озеро Каракуль
photo by Sergey Bulanov

Tajikistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia that borders Afghanistan to the south, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and Uzbekistan to the west and northwest. The ancient Silk Road passed through it. The nation is unique in that the majority culture is non-Turkic, unlike its neighbors to the north and west and east.

Understand

Climate

Mid-latitude continental, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid to polar in the Pamir Mountains.

Terrain

The Pamir and Alay Mountains dominate Tajikistan's landscape. The western Fergana Valley is in north, and the Kofarnihon and Vakhsh Valleys are in the southwest.

The country's lowest point is at Syr Darya (300 m), and it's highest point is at Qullai Ismoili Somoni (7,495 m)

History

The region covering today's Tajikistan was part the of Persian empires for much of its history. This region has been an important place for flourishing Persian culture and language.

In recent history, Tajikistan has experienced three changes in government and a five-year civil war since it gained independence from the USSR in 1991. A peace agreement among rival factions was signed in 1997 and implemented in 2000. The central government's less than total control over some areas of the country has forced it to compromise and forge alliances among factions. Attention by the international community in the wake of the war in Afghanistan has brought increased economic development assistance, which could create jobs and increase stability in the long term. Tajikistan is in the early stages of seeking World Trade Organization membership and has joined NATO's Partnership for Peace.

History

The region covering today's Tajikistan was part the of Persian empires for much of its history. This region has been an important place for flourishing Persian culture and language.

In recent history, Tajikistan has experienced three changes in government and a five-year civil war since it gained independence from the USSR in 1991. A peace agreement among rival factions was signed in 1997 and implemented in 2000. The central government's less than total control over some areas of the country has forced it to compromise and forge alliances among factions. Attention by the international community in the wake of the war in Afghanistan has brought increased economic development assistance, which could create jobs and increase stability in the long term. Tajikistan is in the early stages of seeking World Trade Organization membership and has joined NATO's Partnership for Peace.

Climate

Mid-latitude continental, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid to polar in the Pamir Mountains.

Regions

  • Ferghana Valley - Central Asia's notoriously unstable, but fascinating, culturally vibrant region spans three countries in one of the world's most convoluted political geographical jumbles.
  • Karategin - The Tajik heartland, home to the capital, Dushanbe.
  • Khatlon - Tajikistan's diverse southwestern province, and the center of the rebellion that led to Tajikistan's disastrous post-Soviet civil war.
  • Pamir - One of the world's highest mountain regions, with soaring landscapes, trekking, climbing, and one incredible drive down the Pamir Highway.
  • Zeravshan - Beautiful valleys amidst the majestic Fann Mountains, and ancient ruins by Panjakent.

Cities

  • Dushanbe — the capital and largest city by far.

  • Isfara — an ancient Silk Road town in the center of the Ferhghana Valley on the Kyrgyzstani border.

  • Istaravshan — an old city home to the well known and beautiful Abdullatif Madrassah and Mosque.

  • Khorugh — largest city of and gateway to the Pamirs.

  • Khujand — the center of Tajikistan's Ferghana Valley region, and the nation's second largest city.

  • Konibodom — in the heart of the Ferghana Valley, on the Uzbekistani border.

  • Kulob — the country's third largest city.

  • Qurghonteppa — the largest city in Khatlon, and the political heart of the rebellion in Tajikistan's last civil war.

  • Tursunzoda — an aluminum town west of Dushanbe on the road and railroad to Uzbekistan.

Other destinations

  • Pamir mountains, with passes between 3200 and 4500 meters, and Lake Karakol.

  • Penjikent, a town next to the border, 70km from Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with ruins of an ancient city.

  • Zeravshan valley including the Fan Mountains, one of Central Asia's prime trekking and climbing destinations.

Getting there

Visas

Following the trends of other Central Asian countries, visas are increasingly easy to obtain, particularly for nationals of wealthy countries. This policy is designed to stimulate tourist activity in Tajikistan. The big change has been the abolition of OVIR registration for visits under 30 days, and the ease with which you can get a visa at Dushanbe airport. No Letter of Invitation is necessary. To save time you can complete and print a form before arrival . Best to use the Tajik form, bring 2 passport photos, a handful of photocopies of your passport and $50. Takes 10 minutes. If crossing a land border then get a visa prior to arrival. The embassies in Vienna and London are the more professional. You may struggle to get a visa at some consulates who will simply say 'get it at the airport' (eg Kabul), which isn't useful if you want to arrive by land.

By car

Private cars and minivans run between Samarkand in Uzbekistan and Penjikent daily. From Osh in Kyrgyzstan minivans go to Murgab every few days for $15; hitch hiking on Kamaz trucks and ZIL petrol tankers is also possible anywhere enroute for $10.

By plane

There are flights from Moscow's Domodedovo airport to Dushanbe on Tajikistan Airlines, Domodedovo Airlines, and Samara Airlines. Tajikistan Airways flies Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Bishkek, Almaty, Sharjah, and Istanbul. In the past, they have also flown to Urumchi and New Delhi. Turkish Airlines operates a popular twice-weekly flight to Istanbul (arrives in Dushanbe Monday and Thursday in the very early morning). Tajikistan Airlines operates a domestic flight from Dushanbe to Khujand and costs approximately 75 USD. There are flights twice per week from Urumqi, China to Dushanbe, for about $350 one-way. Kam Air and Ariana both fly to Kabul every week. There is also Somon Air that fly weekly once from Dubai to Dushanbe, mostly Tuesdays.

By boat

There is currently a ferry operating across the Pyanj river between Afghanistan and Tajikistan that costs roughly $10 one way. However, the opening of the U.S. funding bridge over the Pyanj will likely end this service, which crosses roughly three times per day and does not run on Sundays.

By train

The train to Moscow is popular with migrant workers. It crosses through Uzbekistan (twice) and Turkmenistan and takes around five days. Transit visas are required for all countries.

Train 367 - 08:08 leaves Dushanbe (Mondays & Wednesdays). 14:04 Arrives Khujand next day. Final destination Kanibadam.

Train 368 - 16:34 leaves Khujand (Fridays & Sundays). 22:36 arrives Dushanbe the next day.

Train 335 - Khujand-Samarqand-Saratov is three times a week. 18:44 depart Khujand (Mon, Thur, Sat) 02:15 arrives Samarqand.

Train 336 - 06:10 departs Samarqand (Wed, Fri, Sunday) 14:27 arrives Khujand.

Traveling around

By minivan / shared taxi

Scheduled minivans run between the major cities but otherwise hiring a vehicle or sharing one with other passengers is the only way to travel around the country. Prices are generally per person, not for the vehicle, and divided by the number of passengers.

SUV's can be hired and leave daily from Khujand's large minibus terminal located just outside the city. Prices are negotiable but should be in the range 60 USD per person. Assure the vehicle is fit for long road travel, inspect spare tire.

By plane

As the country is broken into many isolated areas by mountain passes that are closed in winter, travel during this time is by air only, if the planes are flying. Tajik Air operates several daily flights to Khojand (between 35 and 70 minutes, depending on the plane) and Khorog, a thrilling plunge through mountain peaks. This flight does not go if it is windy. Ticket vendors next to the Green Market in Dushanbe can provide a reliable estimate of their timetable. Make sure you arrive early for your flight. Also, passports and visas will be checked on domestic flights, so bring them with you.

Eat

  • Plov. The national dish is made with rice, beef or mutton, and carrots.

  • Sambusa (baked pastries)

  • Shashlik (shish-kebab). Grilled-on-coal fish, liver, chicken, mutton and beef.

  • Tushbera soup(like ravioli, pasta with meat in)

  • Ugro soup (handmade spaghetti soup served with cheese cream and basilic)

  • Jiz-biz (fired freshcut lamb or mutton on its own juice)

  • Dolma (steamed rolls with grape leafs and meat inside, served with sour cream and red pepper

  • Mantu (steamed pasta with meat inside, served with sour cream and fried onions.

  • Shurbo (fresh vegetable soup with lamb or beef, served with green onion and basilic)

  • Many types of bread like chappoti, kulcha, nan, fatir, qalama etc.

  • Damlama - like English stew, steamed lamb or beef with vegetables in its own juice.

  • Khash - soup with sheeps' legs and arms, joints and tendons.

Yammy-yammy!

Take care with street food and do NOT eat unwashed vegetables and fruits. It's best to soak them in distilled water and cook thoroughly.

Drink

  • Green tea. Tajiks customarily pour a small amount out three times and return it to the pot.

  • Compote. A distilled fruit punch.

Sleep

Sleeping options in Tajikistan include the following:

Hotels. In Dushanbe, there are a small number of large hotels. The Hyatt Regency just built recently and opens doors in March 2009. Another one of big hotels is "Tajikistan" (recently renovated), located in the central city. Most are ex-Soviet era and tend to be over priced and in poor condition. There are a couple of newly built hotels offering western standards of accommodation for around from $70 to $220 per room.

MSDSP Guesthouses,

The Aga Khan's Mountain Societies Development Support Programme has a network of guesthouses in places like Kalaikhum and Khorog, offering a good standard of accommodation. Full board is around $40 per person

Formal Homestays.

The French NGO ACTED is establishing a network of Homestays in the Pamir region, around Murgab, For around $10 per person per night you get a comfortable bed in a family home. The facilities are basic, i.e. no running water and an outside toilet, but guests can expect comfortable clean rooms, good local food, and a very warm welcome.

Independent Guesthouses.

In Dushanbe, Khorog, and Murghab there are a small but growing number of independent guesthouses. These are similar in standard and price to the ACTED homestays.

Online Accomodation (couchsurfing).

Many cities of Tajikistan offer free accomodation in homestays through the couchsurfing.com

Buy

Somoni (TJS, Tajik: cомонӣ) is the national currency. As of December, 2009, US$ 1 roughly equals to 4.38 somoni, while € 1 equals to 6.30 somoni.

  • Traditional Tajik padded coats. Comfortable and perfect for the colder weather in the mountains. The ensemble can be completed with a hat and sash.

  • Mercedes Benz (approx. $7000) cars and Land Cruisers from Dushanbe's Sunday Car Market. Also available: Russian cars, jeeps, minivans, and an assortment of other models.

  • Vodka. Ruski Standard is the best one by far.

  • Rugs and carpets. The good ones are imported from Afghanistan or Uzbekistan.

Food in Tajikistan is very different than food in the Middle East or in East Asia. It is very much Russian influenced. If you like Russian food, you will probably have a good culinary experience. If you find Russian food bland, you may have a rough time here.

Talk

Tajik-Persian is the main official language. Russian is also useful in most cities and it is normal to hear Russian in the streets of Dushanbe. Some people use Russian as their language. Tajik-Persian is useful for markets and cabdrivers. Even a few words will be appreciated. Tajik dialect of Persian is intelligible for the Persian-speakers of Iran and Afghanistan.

Etiquette

Tajikistan is a somewhat conservative society. Women should be fairly modest in public. Although some Tajiks can be extremely friendly, it is not uncommon for people to be equally rude. While this is a Persian-speaking country, do not expect the red carpet treatment that tourists receive in Iran and Afghanistan.

Stay healthy

DO NOT drink tap water. There is no working purification system, and outbreaks of typhoid and cholera (rarely) are common. Other preventable endemic illnesses are hepatitis A, rabies, poliomyelitis and tick-borne encephalitis. The occasional anthrax case comes in, but it's rare nowadays. There are, during the hot season, a few pockets where malaria can occur. There is now an English-speaking comprehensive primary care clinic in operation by the name of Prospekt Medical , right behind the Embassy of China. In the Pamir mountains, the risk of altitude sickness is substantial - one may read up on this here: (in English) or (in German). In case of ANY accident, call your embassy. Health insurance and medical evacuation insurance are recommended.

Longer stays may consider the hiring of private drivers and home security guards. Rent out secure known owners places.

Safety

Some factional fighting spilling over from nearby Afghanistan (as well as local warlordism) still occurs in Tajikistan. Visitors should keep abreast of the security situation and not take any unneccessary risks. After sunset, it is not advisable to walk around outside alone; and generally do not travel unaccompanied to rural areas. Any concern you should have during your stay in Tajikistan, please write about as soon as possible it to your embassy or the European Commission – External Relations Directorate General in B-1049 Brussels .

Learn

Books can be ordered through Amazon. Internet access is unrestricted.

Work

At embassies, NGOs , some hotels. A few hundred expatriates live in Dushanbe. Several ads each week in the electronic newsletter WhatsOnInDushanbe. For investors, cf. and similar publications.

  • United States - 109A Ismoili Somoni Avenue, Zarafshon, Dushanbe 734019, tel: +992-37-229-23-00, fax: +992-37-229-2309. The consular section is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed on U.S. and Tajik holidays.

Contact & location

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Sergey Bulanov, Oleg Brovko, Brian Harrington Spier, Alan Cordova, Irene2005, www.turclubmai.ru

Some photos courtesy of: , . The photos provided by Flickr, Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners.

This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at WikitravelView full credits

Peter FitzgeraldSophie Willingale, Constantin Popa, Tim Barnes, Ryan Holliday, Tim Sandell, Damian Pooley and Yann Forget, Vidimian, ChubbyWimbus, Tatatabot, Cacahuate, Dkm5010, MMKK, DorganBot, ManhattanAnne1, Episteme, Jake73, Pashley, BigHaz, InterLangBot, Bijee, Huttite and CIAWorldFactbook2002

This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at WikipediaView full credits

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Tajik Persian (official). Tajik-Persian is the main official language. Russian is also can be useful in most cities. Tajik is useful for markets and cabdrivers -- even a few words will be appreciated. - Somoni (TJS)
Areatotal: 143,100 km2
water: 400 km2
land: 142,700 km2
Callingcode+992
Electricity220 V, 50 Hz
GovernmentRepublic
Population
ReligionSunni Muslim 85%, Shi'a Muslim 5%.
TimezoneUTC +5
Tld.tj