Which country comes to mind when planning a tour in Central Asia? Can you consider Tajikistan?

This will surely surprise you—a less-known country with unseen beauty suitable for traveling. It was part of the already defunct Soviet Union, known for its architectural monuments, mosques, and ancient fortresses. Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan border it.

The country is about 143,100 square kilometres in area with a population of about 8.1 million people. About 90% of Tajikistan is mountainous with the highest peak being the famous Somoni Ismoil at 7,495 meters in height. It is also landlocked but has many rivers and lakes, about 900 in count. The largest are the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers.

The country features wonderful alpine scenery, glaciers, peaks, and many other attractions that bear an overwhelming cultural heritage. This has made Tajikistan without comparison to any other for travelers and visitors for many years.

Before heading to this wonderful country there are some useful things worth knowing, especially as a first-time visitor. You will read about five of them in this post. These will assist you in planning your trip to Tajikistan. They will also help you make informed decisions before you leave.

1. Transport and Infrastructure

Tajikistan continues to work on increasing the standard of its transport infrastructure. Roads can be very rough, especially on non-major routes/areas or if you want to visit sites away from the major cities. There are no intercity train or bus connections, and no regional public transport system owing to limited transport infrastructure.

The international airport is in the capital, Dushanbe has most of the internal flights and connects larger cities; shared taxis and marshrutkаs (minivans) are always at your disposal, but make an agreement on the value in advance.

Few transport options that help you get around the country are:

Taxis: can arrive anytime and thus the price is varies
Marshrutkas: minivans running according to the route and cheap; very decent.
Privately owned drivers: they can be rented for the day or any specific route
Rental car: the area offers service in the main cities, but always consider the road conditions.
There are train networks in the northern and southern parts of the country with their stations, though not directly connected.

Consider hiring a driver or joining guided Tajikistan tours if you do not wish to have a rough experience looking for spare parts. These companies often offer transport services, and drivers know the roads and other conditions.

2. Visa requirements, and travel permits

From early 2022, US, Canadian, EU, UAE, Australian, and New Zealand citizens need no visa for 30 days at land and airport crossings. Nationals of other countries comprising about 121 countries can get an e-visa for 60 days within 90 days from the entry date.

The Tajik Embassy or Consulate in your nation can help you acquire a visa. Processing takes just a few days and can cost around $30. On arrival, you need to fill out a migration card that you should keep until you leave the country.

Different types of visas include:

Tourist visa (valid in 45 days)
Business visa with 90-day validity
Transit visa (which is in effect for 72 hours)

Moreover, you need one more permit—the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) permit—to visit parts of the east, like the Wakhan Valley and Pamir Highway.

You can obtain the former at the Tajikistan Embassy or Consulate. It can sometimes be given at the border crossing. You must provide documentation of your COVID-19 immunization or a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

3. Safety and Security

Tajikistan has a low crime rate. Generally, it is a safe country, though there are some petty crimes and scams in action. Official crime rate in the capital city – Dushanbe – is moderate. To the unknown, they view Tajikistan as a dangerous country to visit, but that is not the case.

Observe your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and markets. Do not carry much cash; secure the remaining in concealable ways. Consider a waist pouch or a bag with a zipper to protect your things.

Some safety tips to remember:

Never travel alone
Keep the door of your hotel room locked and secured
Be careful with anyone coming up to you
Be modest, and avoid any signs of showing off wealth, e.g., expensive jewelry or watches.
Finally, pay attention to any demonstrations or political wrangling, and avoid crowds or public places.
Keep updated with local developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

4. Culture and Etiquette

Tajikistan is a country that is conservative and rich in cultural heritage. More than 60% of the population is of Persian descent. Islam is the main religion with differing sects, hence, influencing their way of life, including art, music, and food.

Respect the locals, dress modestly, and do not think of short skirts, shorts, and vests. Take off your shoes before entering houses or mosques, and do not behave disrespectfully. Avoid public displays of affection. Do not smoke in public places.

Tajik is the major spoken language. Learn a couple of simple Tajik words—such as “salom” (greetings) and “madasta” or “tashakkur” (thanks)—that will impress the locals and endear them. Keep public displays of affection as low-profile as possible. Observe local customs and traditions.

5. Health and Medical Services

The healthcare system in Tajikistan is developing. State hospitals provide medical services with long wait times and limited resources. Private healthcare is expensive, and the country faces major health concerns such as malnutrition, infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and TB, and respiratory disorders caused by air pollution; the condition can be worse in rural areas.

Get the right travel insurance before leaving—and keep a first-aid kit. Steer clear of drinking tap water; go for bottled or filtered water. Since altitude sickness is typical at elevations higher than sea level, gradually acclimate and drink lots of water. Adapt slowly to higher elevations

With knowledge about these five valuable things, you’ll be fully prepared to experience the best moments in Tajikistan and feel the beauty of this amazing Central Asian country right into your heart.

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