Articles about Tajikistan
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General information:
Capital: Dushanbe
Language: Tajik (official), Russian (unofficial)
Religion: 98% Islam, 2% others
Population: 9 million (2019)
English-friendly: Very few people speak English. It is better to learn a few words of Russian to “communicate” with locals
Wi-fi reliability: Poor
Currency: Tajik Somoni
Average cost per day: 15$ – 20$ (2019); up to 50/60$ along the Pamir Highway
Visa: Most countries need visa to enter Tajikistan. Click here to apply online. Remember to include the GBAO permit if you are planning to travel along the Pamir Highway. The GBAO permit can also be bought at Dushanbe police stations for a much cheaper price.
Safety: In September 2019 it was safe to travel in Tajikistan. However, the situation, particularly along the border with Afghanistan, can always precipiate. Keep yourself informed from the official authorities.
When to go:
Spring (April-May): Spring is a good time to discover the south because elsewhere the rains are quite frequent. From April to May, traveling Tajikistan is perfect for sightseeing and exploring museums. Hiking is possible but there are fewer opportunities than in summer. Average temperature: 10°C – 26 °C
Summer (June – September): It is the best period to visit Tajikistan. You will be able to travel across the all country and it won’t be hard for you to find someone to share the ride along the Pamir Highway with. However, in Dushanbe can be very hot! Average temperature: 13°C – 35°C
Autumn (October – November): We travelled in October along the Pamir Highway and it was quite warm during the day but cold at night. Two days later another traveller remained trapped in the snow at one of the passes we had crossed. Be prepared to unpredictable weather and bring a warm water-proof jacket just in case. Average temperature: 6°C – 20°C
Winter (December – March): There is less snow in Tajikistan than in the neighbouring Kyrgyzstan but it’s cold and some roads (one of them is the Wakhan Valley) can be closed. It may be hard to find someone to share the journey along the Pamir Highway. Average temperature: -5 °C – 9 °C