Shirkent National Park Day tour

Withdrawing cash can be difficult, so carry some cash with you. There are ATMs in Dushanbe, Panjakent, Khujand, Khorog, Isfara, Istaravshan and Bokhtar (Kurgan-Tube), and even in smaller towns, but not in Murghab. Eskhata Bank in Dushanbe is a reliable choice for US dollars and has a generous limit for somoni withdrawals. ATMs may be harder to find at weekends, and ATMs that take Mastercard can be tricky to find.

US dollars and euros are widely accepted, though in rural areas without exchange offices people often prefer dollars. Changing money on the black market is illegal.

Always carry a copy of your passport's photo page, as the authorities may ask for identification.

• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and stay alert in public places.
• Do not leave drinks unattended, decline drinks from strangers and keep an eye on how much you drink.
• If you are followed or harassed at the airport, report it right away to your tour agent or the consular office at the airport.
• Women travelling alone may face unwanted attention or harassment.

• Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions.
• Smoking while walking in the street is prohibited.
• Possessing or using drugs is strictly illegal.
• Photographing anything related to the military or security services can cause trouble with the authorities.
• Same-sex relationships are not illegal, but local views are conservative and tolerance varies, especially outside the major cities.

• Vehicles are often poorly maintained and driving standards are basic. Fuel stations are rare outside the cities and emergency services may not be available, so bring what you need and expect delays.
• Roads outside the major cities are poor and some are passable only by four-wheel drive. Spring is especially hazardous because of avalanches and landslides.
• Energy and water shortages and power cuts are common, especially in winter and spring and mostly outside Dushanbe.

• Avoid the border area with Afghanistan because of the unstable security situation there.
• Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed a border treaty in 2025 after the clashes of 2022, and the northern Sughd region, including Khujand, is safe to visit.
• Tajikistan is prone to earthquakes, avalanches, landslides and floods.

A permit is required to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO).

Tajikistan's borders can close at short notice. Declare large amounts of money on arrival, and show the customs declaration when you leave.

In September the markets are full of fresh produce and the landscape turns golden.

The best time to visit the Pamirs is August.

Summers are dry and very hot, up to 40°C in the lowlands. Winters can be extremely cold, down to −20°C in the mountains, and heavy snow in the west can disrupt winter routes and close the high passes.

Before you go, check that your destination can provide any medical help you might need, and make sure your travel insurance covers treatment and unexpected medical evacuation. If you are sent to a medical facility, contact your insurer straight away.

Some medicines containing codeine are strictly prohibited. Check that any medication you bring is legal, and declare all medicines and other restricted items on arrival.

Ticks are common in forests and rural areas from spring to autumn. Improperly disposed uranium and pesticides in the northern Sughd region are a possible health hazard. At a minimum, get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B and tetanus before your trip.