Tajikistan

=Visiting = Tajikistan is a small relatively laid back country compared to its Central Asian neighbors. With the allure of the Pamirs it is wonder people miss out this beautiful country.

On the whole the country is safe. There is sometimes fighting between the local Pamiri people and government forces but this is not directed at tourists in anyway and the few roads into the area are blocked if there is a problem.

If you love high altitude, big mountain scenery then the Pamirs is for you. The Pamir highway is remote, scenic and the villages you pass through will welcome you with open arms. Thermal springs, ancient fortresses, the glacial fed Panj River and Afghanistan across the river, the Pamirs will take you back to Marco Polo's days. Not a lot has changed in this region since his time.

=Entering with a Car or Motorbike= Correct as of: June 2013

Required Paperwork
Vehicle papers (V5 or techpassport), IDP, Passport(s)

Process at border
Vehicle wheel wash for environmental reasons, vehicle paperwork and then onto customs.

Cost of entry
 for 4x4

Permitted length of stay
Vehicle is only permitted for 15 days regardless of visa duration

Extension of stay
We tried to extend our permit by entering Afghanistan at Ishkashim but on our return customs were not familiar with the 15 day rule or paperwork. It would seem this is only well known at the Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan borders.

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country
Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.

Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.

Exiting with a vehicle
Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.

=Driving in =

Recommended books for Overlanding in
Tajikistan is a reasonably safe and easy place to drive. The Pamir Highway can get narrow in places and there are many trucks coming over from China but they were friendly and courteous during our time there.

Vehicle insurance requirements
According to the Regulation on Road Transport, Article 357 an insurance is required as the regulation states that: Car operation in the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan is allowed only when subject to mandatory State third party liability insurance of their owners.

Cost of vehicle insurance
NA

Where to purchase vehicle insurance
NA

Driving license
International Driving Permit with Russian translation

Driving side of road
Right. RHD vehicles permitted

Mandatory items in vehicle
No mandatory items

General Road quality
Generally good around Dushanbe, can be rough along the Pamir Highway, lots of construction going on throughout the country.

Road signs
Very few signs.

Toll roads
No toll roads encountered

Bribery in
Bribery was relatively common with police stop checks but not obvious, just time wasting. Turn your engine off, relax and take your time, they soon get bored of you.

Checkpoints
Very few police checkpoints.

Military checks and checkpoints were common on the Pamir Highway. Expect at least four between Dushanbe and Murghab. These were very professional and no bribery was insinuated.

Traveling with pets
List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.

=Gas price in and Diesel price in = Last updated: September 2017 

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency
Regular around Dushanbe, less frequent in the Pamirs. No shortages at the time we visited or have heard of.

In the Pamirs fuel was found at Khorog, Ishkashim, Murghab

Gas and Diesel Quality
Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.

State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.

=Safety and Security Considerations=

Driving at night
''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''

Vehicle parking
Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night. If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.

Special driving considerations
A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.). List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.

Security advisories and information
=Camping in = ''Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.''

List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.

''Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.''

Camping guide books
List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water
Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink. If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.

=Navigation=

Paper maps
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in

GPS Maps of
Review different GPS companies, quality and coverage (Tomtom, Garmin, OSM, Tracks4Africa). (with links to each).

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in
Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.
 * iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

=Special Overland Travel interests= List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders

=Vehicle Maintenance=

Local Garages
Add known good mechanics here.

=Buy or sell a car or motorbike in = Buy Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell ''Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

=References= Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.

=Helpful External links= Add any helpful external links here.