Tajikistan tours & holidays

High in the sky and rich in history - this is Tajikistan
Venture to Central Asia’s smallest nation and you’ll find giant monuments, mountain-lined lakes and ancient settlements dating back to Alexander the Great. Tajikistan’s history blends centuries of Silk Road trade and influence from intercontinental empires amid its snowy peaks and green valleys. One minute you’re walking through the arches of Hissor Fort, the next, you’re at Iskanderkul Lake Falls or the bread-scented Khujand Bazaar – the road through Tajikistan may be the road less travelled, but that just leaves more adventure for us.
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Tajikistan at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Dushanbe (population 1.5 million)
POPULATION
10.39 million
CURRENCY
Tajikistani Somoni
LANGUAGE
Tajik, Russian
TIME ZONE
GMT+5
CALLING CODE
+992
ELECTRICITY
Type C (European 2-pin)
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Best time to visit Tajikistan
With more than 50 per cent of the country sitting at over 3,000 metres above sea level, Tajikistan’s weather wavers between extremes.
In winter (November–February), daytime temperatures can dip below freezing, particularly along the Pamir Highway.
In summer (June–September), temperatures will likely climb to over 40°C (and be accompanied by dust storms) – though this is the best time for a trip into the mountains.
Otherwise, spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) is the most pleasant time to travel. Light rains may still fall occasionally, but the days are sunny and warm, and the skies are clear.
History and culture
While evidence of human habitation has been found in the region dating back as far as 4,000 BC, Tajikistan as we now know it only came into formation with the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991.
In 1924 the Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was created as a part of Uzbekistan and the collectivisation of agriculture and implementation of other communist policies soon followed. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the country fell into civil war. Emomalii Rahmon came to power in 1994 and while his prime ministership and his party’s handling of democratic elections have not been without criticism, Rahmon has retained power through two successive elections.
Today’s Tajikistan shares language and cultural ties with its neighbours, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. People from Tajikistan, known as Tajikistanis, are predominantly Muslim and speak Tajiki and Russian.
Tajikistanis celebrate several religious and cultural events, one of which is celebrated during the equinox in March for the New Year known as Navrūz.
Geography and environment
Tajikistan is a mountainous country in Central Asia, bordered by Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and China.
With so much of the country at a high altitude, the landscape of Tajikistan has a large array of valleys, mountain settlements and alpine lakes.
Eating and drinking
Tajikistani food combines dishes served in ancient times with new influences and flavours. While not typically complex, Tajikistani cuisine includes meats, vegetables, grains, legumes and dairy and is typically served on a communal plate.
Things to try in Tajikistan
1. Plov
Tajikistan’s national dish is Plov, also called Osh and prepared with rice, meat, carrots, onions and spices. The dish varies region to region but is usually served with side dishes.
2. Qurutob
Also known as kurutob, qurutob is a dish made of flatbread, onions and yogurt sauce. Referred to as a bread salad, it can also have vegetables and onions added and is often served on a large wooden plate.
3. Fatir (bread)
Bread is very popular in Tajikistan and even has its own customs, including only being torn by hand and not cut. Typical Tajikistani fatir bread is round, dry and flat as it is made from dough that doesn’t rise.
4. Green tea
Tajikistan’s national drink is green tea and is a favourite throughout the year. Another favourite tea is a milky tea called shircho, which is eaten with bread that is soaked in the tea.
5. Fresh fruit
Expect a plate of fresh fruit for dessert in Tajikistan, especially over summer. Fruit is a popular sweet treat and are dried to last over winter.
Money matters
The official currency of Tajikistan is the Tajikistani Somoni (TJS).
Credit cards are not commonly accepted across Tajikistan as the country still largely relies on cash. In some establishments, USD and EUR which are accepted in some places.
ATMS can be found in the capital and other large towns. It is recommended to keep small change for day-to-day purchases.
Tajikistan travel FAQs
Travellers from most countries need a visa to enter Tajikistan. For more information, please visit the Government of Tajikistan's website or the Essential Trip Information.
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information.
You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our visa and entry requirements page.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their adventure. Your leader will record your travel insurance details on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of healthcare around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.
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In restaurants and eateries, yes. A 10 per cent gratuity is the standard for a decent meal and adequate service.
The temperature in Tajikistan can fluctuate from very hot in summer to below freezing in winter. Be sure to check the season you are travelling and pack a range of items including loose lightweight and longer-sleeved shirts and pants, as well as warmer layers for evenings.
If you would like to enter religious sites, make sure you pack clothing that covers the arms, shoulders and goes past the knees.
Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Tajikistan. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Your local leader will help you find filtered water. You may also like to bring water purification tablets.
Travellers should also avoid ice in drinks and only eat peeled fruit or well-cooked vegetables.
Internet cafes exist in the bigger cities. Wireless internet is not widely available in hotels or cafes.
Roaming agreements are in place with most major international phone carriers, though coverage is mostly limited to urban areas.
Toilets in Tajikistan range from Western-style to drop toilets. It’s recommended that you carry toilet paper, hand sanitiser or soap with you as these items may not always be available.
In Tajikistan, while homosexuality is legal, the country is not widely accepting of LGBTQIA+ people. Tajikistan is a conservative country and any displays of affection can be considered offensive. It is strongly advised that travellers be discreet and avoid displays of affection.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex before you travel.
If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group trip, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.
We take the health and safety of our travellers seriously and take every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and inclusive for everyone. When you travel with us, you have access to our global support network and local on‑ground leadership, and you can rest easy knowing we have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.
We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure. The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Travelling from Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
Yes, all Intrepid trips support The Intrepid Foundation. In this country, we partner with World Bicycle Relief and Eden: People + Planet. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar matching all traveller donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
World Bicycle Relief
World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.
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Eden: People + Planet
Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Kenya and Nepal.
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