Tajikistan Destination Guide

Tajikistan at a Glance

• Official Name: Republic of Tajikistan
• Capital: Dushanbe
• Official Language: Tajik (a Persian dialect). Many also speak Russian. English is not common outside of Dushanbe.
• Currency: Tajikistani Somoni (TJS)
• Visa Information: Most countries need a visa to enter Tajikistan. Check the official eVisa portal for up-to-date details. After you fill out the application, you should receive your eVisa as the final step. A copy will also be e-mailed to you. If you are planning on driving the Pamir Highway, you will need a GBAO permit, and can request this when you are filling out your e-visa application.
• Getting There: The main international gateway is Dushanbe International Airport (DYU), with connections from cities like Istanbul and Dubai.
  • If you are planning on self-driving from Kyrgyzstan, I suggest verifying the real-time status before travelling due to the political tensions (2022 conflict), and weather volatility. Check with the agency you rent your car with that the route you are planning on taking is accessible. You may want to rent different cars in both countries, and fly between them.
    • Kyzyl Art Pass (Sary Tash–Karakul): The primary crossing for tourists on the Pamir Highway is open, but requires a special authorization (beyond standard visas/GBAO permits). Keep in mind this pass also closes from October to May each year due to extreme weather
    • Ferghana Valley Crossings: All Kyrgyz-Tajik borders in this region remain closed since the 2022 conflict
    • Osh-Khujand Crossing: Open year round for non-Pamir Highway routes. The Pamir Highway is closed from October to May. I use this crossing when I went in March. 
• Getting Around: I recommend self-driving within Tajikistan (a 4×4 is essential). This gives you the option to go at your own pace, and explore off the beaten path. Other options are Marshrutkas (minibuses), shared taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Yandex are common within cities. If you are self-driving, make sure you download maps for offline use. I recommend Maps.me, and Google Maps. I found Maps.me more accurate in this region. Keep in mind it will likely take you twice as long to get to a destination than Google Maps may suggest due to road conditions.
• Best Time to Visit: May-June and September-October are ideal for hiking, exploring, and driving the Pamir Highway. If you are a skier, check-out Safed Dara in winter.

Must-See & Do in Tajikistan

Explore Vibrant Cities

• Dushanbe: The capital city is a blend of Soviet-era architecture and modern charm. Highlights include:
  • National Museum of Tajikistan: Dive into the Tajikistan’s history through well-curated exhibits.
  • Victory Park: Enjoy panoramic views of the city and visit the WWII memorial. This place is awesome. I went here after the Nowruz parade.
  • Dusti Square: Head here to check-out the Ismoil Somoni Monument. There used to be a statue of Lenin here, but this was replaced in 1999.
  • World’s Second Largest Flagpole: This can be found outside the Palace of Nations.
  • Rohat Teahouse: Considered one of the world’s best teahouses, this is one of my favourite places in the world. This was a great place to admire traditional architecture while sampling local dishes. I had amazing tea, the best dish, and loved the architecture. The english translation on the menu was “roasting beef”. Unfortunately the Rohat Teahouse I visited is slated for demolition, and temporarily closed. The teahouse is expected to be rebuilt in the same location, but for now it is closed.
  • Nowruz: If you happen to be in Tajikistan during Nowruz like I was, check-out the main parade.
  • Buddha in Nirvana Statue: Located in Dushanbe’s Museum of Antiquities, this 14-meter-long statue dates back to the 6th century.
• Khujhand: Head to Victory Park to see memorials to the Afghan War, Chernobyl Liquidators, the alley of heroes, and the largest monument to Lenin in Central Asia. This Lenin was erected on the 50th anniversary on Lenin’s death (1974), when Khujand was actually called Leninabad. I also highly recommend checking out the Panjshanbe Bazaar. I visited here at golden hour and it was gorgeous. I misidentified this as the Afghan Market in my video, in case you are watching it to see what it is like at golden hour.
• Istaravshan: This is one of the oldest cities in all of Central Asia. Make sure to check out the Mug Tepe fort. There is also a bust of Lenin overlooking a nice lake in Istaravshan, and vibrant markets. 

Experience Stunning Nature

• Journey Along the Pamir Highway: One of the most scenic roads in the world, this 1,300 km route takes you through breathtaking mountain landscapes, quaint villages, and high-altitude passes like Ak-Baytal at 4,655 meters. Plan at least a week for this unforgettable adventure. Reminder: this route is closed from October to May for weather, and has been closed due to political tensions in the past. Remember to check for real-time updates before your travels.
• Visit Iskanderkul Lake: This stunning turquoise alpine lake in the Fann Mountains is linked to Alexander the Great.
• Seven Lakes (Haftkul): Explore these unique lakes with varying colours nestled in the Shing River gorge.

Delve Into Culture & History

• Hissar Fortress: A Silk Road-era fortress with over 2,500 years of history.
• Istaravshan (formerly Uroteppa/Ura-Tyube): One of Central Asia’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, founded in the 6th century BCE by the Persian King Cyrus as Cyropolis, it became a key Silk Road hub and witnessed conquests by Alexander the Great (who was wounded near its walls) and Genghis Khan. Istaravshan is celebrated for its preserved medieval urban layout. Be sure to check-out the Mug Teppe Fortress, Hazrat Shah Complex, and Abdullatif Madrassah.

Experience Local Culture

•  Stay with Pamiri families in traditional homes along the Pamir Highway, while exploring their unique customs and cuisine.
• Witness Nowruz celebrations in March for a glimpse into Persian New Year traditions (this is really cool).

Savour Tajik Cuisine

• Plov: The delicious national dish made with rice, meat, carrots, and spices. This is a classic, and fun to compare with other Central Asian countries versions if you are travelling from one stan to another.
• Samsa: Savoury pastries filled with meat or vegetables. I’m obsessed with these. They are kind of like a Central Asian Samosa.
• Lagman: Hand-pulled noodles served in a flavourful broth with vegetables.
• Kurutob: A refreshing dish made with yogurt-soaked bread topped with onions and herbs.
• Kavurma: Often called “roasting beef” on English menus, this is my favourite dish. The best one I had was at the Rohat Teahouse.

Essential Information for Your Trip

• Currency: The Tajikistani Somoni (TJS) is the official currency. Most establishments are cash only. Use official ATMs associated with banks, or if you have cash in another currency, head to a currency exchange, and exchange it for TJS. I typically used a currency exchange.
• Language: The official language is Tajik, a Persian dialect. Many also speak Russian. English is not common outside of Dushanbe. I recommend downloading Google Translate before travelling.
• Visa: Most countries need a visa to enter Tajikistan. Check the official eVisa portal for up-to-date details. If you are planning on driving the Pamir Highway, you will need a GBAO permit, make sure you request this when you are filling out your e-visa application.
• Weather: Tajikistan has a continental climate with extreme seasonal and regional variations due to its mountainous terrain (which makes up 93% of the country). Lowland areas like Dushanbe can experience hot, dry summers of up to 40°C (104°F), and mild winters (averaging 0°C or 32°F). The Pamir Mountains can experience polar winters (as low as -60°C or -76°F) and short, cool summers of 5°C to 15°C (+41°F to +59°F). Precipitation varies widely—desert regions receive under 160mm annually, while mountainous areas can exceed 1,800mm, with winter snowmelt feeding critical rivers like the Amu Darya. Pack accordingly depending on the region you are visiting.
• Safety Tips: When I visited Tajikistan in 2019, the political climate was somewhat different. You could drive through the border of Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan no problem. I generally felt safe, but didn’t feel fully comfortable walking around as a female alone (this was 6 years ago, so I wouldn’t take this as gospel of what it is like now). If you are a cautious traveller, you should be fine. It’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft (especially in crowded areas). Remember to always look up the latest safety precautions before travelling. I live in Canada, so their travel advisories website is helpful to know what some common scams may be in the countries I am visiting, and what regions to avoid at time of travel.
• Driving: When you are driving on highways or mountains, there are no lights on the roads at night. There are many potholes, and dirt roads. You will often only have one lane of traffic that doesn’t have potholes that ends up being shared by both directions of traffic. Many people drive fast in these conditions. You will want to honk your horn as you go around corners so oncoming traffic knows you are there. You will be honking a lot in the mountains. A 4×4 is also essential for driving.
• Cultural Considerations & Etiquette: Tajik culture values respect, tradition, and warm hospitality. This may not all be relevant to you, but it’s important to consider just in case. Respect elders—greet seniors first and use formal titles. In social settings, modest dress (covered shoulders and knees) is expected (especially in rural areas). Hospitality is deeply ingrained; guests are honoured with tea (choy) and meals, and refusing this gesture can be considered rude. Gift-giving is a common practice, so you can bring small tokens like sweets or regional items if you like. Dining etiquette includes eating with the right hand, and not starting until the eldest begins, and keeping bread upright as it is considered sacred. If you are photographing people, it’s respectful to ask for permission. Exercise caution if you are considering photographing military sites (probably best you don’t). Public displays of affection are generally avoided, and respect for Islamic norms is important. When visiting homes, remove shoes and avoid pointing the soles of your feet at others.
• eSim: I always get an eSim while travelling. I highly recommend using Airalo (if you follow this link, you will get a discount upon sign up). Keep in mind there are regions in Tajikistan where you will lose service, so you will want to download any maps you need ahead of time.
• Read: For non-fiction, I suggest The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan for ancient history. I read this during my trip, and it definitely made me appreciate the historic sites I was visiting all throughout my trip to the Stans. For more recent history, check-out Beyond the Oxus by Monica Whitlock. If you prefer historical fiction, I recommend, Hurramabad by Andrei Volos. 

Tajikistan awaits! Start planning your journey to this historical destination today.