Frequently Asked Questions

The easiest way is by air. Tajikistan has international airports in Dushanbe, Khujand and Kulob — Dushanbe is the main one and handles most international flights.

Yes. The simplest and most common route is from Uzbekistan. Overland travel from Kyrgyzstan has also resumed, including via the Pamir Highway, though entering GBAO requires a separate GBAO permit. The crossing with China is used mainly for freight. The border with Afghanistan isn't used for regular tourist travel. Conditions at border crossings can change, so check before you travel — we'll advise you when planning your tour.

Citizens of many European countries, the UK and the US can enter visa-free. The length of stay depends on your nationality, so we recommend checking the current rules in advance — we're happy to help. Citizens of Russia and most CIS countries don't need a visa either. Everyone else can apply for an e-visa through the official portal evisa.tj — it's issued within a few days and allows a stay of up to 60 days. Rules do change, so check the requirements for your nationality before travelling, or just ask us.

Yes, for the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO: the Pamir Highway, Wakhan Valley, Khorog, Murghab) — even if you're entering visa-free. Much of the Pamir Highway runs close to the Afghan border, so the permit is checked at posts along the route. You can arrange it when applying for your e-visa, at a Tajik embassy together with your visa, or at the OVIR office in Dushanbe (just bring your passport — it's ready within a day); it's valid for the length of your visa. Separate permits are only needed for two places: Lake Sarez and the Zorkul Nature Reserve. No permits are required anywhere else — the Fann Mountains, Iskanderkul or around Dushanbe. If you're travelling with us, we take care of all the permits.

The national currency is the Tajik somoni (TJS). Most goods and services are paid for in somoni, so we recommend exchanging money once you land.

At banks — you'll find them at the airport, in Dushanbe and in other cities.

Cards are accepted, but mainly in cities — at hotels, larger restaurants and supermarkets, where you'll also find banks and ATMs. In the mountains, villages and on the road, cash is the only option. We recommend withdrawing or exchanging what you need before heading out on your route.

The official language is Tajik. Russian is widely spoken, especially in cities. In the Pamir region, various Pamiri languages are also spoken. English is less common but is spoken by many people working in tourism and by younger generations.

Yes. Our team includes guides fluent in English, Russian and Tajik — just tell us your preferred language when booking, and we'll match you with the right guide.

You can buy one at mobile shops in the city — you'll need your passport. For travelling in the mountains and rural areas, we recommend Tcell, which has the best coverage outside the cities. Keep in mind that in some mountain spots the signal drops regardless of the operator. If you'd like, we can help you get a SIM card.

Yes, but not everywhere. In remote mountain areas, especially at higher altitudes, mobile coverage can be limited and may disappear for parts of the journey — sometimes even along the main road. The signal usually returns further along the route. We recommend letting your family and friends know in advance, and taking the opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the mountains.

It depends on the tour. You might stay in guesthouses, eco-camps, tents in the mountains, or city hotels — often a mix within a single trip. The exact arrangements are listed on each tour's page.

Usually, yes. You'll find exactly what's included in the “What's Included” section on each tour's page.

It depends on the tour. What's included — and what's paid separately — is listed in the “What's Included” section on each tour's page.

We offer routes of varying difficulty, from easy walks to serious expeditions. The difficulty of each tour is listed on its page, so you can choose something that matches your fitness level.

Yes. Just let us know your preferences or restrictions when booking, and we'll take care of it.

There are no strict limits — it depends on the tour. Easy routes suit almost everyone, including families with children, while more demanding expeditions require good fitness. Tell us about your group and any specific needs, and we'll recommend a suitable tour or adjust the route.

Tajikistan is generally open for photography, with a few exceptions — military sites, certain border areas and government buildings. If your route passes through one of these, your guide will let you know in advance.

The essentials are comfortable, broken-in trekking shoes and layered clothing — it's warm in the mountains during the day and cool after dark. A windproof jacket or fleece, a rain layer, a hat and sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) all come in handy, along with a backpack and a personal first-aid kit. The exact list depends on the tour.

Some equipment is already included in the tour price — you'll find the details on each tour's page. Anything not included can be rented: tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, SUP boards and inflatable boats.

On trekking routes you'll stay in tents at mountain campsites and, where possible, in local guesthouses. We provide the tents and camping gear to keep things comfortable. The arrangements for each tour are listed on its page.

We supply the group with drinking water on the route. Be sure to bring a reusable bottle or hydration pack so you can refill along the way.

It depends on the region. Routes in the Fann Mountains sit at moderate altitude and usually don't require special acclimatisation. The Pamirs are a different story — passes and lakes lie above 4,000 metres, so gaining altitude gradually really matters. On those tours we build in time to adjust and plan the route so your body can keep up. If you have any concerns about altitude, let us know and we'll help you find the right option.

We don't recommend drinking tap water — it's best to stick to bottled or filtered water, which is widely available in shops and hotels.

Our guides are trained in first aid and always carry a kit. In remote mountain areas, access to full medical care can be limited, so for more demanding tours we recommend insurance that covers emergency evacuation.

Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance before your trip — it should cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, and personal belongings. For trekking, horse riding and other high-altitude activities, make sure your policy specifically covers active travel. We can help you arrange insurance in Tajikistan — we work with a local insurance partner.

Let us know as soon as possible, and we'll talk through rescheduling or other options (see “Cancellations and Refunds” for details). Costs related to a cancelled flight or illness are usually covered by travel insurance — which is why we recommend arranging it in advance.

More than 30 days before the tour — full refund, minus bank fees. 15–29 days before — 70% refund. 7–14 days before — 50%. Less than 7 days before, or a no-show — no refund. Full details are on our Terms and Conditions page.

We accept Visa card payments and cash. Companies and partners can also pay by bank transfer.

Exporting raw rock samples, precious or semi-precious stones without documentation isn't allowed. If you buy items made from such stones, or artwork like paintings, ask the seller for a certificate at the time of purchase — you'll need it when leaving the country.