Overland Tajikistan Travel

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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

Lonely Planet Farsi (persian) Phrasebook & Dictionary
Lonely Planet Farsi (persian) Phrasebook & Dictionary
by Lonely Planet
From $4.16 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon

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: October 2012

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded €1.00 EUR per Liter[1]
Diesel €0.90 EUR per Liter[1]

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 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.

Navigation

Paper maps

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

Central Asia 1:1,700,000 Travel Map, Waterproof, Gps-c...
Central Asia 1:1,700,000 Travel Map, Waterproof, Gps-c...
by Reise KnowHow
From $12.95 on Amazon
India Classic [laminated] (national Geographic Referen...
India Classic [laminated] (national Geographic Referen...
by National Geographic Maps - Reference
From $15.99 on Amazon
India Classic [laminated] (national Geographic Referen...
India Classic [laminated] (national Geographic Referen...
by National Geographic Maps - Reference
From $15.99 on Amazon
Tajikistan And The High Pamirs: A Companion And Guide ...
Tajikistan And The High Pamirs: A Companion And Guide ...
by Robert Middleton, Huw Thomas
From $30.38 on Amazon

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

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.

  1. 1.0 1.1 World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com

Helpful External links

Add any helpful external links here.