Overland Tajikistan Travel
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Contents
- 1 Visiting Tajikistan
- 2 Entering Tajikistan with a Car or Motorbike
- 3 Driving in Tajikistan
- 4 Gas price in Tajikistan and Diesel price in Tajikistan
- 5 Safety and Security Considerations
- 6 Camping in Tajikistan
- 7 Navigation
- 8 Special Overland Travel interests
- 9 Vehicle Maintenance
- 10 Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Tajikistan
- 11 References
- 12 Helpful External links
Visiting Tajikistan
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 Tajikistan with a Car or Motorbike
Correct as of: June 2013
Required Paperwork
(To check if you need a travel Visa for Tajikistan, application instructions and fees see: Tajikistan Visa online application at VisaHQ.com)
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
$25.00 USD 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 Tajikistan
Recommended books for Overlanding in Tajikistan
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.
Travel insurance for Tajikistan
World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.
Vehicle insurance requirements
No insurance necessary.
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
Roads
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 Tajikistan
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 Tajikistan and Diesel price in Tajikistan
Last updated: September 2017
Currency and unit to display:
| Gasoline Grade | Price |
|---|---|
| Unleaded 95 Octane | Error in price tag: 'TJS' is not a known currency. |
| Unleaded 91 Octane | Error in price tag: 'TJS' is not a known currency. |
| Diesel | €0.90 EUR per Liter |
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
- Country Specific Information - U.S. Department of State
- Travel Reports and Warnings - Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
- Travel advice by country - Foreign and Commonwealth office (U.K.)
- Travel Advice for Tajikistan - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Camping in Tajikistan
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.
Paper maps
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Tajikistan
![India Classic [laminated] (national Geographic Referen...](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51-AsRsBVwL._SL160_.jpg)
GPS Maps of Tajikistan
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 Tajikistan
- 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.
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.
Special Overland Travel interests
List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders
Vehicle Maintenance
Dealers
4x4s / Trucks
- Toyota Global Dealer Locator
- Land Rover International Dealer Locator
- Mercedes Benz International (select country on bottom right)
- Jeep International site locator
Motorbikes
Local Garages
Add known good mechanics here.
Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Tajikistan
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.
- Tajikistan: Visa and Passport requirements | World Travel Guide
- Health Information for Travelers to Tajikistan - Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- Tajikistan travel guides at wikivoyage
- Tajikistan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
