TAJIKISTAN – “Never heard of it. No idea where it’s located. Isn’t that a dangerous country?…” Just a couple of responses I got from people when I told them I traveled through Tajikistan, a country you generally don’t hear a lot about. Undeservedly so. Tajikistan is absolutely stunning and the people are incredibly friendly and hospitable. Even though you will only meet a handful of other tourists, it’s quite easy and safe to get around. About 50% of the country lies above 3000 meters, so it’s a true trekkers paradise! I definitely want to return to Tajikistan one day, and I truly hope others will join me in visiting this beautiful, wild and unspoiled country! Are you in?

PHOTOS OF TAJIKISTAN

TAJIKISTAN TRAVEL: SOME TIPS

It was part of my Silk Road trip (read more about the route, costs and highlighs of my four month Silk Road adventure here)

I traveled solo and independently, without anything booked in advance. I entered from Uzbekistan and then traveled on to Kyrgyzstan.

Public transportation is extremely limited in Tajikistan. Hitchhiking is challenging as most cars are already full with (paying) passengers. I used buses in cities or I would rent a car solo or with other travelers. For the Wakhan/Pamir part, I rented a car with driver with four other girls in Khorog. This also easily arranged on the spot. Just go to the PECTA and check out the notice board. Also, quite a few travelers I met, simply hiked the Wakhan Valley! An even greater way to see Wakhan!

You will need a permit to travel the Pamirs! This permit can easily be obtained in Dushanbe.

If you prefer an organized tour, have a look at my friend Nellie’s amazing Tajikistan Pamir tour.

In Dushanbe I’d highly recommend the Green House hostel and in Khorog I’d recommend the Pamir Lodge. Both are great places to meet other travelers (mostly cyclists)! Another good place to meet other travelers is the Segafredo cafe.

During my Tajikistan trip I visited the Seven Lakes (haft-kul), Penjikent, Bartang Valley/Jizeu, Iskander Kul, Alaudin/Kulikalon lakes, Khorog, Wakhan Valley (with stops along the way) and the Pamir Highway (with stops along the way).

Remember there is only a short trekking season in Tajikistan: jun-sept. In winter many hostels and guesthouses are closed.

Tajikistan visas have become easy these days! You can get an e-visa!

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On a more personal note – Hi all, it’s a been a while! Lately, Bunch of Backpackers has been a bit quiet on social media and the blog. For a good reason though! After my RTW trip ‘BoB’s Epic Adventure’, I started to work as a medical doctor at the General Surgery department. As you can imagine, this job is fun and interesting, but also quite intense. Additionally, as you may remember, I’m still writing my Ph.D. thesis in evenings/weekends. However…I’m very happy to announce to announce that this is almost finished and the defense of my thesis will likely take place this September. Yay! Furthermore, From June 1st I will change job and city. I’m going to work in Amsterdam! Very exciting! The first few months I’ll be living together with my friend and successful travel vlogger Grietje from Travel Gretl!

Bunch of Backpackers is still going strong with about 18k unique visitors per month. Of course, I still aim to keep this number growing! Meanwhile, I try to combine career, sports and friends/family AND Bunch of Backpackers in a sort of healthy way ;) After all, it remains my hobby, a place to share tips and stories with like-minded travelers and I like it this way! I trust you guys understand and heaps thanks for following Bunch of Backpackers! I still have plenty of ideas for articles. So, stay with me!!

–> Like this article :)? Book your Tajikistan accommodation through Hostelworld.com or Booking.com! Booking through these links won’t cost you anything extra, but it will get me a small commission to keep this website up and running! ~ Thanks! Manouk

Would you travel to Tajikistan?

Check out these other Central Asia articles

Portraits of the Pamirs

How to cross the Irkeshtam border from China into Kyrgyzstan?

Five top adventure destinations in Kyrgyzstan

An overview of backpacking the Silk Road

If you have questions about independent travel/backpacking in Tajikistan (or Central Asia/Silk Road), don’t hesitate to drop me an email!