TAJIKISTAN

Tajikistan is the smallest republic in Central Asia and to be honest has not embraced the tourism industry like its neighbours Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan. But it still offers its visitors the striking Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges. Within these ranges you can find some of the highest peaks in all of Central Asia. The Tian Shan range also is home to vast lush forests alive with various wildlife.

The countries seasons offer some extreme weather at both ends of the scale, with summers generally being extremely hot and winters very cold. Some of our travellers have suggested that the months September through to November are the best time to visit Tajikistan.

The vibrant Islamic spring (Nauryz) festival attracts travellers to the country. During this holiday the country is alive with national games, music concerts, drama festivals and colourful bustling fairs.

Some useful travel tips include, tipping service can sometimes offend, but bartering in bazaars & markets is expected. Credit cards are generally not accepted and visitors to Tajikistan often pay more for services than locals.

Worldmark Travel's range of services include:-

Due to our extensive overseas network we are able to offer any client a full range of services. These can be purchased individually or as part of a package.

* Discounted hotels.
* Discounted airfares.
* Private car transfers.
* Sightseeing & Guided Tours
* Rail & Air tickets
* Chauffeur & Car Hire

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Dushanbe

Is a pretty city, which offers travellers a stunning mountainous backdrop, relaxing tree-lined avenues and some delicate colourful architecture, but it can sometimes seem cold and travelling around the city at night is not advised at the moment. The hub of the city is the large vibrant BARAKAT MARKET with its endless lines of stalls. The city does have some interesting attractions like the MUSEUM OF ETHNOGRAPHY, the TAJIKSTAN UNIFIED MUSEUM, and the AYNI OPERA & BALLET THEATRE is well worth a visit.

We can offer discounted rates at the following hotels:-

The Tajikstan Hotel

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Other destination suggestions:-

Khojand

Is one of the countries oldest cities, which just happens to be the 2nd largest city in the country and the capital of Northern Tajikistan. It was founded by Alexander the Great some 2300 years ago due to its commanding location into the Ferghana Valley with the result of the city becoming one of the richest cities in Central Asia. It was blessed with grand palaces, beautiful mosques, and vast citadel until the Mongol rampaged through the city in the early 13th Century. But the city has since been rebuilt attempting to recapture its former glory. Khojand’s location offers travellers a relatively safe destination offering a relaxed atmosphere, a pleasant river area, grassy parks and some interesting attractions such as the KHOJAND PANCHSHANBER BAZAR and a MEDRASSA with MAUSOLEUM OF SHEIKH MASSAL AD-DIN.

The Pamirs.

Known as “The roof of the world” this stunning mountain range offers some of the highest peaks in the Central Asian region. The Pamirs is made up of several ranges stretching from the Himalayas, to the Hindu Kush and the Tian Shan range all linked together by vast valleys & mountain passes. But travellers should take note that the region has been troubled by various problems which means that hiking through the mountains should only be booked via a reliable agency with a guide and travellers should pay heed of any foreign office travel warning’s that may crop up.

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Travel Warning / Information

Travellers should avoid off-road areas immediately joining the Afghan, Uzbek and Kyrgyz borders, which may be mined.

The overall security situation in Tajikistan has improved since the end of the civil war in 1997. However, in view of the ongoing risk of terrorism and of continued unrest in neighbouring Afghanistan, we continue to advise travellers to avoid all but essential travel to areas adjoining the Afghan border. We advise British nationals planning to visit to exercise caution and to avoid non-essential travel to districts adjoining the Afghan border,the Garm Valley and the partly-mined areas bordering Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

Travellers should be aware that there is a general threat of terrorism to Westerners, including British in Tajikistan, as there is in other countries in Central Asia. The large explosion outside the Ministry of Emergency Situations on 13th June still goes unclaimed.

Although the Tajik government’s control over its territory and ability to prevent terrorist attacks is much improved, you should exercise caution when travelling around Tajikistan and avoid non-essential travel to districts adjoining the Afghan border and the partly-mined areas bordering Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Violent incidents of a political or terrorist nature have decreased since 2001, although there were two explosions in June 2003 (but with no casualties).

Armed clashes continue between border forces and drug traffickers along the Afghan border. The northern borders with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are partially mined, as are a few mountainous areas where the civil war was most fiercely fought. These are not always clearly marked. Local advice should be sought in the Karategin Valley, Tavildara and Kofharnihon areas where in any doubt.

You should be particularly vigilant in all public places, including tourist sites. Visitors should ensure that they are met on arrival and guided by a responsible local business, NGO or other organisation.

The tourism,health and transport infrastructures in Tajikistan is generally poor and travel within the country reqires careful planning.

Finally we strongly recomend that travellers obtain comprehensive travel & medical insurance before travelling.

This information is correct and current as of 10/5/04 and was provided by the FCO Update service.

Health Information

*** On 08/8/05 we were advised that there have been several outbreaks of a servere diarrhoeal disease. in South West Tajikistan, including the city of Hissar nbear Dushanbe. Therefore visiors should wnsure that their inocultions are up to date and observe strict hygiene practises and take particular care over food and drink preparation.

Tajikistan is a very poor country, with poor medical facilities. There is a threat of typhoid, cholera and other diseases and malaria in summer in the Khatlon region and in the south of Gorno-Badakhshan. It is recommended that whilst in Tajikistan you should not consume water from the tap. You should seek advice about immunisation required before travelling. If you plan to stay for more than 90 days you must present a medical certificate that you are HIV-free, or take a test. We advise against taking the test in Tajikistan, due to the poor quality of medical facilities.

Medical and travel insurance is essential.

We suggest that travellers consult their local GP or check the Department of Health’s website prior to departing the UK.

Visitors need not only a visa to enter the country but an official ministry apporved invitation prior to applying for a visa.

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E-Mail Worldmark.uk@hrgworldwide.com


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