusses: If you want to travel to popular tourist destinations, you can share a taxi with other travelers or catch a minibus.
  • Private taxis: Alternatively, you can also hire a private taxi. The cost will be higher, but you can go on your own terms.
  • Pamir Highway tour: If you want to see a lot of the country, you should book a tour along the Pamir Highway. It’s the best way to explore remote villages off the beaten path.

How to Find Accommodation in Tajikistan

Accommodation in Kalaikhum

In cities like Dushanbe, you can easily book accommodation online, for example through these booking platforms:

  • Agoda*: Agoda is my preferred platform for booking accommodation in Central Asia. Here, you can find amazing last-minute deals and earn cash back on your completed bookings.
  • Booking.com*: Alternatively, you can also use Booking.com. In my experience, Agoda offers slightly better deals, but Booking.com offers competitive prices and a large selection of hotels as well.
  • Hostelworld*: Compared to other countries, you won’t find many hostels in Tajikistan. Still, in cities like Dushanbe, you may find some treasures on Hostelworld (my tip: stay in Green House Hostel* – the ultimate backpackers in town).

Keep in mind: If you travel to remote parts of the country, you’ll have to find accommodation once you arrive at your destination. Many guest houses in small villages do not have an online presence (probably because of the lack of internet).

ATMs in Tajikistan

One of the most frustrating things when traveling in Tajikistan is dealing with ATMs. ATMs in the country have ridiculously low withdrawal limits of 1000 Somoni or less (approx. 90 USD or less) as well as daily limits. Also, many ATMs only accept VISA card , which can be a problem if you only use MasterCard.

So, if you travel the Pamir Highway or to other remote parts of the country, it’s a good idea to take out enough money to hold you afloat in Dushanbe. At Halyk Bank , you can find three ATMs (two outside and one inside), where you can take out 1000 Somoni a day per ATM, so 3000 Somoni (approx. 270 USD) in total per day. This bank accepts both VISA and MasterCard.

If you need to take out more money than that, you can go inside and take out money from the teller for a 2% transaction fee . However, expect to wait in line for a little while and make sure nobody cuts you off!

Alternatively, you can also bring some cash with you when traveling to Tajikistan, so that you don’t have to deal with ATM-transactions. It’s fairly easy to find currency exchanges where you can exchange Euros or US-Dollars into local currency.

Is Tajikistan safe to visit?

The US travel advisory level for Tajikistan is currently set at level two (exercise increased precaution) and states that travelers should reconsider travel along the Afghan border due to the possibility of terrorist attacks. In the past few years, there have been reported terrorist attacks and in 2018, four Western cyclists were killed and five more were injured by Islamist militants in the Danghara District.

Still, most terrorist attacks are not targeted towards tourists and although you should be cautious, I personally do not think that Tajikistan is particularly unsafe to travel (sh*t can happen anywhere…). You will need a permit if you want to travel along the Afghan border (GBAO-permit) and there are many checkpoints along the roads where this will be checked regularly. I traveled along the Afghan border and have never felt endangered.

Travel Costs in Tajikistan

Engels Peak meadow from a birds eye view

Although Tajikistan is fairly cheap, it’s a little more expensive than other countries in Central Asia, like Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Especially accommodation in remote areas can be comparably expensive. This is what you can expect to spend when traveling to Tajikistan:

  • A meal in a restaurant: A meal in a restaurant costs 2 – 5 USD, depending on what you get.
  • Accommodation: In cities and larger towns, you can find a standard double room for around 15 – 20 USD, but if you plan on traveling the Pamir Highway, you should expect to pay 20 – 25 USD per person. In remote parts of the country, this price typically includes dinner and breakfast, but the comfort of the accommodation can vary. If you’re lucky, you get a comfortable private room, but when traveling the Pamir Highway you’ll sometimes have to share a room with the entire group.
  • A beer in a restaurant: A local beer in a restaurant costs about 1 USD.
  • Transport: The cost of transportation depends on the distance you travel and the type of transport you choose. Typically, you can get to most destinations within a few hours for less than 20 USD. Taxis in Dushanbe cost only a few dollars for short fares.
  • Pamir Highway Tour: The price for a Pamir Highway Tour depends on how many kilometers you want to cover and how many days you’re going out for. With a group of five people, we paid 380 USD per head for a 12-day trip. This does not include accommodation and food.

Travel cost including the Pamir Highway : Appr. 55 USD per day on the Pamir Highway

Travel cost excluding the Pamir Highway: 20 – 40 USD per day

Note: The cost per day does not include flights/ transport to and from Tajikistan. Also, keep in mind that everyone has a different travel style. The costs listed are based on an average, but you may be able to travel around Tajikistan on a lower budget than listed, or you may end up spending more if you prefer comfort.

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  • Istaravshan
  • County facts
  • Getting in and out
  • Border control
  • Getting around
  • Communication
  • Food and Drink
  • M41 "Pamir Highway"
  • Wakhan Explorer
  • Silk Road Express
  • Afghan Rally
  • Pamir Highway
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  • Communism peak
  • Korjenevskaya peak
  • Tajikistan visa
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  • Embassies abroad
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  • Pamir highway
  • Pamir Botanical garden
  • Karakul lake
  • Wakhan valley
  • Fann mountains
  • Marguzor lakes
  • Afghan Bazaars
  • Garm Chashma springs
  • Yamchun Fortress
  • Khaahka Fortress
  • Bibi Fatima Springs
  • Hissar fortress
  • Iskanderkul lake
  • Vrang Buddist Stupa
  • Yashilkul lake
  • Bulunlul lake
  • Bashoro Mausoleum
  • The Tomb of Rudaki
  • How to Book
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Guaranteed deaprtures 2018

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Bikes for rent in Tajikistan

Vehicles for rent in tajikistan, tajikistan safety.

Cities | Weather | Country Facts | Getting in&out | Customs | Getting around | Money | Communication | Healthcare | Food&drink | Festivals | Maps

  Though Tajikistan and Tajiki people are very friendly and welcome, criminal activity in Dushanbe is like in every other capital city in the world. It is not claimed as the most safest place as of course Tajikistan have a lot of its own problems including the inability of Tajikistan's law enforcement entities to provide adequate and immediate assistance. Tajikistan's struggling economy and high unemployment have resulted in incidents of street crime, including robberies, pick pocketings and muggings.  Alcohol-related incidents such as bar fights and drunk driving also happens.    Often police is not very keen to open minor or routine cases that seem too difficult to resolve and became a headache for them making safety statistics look poor, this may include stolen wallets or mobile phones. However to get refund from your travel insurance you would need a certificate which is given out then case is registered.   Crimes of opportunity can occur against anyone, so you need to be careful and cautious in your own personal security, whether within the city limits of Dushanbe or in the more remote areas of the country.  As usual danger increases after dark, and travelers advised to use caution when traveling alone or on foot after dark.  Travelers are also encouraged to carry a copy of passport (separate from their wallets). Standard methods of precaution include: - Familiarize yourself with your neighborhood by walking around in the daylight. - Ask around about areas you should avoid at night. - Do not walk alone at night. - Note the address of your country's embassy. - Locate the police station that serves your neighborhood. - Identify the hospital emergency room nearest to your home and know what to do in case of an accident. - Keep "emergency" numbers near your phone at home (see Emergency Telephone Numbers in communication section). -Do not display your valuables or cash while shooping -Do not carry large amounts of money with you or at least divide it into several parts and put it into several different places in your purse, wallet, and on your clothes. -Avoid bad lit streets then outside after dark. VICTIMS OF CRIME:   If it sadly happened you became a victim of a crime abroad, contact the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate of your origin (see Visa and Formalities/Foreign embassies section to determine nearest embassy of your origin)    The embassy/consulate staff can assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.    If you need medical assistance see our Health Care section or use the emergency numbers below: 01 - Fire, 02 - Police, 03 – Ambulance

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Journal of Nomads

Traveling in Tajikistan: Why Visit Tajikistan

The Republic of Tajikistan is a small landlocked country in Central Asia. 93% of Tajikistan is mountainous, making it a perfect destination for outdoor lovers and intrepid travelers as the country doesn’t get many visitors (yet). It’s home to the Pamir Highway, one of the world’s wildest and highest roads, and to the stunningly beautiful Fann Mountains.

In the comprehensive travel guides below, you’ll find all the up-to-date information you need to know about traveling inTajikistan: from how to prepare yourself to the best places to visit, top things to do, travel itineraries and plenty of more practical travel info!

Traveling in Tajikistan

Tajikistan Travel Essentials

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Tajikistan Visa

Visa-free or e-visa for most nationalities (30 days).

Getting There

Fly into Dushanbe, bus/shared taxi from Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan .

Travel Insurance

Find the best travel insurance for your trip to Tajikistan.

Getting around

Travel in Tajikistan by minibus (mashrutka), shared taxi or rental car.

Where to stay

Stay in a homestay, guesthouse, hostel or hotel

Tajikistan Tours

Adventure Tours, private customized tours

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELing in Tajikistan

Prepare your trip to tajikistan.

  • Tajikistan Travel Guide: 18 things to plan your trip
  • Tajikistan Packing List

Things to do and places to visit in Tajikistan

  • Hiking in the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan
  • 5 top things to do at Iskanderkul Lake

Discover the Highlights of Tajikistan: a 16-day Adventure Tour with an unforgettable road trip on the  Pamir Highway , experiencing the culture in the  Jisue and Wakhan Valleys ,  hiking to various alpine lakes  and a 3-day trek in the stunning  Fann Mountains !

Trekking in the Fann Mountains Tajikistan - Chukurak Mountain Pass

Explore TAJIKISTAN

All posts and guides about traveling in Tajikistan.

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The Complete Tajikistan Travel Guide – 18 useful things to know to visit Tajikistan in 2024

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Volunteering in the South of Tajikistan: English Language and Education Centers SWORDE-TEPPA

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The Complete Guide to the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan

Things to do at Iskanderkul Lake Fann Mountains Tajikistan - Journal of Nomads

5 Top Things to do at Iskanderkul Lake in Tajikistan

Pamir Highway Group Tours 2024-2025

Tajikistan Travel

Tajikistan Travel

Tajikistan Travel is an ascent to the Roof of the World in the Pamirs, counted among the world’s tallest and most grandiose mountain chains. Yet this age-old land also has roots as deep and as ancient as time itself. Hints of antiquity are sensed among temple ruins, heard in the obscure tongue of secluded communities and seen in rich cultural overtones preserved among a persevering people who take pride in their land.

And rightfully so, for while Tajikistan may be small, it sets some lofty records in Soviet Union territory. Somoni Peak in the Pamir Mountains is the tallest summit in the entire region, while the town of Murghab is the highest city in the former USSR. Bulunkul Lake sees the coldest temps in this huge swath of land, and the 13-meter-high Buddha statue discovered near Bokhtar (ex Kurgan Tube) is Central Asia’s tallest Buddha by far. Beautiful Nurek Dam is one of the largest of its kind in the world, while traces of the region’s oldest language can still be heard in the Yagnob Valley. Welcome to Tajikistan, land of record-breaking discoveries!

Your Guide to Tajikistan by a Local Travel Expert

  • 1. Is Tajikistan Worth Visiting?
  • 2. Your Dream Vacation
  • 3. Tajikistan Visa Matters
  • 4. Is Tajikistan Safe for Travel?
  • 5. Choose Your Transport
  • 6. Tajikistan Travel Seasons
  • 7. Tajikistan Travel Map
  • 8. How Many Days Do You Need in Tajikistan?
  • 9. At Your Service
  • 10. Holidays and Festivals
  • 11. Curious about Tajik Cuisine?
  • 12. Dos and Don’ts in Tajikistan
  • 13. Speak the Language
  • 14. Virtual Tajikistan Travel Guide: Further Reading
  • 15. Did You Know That…

Is Tajikistan Worth Visiting?

Despite having all but flung its doors wide open to the outside world in recent years, many travelers remain unaware that the joys of Tajikistan are not limited to tenacious backpackers alone. Amateur anthropologists and history buffs, nature lovers and curious globetrotters alike will appreciate the land’s finer qualities:

  • Tajikistan is authentic, free by and large from manufactured tourism and still deeply rooted to its intrinsic culture. Anyone desiring to see the world from a different angle will find new perspective on the roof of the world as they come ready to learn from an ancient society.
  • Tajikistan is rustic, offering lakes, mountain ranges, waterfalls, remote villages, lush valleys and winding backways to anyone longing to step away from the hectic pace of life and rediscover true beauty.
  • Tajikistan is exciting, and while this may sound trite, there really is an air of anticipating the unknown in this land. Come prepared to expect the unexpected and soak up every minute of your journey!

Your Dream Vacation

Hike in the footsteps of Alexander the Great. 4WD your way along one of the highest mountain arteries on earth. Bring the pages of history to life among city ruins dating back thousands of years. Trace the spread of Zoroastrian, Buddhist and Islamic thought through forgotten byways and valleys. Learn from village families as you share a local meal under the starry sky.

The country abounds in opportunities too numerous to list, but we’ve done out best by highlighting some of our favorites to consider as you plan your Tajikistan itinerary:

Pamir Highway, Tajikistan Travel

Visa Matters

Easy-to-obtain Tajikistan visas are just one more reason to add this nation’s stamp to your passport. Citizens of over 20 Asian and East European nations can receive 30-90 day visa-free entry, while passport holders of most other countries are eligible to obtain a visa upon arrival or a simple electronic visa, valid for up to 45 days. Tourists who do require a Letter of Invitation may receive visa support through Advantour or other locally-based travel agencies.

  • Tajikistan Visa

Is Tajikistan Safe for Travel?

Tajikistan’s government places a high priority on the safety of its tourists, a sentiment shared by the majority of its population. Most people you meet during your travels will be eager to welcome you to their homeland or provide you with needed assistance. In fact, many tourists count the Tajiks’ warmth among the highlights of their travels. Violent crime involving foreigners remains low, and an awareness of high-altitude weather conditions, local customs and basic safety measures will go a long way in enhancing your travel experience.

Choose Your Transport

Tajikistan’s accessibility has grown exponentially in the past decade, and today direct flights link capital city Dushanbe with some of the world’s busiest hubs, including Frankfurt, Istanbul, Moscow, Dubai and Saint Petersburg. National carrier Tajik Air is by far the foremost provider, although well-known companies including Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai and Kazakhstan-based Air Astana also offer regular routes.

Thanks to its high-altitude terrain and developing transportation system, Tajikistan’s land border crossings and in-country transport via taxi or bus will doubtless provide an element of adventure to your travels. For those less keen on developing their aptitude for patience and flexibility , pre-arranging private transport is the most advisable, and comfortable, option.

Tajikistan Travel Seasons

If you wish to tour Central Asia but have an aversion to deserts, Tajikistan is a good fit for you! The wettest country in the region, it joins neighboring Kyrgyzstan in claiming summer, not spring, as peak tourist season. Yet each time of year holds unique charm in Tajikistan:

Winter: Clearly the ideal time of year for skiing and outdoor sports, winter transforms Tajikistan’s mountains into a frosty wonderland, beautiful without a doubt yet potentially dangerous for all but the most experienced mountaineers.

Autumn: Sporadic rains and chilly evenings chase many visitors away during October and November, yet this is a great season to visit if you wish to stick to Dushanbe and other lower-altitude destinations, where golden autumns hues can take Tajikistan’s beauty to a whole new level.

Spring: Early spring rains lead to truly gorgeous landscapes by May, when regular mountain travel again becomes possible. Spring in Tajikistan is filled with holidays and is ideal for a mountain-city combo tour, as neither will be insufferably hot or cold.

Summer: Sunny but not as sweltering as Uzbekistan, it is the perfect season for cross-country travel, including Pamir tours, and for swimming, camping, hiking and other outdoor excursions.

  • Tajikistan Climate and Weather
  • When is the best time to visit Tajikistan?

Tajikistan Travel Map

Use the Tajikistan map to locate the country’s major destinations and find out what each one has to offer:

Tajikistan Travel Map

How Many Days Do You Need in Tajikistan?

While Tajikistan can be appreciated even on a quick jaunt from neighboring Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan, the country is best experienced at a local pace – unhurried and relaxed. Use our Tajikistan itinerary as a rough guide which can be adapted according to your personal preferences and interests.

  • Dushanbe – Tajikistan’s capital and largest city offering tree-lined boulevards, parks and modern comforts. How long should I stay? 2-3 days, depending on how many day trips you wish to take Major Sites: National Museum of Tajikistan, Hissar Fortress, Rudaki Park How to get off the beaten path: Take a day or overnight trip to Iskanderkul Lake or Varzob Valley.  
  • Khujand – Energetic and welcoming city which is one of Central Asia’s oldest and Tajikistan’s second-largest. How long should I stay? 1-2 days Major Sites: Timur-Malik Fortress, Payshanba Bazaar, Somoni Park How to get off the beaten path: Relax at Kayrakkum Reservoir or take a day trip to Uzbekistan capital Tashkent.  
  • Penjikent – Strewn with history and straddling Uzbekistan’s border, the city is a great base for onward travels. How long should I stay? 1-1,5 days Major Sites: Sarazm, Ancient Penjikent, Rudaki Museum How to get off the beaten path: Overnight at Seven Lakes or plan a trip through the Yaghnob Valley.  
  • Istaravshan – Historically significant and culturally authentic town between Khujand and Dushanbe. How long should I stay? 1 day Major Sites: Hazrat Shah Architectural Complex, Mug Teppe, Kok Gumbaz (Abdul Latif Sultan Madrassah) How to get off the beaten path: Spend the morning among Sogdian ruins in Bunjikat or drive the Anzob Pass.  
  • Khorog – Preserver of Pamiri culture, it’s the largest city in the Pamirs and capital of Gorno-Badakhshan. How long should I stay? Half day for sightseeing, or longer if you wish to rest before Pamir Highway travels Major Sites: Pamir Botanical Gardens, Khorog Central Park, Khorog Regional Museum How to get off the beaten path: Freshen up at Garm Chashma Hot Springs or overnight in a village near Bulunkul Lake.  
  • Murghab – Highest town in the entire region, Murghab is a rugged but welcoming Kyrgyz outpost. How long should I stay? 1 day Major Sites: Lenin statue, Jameh Mosque, Drive to Karakul lake through the Ak-Baital Pass How to get off the beaten path: Ride a camel around Rangkul Lake or stay in a yurt camp in Pshart Valley…this is as remote as it gets! Note: Murghab is also a great stopover point for those wishing to combine a Pamir trip with Kyrgyzstan travel.  
  • Bokhtar (ex Kurgan Tube) – Southern Tajikistan’s largest yet oft-overlooked city which is steeped in history. How long should I stay? 1-2 days Major Sites: Khodzha-Moshad Mausoleum, Ajina-Tepe Buddhist Monastery, Hulbuk Fortress How to get off the beaten path: Visit the healing waters of Chali Char Chashma or explore Takht-i-Sangin Temple (Oxus Temple).

At Your Service

Tajikistan can be a tricky land to navigate, as a well-coordinated system of in-country travel is not yet established in the Pamirs and other rural areas. We at Advantour are happy to assist you in any way needed, from answering initial visa inquiries and pre-booking train and airline tickets to providing airport pickup and full-length tours.

Our Tajikistan travel services include:

Tajikistan Holidays and Festivals

Tajikistan’s community-centered, ever-hospitable culture reaches its full display of grandeur during the nation’s most beloved holidays. Joining all of Central Asia in extravagant celebrations of Persian New Year (Navroz) and independence from the Soviet Union, Tajikistan also hosts some truly unique festivals which could just become the highlight of your stay:

Tajikistan Holidays and Festivals, Tajikistan Travel

Navroz (March 21) – Horse races, kite-flying, splendid performances, lighthearted games and special holiday foods are celebrated by joyful crowds in national dress. Best place to celebrate: Dushanbe, Hissar or Khujand

Sayri Guli Lola Tulip Festival (late April, date varies) – The full-on arrival of mountain tulips is celebrated with two days of dancing, parades, traditional wrestling contests and feasts of plov and homegrown produce. Best place to celebrate: towns and villages across northern Tajikistan

Roof of the World Festival (July, date varies) – Pamiri culture and customs are brought to the spotlight through a huge festival of song, dance, crafts, poems and food, while musical guests from around the world strum international tunes in shows of solidarity. Best place to celebrate: Khorog

At-Chabysh Festival (early August) – Also known as the Buzkashi-Kozladrani Festival, this spinoff of Roof of the World Festival celebrates Pamiri Kyrgyz culture with national horse races, arts and crafts, Kyrgyz yurt displays and culinary treats. Best place to celebrate: Murghab

Independence Day (September 9) – Tajikistan remembers its hard-earned independence through traditional and pop concerts, fireworks and street carnivals designed to entertain young and old alike. Best place to celebrate: Dushanbe

Curious about Tajik Cuisine?

Tajik culture has absorbed elements of Persian, Turkic and Russian culture over the centuries, and local cookery is no exception. From fast foods to filling home-cooked specialties, be sure to taste-test these local favorites:

  • Qurutob – Salty yogurt is poured over bread and topped with onions and veggies in this national dish
  • Osh – Perfectly seasoned rice and beef simmered with yellow carrots, raisins, chickpeas and garlic
  • Mastoba – Hearty local soup of meat, rice and vegetables topped off with yogurt and herbs
  • Belyash – Melt-in-your-mouth fried dough patties stuffed with potatoes or various meats
  • Sambusa – Pockets of flakey dough perfected with flavorful fillings of meat, pumpkin or potato
  • Halvaitar – Flour and sugar are dissolved and flavored with nuts and vanilla in this irresistible dessert
  • Kaurmo Shurbo – Satisfying soup filled with tender chunks of meat, boiled potatoes and vegetables
  • Katlama – This flaky layered dough, fried and served in round loaves, goes great with soup or yogurt
  • Chaka – Scrumptious sour yogurt sauce poured over dishes and scooped up with warm slices of bread

Read on for a more in-depth look into Tajikistan cuisine.

  • Tajikistan’s National Dishes

Dos and Don’ts in Tajikistan

Tajikistan does not have strict laws in terms of dress code or religion, but knowing a bit of cultural etiquette can make your trip more enjoyable, both for you and the Tajiks! Use our friendly Tajikistan travel advice as a starting point, and when in doubt, ask your guide or travel coordinator for further tips along the way:

  • Dress conservatively in rural areas out of respect for local customs
  • Carry toilet paper with you wherever you go, as it runs in short supply almost everywhere
  • Drink only bottled or filtered water to avoid unpleasantries during your travels
  • If going as a guest to someone’s home, bring a gift and remove your shoes before entering the house
  • Secure the necessary permits for travel to restricted areas (i.e. Gorno-Badakhshan) before you hop on the plane. While possible to obtain in country, it will require extra time
  • Step on or over the tablecloth, traditionally spread across the floor, as this is considered rude
  • Eat or drink all the food and tea served to you in someone’s home unless you wish for seconds
  • Be offended by personal questions regarding your salary, marital status, etc., as such questions are normal
  • Plan to travel to the Pamir Mountains without a pre-arranged guide or vehicle
  • Forgot the opportunity to experience Tajikistan’s diversity through travel to different cities and regions

Speak the Language

Tajik, a Persian language most closely related to Dari and Farsi, is the only official language of Tajikistan. Russian, although spoken by fewer Tajiks now than in the 20th century, can still prove useful in the capital and among the older population.

Virtual Travel Guide to Tajikistan: Further Reading

  • Tajikistan Travel Tips
  • Tajikistan Tours Pages

Did You Know That...

  • Tajikistan is almost completely mountainous, with 93% of its land dominated by peaks.
  • Tajikistan is the smallest of the Central Asian nations, measuring just over 143 thousand square kilometers.
  • Tajik is the only language in Central Asia which is Persian and not Turkic-based.
  • Nurek Dam in western Tajikistan is the second-tallest dam in the world.
  • Over one-third of the nation’s income is derived from the wages of Tajiks who work abroad and send their salary back to locally-based family members.
  • Traces of Sogdian, the Silk Road lingua franca, can still be heard in the language of the Yagnobi people of the Yagnob Valley.

Tajikistan Guide

  • Landmarks and Attractions
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Exhibitions & Events
  • Travel Restrictions - Covid-19
  • Tajikistan Tourism
  • Tajikistan Trip Planner
  • Best Time to Visit
  • Solo Traveler Guide
  • Things to Do in Tajikistan
  • Tajikistan Flights
  • Embassy and Consulate
  • Embassies in Tajikistan
  • Crossing Borders

Tajikistan Services

  • Private Tours
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  • Cancellation Policy
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Iskanderkul is a mountain lake of glacial origin in Tajikistan's Sughd Province. Triangular in shape, it has a surface area of 3.4 square kilometres (1.3 sq mi) and is up to 72 metres (236 ft) deep. Claimed to be one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the former Soviet Union, it is a popular tourist destination. Photo taken on August 07, 2010.

Damon Lynch

The term 'predominantly mountainous' doesn't do justice to a country where over 90% of the land is upland. This fact of nature has given Tajikistan a precious advantage over its neighbours, namely some of the most inspiring, high-altitude landscape in the world. Within an hour of Dushanbe lie multi-hued lakes, peaks that beg to be climbed and high passes that thrill even reluctant travelers. In among this natural splendor are scattered villages and towns that survive cheek-by-jowl through each extreme season. It hasn't been easy for these traditional communities to adapt to the changing world beyond their mountain strongholds, but despite this they are unfailingly welcoming of outsiders and cheerfully excuse cultural faux-pas as part and parcel of their proud democracy. Welcome to 'The Roof of the World'!

Your next trip starts here

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Citadel walls in Khujand, Tajikistan.

The city’s top sight is the citadel, the reconstructed corner of which is open to visitors. From the top of the 10th-century ramparts, the disintegrating…

The interior of Panjshanbe market in Khujand, Tajikstan.

Panchshanbe Bazaar

The core of this great bazaar, reputedly the largest in Central Asia, is an unusually elegant, purpose-built hall (1964) with arched entrance portals and…

Rudaki Park and the monument to the poet Muhammad Rudaki in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Rudaki Park

Extensive Rudaki Park, with its beautiful canopy of mature trees, offers a series of pathways through flower gardens and alongside lakes and fountains…

The statue of Ismoil Somoni in the central square of Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Statue of Ismoil Somoni

One of Dushanbe’s most impressive modern monuments, this statue celebrates the 10th-century founder of the Samanid dynasty. With an art-deco quality to…

Ethnography Museum

Ethnography Museum

Sharing the same complex as the National Museum of Antiquities, this small museum houses an exquisite collection of traditional Tajikistan clothing …

Hulbuk Fortress

Hulbuk Fortress

The Pamir Highway

Destroyed by the Mongols, the sparse remnants of this fortified palace have been undergoing excavation since 1951 and now a fine reconstruction of the…

Entrance of the Historical Museum of Sughd Province.

Historical Museum of Sughd Province

Built within the reconstructed southeastern bastion of the city wall, this museum houses a fascinating set of modern marble mosaics depicting the life of…

Hisor Fortress, Hissor, Tajikistan.

Hissar Fort

Pictured on the 20TJS banknote and just 30km west of Dushanbe, the remains of this 18th-century fort make for an interesting day trip from the capital…

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With the new year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning your 2020 adventures.

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Nov 19, 2018 • 8 min read

A hamlet along the popular 'Seven Lakes' trekking route, with mud buildings terraced up a small slope and backed by huge snowy mountain peaks © Stephen Lioy / Lonely Planet

Mar 22, 2018 • 4 min read

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Motorcyclist on the Pamir Highway, Tajikistan

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tajikistan travel safe

  • Passports, travel and living abroad
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  • Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Tajikistan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Tajik Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Tajikistan.

Passport validity requirements

If you’re visiting Tajikistan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you arrive and have 2 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter or travel through Tajikistan.

If you overstay your visa, you will not be allowed to leave Tajikistan until you get an exit visa. You can pay for an exit visa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Office. You may also get a fine, depending on how long you have overstayed. Exit visas are not available at airports in Tajikistan.  

Applying for a visa

Apply online for an e-visa from the Tajikistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Make sure you get the correct type of visa.  Once you’re in Tajikistan, you can apply for a visa extension at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Travelling through Tajikistan

You must have a transit visa to travel through Tajikistan on your way to another country. These are usually valid for 3 days. If you need to stay longer, you must get a longer visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs once you arrive.

Registering with the authorities

If you are staying in Tajikistan for longer than 10 days, you must register with the Office for Registration of Foreign Citizens (OVIR) located at 5 Mirzo Tursunzoda Street, Dushanbe. Hotels are no longer permitted to complete the registration on your behalf. If you later stay at different addresses, you must register again separately.

If you do not follow the registration procedure, you may not be allowed to leave Tajikistan until your registration process is resolved. This may result in fines or detention. There have been cases where lack of registration has resulted in detention at Dushanbe airport.

Travel permit for the Gorno-Badakhshan Region

You must get a permit, in addition to a Tajik visa, to travel to the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. If you’re in the UK, contact the Tajik Embassy to apply for a permit before you travel. If you’re in Tajikistan, contact the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs .  

The Tajikistan government sometimes stops issuing permits to tourists at short notice due to security concerns. The Tajik Embassy can tell you whether the government is issuing permits for travel to the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

Travel permit for the Khatlon Region

You must get a permit, in addition to a Tajik visa, to travel to the areas bordering Afghanistan in the Khatlon Region, including Panj and Kumsangir. Apply for a permit from the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dushanbe before you travel.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Tajikistan guide .

HIV screening

If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you must show a medical certificate that you’re HIV-free or take a test. FCDO advises against taking the test in Tajikistan due to the poor quality of medical facilities.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Tajikistan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

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8 Incidents in 2 Weeks: What’s Going on With United’s Planes?

While no one was injured, most of the mishaps required emergency landings or diversions. One safety expert said the incidents were not the result of “systemic problems.”

Two blue-and-white commercial airplanes with the word “United” painted on their sides sit on the tarmac at an airport.

By Christine Chung

An engine fire sparked by plastic packaging wrap , a tire lost shortly after takeoff and a plane veering off the runway : These are among the eight incidents that have occurred over the past two weeks on flights operated by United Airlines. While no injuries — or worse — have been reported, the mishaps have generated headlines and stoked rising anxiety about aviation safety among federal officials and passengers alike.

All of the incidents happened on flights that took off from or were headed to airports in the United States, and five involved airplanes made by Boeing, a manufacturer already under intense scrutiny. In January, a door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner in mid-flight, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing.

United, one of the world’s largest airlines, flies aircraft manufactured mainly by Boeing and Airbus. In an email United began sending to customers on Monday, the company’s chief executive, Scott Kirby, wrote that while the recent incidents were unrelated, they were “reminders of the importance of safety.”

“I want you to know that these incidents have our attention and have sharpened our focus,” he continued, adding that every case was being reviewed by the airline and would influence its safety training and procedures.

Here’s what travelers should know about the latest in airplane woes.

What exactly happened on or to the planes?

Most of the incidents reported in the last two weeks required emergency landings or diversions.

March 4: A Boeing 737-900 departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston returned to the airport to make an emergency landing after one of the plane engines ingested and burned plastic wrap .

March 7: A Boeing 777 leaving San Francisco for Osaka, Japan, made an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport after the aircraft lost a tire .

March 8: A Boeing 737 Max 8 veered off the runway upon landing at George Bush Airport in Houston and tilted onto the grass .

Later that day, a flight leaving San Francisco for Mexico City was diverted to Los Angeles after the Airbus A320 experienced issues with its hydraulic system.

March 9: An Airbus A320 heading to Salt Lake City turned back to Chicago O’Hare International Airport after it reported maintenance issues .

March 11: A Boeing 777, flying from Sydney, Australia , to San Francisco, turned back after takeoff because the plane had a hydraulic leak.

March 14: An Airbus A320 that departed from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport had a hydraulic leak shortly before it landed in its scheduled destination, San Francisco.

Later that day, a Boeing 737-800 that took off from San Francisco landed at Rogue Valley International Medford Airport in Oregon missing an external panel .

Are the recent issues typical, or cause for concern?

The mishaps were not the result of “systemic problems,” said Robert Sumwalt, a former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board who now heads a new aviation safety center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

“Some of these issues are things that happen occasionally, but often don’t get reported in media,” Mr. Sumwalt said, though he emphasized that none were acceptable.

Kyra Dempsey, who writes about aviation accidents in a blog called Admiral Cloudberg, said that United’s recent issues were being “falsely conflated with Boeing’s troubles.”

“While it’s bad luck that United had so many incidents in such a short period, in general such incidents happen frequently around the world and they aren’t on the rise overall,” Ms. Dempsey said.

How has United responded?

Mr. Kirby’s 270-word message to United customers, including to members of the airline’s frequent flier program, started to be sent on Monday morning, said Josh Freed, a spokesman for United.

Starting in May, United pilots will have an extra day of in-person training, a change that was already planned before the incidents, Mr. Kirby wrote. The airline will also use a “centralized training curriculum for our new hire maintenance technicians” and will dedicate additional resources to the carrier’s supply chain.

What government agencies oversee these issues, and how are they responding?

The Federal Aviation Administration regulates the country’s aviation system and investigates safety incidents on U.S. airlines, while the N.T.S.B. investigates the causes of accidents, collisions and crashes involving planes flown by U.S. carriers, in addition to other accidents involving commercial and mass transit operators. Both agencies have discretion on what they investigate, Mr. Sumwalt said.

Currently, the N.T.S.B. is investigating the incident that occurred on March 8 in Houston, when the plane veered off the runway, an agency spokesperson said. The N.T.S.B. is also looking into a Feb. 10 Los Angeles-to-Newark flight , operated by United, that experienced severe turbulence, leading to injuries among more than a dozen passengers. (The Boeing 777 landed normally, but the flight was met by medical personnel.)

Safety experts said some issues don’t necessarily rise to the level of an investigation by either agency.

For example, partial loss of some of an airplane’s multiple hydraulics systems is common, said Michael McCormick, an assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a former F.A.A. control tower operator. The F.A.A. may or may not get involved for this kind of issue, unless there’s a pattern, Mr. Sumwalt said.

The January episode involving the blown door plug aboard the Alaska Airlines jet is under investigation by the N.T.S.B. and the Justice Department.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Boeing: A Company in Turmoil

Boeing is weathering a particularly difficult period: two fatal crashes, a loose panel that blew out during a flight, quality concerns and production slowdowns..

United’s Planes : An engine fire sparked by plastic packaging wrap, a tire lost shortly after takeoff and a plane veering off the runway: These are among several incidents that have occurred over two weeks  on Boeing flights operated by United Airlines.

Alaska Airlines Flight 1282: After a section of a plane headed for Ontario, Calif., blew out  10 minutes after it took off , there was increased scrutiny  on the plane’s manufacturer: Boeing . The Justice Department has since launched a criminal investigation .

Quality Control Issues: An audit that was initiated by the Federal Aviation Administration after the Alaska Airlines incident found dozens of problems  throughout Boeing’s manufacturing process and one of its key suppliers.

Whistleblower’s Death: John Barnett, a former quality manager for the company, was found dead in Charleston  in March with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was set to testify in a lawsuit in which he accused Boeing of retaliation for his complaints about quality and safety.

At Fault: A report released in February by the Federal Aviation Administration said that Boeing’s safety culture remains flawed , despite improvements made after two fatal crashes  in 2018 and 2019.

Solving an Enduring Crisis: The Federal Aviation Administration has asked Boeing to produce an action plan  to address quality control issues. We asked experts how Boeing should try and fix its longstanding problems .

  • Anniston/Gadsden

U.S. travel alert: Cruise line extends cancellations of stops to popular Caribbean resort

  • Updated: Mar. 24, 2024, 9:12 p.m. |
  • Published: Mar. 24, 2024, 10:11 a.m.

tajikistan travel safe

Stops at Labadee have been replaced with visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, another Royal Caribbean-operated resort.

A major cruise company has announced more cancellations for stops at its private resort in Haiti due to continued unrest and violence.

Royal Caribbean had previously announced a temporary suspension of stops at its resort in Labadee, Haiti. Now, according to a report on RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com, itineraries will be changed through at least mid-April.

“Due to the evolving situation in Haiti, we’ll now visit Perfect Day at CocoCay instead of Labadee, Haiti. We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change – your safety is our top priority,” Royal Caribbean International’s Assistant Vice President of Guest Experiences wrote in the communication to guests sailing on the April 14 sailing of Explorer of the Seas, the website reported.

READ MORE: U.S. travel alert: Do not travel to this Caribbean nation, popular spot for cruise ship stops

Stops at Labadee have been replaced with visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, another Royal Caribbean-operated resort. Other itineraries have been rerouted to Grand Cayman, Bimini, Grand Turk and St. Maarten.

Royal Caribbean recently announced a temporary stop to calls on Labadee, located on the northern coast of Haiti. The U.S. State Department had previously issued an alert for Haiti, advising people not to visit the country due to the threat of “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest and poor health care infrastructure.” All family members of U.S. government employees and non-emergency personnel have been ordered to leave the country.

The resort in Labadee, first opened by Royal Caribbean in 1986, is located about 130 miles from the Haiti capital Port-au-Prince, the epi-center of gang violence. The U.S. State Department announced last week it had completed its first evacuation of American citizens from Port-au-Prince, transporting 15 people to Santo Domingo, t he capital of the Dominican Republic. Others were later evacuated on a plane chartered by the Florida Department of Emergency Management.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

As aviation industry becomes butt of jokes, officials stress flying is safe

Aviation safety is under the microscope after revelations of problems at boeing. but while the company faces serious challenges, experts say it’s still safe to get on a plane..

The nation’s top aviation safety officials sought to reassure travelers this past week that flying in the United States remains incredibly safe, despite a series of high-profile mishaps and an ongoing probe at Boeing that have spooked the public and turned airlines into fodder for late-night comedians and social media meme pages.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stressed at a conference hosted by news site Axios that flying was the safest way to travel. Michael Whitaker, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration, repeated that message on NBC’s “Nightly News .” And in a post on X , Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, compared the airlines’ safety record against the 118 people who die on average each day in car crashes.

But their voices have to compete with the likes of comedian Jimmy Fallon, who targeted Boeing in a limerick on his show this month : “Spring break the students were going — excited, they all were a-glowin’. Then they let out a squeal, lost the door and the wheel, guess they shouldn’t have flown on a Boeing.”

The dueling messages reflect the complexity of understanding the current moment in aviation safety , which requires untangling several seemingly contradictory threads, experts say. January’s midair blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight was dangerous and could have led to people being killed, but the U.S. airline system has gone 15 years without a fatal crash. Subsequent investigations turned up serious quality control problems in Boeing’s 737 Max factory , but the FAA says it is continuing to certify planes coming off the production line as safe. A string of other recent in-flight incidents prompted the FAA on Saturday to announce it would increase its oversight of at least one major air carrier, United Airlines — but experts say there’s no sign of a systemic problem.

The NTSB, which is leading the investigation into the Alaska incident, is responsible for investigating every aviation accident involving significant damage to an aircraft or injuries to people on board. So far this year, it has opened 10 investigations into airline flights, compared with 13 in the same period last year. Some recent incidents that have attracted attention — such as a United Airlines flights that lost a tire — did not rise to the level of requiring an NTSB investigation.

Robert Sumwalt, a former chairman of the safety board, said he sees no evidence that flying has become less safe right now. While he said it’s not acceptable for wheels to fall off planes or a jet to run over the end of a runway, the system has redundancies in place to keep people from getting hurt.

“What I believe we have is a situation where once one or two of these things happen, the media starts jumping on these things,” Sumwalt said in an email. “It’s a feeding frenzy.”

For now, the safety worries do not appear to be dampening Americans’ enthusiasm for air travel. In recent polls, respondents have said they still view flying as generally safe . And Airlines for America, a group representing major carriers, forecast that spring travel demand will be up 6 percent compared with last year, predicting that a record 167.1 million people will fly in March and April.

“We are proud of our safety record yet recognize that we cannot become complacent and must always exercise vigilance,” the group said in a statement. “We take every incident seriously and investigate — coordinating closely and working collaboratively with industry partners and government agencies.”

Nonetheless, news reports have quickly become fodder for scathing memes about Boeing and aviation safety that have recently spread across nearly every social media platform. On Instagram, large humor accounts including @funnyhoodvidz with 15.6 million followers, @thetinderblog with over 4 million followers and @moistbuddha with over 3.7 million followers have posted memes mocking Boeing and its 737 jets.

Dozens of pages have shared a post by X user Jon Drake that reads, “In my 737 era (falling apart, few loose screws, not properly maintained for several years).”

On TikTok, searches for the name Boeing surface hundreds of videos commenting on recent safety slip-ups and the death of a Boeing whistleblower .

“You couldn’t pay me to step on Boeing right now,” said one TikToker with over 1.3 million followers who goes by the handle @justinonTikTok. The video has over 270,000 views and a slew of commenters saying that they too are too scared to fly the planes. Some comments question the company’s role in the whistleblower’s death. (Authorities have said he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.)

Don Caldwell, general manager of Know Your Meme , an internet meme database, said the company has seen a significant spike in memes about Boeing and safety concerns. Some companies might respond by trying to engage online directly, but Caldwell said that doesn’t appear to a good option for Boeing.

“The memes online now are very critical of Boeing and their practices,” Caldwell said. “They present Boeing as incompetent and their planes as dangerous.”

The online content builds on real safety issues that have continued to occur in recent weeks, and target airlines as well. On Monday, United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby sought to reassure customers after a string of incidents involving the carrier, highlighting a planned day of extra training for pilots in May.

“Our airline has experienced a number of incidents that are reminders of the importance of safety,” Kirby wrote in a letter to passengers. The letter did not identify specific incidents, but in addition to the plane losing a tire, another United plane was found to be missing a section of paneling after landing, and another suffered an engine fire.

“While they are all unrelated, I want you to know that these incidents have our attention and have sharpened our focus,” Kirby wrote.

On Friday, United said the FAA would conduct extra oversight of the airline. “They agree that we need to take an even closer look at multiple areas of our operation to ensure we are doing all we can to promote and drive safety compliance,” the company said in a memo to staffers.

The FAA said Saturday that it was “increasing oversight of United Airlines to ensure that it is complying with safety regulations; identifying hazards and mitigating risk; and effectively managing safety.”

FAA regulators identified quality-control problems at the factory outside Seattle where Boeing assembles its 737 Max aircraft, as well as at a major supplier’s factory in Wichita. Officials say the FAA’s efforts to hold Boeing accountable — the agency has demanded a plan to correct the problems at the Washington plant and has capped production rates — are examples of the safety system in action.

The preliminary NTSB report on the Alaska incident found the panel that flew off the plane had been removed in Boeing’s factory and seemingly reinstalled without bolts supposed to hold it in place. Boeing has said it has been unable to find documentation connected to the work.

Among the audit findings related to the supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, were examples of workers using Dawn soap and hotel key cards to carry out jobs in the factory — a seemingly jarring intrusion of everyday items into a sophisticated manufacturing plant. But Joe Buccino, a Spirit spokesman, said both were suitable for the tasks and that the audit findings related to how their use had been documented.

Buccino said that in all the audit had found seven areas where the company failed to meet FAA standards. “We seek continual improvement across all aspects of our programs and this audit provides an azimuth and direction toward that end,” Buccino said.

Executives at Boeing have also acknowledged the findings and say they’re working to address them. Brian West, the company’s finance chief, told analysts at an investment conference last week that the solution would involve training and tackling problems like “traveled work,” where manufacturing problems have to be resolved outside of the typical sequence.

“There’s changes that need to happen. There’s no doubt about it,” West said. “...We acknowledge that we need to improve upon safety and quality and conformance.”

Whitaker said in an interview last week that the evidence from the audit and survey of Boeing’s safety culture showed that the company had been focused more on finishing planes than on ensuring quality and safety. Redressing that balance would take a culture shift at the company, he said.

“Safety and quality has to be the bedrock of everything you do and production has to be secondary,” Whitaker said.

But, Whitaker said, had the FAA audit turned up something that posed an immediate safety risk with an aircraft, the agency “wouldn’t let it be produced.”

The FAA and the NTSB are continuing to investigate the Alaska incident and broader issues at Boeing. But Homendy, the safety board chair, stressed the continued safety of the airline industry.

“I’ve seen a lot of sensationalism around aviation lately,” Homendy said on X. “The fact is our aviation system is the safest in the world and all of us — investigators, regulators, airlines, employees, and manufacturers — are working to make sure it stays that way.”

tajikistan travel safe

AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

From Canada to Mexico, AAA Announces New Four Diamond Hotels and Restaurants

Two aaa five diamond hotels retain their highly distinguished designation.

tajikistan travel safe

WASHINGTON, DC (March 25, 2024) – Five hotels and one restaurant are the newest additions to AAA’s Four Diamonds list. Throughout the year, AAA Inspectors visit hotels and restaurants across North America, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica to verify the 4 Cs of AAA Diamonds: Cleanliness, Comfort, Cuisine, and Consistency. This month, hotels in Canada, Mexico, and Florida and a San Antonio restaurant became AAA Four Diamond properties, offering upscale amenities, remarkable service, and outstanding dining options. 

  • Paradox Hotel Vancouver , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada  
  • AZUR Legacy Collection Hotel , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada   
  • Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection , Fort Myers, Florida   
  • Aguascalientes Marriott Hotel , Aguascalientes, Mexico  
  • Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico , Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico
  • Mixtli, San Antonio, Texas   

Two AAA Five Diamond hotels continue their tradition of excellence, retaining their distinguished designation another year.  

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain , Manara, Arizona (AAA Five Diamonds since 2015)  
  • Salamander Middleburg , Middleburg, Virginia (AAA Five Diamonds since 2022)   

Click below to view all AAA Five and Four Diamond properties:  

Five Diamond Hotels     

Five Diamond Restaurants     

Four Diamond Hotels     

Four Diamond Restaurants  

Diamond lists are updated monthly, as AAA Inspectors visit hotels and restaurants throughout the year.  

Diamond designations reflect AAA Inspectors’ commitment to quality and consistency in the hospitality industry. Diamond Inspectors are trained professionals who travel across North America to conduct unannounced, independent, in-person property inspections.     

Currently, there are approximately 130 Five Diamond hotels and 60 Five Diamond restaurants, and 1,700 Four Diamond hotels and 500 Four Diamond restaurants.  

Five Diamond properties offer ultimate luxury and leading-edge cuisine.     

Four Diamond properties offer upscale amenities and distinctive fine dining .    

Plan a visit to Diamond properties on Trip Canvas, AAA’s free travel planning tool, or connect with a AAA travel agent for recommendations and hotel reservations.  

The 4Cs of AAA Diamonds      

Cleanliness: AAA hotel inspections include ATP surface testing, the same technology used to verify cleanliness in the healthcare and food service industries.    

Comfort: Inspectors evaluate a property’s quality of experience, range of amenities, and level of hospitality.    

Cuisine: Diamond restaurants are assessed on their food, service, and vibe. Inspectors dine at these properties anonymously.    

Consistency: AAA Diamond properties – no matter the designation – have one thing in common: consistency. Unlike subjective star reviews, Diamond inspections rely on published guidelines based on industry standards.    

About AAA    

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, and financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including more than 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com  

IMAGES

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  2. 10 ways to prepare for travel in Tajikistan

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COMMENTS

  1. Tajikistan Travel Advisory

    GBAO is a restricted region for non-Tajik citizens, requiring a travel permits from Tajik authorities. Violent clashes with security forces erupted in GBAO in recent years, and the government of Tajikistan can suspend travel permits for non-Tajik citizens on short notice. Please visit our website for information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.

  2. Is Tajikistan Safe? 11 Things Travelers Should Know

    5. Cultural etiquette. Tajikistan is an Islamic country, so dress conservatively and to obey the usual precautions. Many Tajik men may not have had much contact with western women and there is a sense that some are unsure how to behave - as usual, the mention of a husband is a good idea, even if fabricated. 6.

  3. Tajikistan travel advice

    Living in Tajikistan. Travelling to Tajikistan. FCDO travel advice for Tajikistan. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

  4. Tajikistan International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  5. The Complete Tajikistan Travel Guide

    1. Visiting Tajikistan in 2024 - Tajikistan entry requirements 1.1 Do I need a visa to travel to Tajikistan?. Starting from 1 January 2022, citizens of the European Union, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and many more countries can travel to Tajikistan visa-free for a period of 30 days.This visa-free policy is valid at airports and land borders.

  6. Travel advice and advisories for Tajikistan

    Avoid non-essential travel to areas along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border region and Gorno-Badakhshon Autonomous Oblast." If you are in Tajikistan: avoid large gatherings, concerts, or public events. always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. monitor local media for the latest information.

  7. Is Tajikistan Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

    Written by Travel Safe Team. Safety Index: 38. * Based on Research & Crime Data. User Sentiment: 80. * Rated 80 / 100 based on 2 user reviews. Tajikistan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia that shares borders with Afghanistan to the south, Xinjiang in China to the east, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and Uzbekistan to the west and ...

  8. Travel Advisory: Tajikistan

    If you decide to travel to Tajikistan: See the U.S. Embassy's web page regarding COVID-19. Visit the CDC's webpage on Travel and COVID-19. Have a plan to depart Tajikistan which does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

  9. Tajikistan Travel Advice & Safety

    Safety. Terrorist attacks have happened in Tajikistan. In recent years, there have also been explosions in some locations, including Dushanbe. Be cautious when visiting possible terrorist targets. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities. Avoid travelling to the border area with Afghanistan due to the volatile ...

  10. Safety and security

    FCDO travel advice for Tajikistan. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

  11. Tajikistan

    If your travel plans in Tajikistan include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip. Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe. Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first ...

  12. A guide for traveling to Tajikistan (Tips + 3-week itinerary)

    Alichur (1 night) - Very cool landscapes, yaks, trekking and Marco Polo sheep safaris. Madyian Valley, close to Murghab - things to do in Tajikistan. Bulunkul (Stopover) - The coldest place in Central Asia is home to a beautiful lake. The trek from Alichur to here is a popular one. You can find a few homestays.

  13. Regional risks

    The land border with Kyrgyzstan remains officially closed. There is a risk of conflict over recognition of Tajikistan's border with Kyrgyzstan. There are regular security incidents along the ...

  14. The Ultimate Tajikistan Travel Guide

    Here Are A Few Examples Of Time Allotments For Those Planning Tajikistan Travel. Pamir Highway (without the Wakhan Valley): 5-7 days. Pamir Highway (with the Wakhan Valley ): 7-9 days. Fann Mountains Trekking ( Lakes Loop ): 3-5 days. Haft Kul (7 Lakes of Marguzor or Shing) Trekking: 1-2 days.

  15. Travel Safety Tajikistan

    Is Tajikistan Safe? 11 Things Travelers Should Know. From terrorism to etiquette and crime or scams, here's what you need to know about personal safety before you go to Tajikistan. Is Tajikistan safe for travelers? Here's our help, advice and support for planning a successful trip and traveling safely in Tajikistan.

  16. A Guide For Traveling To Tajikistan (Tips

    Safety: Tajikistan is generally a safe country to visit, but it's always advisable to take precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid traveling alone at night, and follow any local advice or restrictions. Stay updated on the latest travel advisories for the region you plan to visit.

  17. Tajikistan Travel Information and Guide

    Tajikistan is generally a safe country for tourists to visit. All parts of the country are accessible to foreigners, though you will need a permit to visit GBAO. It is advisable to check the FCO travel advice before travelling, however, as issues such as Covid-19, natural disasters, and border openings/closures may influence how and when you ...

  18. Tajikistan Travel Guide + Tips: Everything You Need to Know

    Quick Facts and Travel Tips for Tajikistan. Capital: The capital of Tajikistan is Dushanbe City, which has approximately 1.2 million inhabitants and is located on the Western side of the country. Language: The official language in Tajikistan is Tajik, but most people speak Russian as well. Currency: The currency in Tajikistan is Somoni. Currently, 1 USD is worth about 11 Tajik Somoni.

  19. Tajikistan safety

    Standard methods of precaution include: - Familiarize yourself with your neighborhood by walking around in the daylight. - Ask around about areas you should avoid at night. - Do not walk alone at night. - Note the address of your country's embassy. - Locate the police station that serves your neighborhood. - Identify the hospital emergency room ...

  20. Traveling In Tajikistan

    Traveling in Tajikistan: Why Visit Tajikistan. The Republic of Tajikistan is a small landlocked country in Central Asia. 93% of Tajikistan is mountainous, making it a perfect destination for outdoor lovers and intrepid travelers as the country doesn't get many visitors (yet). It's home to the Pamir Highway, one of the world's wildest and ...

  21. Tajikistan Travel

    Tajikistan Travel. Tajikistan Travel is an ascent to the Roof of the World in the Pamirs, counted among the world's tallest and most grandiose mountain chains. Yet this age-old land also has roots as deep and as ancient as time itself. Hints of antiquity are sensed among temple ruins, heard in the obscure tongue of secluded communities and ...

  22. Tajikistan travel

    Tajikistan. Asia. The term 'predominantly mountainous' doesn't do justice to a country where over 90% of the land is upland. This fact of nature has given Tajikistan a precious advantage over its neighbours, namely some of the most inspiring, high-altitude landscape in the world. Within an hour of Dushanbe lie multi-hued lakes, peaks that beg ...

  23. Entry requirements

    Passport validity requirements. If you're visiting Tajikistan, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the date you arrive and have 2 blank pages. Check with your ...

  24. 8 Incidents in 2 Weeks: What's Going on With United's Planes?

    The Federal Aviation Administration regulates the country's aviation system and investigates safety incidents on U.S. airlines, while the N.T.S.B. investigates the causes of accidents ...

  25. With all the recent headlines about panels and tires falling off planes

    The National Safety Council estimates that Americans have a 1-in-93 chance of dying in a motor-vehicle crash, while deaths on airplanes are too rare to calculate the odds.

  26. Gas Prices March Higher with the Arrival of Spring

    Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information. AAA provides more than 64 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 27 motor clubs and more than 1,000 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe ...

  27. The ghost of Russia's past wars comes back to haunt Moscow

    Gunmen in an entertainment venue. Bodies lying on the cold concrete. Horror that such murder could strike the safety of the Moscow bubble.

  28. U.S. travel alert: Cruise line extends cancellations of stops to

    A major cruise company has announced more cancellations for stops at its private resort in Haiti due to continued unrest and violence.

  29. As aviation industry becomes butt of jokes, officials stress flying is safe

    For now, the safety worries do not appear to be dampening Americans' enthusiasm for air travel. In recent polls, respondents have said they still view flying as generally safe. And Airlines for ...

  30. From Canada to Mexico, AAA Announces New Four Diamond Hotels and

    Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information. AAA provides more than 64 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 27 motor clubs and more than 1,000 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe ...