Visa
Since 2016 Tajikistan has had one of the easiest visa regimes in Central Asia. As of January 2022, 52 nationalities are now eligible for visa free access, while the majority of other passport holders around the world are able to get an e-visa or visa on arrival.
For many passports that are not able to enter Visa free, there is the option of the eVisa, which is quick and simple.
You can find out more about the exact visa regulations by reading our dedicated visa section .
Getting in and out
By air
The main way everyone flies into Tajikistan is via Dushanbe International Airport which has connections to other cities in Central Asia, Middle East and Russia. The other airports are Kujand, Kulob and Qurghonteppa. The last three all service mainly routes to Russia.
By land
To Kyrgyzstan
It is currently possible to cross into Kyrgyzstan on the Pamir highway. In recent times this border was closed due to fighting between the two countries, however it reopened in 2023.
To Uzbekistan
This is the main overland route used by people as most people will start in Dushanbe and make the relatively short journey to Samarqand. There are many other land border crossings with Uzbekistan. They are all straightforward and can all be used by foreigners.
To China
Since 2017 the Qolma pass just near Murghab has been opening to all foreigners. It is now open all year round, but is still closed on weekends. The road from here will take you to Kashgar in Xinjiang, China.
To Afghanistan
Currently, there is only one border crossing open with Afghanistan called Shir Khan Bandar crossing near Dushanbe. Other crossings along the Pamir highway and in the GBOA are closed until further notice. This is also the only Afghan border where foreigners can obtain a visa on arrival into Afghanistan.
See and do
Khoja Obi Garm Sanatorium
If relics of the Soviet past are your thing, then Khoja Obi Garm is going to be like Disneyland for you. The almost century old sanatorium in the mountains of central Tajikistan is like no other.
Established in 1934, Khoja Obi Garm provides normal treatments such as massage, acupuncture, and steam rooms, as well as more unique Soviet style treatments such as electro therapy, radon baths and mud brick wraps.
In the 1960s and 70s the current buildings which have become famous as examples of Soviet architecture were constructed. Then in the 1990s they were badly damaged during the civil war, with the centre almost closing. Luckily it has made a comeback and is extremely popular with locals.
Dushanbe
Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe, is a charming city with leafy boulevards and Soviet-era architecture. Best visited from May to October, highlights include the Navruz Palace, Ismaili Centre, Rudaki Park, and the National Museum of Tajikistan, which showcases the country’s rich history.
Khujand
Tajikistan’s second-largest city, Khujand, is one of the oldest in Central Asia. Visit the Khujand Fortress, Khujand Historical Museum, and bustling Khujand Bazaar for a taste of local life.
Pamir Mountains and the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO)
Known as "The Roof of the World," the Pamir Mountains offer incredible trekking and mountaineering. The Pamir Highway is one of the world’s highest and most scenic drives, passing through Khorog and Lake Sarez , a stunning high-altitude lake. This high-altitude region, home to Khorog , is perfect for adventurous travelers. The area offers rugged landscapes, ancient traditions, and the Khorog Botanical Garden , the highest in the world.
Fann Mountains
The Fann Mountains are a hiker's paradise, with spectacular views and turquoise lakes like Iskanderkul and Seven Lakes . The area offers rewarding treks, including the hike from Iskanderkul to Lake Kulikalon.
Why visit
If you’re a nature lover and you can’t get enough of mountain scenery then Tajikistan will be the perfect country for you. The entire country is draped in some of the most dramatic high-altitude landscapes in the world.
Tajikistan is a great place for a road trip along the stunning Pamir highway giving you breathtaking views of Afghanistan along the way. It is also a great places for hiking and for the more extreme mountaineering.
Rules
There are not really any specific rules you need to be aware of when travelling to Tajikistan. Common sense dictates what you should and shouldn't do while you are in Tajikistan. Obviously, getting involved in politics or religion can land you in trouble, but as a tourist you won't have any issues.
Remember when travelling to the Pamir Highway region, you will be entering the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). This area requires an extra permit which you can apply online for, in Dushanbe, or get a travel company to organise it for you.
Dress code
There are no special considerations for Tajikistan and if you're in Dushanbe on a Saturday night you'll see that mini-skirts and high heels are the order of the day for young Tajiks going out to have fun. When you go to more rural areas you'll notice that women are wearing traditional clothing, which is loose fitting and generally conservative.
As a tourist it is completely acceptable for men and women to wear shorts and tshirts, unless entering a mosque. Even tank tops/singlets would be acceptable.
Topics of discussion
People in Tajikistan love talking about sport, especially football. Often you will be asked where you are from, only to have a football player from that country said to you as an immediate response.
Tajik people also love to hear what you think about their country, and while as a guest you'll always be polite, it's acceptable to complain about things like the bad condition of roads - "The food is amazing, the people are lovely, but it would be great if they could fix some of those potholes".
Religion
Islam made it's way to Tajikistan in the 7th century and the majority of the population has been Muslim ever since. Today more than 97% of the population are Muslims, with roughly 1% being Christian, primarily Russian Orthodox.
96% of Muslims in Tajikistan are Sunni, which is unusual since they are ethnically Persian, and Persians are usually Shia. The second biggest Islamic group are Ismaili, which is a small branch of Islam with is only found in a few parts of the world.
Politics
Tajikistan is a presidential republic, which has been ruled by Emomali Rahmon since 1994. The Presidents ruling party - the People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan has won every election since 2000. The son of Emomali Rahmon, Rustam Emomali is currently the mayor of Dushanbe and is considered a prime candidate for future President of the country.
Ethnicity
Ethnic Tajiks make up around 85% of the population of Tajikistan. At the fall of the Soviet Union, this number was only 62%. Other groups that make up the current population of Tajikistan include Uzbeks (12%), Kyrgyz (1%), Russian (1%). Russians were 8% of the population in 1989, but most emmigrated to Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Photography
There are very few restrictions on photography in Tajikistan aside from not taking photos of military or security forces. You won’t want to put your camera away when you head into the countryside with each new view likely to be better than the last.
Hotels
In the capital, Dushanbe you can find a wide range of hotels from basic to luxury. When you head to more remote areas accommodation will get very basic depending on how remote you get. Guesthouses are plentiful and will usually have heating, hot water and great local food.
Nightlife
There are some bars in Dushanbe and some of the larger towns if you looking for a drink. Otherwise depending on where you are it can be very quiet at night with not too much happening in smaller villages unless there is a wedding or other type of celebration.
Tajik people do love to eat out at restaurants especially on the weekends. It is quite common that there may be some form of a performance or even karaoke at restaurants in Dushanbe. Usually this is accompanied by some old school 80s-style lights and some amazing décor.
Shopping
Dushanbe has a very large bazaar, in fact the name Dushanbe comes from the word ‘Monday’ as they used to have a large Monday market here. Each town you go to will also have their own local bazar which is a great place to check out the local products and buy some souvenirs. Local fruits and dairy products are usually fantastic so we recommend pick stuff up at these markets for the long bumpy car rides on the Pamirs.
When is the best time to visit
Tajikistan can be very hot during the peak of Summer and, likewise, extremely cold in winter, with heavy snowfall. Spring and Autumn are when you're going to want to try and visit Tajikistan with the edges of summer being the best if you're visiting the Pamirs. If you are travelling to the Pamirs, May or August are usually best as it's not too cold yet, but also not the high temperatures of the middle of July.
What to eat
Tajikistan isn't widely known for it's cuisine, however you will be pleasantly surprised by some of the amazing cooking you were receive. In rural areas, especially in the Pamirs, it can be quite testing if you are travelling for a long period of time, as there are very few options and the options they do have are very simple dishes.
However, Tajik food is hearty and flavorful, with dishes like plov, samsa, and shashlik . Pair with green tea or kefir , and try sweet treats like halva.
To learn more about food and drinks in Tajikistan you can find out more here .
To learn more about Dushanbe's most famous attraction - The former tallest flagpole in the world.
Interested in what animals you'll see on your next Pamir adventure? - Wildlife of the Pamirs.
