TAJIKISTAN
Tajikistan - Magic, Mountains and Kindness
Oh Tajikistan! Or Majikistan as author and journalist Sophy Roberts christened it when we took her there for a Financial Times assignment a few years back.
Small, mountainous and full of heart, Tajikistan is perhaps one of our favourite Central Asian countries, and the one where Silk Road Adventures was born. It’s also the toughest to travel in, and the place where tourism is the least developed. The Tajiks, unlike their Turkic Uzbek and Kyrgyz neighbours, are an Iranic people, closely related to the Pashto of Afghanistan. This is a country of poetry and mountains, where snow leopards and Bukharan markhor roam the high peaks, and mighty rivers thunder through deep valleys.
Dushanbe, the capital, is changing fast, but the mountains and their villages remain largely unchanged. This is a place whose views, and whose people, and their kindness, will steal your heart.
Whether you want to look for snow leopards, explore the Bartang valley or walk a section of the recently marked Pamir Trail, Tajikistan is an adventure travellers’ paradise.
Get in touch to start planning your Silk Road Adventure to Tajikistan.
Some of our Tajikistan highlights
Tailor-Made Tajikistan Tours
With our background in journalism and television production, and more than a decade’s experience of planning bespoke trips for individuals, families and small groups, tailor-made journeys are what we do best.
Whether you want to do a logistically challenging (horse) riding expedition in remote Kyrgyzstan - replete with chefs, luxury tents with proper beds, look for snow leopards, hike over high mountain passes, explore the country by motorbike or bicycle, uncover the history of the Silk Road or do a deep dive into the art and textiles of Kyrgyzstan, we can make it happen.
Spotlight on: Riding the Heavenly Mountains
If you love riding and adventure, then Kyrgyzstan is the country for you! Horses are an integral part of this nomad nation’s identity, and many Kyrgyz children learn to ride before they can run.
We’ve organised multi-day horse riding adventures in some of the most beautiful and remote parts of Kyrgyzstan. From satellite internet to hot showers to top quality chefs, comfortable camp beds and evening musical entertainment, this is a proper dose of adventure (without feeling like you’ve slept in a ditch for a week).
Antonia was a founding director of the Mongol Derby, the world’s longest multi-horse race, setting up the race in 2009 and running it for the first few years - so she knows a thing or two about organising equine adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions - Expert Answers from Silk Road Adventures
Planning Your Trip
When is the best time to visit Tajikistan?
The best time to visit Tajikistan is generally from early June to late September, to ensure all high altitude passes and homestays are open. Travellers should bear in mind that in the 4th highest mountain range on Earth, it can snow on high passes during all months) The peak season for trekking and yurt camps is from early July to early September. However, there is of course plenty for visitors to see and explore outside these months. For lower-level hiking and incredible wild flowers, mid-April to late May are perfect, although the weather can be unpredictable. For skiing, snowboarding, ski-touring and other winter sports, the season runs from late November until early March. For snow leopard spotting, visit between January and early March. September into October brings cooler weather and beautiful autumn colours, and February is when the almond blossom sets valleys aflame with dusky pinks, whilst March is the time of the Navruz (Nawrus, Nooruz) spring festival, which is well worth experiencing here in Tajikistan.
How much does one of your Tajikistan tours cost?
We don’t currently offer Small Group Tajikistan tours, focussing instead on Tailor-made private tours which start from around £450 per person per day.
Is Tajikistan safe for travelers?
Yes, Kyrgyzstan is very safe for tourists. As specialists who have run many dozens of tours there since 2015, we can confirm:
This is a country with an outstandingly low crime rate against tourists;
A uniquely welcoming culture - hospitality being central to Kyrgyz values;
It’s safe for solo female travelers;
An 100% safety record - zero serious incidents in 10 years. We provide 24/7 emergency support, satellite phones or Starlink access in remote areas, and have years of experience living and working across the region, meaning we create our trips using first-hand knowledge.
Do I need a visa for Kyrgyzstan?
UK, US, EU, Australian, NZ, Singapore and many other citizens do NOT need a visa for stays up to 60 days. Citizens of most Western countries enjoy visa-free entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
What's included in your Kyrgyzstan trips?
Every Silk Road Adventures Kyrgyzstan small group tour includes:
Pre-trip planning consultation with our directors, if required
Small group size (maximum 12, typically 6-8)
Brilliant, experienced English-speaking guides, personally chosen by us
Comfortable accommodation in high quality hotels and authentic guesthouses
Traditional yurt stays
Ground transportation in high-quality 4x4 vehicles (Toyota Sequoia or similar)
Most meals, featuring plenty of local cuisine
All activity, historical site and national park fees
Emergency support where required
Comprehensive pre-departure information in the Vamoos app format, with regular updates, articles, playlists, films and all of our personal recommendations along your route
NOT included: International flights, visa fees (if required), travel insurance, some lunches, drinks, tips.
How fit do I need to be for travel in Kyrgyzstan?
This totally depends on the type of trip you are seeking! Our Kyrgyzstan small group tours accommodate most fitness levels, but you will generally need to have good mobility at the very least, and be able to walk in cities and on rough ground at a reasonable pace. Because we have three or four vehicles and guide on our group tours, there are options to split the group, so some folks can do half day hikes and others can relax at the yurt camp or guesthouse. For a tailor-made trip, we will of course design this around your interests, wishes and abilities.