TAJIKISTAN

Yes, a special permit (GBAO permit) is required to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), which includes the Pamir region. The cost is about 30 €. We assist in obtaining this permit. Additional passes may be required for some border areas.

Tajikistan is generally safe for travelers. Local people are very hospitable. However, as in any country, general precautions should be observed: do not leave valuables unattended, avoid remote areas at night. In mountainous areas, the main risks are natural conditions (altitude, weather) rather than crime.

The best time to visit Tajikistan depends on the purpose of the trip: • Trekking and mountain tourism: June – September. • Visiting cities and cultural attractions: May, September, October (mild weather). • Winter sports: December – February (at some ski resorts). High-altitude areas of the Pamirs are accessible from late May to late September.

In summer (June-August), the weather in the mountains of Tajikistan is mostly sunny and dry. Daytime temperatures at altitudes of 3000-4000 m are +15°C...+25°C, at night they can drop to +5°C...0°C. Sudden weather changes and short-term rains are possible. At altitudes above 4000 m, night frosts are possible even in summer. UV radiation is very intense.

Tajik cuisine is hearty and tasty, based on meat (lamb, beef), rice, noodles, vegetables and flatbreads. Popular dishes: • Plov - national dish of rice, meat and carrots. • Shurpo - rich meat soup. • Manti - large steamed dumplings. • Kurutob - a unique dish of flatbreads, vegetables and fermented milk cheese. • Lagman - noodles with meat and vegetables. Served with lots of greens, vegetables and tea.

Travel for vegetarians is possible but requires advance planning. Traditional cuisine is very meaty. In cities (Dushanbe, Khorog) there are cafes with vegetarian options. In guesthouses in the mountains, you can arrange in advance for meat-free dishes (porridge, pasta, vegetables, flatbreads, eggs, dairy products). We recommend informing about your preferences when booking a tour.

Main ways: 1. By plane: Dushanbe International Airport (DYU) receives flights from Moscow, Istanbul, Dubai, Almaty, etc. There is also an airport in Khujand. 2. By land: • From Uzbekistan through border crossings. • From Kyrgyzstan via the Pamir Highway (Kyzyl-Art pass). • From Afghanistan (requires special conditions check). Transport within the country: 4WD vehicles, local flights, taxis.

• Cities (Dushanbe, Khujand, Khorog): 3-4* hotels, guesthouses. • Mountains and villages: Guesthouses (Homestay) - accommodation with families with basic amenities. • In the Pamirs: Nomadic yurt camps (from May to September). The level of comfort in remote areas is simple: shared rooms, sometimes a shower with solar-heated water. A sleeping bag is required for trekking.

1. Pamir Highway (M41): Automotive trekking with short walks. 2. Fan Mountains: Popular area with lakes (Allo, Kulikalon). 3. Wakhan Valley: Combined tour with visits to fortresses, hot springs and trekking. 4. Yashilkul and Bulunkul area: High-altitude lakes in the Eastern Pamirs. 5. Trek to Ismoil Somoni Peak (former Communism Peak): For experienced climbers.

Depends on citizenship. • Visa-free entry: For citizens of CIS countries (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Georgia, Uzbekistan) - up to 90 days. Also for citizens of Turkey (90 days), Ukraine (90 days), Serbia (90 days), Malaysia (30 days). • Visa on arrival (e-Visa): Available for many countries through the online system (https://www.evisa.tj/). We recommend applying in advance. • Visa required in advance: For citizens of the USA, UK, EU, etc. Important: Always check current requirements on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan or at the consulate before traveling.