Tadjikistan is a mountainous landlocked country that saw very few visitors during the 20th century when it was a Soviet Republic, and even less when independence in 1991 led to a disastrous civil war that finally ended in 1997. Since then travellers have begun to return, tracing parts of the route Marco Polo took across the Pamir Plateau on his way to the court of Kublai Khan. The scenery here is magnificent with Ismoil Somoni peak at 7,495 m the highest in the country (and the former Soviet Union). The country has been continuously inhabited for over 4,000 years from when Aryan nomads settled and the Tadjik language is a variant of Persian.

Weather
Tadjikistan’s climate is broadly continental although temperature varies greatly with elevation. The Fergana Valley and other lowlands are shielded by mountains from Arctic air masses, but temperatures in that region still drop below freezing in winter. The cities can be extremely hot in summer (over 40°) and so spring or autumn are generally regarded as the best times to visit.

Local Customs
Although Tadjikistan is a secular country most of its citizens are Muslims and in rural areas people are quite conservative in outlook. It is advisable that ladies wear long trousers or skirts in these areas. Women should not enter mosques in shorts, short skirts or revealing clothing and should wear a headscarf when entering. Everyone must remove their shoes when visiting mosques.

Visa
Visas are required before arrival and cost £75.00. There is no Tadjik embassy in the UK currently so applications must be posted or obtained in Tashkent at the start of your tour. Please contact us as invitation letters are required and the situation can easily change. Most other nationalities also require a visa.

Vaccinations
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Typhoid, infectious Hepatitis and Polio. It is your responsibility to check all relevant recommendations and also to get the most up-to-date health information for the destinations being visited. You can contact your GP or any of the following organisations:

MASTA: Telephone: 0906 822 4100 www.masta.org
Live Travel Health Line: 09068 633414
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Flight Duration
Flight time to Dunshabe from London is 12 hours, with Turkish Airlines.

Accommodation and Transport
Tadjikistan does not yet have a solid tourist infrastructure and so accommodation will be in local hotels and guesthouses. We use the best available.

A variety of transportation will be used on tour: cars, 4 wheel drive vehicles, minibuses or coaches, depending on the size of the party.