tajikistan travel agencies

• Dushanbe, Tajikistan
• +992 93 563 7141
• [email protected]
• Custom Tour Enquiry

WORLD ROOF TOURS

Best price guarantee.

Best Price Guarantee helps you feel confident you're getting the best price for a tour or a car.

Safe and Secure

We provide a secure system for booking tours and renting cars online.

Best Travel Agents

We provide the best tours in Pamir and Tajikistan as a whole. Our mission is to ensure maximum comfort and a true pleasure from the journey,

Travel Guidelines

You can read the guideline about how to book with us and about the procedure of booking in our website.

Theme: Jeep-tour

Theme: Sightseeing

Theme: Active Adventures

Take a Video Tour

In this video we show a brief information about Pamir, Pamir highway and Tajikistan as a whole.

Vehicle Offers

Testimonials

I have chosen World Roof Tours for my 8 nights 9 day of Pamir Highway during early Sept 2018. My trip was from Osh, Kyrgyzstan through Pamir Highway and I also spent 1 night in Wakhan corridor, Afghanistan. This was one of my memorable trip. I recommended World Roof Tours... This made my trip much easier. Khudoguy who was our key contact always replied me quickly ànd was patient with for many questions. Fez who was our driver, he is also super nice.. Fantastic trip!!!

Best tour operators in Tajikistan. The guide that we had with us Bobo took great care of us. He had in-depth knowledge of all the places that we visited :). The driver with us Mark was the safest and nicest driver I have been on a tour with.

We had 7 days to spend in Tajikistan and after some online searches we came in contact with the owner of World Roof Tours. Everything was well organized, from pick up at Dushanbe airport till our flight back home. We spent 7 days touring through the Pamir region and it was absolutely wonderful. Fantastic landscsapes and great views, all from our private 4WD car with driver. Most of the nights we spent in homestays chosen by World Roof Tours. All were great with very hospitable people. All breakfast, lunch and dinner was surprisingly delicious as well, Tajik cuisine has amazed me. Although tourism in Tajikistan is still in its infancy, this country is really worth a visit. The spectacular views of the Pamirs and Afghanistan continuously amazed me and they will still be in my memory for many years to come. I would recommend World Roof Tours without doubt for anyone wanting to visit Tajikistan and its wonderful friendly people.

Our Latest Blogs

• 08 Feb, 2020 by: Admin

        One of the disadvantages of guided tours is the hanging of cultural centers, museums and attractions. Therefore, you will have ...

• Jomi 2/2, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 734 000
• --> +992 93 563 7141
• Car renting
• Tailored Tours
• Enquire tour
• Terms & Condition
• Privacy Policy

Our company has been established in 2012, and is based in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan. Our mission is to ensure maximum comfort and a true pleasure from the journey, getting unforgettable emotions during passage through the paths of the Great silk Road, even in the most demanding tourists.

© 2024 Roof of the World Travel . All rights reserved.

• Developed by:
• Barchidif Web Studio

Tajikistan Travel Agency

At Exploring Tourism, the leading Tajikistan travel agency, we outdo at helping you get your trip planned. Not just trip, but exceptional trips filled with exciting and life-enriching experiences. Our travel agents are experts at handcrafting and coordinating complex itineraries to Tajikistan

RECOMMENDED TAJIKISTAN PACKAGES

Tajikistan Travel Agent

Exploring Tourism is one of the most reliable and experienced travel agency in Tajikistan. It helps you plan your trip to Tajikistan and helps you gain an enriching life experience. With expert Tajikistan travel agent, it offers customized tour packages according to your requirements and budget. Pack your bags and be ready to explore Tajikistan with us.

Travel to Tajikistan with Exploring Tourism to get the best travelling experience. We have partnered with the best and experienced travel agent to provide you the perfect and specialized tour package. They plan your tour according your budget, duration, and interest. We also help you with your airport transfer, guide, hotel , sightseeing and all kinds of activities in Tajikistan .

Planning to spend your holidays in Tajikistan? Contact Exploring Tourism to plan the best trip to Tajikistan for you. It is one of the well-known and reliable travel agency in Tajikistan with association with the best travel agent to plan your dream trip to Tajikistan within your budget. Send your travel enquiry with more details to our local Tour Operator.

At Exploring Tourism, our professional Dushanbe Travel Agent specialize in organizing and planning trips for individuals or groups visiting Dushanbe, Tajikistan largest city. Our travel agent in Dushanbe has an in-depth knowledge of the attractions, accommodation, transport options and local customs; drawing on this expertise, they create memorable travel experiences for clients.

Dushanbe is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers visitors many tourist attractions ranging from historic monuments to modern wonders. Our travel agent in Dushanbe can guide tourists in choosing places to visit according to their interests and preferences.

• 7 Special Services
• 2 Sightseeing
• 3 Activities
• 8 Places to Visit
• 5 Transportation

Newsletter Signup

Special offers.

• Vanj & Darvoz (PAMIR)
• Tailor Made

Experience the Difference

Unique Journeys Across Tajikistan

Discover Tajikistan

Explore Tajikistan’s ungoogleable regions of untouched wilderness, ancient cultures, and warm hospitality

• Fann Mountains
• Yagnob Valley
• Zarafshan Valley
• Fergana Valley
• Shirkent National Park
• Hissar Valley
• Romit Valley
• South of Tajikistan
• Rasht Valley
• Murghab Plateau
• Wakhan Valley
• Bartang Valley
• Vanj and Darvoz
• Shugnan and Shakhdara

Why Paramount journey?

Who we are?

At Paramount Journey, we’re dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable and personalized travel experience in Tajikistan. Our focus on authenticity and uniqueness means that every adventure we plan is tailor-made to your interests and preferences.

We take pride in showcasing the pristine nature of Tajikistan’s unique environments, as well as introducing you to the culture and ways of life of the hospitable communities who have lived in harmony with nature for generations.

Whether you’re seeking to trek through untouched wilderness, immerse yourself in local traditions, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning scenery, we’ll work with you to create a journey that exceeds your expectations and leaves you with memories to last a lifetime.

Featured Tours

Explore hand-selected featured tours offering extraordinary travel with fulfilling experiences

Off – Road Adventures in Pamir Highway

• Jeep Adventures

Cultural Immersion Tour: Classic Tajikistan

• Exclusive Culture Tours

Best of Fann Mountains Trek

• Hiking and Trekking

Recomended by Guidebooks

Travel by interest

Browse tours by interests and discover unique experiences that cater to your passions and activities

HIKING AND TREKKING

Experience remarkable trekking journeys in the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and majestic mountains.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Bike through Tajikistan's diverse landscapes for a thrilling and enriching adventure.

JEEP ADVENTURES

Travel off-road with skilled drivers and 4WD vehicles, exploring scenic routes for an adventurous journey.

HIGH ALTITUDE TREKKING

Challenging high-altitude treks guided by experts, with stunning views and wildlife encounters.

LUXURY AND GLAMPING

Explore Tajikistan's beauty with glamping-luxury camping, a comfy adventure in nature.

PARAMOUNT EXPEDITIONS

Uncover Tajikistan's untouched beauty on expeditions—immerse in landscapes, stay with locals, and witness alpine lakes.

Travel along the Silk Road

Combine your Tajikistan trip with Paramount Journey to venture other Central Asian countries effortlessly

Tajikistan goes well with

Experience the wonders of the Silk Road and Central Asia effortlessly with Paramount Journey. Our team of experts handle all the intricate details and communication with various operators in different countries, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience. From the awe-inspiring mountains in the east to the vast deserts in the west, our tailor-made itineraries are customized to your interests, covering popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, as well as hidden treasures like Merv and the Darvaza Gas Crater, witness the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Kyrgyz people and marvel at the natural beauty of Kaindy Lake. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of this historic region with the confidence and ease that comes with traveling with Paramount Journey.

Central Asia is a region full of possibilities for travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. Explore the fascinating cultural and historic sites of Uzbekistan, from the stunning architecture of Samarkand to the ancient city of Bukhara. Then, journey on to the breathtaking natural wonders of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, where towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and traditional nomadic culture await. The Fann Mountains in Tajikistan offer stunning trekking opportunities, while Uzbekistan's cities are rich in cultural and historic attractions. With tailor-made itineraries designed to offer the perfect balance of history, culture, and nature, you can combine your tour of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan with the highlights of Uzbekistan. Experience the wonders of Central Asia with expert guides, seamless travel arrangements, and personalized service.

Our expert team can help you explore the breathtaking mountains and traditional nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan, before journeying on to discover the historic and cultural sites of Uzbekistan. Or embark on a thrilling adventure along the legendary Pamir Highway, starting in Tajikistan and winding your way through the stunning landscapes of the Pamir Mountains before arriving in Kyrgyzstan. Along the way, you'll have the chance to witness local life and experience the fascinating cultures of these incredible countries.

Turkmenistan

Central Asia offers a wealth of unique and unforgettable experiences, and Turkmenistan is no exception. From the ancient ruins of Merv to the modern marvels of Ashgabat, this country has something for everyone. You can explore the ancient cities along the Silk Road, marvel at the natural beauty of the Karakum Desert, and witness the traditional way of life in the remote villages. With its convenient land border crossings from Khiva and Bukhara in Uzbekistan, adding Turkmenistan to your itinerary is an easy and rewarding option.

Adding Kazakhstan to your Central Asian trip would be an excellent way to experience the diverse and unique offerings of the region. Almaty's stunning natural scenery, including the picturesque lakes and easy hikes, makes it a great starting point for exploring Kazakhstan. The country's convenient flight connections also allow for easy access to the rest of Central Asia. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the otherworldly lunar landscape of Mangystau in the steppe region, and explore the ancient Silk Road sites of Turkestan. With its rich culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, Kazakhstan is a must-visit destination in Central Asia.

• Paramount Blog

Find inspiration for your next adventure with our latest travel articles, featuring the best of Tajikistan and beyond

Trekking in Tajikistan: Top 7 Destinations for Adventure Seekers

Beyond the Horizon: Paramount Journey’s Path of Resilience, Community Engagement, and Honored Recognition

Historic Sites of the Pamir

The time I turned my back on the Fann Mountains…

Central Asia’s hidden destinations

The Art of Kandakori Woodcarving

Responsible travel.

Responsible travel is at the heart of our mission, and we strive to ensure that all of our tours are designed with sustainability, environmental protection, and community engagement in mind. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact by promoting responsible travel practices, supporting conservation efforts, and minimizing waste. Additionally, we believe in giving back to the communities that we visit by supporting local businesses, using locally-owned guesthouses, promoting cultural awareness, and providing employment opportunities to the local people. We are also dedicated to the growth and development of our industry and invest in our staff through training and capacity building initiatives to ensure that they are equipped to provide the highest level of service to our clients. By choosing to travel with us, you can be confident that your journey will not only be enriching and unforgettable, but also have a positive impact on the people and places you visit.

• Guaranteed Group Tours
• Silk Road Journeys
• Paramount Gallery
• About Paramount
• Travel Brochure
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

© 2023 PARAMOUT JOURNEY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 

DEVELOPED BY TajSoft

Fill up the form to download our brochure

Tajikistan Travel

Tajikistan Travel is an ascent to the Roof of the World in the Pamirs, counted among the world’s tallest and most grandiose mountain chains. Yet this age-old land also has roots as deep and as ancient as time itself. Hints of antiquity are sensed among temple ruins, heard in the obscure tongue of secluded communities and seen in rich cultural overtones preserved among a persevering people who take pride in their land.

And rightfully so, for while Tajikistan may be small, it sets some lofty records in Soviet Union territory. Somoni Peak in the Pamir Mountains is the tallest summit in the entire region, while the town of Murghab is the highest city in the former USSR. Bulunkul Lake sees the coldest temps in this huge swath of land, and the 13-meter-high Buddha statue discovered near Bokhtar (ex Kurgan Tube) is Central Asia’s tallest Buddha by far. Beautiful Nurek Dam is one of the largest of its kind in the world, while traces of the region’s oldest language can still be heard in the Yagnob Valley. Welcome to Tajikistan, land of record-breaking discoveries!

Your Guide to Tajikistan by a Local Travel Expert

• 1. Is Tajikistan Worth Visiting?
• 2. Your Dream Vacation
• 3. Tajikistan Visa Matters
• 4. Is Tajikistan Safe for Travel?
• 5. Choose Your Transport
• 6. Tajikistan Travel Seasons
• 7. Tajikistan Travel Map
• 8. How Many Days Do You Need in Tajikistan?
• 9. At Your Service
• 10. Holidays and Festivals
• 11. Curious about Tajik Cuisine?
• 12. Dos and Don’ts in Tajikistan
• 13. Speak the Language
• 14. Virtual Tajikistan Travel Guide: Further Reading
• 15. Did You Know That…

Is Tajikistan Worth Visiting?

Despite having all but flung its doors wide open to the outside world in recent years, many travelers remain unaware that the joys of Tajikistan are not limited to tenacious backpackers alone. Amateur anthropologists and history buffs, nature lovers and curious globetrotters alike will appreciate the land’s finer qualities:

• Tajikistan is authentic, free by and large from manufactured tourism and still deeply rooted to its intrinsic culture. Anyone desiring to see the world from a different angle will find new perspective on the roof of the world as they come ready to learn from an ancient society.
• Tajikistan is rustic, offering lakes, mountain ranges, waterfalls, remote villages, lush valleys and winding backways to anyone longing to step away from the hectic pace of life and rediscover true beauty.
• Tajikistan is exciting, and while this may sound trite, there really is an air of anticipating the unknown in this land. Come prepared to expect the unexpected and soak up every minute of your journey!

Your Dream Vacation

Hike in the footsteps of Alexander the Great. 4WD your way along one of the highest mountain arteries on earth. Bring the pages of history to life among city ruins dating back thousands of years. Trace the spread of Zoroastrian, Buddhist and Islamic thought through forgotten byways and valleys. Learn from village families as you share a local meal under the starry sky.

The country abounds in opportunities too numerous to list, but we’ve done out best by highlighting some of our favorites to consider as you plan your Tajikistan itinerary:

Visa Matters

Easy-to-obtain Tajikistan visas are just one more reason to add this nation’s stamp to your passport. Citizens of over 20 Asian and East European nations can receive 30-90 day visa-free entry, while passport holders of most other countries are eligible to obtain a visa upon arrival or a simple electronic visa, valid for up to 45 days. Tourists who do require a Letter of Invitation may receive visa support through Advantour or other locally-based travel agencies.

• Tajikistan Visa

Is Tajikistan Safe for Travel?

Tajikistan’s government places a high priority on the safety of its tourists, a sentiment shared by the majority of its population. Most people you meet during your travels will be eager to welcome you to their homeland or provide you with needed assistance. In fact, many tourists count the Tajiks’ warmth among the highlights of their travels. Violent crime involving foreigners remains low, and an awareness of high-altitude weather conditions, local customs and basic safety measures will go a long way in enhancing your travel experience.

Choose Your Transport

Tajikistan’s accessibility has grown exponentially in the past decade, and today direct flights link capital city Dushanbe with some of the world’s busiest hubs, including Frankfurt, Istanbul, Moscow, Dubai and Saint Petersburg. National carrier Tajik Air is by far the foremost provider, although well-known companies including Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai and Kazakhstan-based Air Astana also offer regular routes.

Thanks to its high-altitude terrain and developing transportation system, Tajikistan’s land border crossings and in-country transport via taxi or bus will doubtless provide an element of adventure to your travels. For those less keen on developing their aptitude for patience and flexibility , pre-arranging private transport is the most advisable, and comfortable, option.

Tajikistan Travel Seasons

If you wish to tour Central Asia but have an aversion to deserts, Tajikistan is a good fit for you! The wettest country in the region, it joins neighboring Kyrgyzstan in claiming summer, not spring, as peak tourist season. Yet each time of year holds unique charm in Tajikistan:

Winter: Clearly the ideal time of year for skiing and outdoor sports, winter transforms Tajikistan’s mountains into a frosty wonderland, beautiful without a doubt yet potentially dangerous for all but the most experienced mountaineers.

Autumn: Sporadic rains and chilly evenings chase many visitors away during October and November, yet this is a great season to visit if you wish to stick to Dushanbe and other lower-altitude destinations, where golden autumns hues can take Tajikistan’s beauty to a whole new level.

Spring: Early spring rains lead to truly gorgeous landscapes by May, when regular mountain travel again becomes possible. Spring in Tajikistan is filled with holidays and is ideal for a mountain-city combo tour, as neither will be insufferably hot or cold.

Summer: Sunny but not as sweltering as Uzbekistan, it is the perfect season for cross-country travel, including Pamir tours, and for swimming, camping, hiking and other outdoor excursions.

• Tajikistan Climate and Weather
• When is the best time to visit Tajikistan?

Tajikistan Travel Map

Use the Tajikistan map to locate the country’s major destinations and find out what each one has to offer:

How Many Days Do You Need in Tajikistan?

While Tajikistan can be appreciated even on a quick jaunt from neighboring Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan, the country is best experienced at a local pace – unhurried and relaxed. Use our Tajikistan itinerary as a rough guide which can be adapted according to your personal preferences and interests.

• Dushanbe – Tajikistan’s capital and largest city offering tree-lined boulevards, parks and modern comforts. How long should I stay? 2-3 days, depending on how many day trips you wish to take Major Sites: National Museum of Tajikistan, Hissar Fortress, Rudaki Park How to get off the beaten path: Take a day or overnight trip to Iskanderkul Lake or Varzob Valley.  
• Khujand – Energetic and welcoming city which is one of Central Asia’s oldest and Tajikistan’s second-largest. How long should I stay? 1-2 days Major Sites: Timur-Malik Fortress, Payshanba Bazaar, Somoni Park How to get off the beaten path: Relax at Kayrakkum Reservoir or take a day trip to Uzbekistan capital Tashkent.  
• Penjikent – Strewn with history and straddling Uzbekistan’s border, the city is a great base for onward travels. How long should I stay? 1-1,5 days Major Sites: Sarazm, Ancient Penjikent, Rudaki Museum How to get off the beaten path: Overnight at Seven Lakes or plan a trip through the Yaghnob Valley.  
• Istaravshan – Historically significant and culturally authentic town between Khujand and Dushanbe. How long should I stay? 1 day Major Sites: Hazrat Shah Architectural Complex, Mug Teppe, Kok Gumbaz (Abdul Latif Sultan Madrassah) How to get off the beaten path: Spend the morning among Sogdian ruins in Bunjikat or drive the Anzob Pass.  
• Khorog – Preserver of Pamiri culture, it’s the largest city in the Pamirs and capital of Gorno-Badakhshan. How long should I stay? Half day for sightseeing, or longer if you wish to rest before Pamir Highway travels Major Sites: Pamir Botanical Gardens, Khorog Central Park, Khorog Regional Museum How to get off the beaten path: Freshen up at Garm Chashma Hot Springs or overnight in a village near Bulunkul Lake.  
• Murghab – Highest town in the entire region, Murghab is a rugged but welcoming Kyrgyz outpost. How long should I stay? 1 day Major Sites: Lenin statue, Jameh Mosque, Drive to Karakul lake through the Ak-Baital Pass How to get off the beaten path: Ride a camel around Rangkul Lake or stay in a yurt camp in Pshart Valley…this is as remote as it gets! Note: Murghab is also a great stopover point for those wishing to combine a Pamir trip with Kyrgyzstan travel.  
• Bokhtar (ex Kurgan Tube) – Southern Tajikistan’s largest yet oft-overlooked city which is steeped in history. How long should I stay? 1-2 days Major Sites: Khodzha-Moshad Mausoleum, Ajina-Tepe Buddhist Monastery, Hulbuk Fortress How to get off the beaten path: Visit the healing waters of Chali Char Chashma or explore Takht-i-Sangin Temple (Oxus Temple).

At Your Service

Tajikistan can be a tricky land to navigate, as a well-coordinated system of in-country travel is not yet established in the Pamirs and other rural areas. We at Advantour are happy to assist you in any way needed, from answering initial visa inquiries and pre-booking train and airline tickets to providing airport pickup and full-length tours.

Our Tajikistan travel services include:

Tajikistan Holidays and Festivals

Tajikistan’s community-centered, ever-hospitable culture reaches its full display of grandeur during the nation’s most beloved holidays. Joining all of Central Asia in extravagant celebrations of Persian New Year (Navroz) and independence from the Soviet Union, Tajikistan also hosts some truly unique festivals which could just become the highlight of your stay:

Navroz (March 21) – Horse races, kite-flying, splendid performances, lighthearted games and special holiday foods are celebrated by joyful crowds in national dress. Best place to celebrate: Dushanbe, Hissar or Khujand

Sayri Guli Lola Tulip Festival (late April, date varies) – The full-on arrival of mountain tulips is celebrated with two days of dancing, parades, traditional wrestling contests and feasts of plov and homegrown produce. Best place to celebrate: towns and villages across northern Tajikistan

Roof of the World Festival (July, date varies) – Pamiri culture and customs are brought to the spotlight through a huge festival of song, dance, crafts, poems and food, while musical guests from around the world strum international tunes in shows of solidarity. Best place to celebrate: Khorog

At-Chabysh Festival (early August) – Also known as the Buzkashi-Kozladrani Festival, this spinoff of Roof of the World Festival celebrates Pamiri Kyrgyz culture with national horse races, arts and crafts, Kyrgyz yurt displays and culinary treats. Best place to celebrate: Murghab

Independence Day (September 9) – Tajikistan remembers its hard-earned independence through traditional and pop concerts, fireworks and street carnivals designed to entertain young and old alike. Best place to celebrate: Dushanbe

Curious about Tajik Cuisine?

Tajik culture has absorbed elements of Persian, Turkic and Russian culture over the centuries, and local cookery is no exception. From fast foods to filling home-cooked specialties, be sure to taste-test these local favorites:

• Qurutob – Salty yogurt is poured over bread and topped with onions and veggies in this national dish
• Osh – Perfectly seasoned rice and beef simmered with yellow carrots, raisins, chickpeas and garlic
• Mastoba – Hearty local soup of meat, rice and vegetables topped off with yogurt and herbs
• Belyash – Melt-in-your-mouth fried dough patties stuffed with potatoes or various meats
• Sambusa – Pockets of flakey dough perfected with flavorful fillings of meat, pumpkin or potato
• Halvaitar – Flour and sugar are dissolved and flavored with nuts and vanilla in this irresistible dessert
• Kaurmo Shurbo – Satisfying soup filled with tender chunks of meat, boiled potatoes and vegetables
• Katlama – This flaky layered dough, fried and served in round loaves, goes great with soup or yogurt
• Chaka – Scrumptious sour yogurt sauce poured over dishes and scooped up with warm slices of bread

Read on for a more in-depth look into Tajikistan cuisine.

• Tajikistan’s National Dishes

Dos and Don’ts in Tajikistan

Tajikistan does not have strict laws in terms of dress code or religion, but knowing a bit of cultural etiquette can make your trip more enjoyable, both for you and the Tajiks! Use our friendly Tajikistan travel advice as a starting point, and when in doubt, ask your guide or travel coordinator for further tips along the way:

• Dress conservatively in rural areas out of respect for local customs
• Carry toilet paper with you wherever you go, as it runs in short supply almost everywhere
• Drink only bottled or filtered water to avoid unpleasantries during your travels
• If going as a guest to someone’s home, bring a gift and remove your shoes before entering the house
• Secure the necessary permits for travel to restricted areas (i.e. Gorno-Badakhshan) before you hop on the plane. While possible to obtain in country, it will require extra time
• Step on or over the tablecloth, traditionally spread across the floor, as this is considered rude
• Eat or drink all the food and tea served to you in someone’s home unless you wish for seconds
• Be offended by personal questions regarding your salary, marital status, etc., as such questions are normal
• Plan to travel to the Pamir Mountains without a pre-arranged guide or vehicle
• Forgot the opportunity to experience Tajikistan’s diversity through travel to different cities and regions

Speak the Language

Tajik, a Persian language most closely related to Dari and Farsi, is the only official language of Tajikistan. Russian, although spoken by fewer Tajiks now than in the 20th century, can still prove useful in the capital and among the older population.

Virtual Travel Guide to Tajikistan: Further Reading

• Tajikistan Travel Tips
• Tajikistan Tours Pages

Did You Know That...

• Tajikistan is almost completely mountainous, with 93% of its land dominated by peaks.
• Tajikistan is the smallest of the Central Asian nations, measuring just over 143 thousand square kilometers.
• Tajik is the only language in Central Asia which is Persian and not Turkic-based.
• Nurek Dam in western Tajikistan is the second-tallest dam in the world.
• Over one-third of the nation’s income is derived from the wages of Tajiks who work abroad and send their salary back to locally-based family members.
• Traces of Sogdian, the Silk Road lingua franca, can still be heard in the language of the Yagnobi people of the Yagnob Valley.

Tajikistan Guide

• Landmarks and Attractions
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Exhibitions & Events
• Travel Restrictions - Covid-19
• Tajikistan Tourism
• Tajikistan Trip Planner
• Best Time to Visit
• Solo Traveler Guide
• Things to Do in Tajikistan
• Tajikistan Flights
• Embassy and Consulate
• Embassies in Tajikistan
• Crossing Borders

Tajikistan Services

• Private Tours
• Group Tours
• Cancellation Policy
• Visa Support
• Travel Agency

Tajikistan Tours & Holidays

Whatever the yardstick – geographic, linguistic, cultural, historical, economic – Tajikistan’s a country that revels in the obscure.

Most locals speak Tajik, a modern Persian dialect in a region overwhelmingly Turkic; the landscape is absurdly altitudinous, its borders a result of arbitrary Soviet demarcations; the economy is propped up by overseas migrant remittances and illicit drug trafficking; and archaeological attractions run the gauntlet of Buddhist stupas, Silk Road bazaars and Zoroastrian ruins... What’s not to intrigue? Culturally captivating and naturally arresting, Tajikistan – arguably the Stans’ least developed land – is as enigmatic as countries come.

Our Tajikistan trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

6 ways you can go beyond Asia’s hotspots in 2023 

Tajikistan at a glance

Capital city.

Tajikistani Somoni

Tajik, Russian

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin)

Learn more about Tajikistan

Best time to visit tajikistan.

With more than fifty per cent of the country sitting at over 3,000 metres above sea level, Tajikistan’s weather wavers between extremes. Pay a visit in winter (November–February) and you’ll be greeted by daytime temperatures that can dip below freezing, particularly along the Pamir Highway. Rock up during summer (June–September) and temperatures will likely climb to over 40°C (and be accompanied by dust storms) – though this is the best time for a trip into the mountains. Otherwise spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) is the most pleasant times to travel. Light rains may still fall on occasion, but the days are sunny and warm, and the skies clear.

Geography and environment

While evidence of human habitation has been found in the region dating back as far as 4,000 BC, Tajikistan as we now know it only came into formation with the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991. Prior to this, the region – defined by extreme isolation and testing climes – principally existed as one sprawling swathe of independent tribal lands and villages, regularly getting overrun and ruled by a series of empires, Achaemenid, Kushan, Arab, Tibetan and Mongolian, until Imperial Russia moved in. With the 1917 overthrow of Tsarist autocracy, a Central Asian independence movement called the basmachi sought to make the most of the disarray by waging war against the Bolsheviks to no avail – in 1924 the Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was created as a part of Uzbekistan and the collectivisation of agriculture and implementation of other communist policies soon followed. The Tajiks suffered greatly under Soviet rule in the following decades, being targeted in purges, conscripted into the Soviet Army in World War II and lagging behind the other Soviet Republics in terms of industry and education. So when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, it looked like happy days were afoot. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case. Split by various clan loyalties into numerous fighting factions, the country very soon plunged into civil war. By the time Emomalii Rahmon came to power in 1994, the number killed was estimated at over 100,000 and refugees numbered around 1.2 million. While his prime ministership and his party’s handling of democratic elections have not been without criticism, Rahmon has retained power through two successive elections.

Top 5 traditional Tajikistani fashions

1. traditional dress.

Having been segregated from the rest of Tajik society by bad weather and roads for much of their history, the people of the Pamir Mountains have developed a certain style of dress that can still be seen in the region. Among Pamiri women, this amounts to a flowing kaftan-like costume, usually white and narrowing at the waste, with sleeves closely fitted to the wrist. A red skullcap, called a toki, typically completes the ensemble.

2. Russian Dress

When the Soviets came to town, elements of Russian fashion were gradually adopted and incorporated into Tajikistani culture. Western-style dress is now fairly common among the younger generations in urban areas, but you’re bound to spot plenty of women garbed in colourful loose-fitting dresses highly decorated and elaborately embroidered. A kerchief or shawl usually goes on the head.

3. The Monobrow

Get ready, you might need to read this one again: monobrows are in. Yep, that’s right: monobrows. And not just among the men either. An emblem of prestige and beauty, they’re upheld as a sign of feminine purity, and women not fortunate enough to sprout one naturally will sometimes resort to daubing the space between their eyes with a local herb called usma. So don’t stress if you forget to pack the tweezers.

4. The Toki

Tajik men and women alike are big fans of the toki: a type of cap that varies in design between genders and regions. Among northern Tajiks, the crown of the cap can be flat, boxed or conical, whereas that of mountain dwellers and plainsmen more closely resembles a skullcap.

5. The Calf Cotton

Head into the Pamir Mountains and you’ll probably spot a few insanely fit-looking old dudes with long strips of cotton wound around their calves. This isn’t so much a fashion statement as a practical measure: tightly bound calves adds extra muscle support when traipsing up and down mountains. Give them a nod of respect. They’ve probably ambled in this morning from that distant peak way over yonder.

Further reading

Tajikistan travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Do I need a visa to travel to Tajikistan?

TAJIKISTAN VISA

All visitors to Tajikistan require a visa. You will need to obtain your visa & Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) permit online .

Below is the information required for filling out the application form:

GBAO Permit - Yes

Purpose of visit type - Tourism

Purpose of visit - Tourism sightseeing or Tourism vacation

Group identifier - leave blank

Date of arrival - Day 5 of your trip

Address in Tajikistan - This will be supplied at time of booking

Upload your scanned, colour passport copy (no other documents are required) and submit the form for payment. You will then receive a link to download your e-visa. Please ensure you print a copy to bring with you on your trip.

Is tipping customary in Tajikistan?

In restaurants and eateries, yes. A 10 per cent gratuity is the standard for a decent meal and adequate service.

What is the Internet access like in Tajikistan?

Internet cafes exist in the bigger cities, though don’t expect wireless connections available in hotels or cafes.

Can I use my mobile phone while in Tajikistan?

Roaming agreements are in place with most major international phone carriers, though coverage is mostly limited to urban areas.

What are the toilets like in Tajikistan?

Toilets in Tajikistan run the gamut of not-too-bad-at-all western-style toilets in plusher hotels and restaurants, very minimalist drop toilets everywhere else and ‘jeepers-creepers!’ in rural areas. Have emergency loo-paper with you wherever you go.

What will it cost for a…

Domestic 0.5 litre beer from a supermarket – 4.50 SM Cappuccino in a restaurant – 5.75 SM Three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant – 60 SM

Can I drink the water in Tajikistan?

No, Tajikistan’s tap water is non-purified and untreated. Stick to bottled water or fill a reusable canteen with the filtered water that will be available at some hotels. Also steer clear of ice in drinks and only eat fruit that can be peeled or vegetables that have been well-cooked.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Tajikistan?

No. Don’t bank on being able to use your credit cards for any transactions. Tajikistan is overwhelmingly a cash-based economy.

What is ATM access like in Tajikistan?

ATMs – accepting Visa, Mastercard and Maestro – can be found in the major cities of Dushanbe, Penjikent, Khujand, Khorog, Isfara, Istaravshan and Qurghon-Teppa, plus a few smaller places besides. Some dispense US dollars, which (along with euros) are widely accepted. Try to carry with you small denominations, as small change for small purchases is in short supply.

What public holidays are celebrated in Tajikistan?

• 1 Jan New Year's Day
• 8 Mar International Women's Day
• 21 Mar Navruz Celebration
• 1 May International Day of Solidarity
• 9 May Victory Day
• Idi Ramazon / Ramadan Celebration*
• Idi Ramazon / Ramadan Celebration Holiday*
• 9 Sep Independence Day
• Constitution Day*

*Please note these dates may vary. For a current list of public holidays in Tajikistan, go to

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

• +992 90 122 8877
• [email protected]
• Central Asia
• Turkmenistan
• Cultural Tours
• Pamir Highway
• Health Tours
• Mountaineering
• Tourist-Guide
• Hotels and Hostels
• Tourist Transportation
• About Tajikistan
• Sustainability

Tajikistan Adventure – Tours and Trips in Tajikistan Welcome to Tajikistan – Experience the Land of Friendship with “Tajikistan Adventure”. We are happy to assist you and fulfill your individual travel ideas.

Reservation Details

Guest details.

Beautiful Places of our Edge – recommendations

Trekking to the Sarez Lake and Wakhan corridor Jeep Tour

Descriptions Tour location: Tajikistan Duration of the journey:  17 days trip Duration of the trek:  6 days Trekking grade: hard, [...]

Navruz Festival Tour (8 days)

Descriptions Tour location: Tajikistan Duration of the journey: 8-day trip Season: Navruz Festival takes place about March 20th [...]

ALL YEAR AROUND Cultural Tour (6 days)

Descriptions Tour location: Tajikistan Duration of the journey: 6-day trip Season: Spring and Autumn are high season for this [...]

Hiking in Siyoma Valley (1 Day)

Descriptions Tour location: Tajikistan Duration of the journey: 1-day trip Season: April to October  Quantity of tour participants: [...]

Visit Hisor Fortress (1 Day)

Descriptions Tour location: Tajikistan Duration of the journey: 1-day trip Season: All year around Quantity of tour [...]

Day Tour to Varzob Valley (1 Day)

Our services.

Assemble your individual Tour with our Services

Tourist Guide

Our country is visited by tourists from all over the world. In order to discover the most beautiful places of our country and to learn as much as possible about our culture, our experienced guides are always willing to guide you during your stay.

Accommodation

We can book any homestays in the traditional style of the Tajik people, hostels, guesthouses and Hotels. During the trekkings we provide tents. For our clients we chose accommodations with hospitable staff and the best possible customer service.

We organize all kind of transportation for our guests. Transfers within the whole country, Airport pick-up and drop off, Overland tours along Pamir Highway or along the Silk Road. Our guests will enjoy a comfortable journey.

About Company

Short Description

LLC “Tajikistan Adventure” – The travel agency registered and operated in the Republic of Tajikistan offers the memorable comprehensive cultural and natural tours of our sunny Tajikistan, which covers all including popular attractions as well as the less visited ones. The Company has  obtained its LLC legal form in 2019. With the clear goal and hearty enthusiasm of our young dynamic team to offer an unforgettable and pleasant journey on our motherland of Tajikistan to all foreign travelers, our long time experience accumulated over 7 years in the travel business is the key success for our team.

READ MORE..

Testimonials

What our customers say

Day trip to Nurak Dam The trip was arranged by Ms Maryam , Reservations Manager of Atlas Hotel, Dushanbe. Our guide was Firuz Amonkulov. A 27 years young erudite guide: highly knowledgeable about his country and its peoples. From 9.15 am when we started till late afternoon, he was a fountain of knowledge. The subjects covered archaeology, history, religion, politics, economy, general lifestyle and cost of living etc. etc. With a little help from me, as no Tajik likes to speak with Police or Army, and i believe that there is no such thing as “its not possible”, he arranged for us to get to the high point of the dam from where we got a wonderful view. He took us to Merve, a restaurant, and insisted he pay for his own lunch, until we stopped him forcefully! If in Dushanbe, go with him and you will have a great tour. He speaks English and French and has studied abroad so has a wider world view.

Sunil from India 2017

Great Trip May 2017 i went on a 3 week tour to Tajikistan. Until today this was one of my best and most memorable trips. Everything was very well arranged. We were a group of 7 and came from Uzbek border. After entering Tajikistan we were welcomed by our guide Firuz. He guided u’s throughout our entire trip. Must say he is very knowledgeable about his country and all the sites we visited. We experienced and felt his love for the country and the beautiful sites and nature we passed. We traveled with 3 Toyota land-cruises together with there very safe and experienced drivers. There has not been a single moment i did not feel safe, great Guy,s. The accommodations we were using along the way were carefully picked,from very nice hotels to traditional homestay’s. The best part of the trip was of course the Pamir highway, something i dreamt of for a long time. After returning to my country i promised the team i would be a good ambassador for Tajikistan,. Thanks to everybody, guide, drivers and all the people whom i met along the way.

Carolina from Italy 2017

We come back  I have so many good memories when I think back to the days we were traveling from Dushanbe, through the Wakhan corridor and via the Pamir Highway to the Kyrgyz border. Traveling with a guide and drivers from Tajikistan gave us a different insight in a wonderful country and a very interesting culture. We met so many open and warm people, thanks to our multilingual guide Firuz it was also possible to communicate with them and to get a lot of background information. Also the beautiful landscapes and colors will remain in my memory for a long time. Within these eleven days we were not only travel companions but became friends. Already by crossing the border to Kyrgyzstan, it was clear that we would come back to Tajikistan one day… Now I’m looking forward to visit the northern part of Tajikistan already this summer and to travel again with our Tajik friend and guide Firuz.

Martina from Switzerland 2018

Review Hotels

Information about hotels

Hotels and Homestays in Tajikistan

Th hotels and hostels in Tajikistan combine five-star elegance with Tajik heritage, architecture and ancestral wisdom. The hotels of our capital Dushanbe radiates a vibrant culture, cuisine and character of its environment, while maintaining the sophistication that can be expected from the leading hotels in the world.

Accommodation in the Fann Mountains

Homestays are available throughout the Fann Mountains. Most villages have a place available to spend the night. Over the years, the tourist accommodations in the Fann Mountains have developed and the comfort level is increasing slowly but steadily.

The sleeping arrangements typically feature western-style beds. The bathroom facilities are always shared and separate from the individual rooms. Bathrooms do frequently have the convenience of warm showers. The homestays typically have communal spaces that allow all the guests to gather and socialize together.

Accommodation in the Pamir Aera

Accommodations in the Pamir Mountains are mainly small-scale homestays with an overall lower comfort level compared to the Fann Mountains. Even the availability of electricity can be limited, and facilities may operate on alternative power sources. This has to do with the very remote nature of many of the villages. The villages also generally have a smaller capacity to host guests.

Toilet facilities in the Pamir Mountains are typically not western-style, but rather a small cabin with a squat toilet above a hole dug into the ground. Hot water for showering is rarely available. Sleeping arrangements often involve traditional sleeping areas or mats on the ground, which is a common practice in the region. Western-style beds are not used by the local inhabitants.

General views about accommodation in Tajikistan

Accommodation in the Tajik mountains is mostly based on homestays. Tajikistan’s homestays do not always offer all facilities you will find in a hotel in the city, but do offer an enriching experience and immersion in the local culture. While trekking through Tajikistan, you will find that it is not just the natural beauty that captivates hikers, but also the warmth of its people.

With the Fann Mountains being relatively easy to access, the region sees relatively more tourists than more remote areas like the Pamirs or Yaghnob Valley. This leads to slightly more developed facilities for the accommodations in the Fann Mountains compared to the remote mountain areas where even electricity may be absent.

We cooperate with both independent hotels and large hotel groups and hotel chains in Tajikistan

For further information please contact us ->

ENJOY YOUR TOUR TOGETHER WITH TAJIKISTAN ADVENTURE

Send us your request to get your individual offer!

• Tajikistan Tours
• Tour Operators

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Tajikistan 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Tajikistan. Below you will find 4 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in Tajikistan offering in total 5 tours and holidays through-out Tajikistan. Combined they have received 1 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in Tajikistan are: Adventure and sport, Wildlife, landscapes and nature & Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history.

• Tours in Tajikistan
• Tajikistan Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Tajiskistan

4 Tour Operators in Tajikistan with 1 Review

Kalpak Travel

• Address Ringstrasse 13, Nussbaumen, Switzerland
• Response Rate 73%
• Response Time 2 hours

Paramount Journey

• Address 20th Micro-district, 6, 20, Khujand, Tajikistan
• Response Rate 77%
• Response Time 3 hours

Oasis Overland

• Address Leigh House Varley Street , LEEDS , England
• Response Rate 100%

Exodus Travels

• Address Grange Mills, Weir Road, London, England
• Response Rate 85%
• Response Time 1 hour

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Traveling to Tajikistan? Chat with a local travel specialist in Tajikistan who can help organize your trip.

Tajikistan Tour Reviews

• Eric Aik Phong Lee

Upcoming Departures

• Spring 2024/2025
• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025

Best price guaranteed - No booking fees

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

Tajikistan Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Tajikistan. We've got 15 adventures going to Tajikistan, starting from just one day in length, and the longest tour is 16 days. The most popular month to go is August, which has the largest number of tour departures.

15 Tajikistan tour packages

• Christmas & New Year

Customized Northern Tajikistan Trip with Private Guide & Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Tailor-Made Private Tajikistan Adventure of Fann Mountains, Daily Departure

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

Trekking in Fann mountains (Small Group)

Advanced Trekking in Fann mountains (Small Group)

• In-depth Cultural

Ultimate Tajikistan Tour: A Private Adventure

Hiking tour to the Kulikalon and Alaudin lakes area

Pendjikent and the Seven Lakes from Samarkand

Looking for tours beyond just tajikistan.

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Tajikistan.

• Train & Rail

Pamir Highway tour: Tajikistan

Tajikistan Expedition: Pamir Highway & beyond

• Local Living

Tajikistan - Treasures on the Roof of the World

Tailor-Made Tajikistan Tour of Pamirs with Private Guide & Daily Departure

• Intl. Flights Included

Through the Golden Fan Mountains

• Flights included

Discover the Pamir of Tajikistan

Ancient Tajikistan

The Lake of Alexander the Great

Travel styles.

• Small Group (11)
• Singles and Solo (8)
• Fully Guided (12)
• Personalized (8)
• Private (8)
• Hiking & Trekking (6)
• Explorer (5)
• 10 Day Tours (5)
• Spring 2024 (6)
• Summer 2024 (12)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (10)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (3)
• Spring 2025 (4)
• Summer 2025 (5)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (5)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (3)
• April 2024 (3)
• May 2024 (6)
• June 2024 (10)
• July 2024 (9)
• August 2024 (12)
• September 2024 (10)
• October 2024 (4)
• November 2024 (3)
• December 2024 (3)
• January 2025 (3)
• February 2025 (3)
• March 2025 (3)
• April 2025 (3)
• May 2025 (4)
• June 2025 (5)
• July 2025 (4)
• August 2025 (5)
• September 2025 (5)
• October 2025 (3)
• November 2025 (3)

Tajikistan Tours starting in

• Starting in Dushanbe (10)

IMPRESSIVE MOUNTAINS EXPANSIVE GLACIERS    THERAPEUTIC SPRINGS FRESH WATER ANCIENT CULTURES 

Visa Support

Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched an e-visa portal issuing visas to those short-term visitors who are not eligible for visa-free travel.

CURRENCY RATE

Useful links.

• Dushanbe International Airport
• Dushanbe Railway Station
• National Bank of Tajikistan
• Civil Aviation Agency
• Communication Service
• Hydrometeorology Agency
• Committee for Environmental protection
• Booking.com
• FlightRadar24

9 REASONS TO VISIT TAJIKISTAN

Gotajikistan.

Academic Radjabov str. 3 Dushanbe, Tajikistan

• Destination

Afghanistan

Pamir highway group tour, kyrgyzstan tours, pamir highway mountain bike tours, pamir trekking & hiking.

• Yak, Horseback Camel Riding Tours

Best Sales Pamir Highway Tours & Treks

Book your next adventure tour along the Pamir Highway for 2023/2024. Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan based travel & tourism agency, providing incredible tours on ancient Silk Road through Central Asia.

7 Days Pamir Highway Group Tour Dushanbe to Osh

7 Days Pamir Highway Group Tour Osh to Dushanbe

Pamir Highway & Fan Mountains Adventure Tour

Pamir Highway Tour – Discover Tajikistan

Kyrgystan and Tajikistan Along The Pamir Highway

Pamir Highway Group Tour – 6 Days

Pamir Highway Tour 8 Days

Pamir Highway Tour-Completely Discover Tajikistan

Photo safari for Snow Leopard

Tajikistan – Cultural Adventure Tour

Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan – Epic Tour 2024

Tajikistan-Pamir-Wakhan-Bartang Epic Tour

Discover central asia.

Explore Nomad Life of Kyrgyzstan. Discover Undiscovered Tajikistan Pamir Mountains. Historical Uzbekistan ready to your next trip. Explore Remote Land of Afghanistan

Top - Tour Categories & Activities

Hire driver with 4wd jeep for your tour.

Hire car & Driver

Pamir Central Asia can provide for your tours variety of transportation services on the routes of the Tajikistan Pamirs and Kyrgyzstan, the main of which is a car rental with driver.

Our company offers the following fleet of cars, which includes cars of 4WD class

Get Informed - Read our blog

The Great Silk Roads

The Pamir Mountain

Central Asia

Facebook-Pamir Central Asia

• Istaravshan
• County facts
• Getting in and out
• Border control
• Getting around
• Communication
• Food and Drink
• M41 "Pamir Highway"
• Wakhan Explorer
• Silk Road Express
• Afghan Rally
• Pamir Highway
• Wakhan Rider
• Bike rentals
• Communism peak
• Korjenevskaya peak

• Tajikistan visa
• GBAO Permit
• Invitation letter
• OVIR registration
• Embassies abroad
• Foreign embassies
• Pamir highway
• Pamir Botanical garden
• Karakul lake
• Wakhan valley
• Fann mountains
• Marguzor lakes
• Afghan Bazaars
• Garm Chashma springs
• Yamchun Fortress
• Khaahka Fortress
• Bibi Fatima Springs
• Hissar fortress
• Iskanderkul lake
• Vrang Buddist Stupa
• Yashilkul lake
• Bulunlul lake
• Bashoro Mausoleum
• The Tomb of Rudaki
• How to Book
• Booking Conditions
• Responsible Travel
• Data Protection

Guaranteed deaprtures 2018

Read more...

Bikes for rent in Tajikistan

Vehicles for rent in tajikistan.

Travel Tajikistan: Pamir Highway and Wakhan Tours

Tajikistan Travel Basics | Tajikistan Tours Visa&Formalities | Must See FAQ's | About Us

[ Gallery ]

Central Asia Travel Guides

• Hotels   Tours   Visa  

The Ultimate Tajikistan Travel Guide

Updated April 2024, The Ultimate Tajikistan Travel Guide was originally written December 2016

Where Carib-blue glacial lakes reflect atmosphere scraping mountains, hospitality is something of legend and where travel is just opening up. Without a doubt traveling in Tajikistan is a rewarding experience. Wild and rugged, Tajikistan is a country that attracts few adventurers, but those who dare go here are more than rewarded.

If you’re looking for idyllic raw nature where few others roam Tajikistan is the place for you. But don’t worry, there are a few stops to get in some creature comforts for those not as intrepid. Here is everything you need to know about Tajikistan travel.

I can honestly say after so many trips I’ve lost count and several months years spent in Tajikistan, it is my favorite country in the world. There’s nowhere else I’ve spent more time (aside from home) and nowhere else I’ve written this extensively about. Here is literally everything I’ve learned on the road in all my Tajikistan travel experience.

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Tajikistan?

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

The Adventures of Nicole partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading medical evacuation and security advisory services. To travel with peace of mind, shop evacuation coverage at Global Rescue .

Wanna join an epic trek in the Fann Mountains or a Journey along the Pamir Highway?

I will be leading a 12 day trek that takes in the best of Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains again this summer, followed by a 12 day trip down the Pamir Highway. The Fann Mountains Trek will take place June 12-23, 2024 and the Pamir Highway Expedition will be from June 25-July 6, 2024, with the option to combo both into a 25 day Tajikistan Expedition .

General Travel Info

Tajikistan’s currency is the Tajik Somoni ( TJS  for short). As of  April 2024 , the exchange is now:

• $1 USD=11.00 TJS
• €1=11.60 TJS
• £1=13.35 TJS

Gone are the days of the black market, and since 2019 ATMs in major cities and towns generally work! This was a welcomed change from my previous years spent in Tajikistan where 80% of ATMs were out of money, 19% didn’t take foreign cards, leaving that rare 1% to serve you.

I still recommend bringing some USD in with you in the event ATMs go back to their old ways– USD is still widely accepted for larger payments, but money can be exchanged quite easily if need be.

I have found ATMs accepting foreign cards in Dushanbe, Khujand, Khorog, Qalaikhumb, Istaravshan, and Panjakent. Murghab still does not have an ATM as of 2023.

Tipping isn’t standard in Tajikistan, however, those in services that cater toward tourists like guides and drivers will likely expect a tip of 10%. Many restaurants in cities will include a 10% gratuity as a service charge on the bill.

Just starting to plan your visit to Tajikistan? Grab a copy of Bradt’s Tajikistan guidebook

Hospitality

Tajiks are extremely welcoming and hospitable so it’s not uncommon for complete strangers to invite you to their home for a meal or to spend the night with their family. Typically Tajiks will not accept any kind of payment in this case, so it is recommended to either hide a few Somoni in the home or give it to the eldest child.

The country isn’t particularly wealthy and people will go above and beyond and even into debt to show you Tajik hospitality. Bringing small gifts is another great idea to show your appreciation.

Long story short, learn basic phrases in Russian and/or Tajik before you head to Tajikistan.

Tajik is the official language of Tajikistan. It is more or less a dialect of Farsi spoken in Iran and Dari spoken in Afghanistan . The one thing that sets Tajik the furthest apart from Dari and Farsi is the use of the Cyrillic alphabet over the Persian-modified Arabic script.

Russian is still commonly used and understood especially among locals over the age of 30, if traveling the whole of  Central Asia , Russian will most likely prove the most useful to learn. Then, of course, there are several regional languages: Pamiri, Bartangi, Wakhi, Yagnobi/Sogdian, and so on. Children and teenagers may know a few words of English as it is becoming more popular.

Make sure you can read Cyrillic script before you come to Tajikistan or Central Asia. Many signs and menus in Tajikistan are written in Cyrillic.

Islam is the main religion in the country. The majority of people are Sunni.

In Khorog, the  Wakhan , and the  Bartang Valley  you’ll find a large number of Ismaili Muslims who are a quite progressive Shia sect. Of course, there is a small number of other religions practiced, such as Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Russian Orthodoxy, and so on.

What To Wear

As with most majority Islamic countries, respectful dress will make your trip much easier. Tajikistan is a somewhat conservative society but is nowhere near as conservative as other Islamic nations.

For women, as long as you don’t show too much skin you should be fine (even if you do, you will still likely be fine, just stared at). Great outfit options for women are harem pants with loose-fitting shirts, or leggings and tunics. Another good idea would be to have a Tajik style dress (similar to a shalwar kameez) made.

Covering your hair is not required or the norm, but do have a scarf handy with you just in case you find a mosque you’d like to explore. While the headscarf isn’t necessary, you will still see some women wearing it. Mostly they tend to wear a scarf tied around their hair wrapped in a bun.

For men, you can likely wear similar clothing to what you would wear at home. You’ll see men wearing jeans and t-shirts, as well as dress pants and button-down shirts. Shorts above the knee aren’t common.

Men do cover their heads when entering mosques, many mosques will have loner doppa caps you can borrow, or you can pick up a doppa at a bazaar.

How Long To Travel Tajikistan

This depends largely on what you plan to do and where you’d like to go. Most Tajik visas given out are 60 days in length which is a decent amount of time to get to know the country. 2-3 weeks is a good amount of time to fit in the highlights of Tajikistan.

The biggest attraction in Tajikistan is the famed  Pamir Highway  road trip, followed by trekking in the  Fann Mountains .

The typical amount of time needed to travel the Pamir Highway between Dushanbe and  Osh, Kyrgyzstan  is 6-9 days, though it is possible to do it in as little as three days. I do not recommend trying to cover the Pamir Highway in 3 days as this would mean sitting in the car for 8-16 hours each day and doesn’t give you any time to actually get out of the car except for to sleep at night.

Usually, people take between 5 and 9 days to complete it. However, those wanting to really get a feel for the region and get some trekking in could spend weeks here and not feel like they scratched the surface.

For those visiting the Fann Mountains, most will spend 2-10 days in the area trekking in the mountains to the beautiful lakes. Of course, you can spend 2 weeks to a month easily if wanting to more thoroughly explore the Fanns as well as the nearby  Yagnob Valley .

Here Are A Few Examples Of Time Allotments For Those Planning Tajikistan Travel

• Pamir Highway  (without the Wakhan Valley): 5-7 days
• Pamir Highway (with the  Wakhan Valley ): 7-9 days
• Fann Mountains  Trekking ( Lakes Loop ): 3-5 days
• Haft Kul  (7 Lakes of Marguzor or Shing) Trekking: 1-2 days
• Yagnob Valley  Trekking: 4-10 days
• Jizeu Trek : 1-2 Days
• Dushanbe : 1-2 days
• Khujand  1-2 days
• Khorog : 1 day
• Murghab : 1 Day
• Istaravshan : 1 Day

Read:  1-4 Week Tajikistan Itinerary Ideas

When To Travel Tajikistan

The best time of year to visit Tajikistan is largely dependent on what you plan to do. The best time to access mountain passes, camp, and even travel around the Pamir Highway is from mid-June to mid-September.

Summer stretches from June to August, this is when the high-altitude passes are most easily accessible.

The lower-lying cities such as Dushanbe, Khujand, Kulab, and even Khorog can be downright scorching hot in summer. Fall is the best time to visit cities as temperatures start to cool down in September and steadily drop through October.

Trekking is still possible and quite beautiful in fall, although October can get quite cold toward the end of the month and snow can be expected at higher elevations.

Winter stretches from November to March and roads through passes will be closed at times. Winter can be a great time to visit for those wanting to ski Tajikistan’s nearly untouched mountains.

The spring months of April & May bring wetter weather and landslides to the Fanns and Pamirs making travel difficult. In spring head for the Karotegin Valley, or into the rarely-touristed southwest of Tajikistan.

Most of your transportation in Tajikistan will be by shared taxi, minibus/marshrutka, private 4×4 hire. Hitchhiking is possible but can vary in difficulty depending on where in the country you’re at or plan to go. Note that pretty much anyone with a car will function as a taxi driver, so even when planning to hitchhike many drivers will still expect some payment.

Shared taxis and marshrutka/minibusses tend to only leave when full from taxi stands and bus stations in cities and towns. They typically have a fixed price per seat, so if you are in a hurry and would like to depart sooner it’s possible to pay for the empty seats. The prices listed below are a rough estimate of shared taxi prices based on my most recent visit ( summer 2023 ), do plan to haggle with drivers.

Private 4×4 hire is a common way tourists get around the country as well, although more expensive. Most travelers will travel the Pamir Highway by 4×4 hire split amongst a group of backpackers. Prices tend to fall between 0.70-0.90 (USD) per kilometer.

Shared Taxi Prices Per Seat Unless Stated Otherwise

• Dushanbe-Penjikient: 130 TJS
• Dushanbe-Sarvoda: 50 TJS
• Sarvoda-Alovaddin: 200 TJS (entire car)
• Sarvoda-Margib: 300 TJS (entire car)
• Penjikent-Khujand: 120-150 TJS
• Khujand-Istaravshan: 20 TJS
• Khujand-Isfara: 30 TJS
• Dushanbe-Khorog: 400 TJS to Khorog, 350 TJS back to Dushanbe
• Khorog-Ishkashim: 50 TJS
• Ishkashim-Langar: 70 TJS
• Langar-Khorog: 120 TJS
• Khorog-Murghab: 120 TJS
• Murghab-Osh: 200 TJS

Private Car Hire On Popular Routes

For private car hire there are two ways of doing this and one is often substantially more expensive. If you will be going on a popular route such as the ones listed above for shared taxis, you can simply go to a shared taxi stand and offer to purchase all the seats in the vehicle and leave right then and there. For example, if you want to go from Dushanbe to Sarvoda- a seat in a shared taxi would normally cost 50 TJS and there are four passenger seats in the car, so you’ll pay 200 TJS to charter the entire car.

The other way that is more expensive, though you’ll be able to guarantee your departure time, will most certainly have a better quality vehicle, and you don’t have to deal with haggling a price is to book a car in advance with a tour operator in the country. Doing it this way you will spend anywhere between .70-.90 per kilometer and if you have a group, you can split this cost amongst your group members.

Get In & Out

The only ways you can enter Tajikistan are by air or by land ( train or car ).

Both Dushanbe and Khujand have international airports.  Somon Air  is Tajikistan’s sole national carrier, otherwise, Tajikistan is served by an array of international carriers: Turkish Air, China Southern, Kam Air, Air Astana, Air Manas, Avia Traffic Company, FlyDubai, Nordstar, S7, Ural Airlines,  Utair, Uzbekistan Airlines, and Yamal. Cities connected to Tajikistan by flight are Almaty, Astana, Bishkek, Kabul, Tashkent, Urumqi, Beijing, Dubai, Istanbul, Delhi, Frankfurt, and several cities across Russia.

Note that some land border crossings can take hours, and the crossings with  Uzbekistan  used to be the most notorious, though the newly re-opened Samarkand-Panjakent border is a breeze.

Tajikistan has several border crossing points with Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, and one border crossing with China. To see all of Tajikistan’s land border crossings and which are and aren’t open to foreigners, please check out my Tajikistan Border Crossings article.

There are several reports online of border guards extorting bribes from travelers or being pervy if you’re a solo female. From personal experience, I’ve never had any issues crossing the  Kyzyl-Art-Bordobo  between Tajikistan and  Kyrgyzstan , or at the recently reopened  Panjakent-Samarkand  crossing between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

I did have a little bit of a hassle when I was exiting Tajikistan at  Ishkashim  into Afghanistan because my e-visa had not been stamped when I entered the country at  Khujand  (I don’t know why this was an issue as my passport had a stamp in it), however, after arguing for a couple of minutes I was allowed to exit Tajikistan with no further problems.

Two exciting updates have happened more recently,  in 2017 the  Qolma Pass  into China is now open to foreigners (it has reopened following Covid in July 2023 as I received confirmation of the first foreigner to cross) and as of 2018 the Panjakent border to Uzbekistan is open again after a several-year-long pissing match between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The train isn’t a viable option to travel in Tajikistan and is realistically only used by those heading for Uzbekistan. Trains link Khujand with Uzbekistan, and in the south, a train links Dushanbe to Kulob, and Qurgonteppa with Uzbekistan. Read more on  Caravanistan . 

There is a 5 day long train to Moscow from Dushanbe. It can be difficult due to the train crossing into Uzbekistan,  Turkmenistan , and  Kazakhstan , and from the sounds of it you may need to have transit visas in order.

Need more in-depth info in Tajikistan’s border crossings? Read my post on all of Tajikistan border crossings here

Plan the perfect trip with my 10 day Uzbekistan & Tajikistan itinerary

Starting January 2022 Tajikistan became visa-free for stays up to 30 days for a number of passport holders. The 2016 e-visa system is still in place as well, as several countries will still need to obtain an e-visa in order to enter the country.

Those not on the visa-free or e-visa lists will need to obtain a visa from their nearest Tajik Embassy or Consulate.

Check out my Tajikistan Visa Guide for in-depth details on the visa policy of Tajikistan

Tajikistan Travel Permits

The previously mentioned GBAO Permit is a must for travel in the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast. The GBAO region makes about for the eastern half of the entire country, and those traveling along the  Pamir Highway  will travel through most of the GBAO. There are police posts set up along the Pamir Highway and it will be checked.

The only other required permits are for the Tajik National Park, Lake Sarez, and for Zorkul.

GBAO Permit- $20:  This is a must for anyone traveling the Pamir Highway and anywhere in the eastern half of the country. It is easiest to apply for it at the same time when applying for your  e-visa  (you can apply for it at embassies and consulates when applying for your visa as well), otherwise, you’ll have to visit the OVIR office in Dushanbe (located at Mirzo Turzunzade Street 5, quick turn-around, permit costs 20 TJS). I believe that if you don’t have it arranged and you’re traveling from Osh to Dushanbe you’re just shit out of luck.

Lake Sarez- $50/day:  There is varying information out there on getting the permit. I had read they will be issued for free in Dushanbe from the Ministry for Emergency Situations and can take a month or more to be issued and I’ve also read info stating that you can arrange through tour agencies at a cost of $50/day and a guide is required.

In 2017 I visited  Lake Sarez  and the Usoi Dam with Nurmuhammed, the owner of  Sarez Travel , and I was told by him that a guide is mandatory and that the guide must apply for the permit for you. This is all the more information I know.

When researching the permit before my trip last summer and even asking Tajik friends I got varying responses from “you can just pay KGB if you meet them out there” to “you must have a guide, Sarez Travel is the only organization that can go out there”, and “if you’re caught without a guide and permit you can be thrown in jail and deported”, but most commonly the response I got was that they just flat out didn’t know.

No one was able to give me information on whether or not you need the permit to visit the lake from the south via the Mountain Lakes of Bachor and Bulunkul/Yashilkul, so if anyone has first-hand information please comment at the end of the post or email me at adventuresoflilnicki @ gmail.com.

The Tajik government is really cautious about people visiting Lake Sarez because if the Usoi Dam were to ever breach it would have catastrophic consequences.

Zorkul- $10/day:  Lake within a protected area on the Afghan border in very remote eastern Tajikistan. You will be checked for permits at the post from Khargush Pass. I was told it is only available by applying at  PECTA  (Pamir Eco-Cultural Tourism Association) in Khorog’s City Park. I have read that it is available in Murghab as well, but I am not sure if this is true.

Tajik National Park- 18 TJS/day:  The Tajik National Park is massive, to say the least. You should have a permit for visiting anywhere on the map below that falls within the green area (sorry for the water stains on my permit & map).

Popular places in the Tajik National Park includes are: treks around the Bartang Highway (including Grum Grijmailo Glacier,  Khafrazdara Valley , Lake Sarez), trekking around the Vanj Valley Road (including Poi Mazar & Fedchenko Glacier), the Mountain Lakes of Bachor, Yashilkul, Pshart Valley, Madiyan Valley, and trekking much beyond the shores of Karakul from Karakul Village.

You can purchase your Tajik National Park pass from  PECTA  in Khorog, or from park rangers once you are in the park. You may very well never meet a park ranger when exploring Tajik National Park, my only time having crossed paths with any was when I ended a trek from the Karotegin Valley.

Food in Tajikistan

Nomadic ways meet the Soviet Empire. Tajikistan as well as the greater Central Asia region is not known as a foodie destination. Meals are simple and meat-centric, with little spice. With that said there are some great dishes like Qurutob, which is a personal favorite Tajik dish.

In Dushanbe and to a lesser degree in Khorog international food including Indian, Italian, and more can be found. The best places to go for traditional Tajik fare are chaikhanas (tea houses) or bazaars. Most homestays include at least breakfast and dinner in your nightly fee.

If you want to check out some of the best dishes to try in Tajikistan check out my post on Tajik food and drink .

Here is a list of common dishes you will likely encounter in Tajikistan.

*One thing to note: Tajikistan, as well as the rest of greater Central Asia, have very meat-heavy diets. Vegetarians and vegans will have a challenge outside of cities (more so for vegans). Vegetarianitz/vegertarianka is what vegetarians can call themselves and many people do understand. 

Read:  Best Restaurants in Dushanbe  to find out where to get the best Kurutob

Accommodation

In cities such as Dushanbe, Khorog, Panjakent, and Khujand you will have a wider variety of accommodation options but outside them, you can expect simple guesthouses and homestays.

If you plan to do any trekking it would be wise to bring a tent if you want to stray away from known settlements.

For those that require luxury, I don’t recommend leaving Dushanbe, and you may want to consider traveling to a different country altogether.

Here are some of my favorite accommodations I’ve stayed at in my travels in Tajikistan, note that many of the accommodations listed do not have websites, but you can call to reserve or go to  Pamir Top , and they can usually book just about anywhere for you online.

• Dushanbe:   Hello Hostel Dushanbe
• Dushanbe:  Green House Hostel
• Dushanbe:  Taj Palace Hotel
• Dushanbe:  Hyatt Regency
• Dushanbe:  Serena Dushanbe

Pamir Highway

• Qalaikhumb:  Roma Jurayev (+992 934712117 or +992 919268610)
• Khorog: Welcome Inn (+992 937035393)
• Bachor:  Sultansho Qurboniev Homestay (+992 501849454
• Alichur:  Rahima Doronshoeva Homestay (+992 908482612 or +992 931065658)
• Murghab:  Erali Guesthouse (+992 93563751421618)
• Murghab:  Tulfabek Guesthouse (+992 935389159)
• Murghab:  Tillokhan Guesthouse
• Karakul:  Tildakhan Homestay (+992 906554831)
• Jarty Gumbez:  Jarty Gumbez Guesthouse & Hunting Camp

Wakhan Valley

• Ishkashim:  Hanis Guesthouse (+992 935825820)
• Yamchun/Vichkut: Charshanbe Homestay(+992 938305239)
• Hissor: Davlatakhon Homestay (+992 935148819)
• Langar:  Yodgor Homestay (+992 934288869)

Bartang Valley

• Jizeu:  Lola Homestay (+992 906886676)
• Barchidev:  Nurmuhammed Homestay (+992 935004150)
• Pasor:  Gulsiyat Homestay (+992 900505573)

Fergana Valley

• Khujand:   Sharq 21 Guesthouse
• Istaravshan:  Sadbarg (+992 919887048)

Fann Mountains

• Panjakent:   Salom Hostel
• Panjakent:  Hotel Umariyon
• Haft Kul:  Najmidden Homestay (+992 926366748 or can be booked through  ZTDA )
• Iskanderkul:  Shezok Guesthouse (+992 939048921)
• Sarytag: Shaboz Guesthouse (+992 903436200)
• Sarytag:  Dilovar’s Homestay (+992 927882235 or can be booked online through  ZTDA )

Tajikistan Travel: Top Things To See & Do

Where to start, where to start… Tajikistan is  one of  the most stunning countries I’ve visited. The mountains and remoteness are usually the main allure for most tourists who travel to Tajikistan. Here are a few popular adventures:

The Pamir Highway (M41)

The Roof of The World or ‘Bam-i-Dunya’ as the Pamiris call it.

Note that there is extensive construction happening on the Pamir Highway in summer 2023! The roadwork is happening between Qala i Khumb and Khorog and is causing major delays, so it’s adviseable to split the Dushanbe-Khorog jounrye into two days, spending a night in Qala i Khumb.

The  Pamir Highway  is the most popular reason people come to Tajikistan. This is the mother of all road trips.

The Pamir Highway actually extends from  Mazar i Sharif , Afghanistan, makes a quick bend into southeastern  Uzbekistan , traverses Tajikistan from west to east to north, and then terminates in Osh, Kyrgyzstan (there are arguments as to the beginning and end of the highway though).

The main stretch of the Pamir Highway most tourists travel on is between Dushanbe and  Osh . This road trip will take you through high altitude passes, Pamiri and Kyrgyz villages, jagged mountains, crystal clear lakes, and even give you glimpses into the Pakistani Hindi Kush and rural northern Afghanistan just a mere few meters across the Panj River. It also provides access to many treks into the Pamirs ranging in difficulty from easy to hardcore mountaineering.

Expect to pay in the range of 0.70 -0.90 USD per kilometer for a Landcruiser or Pajero with a driver. On my first trip to Tajikistan I chose to travel by private car hire (I wanted to really get the most out of my Pamir Highway adventure, little did I know I’d be back yearly). The driver, Khorasan I ended up arranging to get me from Dushanbe to Khorog from  Hello Hostel  was absolutely lovely, so once we arrived in  Khorog  and he offered me a generous $0.70 per kilometer off the starting gate to take me from Khorog to Osh I immediately took him up on it.

I did numerous side trips and ended up racking up 1,500 km between Khorog and Osh so my grand total came to $1,050 USD. If you were to drive straight from Khorog to Osh it’s about 730 km, which would be substantially cheaper than what I did.

You can also cut down on costs if hiring a private 4×4 by putting a note up on the board at the  PECTA  office in Khorog’s City Park (Pamir Eco-Cultural Tourism Association), or even contacting them via e-mail and arranging a group of you to go in on a 4×4 to bring down the cost. You can also essentially do the same thing in Osh and  Murghab  if you are headed in the opposite direction. A great place to check to find other travelers is on the  Caravanistan Forum .

The cheapest way to do this trip would be of course cycling (most the travelers I met in the Pamirs were cycling it), or walking if you’re really determined (there was one man walking the road when I was there). If a private 4×4 even split amongst travelers is out of your budget and you aren’t up for a looooong bike ride or walk, the next cheapest option is to go by means of shared taxis.

Shared taxis will be a fraction of the cost of a Landcruiser of Pajero. However, you sacrifice the freedom of stopping every kilometer to take a photo and the possibility of being ‘stuck’ in a place for a few days until you can arrange the next leg out.

It is possible to make the trip between Dushanbe and Khorog in 3 days, but why? Most who travel the highway making side trips and treks will take around 9 days. For those really wanting to see the area, a month can even not yield enough time.

I personally have spent 2 weeks along the Pamir Highway in 2016, and over 4 weeks in 2017, and yet there is still a lot I haven’t seen in the Pamirs and GBAO region.

If you need help planning and budgeting your Pamir Highway adventure go check out my  Pamir Highway Guide . If you want help curating the perfect itinerary, check out my 10 day Pamir Highway itinerary .

Trekking in the Fann Mountains, Haft Kul & Yagnob Valley

The Fann Mountains are the best trekking destination you’ve never heard of. With many jagged peaks, stunningly beautiful crystal clear lakes, glacially carved valleys, and a decent network of homestays to experience rural Tajik culture and life it’s easy to see why the Fanns are the second most visited part of the country. Treks range from easy to extremely difficult ascent to summit 5000+ meter peaks.

The Fanns are located in northwestern Tajikistan, the main jumping-off points into the Fanns is the small city of  Panjakent . For those wanting to combine trekking in the Fanns with the historical Silk Road city of  Samarkand  across the border in Uzbekistan, it became easy yet again with the re-opening of the  Panjakent-Samarkand border crossing  in 2018.

Artuch Base Camp can be reached by shared taxi or minibus from Panjakent, and Panjakent can be easily reached by shared taxi and minibus from  Dushanbe ,  Khujand , Sarvoda, Ayni, and Samarkand. The popular and easiest to access trek in the area is the  Seven Lakes of Marguzor  (the Haft Kul). The lakes can easily be reached by shared taxi and minibus from Panjakent. Note that your passport and e-visa will be checked at the checkpoint near Shing Village on your way down to the lakes.

Popular treks and sites in the Fanns include the  Haft Kul , the  Lakes Loop Trek ,  Iskanderkul , Kulikalon Bowl,  Chimtarga Pass ,  Dukdon Pass , Lake Alovaddin,  Bolshoi Allo Lake , and Kaznok Pass. To find out more about the Fanns and arrange homestays and guides, visit  ZTDA  (Zerafshan Tourism Development Association). To learn more about traveling in the Fann Mountains and trekking recommendations check out my  Fann Mountains Travel Guide ,  Haft Kul Trekking Guide ,  Chimtarga Pass Guide , and  Lakes Loop Trekking Guide .

The Yagnob Valley is much less visited than the Fann Mountains albeit being not very far away. The draw here is to visit villages where people have lived traditionally for hundreds of years and still speak the ancient Sogdian language. The Yagnob valley can be reached by a shared taxi from Sarvoda to Margib.

Margib is the jumping-off point for trekking into the Yagnob Valley. Read my  Yagnob Valley Trekking & Travel Guide  that was recently written after my visit in 2019.  ZTDA  can help arrange transport, guides, porters, homestays, and more.

Need more hiking ideas? Read the  10 best treks in Tajikistan

The Wakhan Valley

Many include the excursion through the Wakhan Valley as an alternative route on their Pamir Highway trip. From Khorog, rather than follow the true M41 through the Ghunt Valley toward Jelondy and Bulunkul, you will head south to the beautiful  Tajik Wakhan Valley  and meet back up with the M41 via the Khargush Pass near Bulunkul.

The Wakhan Valley follows the Afghan border through some truly amazing scenery with glimpses of the ice-capped Hindu Kush forming the natural border of Afghanistan and Pakistan across the Pamir River, which forms the natural border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

You will pass through the picturesque villages of Ishkashim, Namadgut, Darshai, Yamchun, Yamg, Vrang, Zong, Langar, and finally Ratm as you travel along the valley. At every turn, there are sights your eyes will be glued to, but make sure to stop off at Garam Chashma (hot spring), Qaaqa Fortress, Darshai Gorge, Yamchun Fortress, Bibi Fatima (hot spring), Vrang’s Buddhist Stupa, and so many more.

Find more information on traveling in the Wakhan and more check out the  Tajik Wakhan Valley Guide .

Ishkashim is also the jumping-off point and the border crossing into the Afghan Wakhan Corridor. In 2017 I did make the visit across into the Afghan Wakhan. Check out my article on what it was like to  travel as a solo woman in the Afghan Wakhan , learn  how to get an Afghan Visa in Khorog , and see  photos from my travels in the Afghan Wakhan & Great Pamir Mountains .

Ishkashim is also home to the popular cross-border Saturday market where Tajiks and Afghans come to buy and sell goods with each other, which takes place on an island in the Panj River (technically on the Afghan side). The main reason tourists visit the market is for the bragging rights of saying they’ve been to Afghanistan, however without having to shell out big money for the visa. The market was sporadically open in 2016 and was closed for 2017 as far as I am aware.

If you happen to be in the area and the day lines up, ask locals if it may be on, but as of right now, do not expect it to be.

Got the Afghan Wakhan on your mind?

Bartang Highway & Valley

This is probably the wildest ride you’ll have in Tajikistan and is a popular alternative for traveler and cyclists to the Pamir Highway. This road cuts through the super remote Western Pamir along the Bartang River Valley. The Bartang Highway links up with the Pamir Highway at the village of Rushan (50 km north of Khorog) in the south, and near  Karakul  in the north.

The best time of year to travel the Bartang Highway is from mid-July until mid-September. Earlier in the spring, the road is usually inaccessible due to the river running high and landslides and in the later fall because of heavy snow.

The most visited stretch of the Bartang Highway is just a few kilometers up from Rushan where travelers get dropped off at suspension bridge and make the  short trek to the beautiful village of Jizeu .

Other excursions in the Bartang Valley include the  Khafrazdara Valley/Grum Grijmailo Glacier , experiencing the remote life of the Bartangi people (they’re famed for their legendary hospitality),  Lake Sarez , trekking in Basid & Badara, visiting remote sites between Gudara & Kök Jar, and trekking beyond Jizeu to the Ravmed Valley.

Learn more about visiting the Bartang Valley in the  Bartang Valley Guide . I also have articles on  How to Visit the Khafrazdara Valley ,  How to Visit Lake Sarez , and the  Jizeu trek .

This is the bustling capital of Tajikistan and a likely entry point for those flying into the country. There are a number of attractions around the city including the world’s second-tallest flagpole, the world’s largest teahouse, Mehrong Bazaar, Rudaki Park, and more.

Check out the  Dushanbe City Guide  for more information on everything you need to know before visiting Dushanbe. Looking for the best places to eat in Dushanbe? Check out my post:  Best Restaurants in Dushanbe .

This is the largest city in the GBAO region and home to most of Tajikistan’s Ismaili population- Ismailis are Shia and known for their very progressive interpretation of Islam.  Khorog  is a great jumping-off point for many adventures in the Badakhshan, making arrangements if you plan to travel across the border into  Afghanistan , getting an  Afghan Visa , and a nice place to relax between adventures in the Pamirs.

Make sure to spend an afternoon at Khorog’s Central Park, where you’ll find a large swimming pool, carnival, walking paths, a couple of chaikhanas, and home to the  PECTA  office. Other sites to visit include the Botanical Garden, Aga Khan Foundation, and the Central Asia University.

The Tajik Fergana Valley

Khujand  is the main city in the Tajik Fergana Valley with enough sites to keep you busy for a couple of days. Make sure to visit the bustling Panshanbe Bazaar, Sheikh Massal ad-Din Mausoleum & Complex, the ancient Citadel & Kamoli Khujandi Park, and the tallest Lenin Statue still standing in Central Asia.

Istaravshan  is another popular stop in the Tajik Fergana Valley, located only about 90 minutes by shared taxi from Khujand. Istaravshan has several lovely mosques and madrasa without the large crowds that Samarkand and Bukhara draw on the other side of the border. The attractions here include Mug Teppe, Shahr-e-Kuhna, Hazrat-i-Shah Mosque, Hauz-i-Sangin Mosque, Sary Mazar, Chor Gumbez, and Abdullatif Sultan Madrasa.

You’ve officially made it to the wild wild East. Beautiful surrounding valleys, but  Murghab  isn’t the most picturesque village/town. A great jumping-off point for adventures into the  Eastern Pamir – Pshart Valley, Rang-Kul, Madiyan Vally, Shaimak, and more.

For those headed for the Chinese border at  Qolma Pass , you will likely spend a night in Murghab before or after crossing.

Part of the Zorkul Nature Reserve  ( I unfortunately still have not visited here). Known for its surrounding green valley and remoteness. On the Afghan border near to the Khargush Pass and Keng Shiber.

You do need a Zorkul permit to visit which can be obtained at the  PECTA  office in Khorog (see the previous section on  permits ).

This large lake sits smack in the middle of Tajikistan and only exists because of disaster. In 1911 a magnitude 7.4 earthquake shook down a mountain face that crushed the villages of Usoi and Sarez, naturally creating the Usoi Dam. This dam blocked off the Murghab River and began to fill the valley.

This is a beautiful lake in remote Tajikistan, but you should have a guide and permit before visiting. Learn more about how to get to Lake Sarez in my  Lake Sarez Guide .

Just north of the Ak-Baital Pass is Karakul (sometimes spelled Qarakul), Tajikistan’s largest lake sitting alongside the village of the same name.  Karakul  is believed to be a crater formed by a meteor impact about 10 million years ago, that is now a salt lake, but still freezes in the winter.

There are a handful of homestays here in Karakul where you could break up your Osh to Murghab journey. Attempts are being made to declare Karakul the highest navigable lake in the world, beating out Lake Titicaca in  Peru / Bolivia .

Where To Go In Tajikistan

Dushanbe & around.

Dushanbe and the surrounding areas are often overlooked by most travelers to Tajikistan that are headed to the country for wild mountain adventures in the Pamirs & Fanns. The Rasht Valley and many of the sites around Dushanbe are popular with expats, especially on the weekends.

Dushanbe is the capital and largest city in Tajikistan. Must-see highlights include Bayrak (the world’s second-tallest flagpole), Rudaki Park, Mehrong Bazaar, Kohki Nowruz, Mevlana Yakub Charki Mosque, Victory Park, and more.

Dushanbe is a great place to relax between adventures in the Fanns and Pamirs as well. Read more about what to do, where to stay, and what to eat in my  Dushanbe City Guide . Shop Dushanbe accommodations  here .

Plan your  visit to Dushanbe  and  where to eat  in the city

Hisor is one of the more popular half-day trips from Dushanbe. Travelers come here to explore the Fortress of Hisor and Hisor Caravanserai, as well as the 16 & 17th-century madrasas at the fortress that house a museum. Learn more about how to visit  Hisor here .

How to visit  Hisor Fort  on public transport

Just a short drive north of Dushanbe Varzob Valley is a great day trip away from the bustle of Dushanbe. Make sure and trek out to Gusgarf Falls On your visit. Read more on how to get to  Varzob Gorge & Gusgarf Falls here .

Timur Dara Lake

This beautiful lake sits in the Karatag Valley near the villages of Shahrinav & Hakimi about 45 km west of Dushanbe at the southern fringes of the  Fann Mountains . This trek can be done as a long day trip, or as a multi-day trekking trip in the Karatag Valley. I finally made a day trip from Dushanbe out to Timur Dara in August 2019, well worth the effort.

Read more about getting to Timur Dara Lake  here .

Read the  Timur Dara Trekking Guide  and start planning

Nurek Dam & Reservoir sits about 80 km southeast of Dushanbe along the route most start the Pamir Highway trip from. Nurek Dam is the second highest manmade dam in the world, blocking of the Vakhsh River. Renting a houseboat and lazing around in the water at the Aqua Club are popular excursions from Dushanbe.  Read more here .

Rasht Valley

Located in the Rasht Valley (also called Karotegin Valley) in north-central Tajikistan. The main draw to Garm is trekking in this little-visited part of the country. Treks can be arranged that will take you on a loop around from Hazor Chashma Village.  Caravan Tours  can arrange trips to visit the Rasht Valley.

Located along the main road between Garm and Jirgatol is the picture-perfect village of Jafr. This is one of the most scenic parts of the Rasht Valley Road. One of the main reasons to come to Jafr is to meet Mirzosho Akabirov. Mirzosho has an amazing botanical garden with exotic fruit trees that he has spent years grafting to grow various fruits.

Tavildara is a larger town along the Pamir Highway for those taking the Northern Route between Dushanbe and Qalaikhumb. Nearby to Tavildara is the Sagirdasht Pass that is typically closed from October to May due to snow.

Jirgatol is a small town and the last town along the Rasht Valley Road before hitting the (closed to foreigners) Karamyk border crossing. The main appeal to Jirgatol is to head to nearby Jelondy to take on the  Gardan i Kaftar hike  and trek across the Peter the First Range to a village named Langar, not too far from Tavildara. Jirgatol is also the jumping-off point for those taking on the climb up Peak Somoni.

Plan your visit to the Rasht Valley:  The Rasht Valley Travel Guide

Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast

The Badakhshan, or commonly just called by its acronym GBAO accounts for about half of Tajikistan’s landmass. With that said, the GBAO is desolate, with only 3% of Tajik citizens calling it home. The GBAO is the most popular draw for tourists wanting to take on the famed  Pamir Highway .

Qala i Khumb

Qala i Khumb feels like a great oasis for those making the long journey between Dushanbe and Khorog. I highly recommend splitting the trip into two days, by spending the night in Qala i Khumb. Qala i Khumb is small and easily walkable with a few shops, restaurants, and accommodations.

I recommend spending the night at  Roma Jurayev Guesthouse  that sits right on the river. Run across the street for a riverside dinner at the Oriona Chaikhana (they serve wine, you’re welcome).  Shop other Qala i Khumb accommodations here .

Check out my travel guide to Qala i Khumb , especially if you plan to spend any time there

Continuing along the Pamir Highway toward Khorog brings us Vanj. Vanj is the jumping-off point for explorations of Fedchenko Glacier, the world’s longest non-polar glacier.

Head east off the M41 on the Vanj Valley Road to Poi Mazar. From Poi Mazar the nose of the glacier is a long day hike there and back but can be split into an overnight trip. There are two homestays along the Vanj Valley the can be booked through  Pamir Top .

Rushan is located about 65 km north of Khorog and is the jumping-off point for further explorations into the Bartang Valley. If planning to spend the night in Rushan before departing into the Bartang Valley,  Mubarek Homestay  comes recommended (+992 934052304).

The Bartang Highway is a wild adventure for anyone wanting to explore into the remote Bartang Valley in the Western Pamir. The most popular excursion along the Bartang Highway is the short and gentle trek to the beautiful village of Jizeu. From KM 23, cross the suspension bridge across the Bartang River and follow the trail for about 2 hours to reach the lower village of Jizeu.

7 of the 14 homes in  Jizeu  act as homestays and will gladly take you in. I stayed at Lola Homestay when I visited Jizeu in 2016 and had a wonderful time there.

But the Bartang Valley is more than just Jizeu. Two of my favorite treks begin from the Bartang Valley. The trek to the wildly remote  Khafrazdara Valley  & Grum Grijmailo Glacier begins from the quaint village of Pasor, as well as the start of the  journey to Lake Sarez  from the village of Barchidev.

Other stops along the Bartang Highway include trekking around Basid & Badara, the adorable village of Savnob, going beyond Jizeu into the Ravmed Valley, and more. Read up more on travel in the Bartang Valley in my  Bartang Valley Travel Guide .

Everything you need to know before taking on the  Bartang Highway

Khorog  is the only real town you’ll find in the GBAO region, home to just under 30,000 people. It’s a laid-back and fairly liberal town in regards to much of the rest of Tajikistan. The population is largely of Ismaili faith- a Shia branch of Islam. It’s not uncommon to see women and girls wearing knee-length skirts, and the headscarf is less popular.

English is fairly widely spoken as Khorog is a well-educated town in Tajikistan thanks to the Aga Khan Foundation’s efforts. You’ll often find yourself being stopped on the streets by friendly locals wanting to speak English with you. Attractions in Khorog include the City Park, Botanical Garden, and Regional Museum. Khorog is a great place to relax between trekking adventures into the Pamirs.

There are a number of guesthouses, hostels, and hotels in Khorog, so check them out  here , and  here . For lunch try Nan Melan’s Qurutob, for a cup of coffee, walk over to Cafe Luni, and for dinner head to Dehli Darbar for great Indian food. If you need to stock up on anything head to the busy bazaar.

Plan your visit to Khorog:  The Khorog Travel Guide + 6 Things To Do

Gunt Valley

For those wanting to stay on the true Pamir Highway between Khorog and near Jelondy, this is the route. As you head out of Khorog you’ll pass a number of green orchard villages along the sky-blue Gunt River, with some of the most impressive mountain backdrops happening around Dehmyona.

For those wanting to trek the stunning lakes of Bachor, you’ll need to get a minibus to Shazud Village on the Pamir Highway (20 TJS, go to the main taxi stand by the Khorog Bazaar and start asking for Shazud). Once to Shazud ask around for a taxi to Bachor (should cost about 100-120 TJS). From Bachor, the hike takes off toward the east where you’ll eventually run into signs pointing you toward Zarojkul (north, to your left), or Yashilkul (east, straight forward).

To make the loop up to Langar Pass, Uchkul, Zarojkul, back down to Tsaxinkul, and back to Bachor plan for 5-7 days trekking. You can arrange guides and pack animals in Bachor.

Don’t forget to order Jan Bakker’s ebook,  Trekking in the Pamirs  for a detailed guide on reaching the Mountain Lakes of Bachor. Technically you’re supposed to have a Tajik National Park permit to trek around in this area.

The next attraction off the M41 after Shazud and Bachor is the hot springs at Jelondy. Jelondy is a popular weekend trip for people living in Khorog. Further east of Jelondy you will cross up and over the 4,272 meter Koi-Tezek Pass into moon-like landscapes.

There are some treks that can be done in the Koi-Tezek Pass area, including a summit of 5,700 meter Kyzyldong , one of a handful of non-technical summits you can find in the Pamir.

Further east of Koi-Tezek you will descend to the turn off for Bulunkul and Yashilkul, continuing a little further you will pass by Sassykul and the turnoff toward Khargush Pass and the Wakhan Valley. Continuing east will take you toward Alichur and on to Murghab.

Shokhdara Valley

The Shokhdara Valley runs nearly parallel and in between the more popular Wakhan Valley and Gunt Valley. If you want to explore a lesser-visited stretch of the Pamirs, this is it. Sites to check out along the valley include the ancient shrine in Tandem, the main town of Roshtaqala and the Red Fort it gains its name from, the beautiful lake of Durum Kul, views of Pik Engles & Pik Karl Marx, and up the tough Maisara Pass to rejoin the M41 near Jelondy.

Homestays are available along the valley at Vezdara, Sindev, Shohirizm, Javshanguz, and Bodomara. It is possible to make several treks from the Shokhdara Valley into either the Wakhan Valley or the Gunt Valley. I personally have not traveled along the Shokhdara Valley in my Tajikistan travels yet. For information on some of the treks between the Wakhan Valley and the Shokhdara Valley,  click here .

Little-visited but well worth the effort: Plan your traverse of the Shokhdara Valley

The much-talked-about Wakhan Valley is a highlight for many in their travels in Tajikistan. As you twist and turn down the Wakhan Valley road you’ll at times feel so close to the villagers walking the narrow dirt path on the Afghan side of the border just across the river that you could have a conversation with them (hint: you pretty much can!). And the backdrop of the white-capped Hindu Kush Mountains that form the Afghan-Pakistani border.

Popular stops along the Wakhan Valley include the largest village of the Tajik Wakhan Valley- Ishkashim, the Qaaqa Fortress near Namadgut, the trek up to Darshai Gorge, Yamchun Fortress and Bibi Fatima Hot Spring near the village of Vichkut, the Buddhist Stupa in Vrang, the adorable green village of Langar and finally the last scattering of houses up the hill at the village of Ratm.

A great trek to try in the Wakhan is the Pik Engles Meadow Hike that can be done from Zong to Langar or vise-versa.

If you’re planning to visit the Wakhan Valley, make sure and read my  Tajik Wakhan Valley Guide .

Before you go:  The Tajik Wakhan Valley Guide

Zorkul is a large lake and nature reserve that sits right on the Afghan border near to the Khargush Pass and Keng Shiber. You do need a Zorkul permit to visit which can be obtained at the  PECTA  office in Khorog. North of Zorkul back towards Shakhty are grand Neolithic cave paintings. There are several treks that can be done in the Zorkul area.

Bulunkul & Yashilkul

Bulunkul & Yashilkul sits 14 km north off the M41. Bulunkul is allegedly the coldest place in all of Tajikistan with winter temperatures that can drop below -40 C.

There are a couple of homestays in the small scattering of whitewashed buildings that comprise the village of Bulunkul. Bulunkul is still a good option to spend a night as sunrise on the lake is a sight to see with perfect reflections of the surrounding mountains. The wind usually picks up later in the morning, so you’ll want to get an early start for perfect reflections.

Another 4 km away sits Yashilkul which translates out to green lake. Yashilkul is much bigger than Bulunkul in size and the lake is more of a blue color than the green it’s named after. From Yashilkul it’s possible to trek to Langar Pass and the mountain lakes, or straight west to Bachor.

Technically you are supposed to have a Tajik National Park Permit for visiting Yashilkul, however, I’ve never been asked for it or seen a ranger out there.

If you’re traveling the Pamir Highway from Dushanbe, this is where you’ll notice things become more obviously Kyrgyz. Alichur is a village of several white-washed rectangular buildings just off the highway of predominantly Kyrgyz families. There are several guesthouses here marked with signs as well as stolvonaya- meaning canteen.

The locals in Alichur are really friendly and will likely come to hang out while you wander the village. There are many yurts that sit just off the highway around Alichur and along the highway nearby, and you’ll likely even see people out herding yaks in the pasture.

There is one guesthouse listed on  booking.com , but otherwise, there are several around the village. I personally have stayed at Rahima Doronshoeva Homestay (+992 908482612 or +992 931065658) when I spent a night in Alichur, and eaten a couple of times at the canteen on the east end of the village (it’s usually full of truckers headed down from Kashgar to Dushanbe).

I recommend spending the night in Alichur so that you can visit the nearby Ak-Balyk pond in the morning just east of Alichur. Ak-Balyk means white fish in Kyrgyz, the small pond is filled with unbelievably clear and turquoise water best viewed in the morning before the wind picks up and you can see perfect reflections of the mountains to the south dazzling in it.

Another highlight of Alichur is the great stargazing you’ll have right outside your guesthouse.

As far as must-see sights in Alichur there aren’t many. There is a mosque in the middle of the village, and there are a few treks that can be started from Alichur to Zorkul and toward the Bazardara Valley.

Jarty Gumbez, Keng Shiber, Kara Jilga & Bash Gumbez

To reach Jarty Gumbez, Keng Shiber, Kara Jilga & Bash Gumbez you will need your own transport (ie: 4×4 hire). Jarty Gumbez and Keng Shiber are Marco Polo sheep hunting camps that are possible to visit in the summer months (May-October).

Jarty Gumbez is located down a dusty dirt track south off the Pamir Highway at Povorot. Head south along the Afghan border between high altitude peaks to search for Marco Polo sheep (I saw hundreds of them out here). There is a very nice guesthouse at Jarty Gumbez with heated rooms and a hot spring, the family that runs the guesthouse and hunting camp, as well as the hunting guides that live out here, are incredibly friendly.

Keng Shiber is another hunting camp located just north of Zorkul, which can be reached from either the track that leads east from the Khargush Pass toward Zorkul and onto Shaimak or from the track that heads south from Bash Gumbez. Both Jarty Gumbez and Keng Shiber are great places to head for those wanting to photograph the milky way.

Nearby sites to Jarty Gumbez along the dirt tracks back toward the Shaimak-Murghab Road is the Ak Bura Meteor Crater, and the Shor Bulak observatory that is no longer in working order and allegedly closed to foreigners (I’ve been there and there was no one else there, and at that point, I did not know it was closed to foreigners).

Kara Jilga is another great place to head in this area. There is usually a yurt camp in the area with beautiful Wakhan scenery all around and the turquoise lakes of Kazankul & Jigitkul. West from Kara Jilga, you’ll have awesome views of Zorkul.

Read more in the  Eastern Pamir Travel Guide

Madiyan Valley

Madiyan Valley is reachable from the Pamir Highway, where you’ll head west down a dirt track just south of Murghab. There is a settlement named Ak Tal in the valley that has lush green sceneries and trees along the river. Continuing deeper into the valley you’ll eventually follow the Elisuu River toward the south to reach Madiyan hot springs .

It’s worth stopping briefly in the village of Ak Tal to ask which route to take to Madiyan Hot Springs. There’s a lower route that stays alongside the Elisuu River and a higher route that climbs high above the river when the water is running high. You will need to cross a scrap metal footbridge to cross the river and reach the hot spring.

For those looking for a trek, you can trek up and over the Gumbezkul Pass to connect with the Pshart Valley that is located just north of Murghab. Madiyan Valley sits within the Tajik National Park, so you are technically supposed to have a permit on you, but chances are you won’t run into a ranger out here, and if you do they’ll just ask for the day fee (18 TJS).

Check out my guides to both the Gumbezkul Pass Hike and to Madiyan Valley Hot Springs

Welcome to the wild wild east!  Murghab  is where those wanting to explore deeper into the eastern Pamir will base themselves. Murghab is set in a scenic valley, but the town itself is more utilitarian than it is attractive.

Somoni and Lenin are the two main streets through the town. There are a handful of guesthouses, the Pamir Hotel, and a chaikhana here. Don’t miss out on the shipping container bazaar in the heart of town. Both times I’ve arrived in Murghab I’ve stayed at Tulfabek Guesthouse (+992 935389159).

Make the most of your time in the east:  The Murghab Travel Guide

The draw to the Rangkul area is sand dunes, mountain desert landscapes, and salt lakes. There are yurt stays and guesthouses in Rangkul and it’s even possible to go camel trekking in the area. Rangkul is located northeast of Murghab near the Chinese border (north of the Qolma Pass), and there are shared taxis that depart in the last afternoon on most days from the bazaar in Murghab for around 30 TJS per seat.

Shaimak is pretty far off the beaten path. Most who visit Shaimak do so as an alternative to the Pamir Highway, but heading east from the Khargush Pass to Zorkul and Kara Jilga and then continuing east to the furthest southeast corner of Tajikistan- Shaimak.

Shaimak is a small village that sits below the impressive bluff of Ak Tash. Shaimak was of strategic importance during The Great Game when between 1830 and 1907 Britain and Russian vied for power in Central Asia. Shaimak was important because it was the one point you could be at and view western China, Afghanistan’s Little Pamir and across into Pakistan (back then British India).

North from Shaimak shortly before returning to Murghab are beehive-shaped tombs at Konyekurgon. You can take a detour off the Shaimak-Murghab road to visit the Ak Bura Crater, and Shor Bulak Observatory. There is a guesthouse in Shaimak, but note that to reach Shaimak it will likely be by 4×4 hire.

Pshart Valley

Pshart Valey swirls with color just north of Murghab. From the yurt camp in the Pshart Valley, it is possible to do the long day trek previously mentioned up the Gumbezkul Pass to connect with Madiyan Valley. You can grab a shared taxi out here from Murghab for about 100 TJS per seat. It is possible to continue west on foot in the Pshart Valley to eventually reach the Murghab River where it flows into Lake Sarez.

Pshart sits in the Tajik National Park, so you should have a permit on you.

Ak Baital Pass

Ak Baital means white horse in Kyrgyz and is the chosen name for this 4,655 meter pass. The pass looks like something out of this world, and also don’t be surprised to see it snow here- even in summer. This is also one of the best places to try and spot Marco Polo sheep from along the Pamir Highway, so make sure and stop to have a look for them.

Karakul  is usually the last stop for those headed for the Kyrgyz border at Kyzyl Art. Karakul is a massive lake just off the highway caused by a meteor impact.

There is a small village on the east shore of the lake of the same name where it’s possible to grab a meal or spend the night in a guesthouse. South of Karakul it’s possible to follow jeep tracks toward Kök Jar where you can link back up to the Bartang Highway and descend to Gudara. Read up more on  what to do during your stay in Karakul .

If you’re spending any time around Karakul and you’re looking for a good warm-up hike, check out the Aral Yuj (South Aral Peak) day hike .

Plan your visit:  The Karakul Travel Guide

Sughd Region

The Sughd region is located in northwestern Tajikistan and is centered around the ancient Sogdiana Civilization. The Sughd Region is a bit wealthier than the remainder of Tajikistan as the Fann Mountains helped create a natural barrier that protected them from the 1990’s Tajik Civil War that ravaged much of the country.

Khujand  is Tajikistan’s second-largest city situated in the Tajik Fergana Valley. Most who end up in Khujand are traveling either to/from Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan as the three borders gnarl together here.

Sites to check out in Khujand include Panjshanbe Bazaar, Sheikh Massal ad-Din Mausoleum & Complex, the ancient Citadel & Kamoli Khujandi Park, and the tallest Lenin Statue still standing in Central Asia. There are a number of chaikhanas around town to grab a meal and quite a few hotels and hostels which you can book  here .

If you’re looking for some awesome day trip from Khujand, I’d definitely recommend visiting the former uranium mines at Taboshar as well as the blinding white Akhkon Salt Flat in Asht District.

Plan your time in Khujand:  Khujand Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do

Istaravshan

Istaravshan  is a 90 minute shared taxi away from Khujand and a great place to stop off for a couple of hours or a day to break up the drive time between Khujand and Pankjakent or Dushanbe.

Make sure and visit Mug Teppe, Shahr-e-Kuhna, Hazra i Shah Mosque, Hauz i Sangin Mosque, Sary Mazar, Chor Gumbez, and Abdullatif Sultan Madrasa before you leave. Many of these sites are smaller and less impressive, yet similar to what you would see in the more famous and more crowded Silk Road cities across the Uzbek border. Shared taxis from Khujand will cost 15 TJS per person.

Don’t miss anything:  The Istaravshan Travel Guide + 8 Things To Do

The main reason people head to  Panjakent  is that it’s the jumping-off point to the  Haft Kul  and the  Lakes Loop Trek  in the  Fann Mountains .

Panjakent does have a few attractions in itself including Ancient Panjakent Archeological Site, Rudaki Museum, Olim Dodkhokh Mosque & Madrasa, the Panjakent Bazaar, the Devastitch Statue, and a golden Lenin Statue.

There are a handful of hotels and guesthouses in Panjakent, I personally recommend  Salom Hostel . For transport to Khujand, Istaravshan, the Haft Kul, Artuch, Dushanbe and Samarkand taxis leave from taxi stands not far from the bazaar. Just ask around the bazaar and you will get pointed to which one you need to head to.

If you’re planning to cross the border between Panjakent and Samarkand, read  this post  first.

Make the most of your Panjakent visit:  The Panjakent Travel Guide + 5 Things To Do

Panjrud is located off the main road to Panjakent on the way to Artuch Base Camp. Panjrud is important because it is the village that Rudaki the famous Persian poet was born. There is a mausoleum dedicated to Rudaki in the middle of Panjrud. Check  booking.com  for guesthouses in Panjrud.

The Haft Kul is a string of seven beautiful lakes that vary in color from light turquoise to nearly black. This is the easiest trekking to access in Tajikistan and can even be done as a day trip from Panjakent.

The road goes all the way to the 6th lake, making the only lake reachable by foot only the 7th lake of Hazorchashma. Many will spend 2-3 days trekking here getting dropped off near the village of Shing and trekking down to the 7th lake and back.

There is a homestay ran by the friendly Jumaboy and family called Najmidden Homestay near Nofin Lake.

You can make an alternate trek starting from the village of Mogiyon to the west of the Haft Kul, hiking down to Rogich Village and then up and over the Komichura Pass to reach the 6th Lake (Marguzor) in the Haft Jul and then trek back to the first lake.

Additionally, from the west shore of Marguzor, you can trek to Kiogli Village and then over Tavasang Pass to either head toward Artuch, Chimtarga Pass, or Kaznok Pass to the Lakes Loop Trek, or to the Dukdon Pass to continue to  Iskanderkul .

Make sure and have your passport and e-visa handy as they will be checked at the checkpoint near Shing. Read more on trekking in the Haft Kul in my  Haft Kul Travel Guide .

Plan your  trek in the Haft Kul

The Fann Mountains are stunningly beautiful and home to the gorgeous lakes of Alovaddin, Kulikalon,  Bolshoi Allo ,  Iskanderkul , and many more. There are several routes that can be taken leading you to these lakes, as well as beautiful valleys and rivers.

For those more serious into mountaineering, there are a few 5,000 meter + peaks in this range, the tallest being Gora Chimtarga. Read more about trekking in the Fanns in my  Fann Mountains Travel Guide .

Read:  The Ultimate Guide to the Fann Mountains

Yagnob Valley & Margib

The  Yagnob Valley  is much less visited by foreigners than the Fanns and the Haft Kul but is equally as interesting. The Yagnob Valley is home to several remote settlements of people who still live traditionally as they have for hundreds of years and even still speak the ancient Sogdian language.

Margib is the main village and jumping point into the Yagnob Valley. Shared taxis are available from Sarvoda on most days as the Yagnobi traders that come down from Margib will be returning home, seats usually run about 60 TJS, but usually, it’s easier to charter the entire car from the Sarvoda Bazaar for 300 TJS.

Read more and plan your trip to the  Yagnob Valley

Ayni isn’t much of a stop in itself as it is the main transport hub for those headed into the eastern Zeravshan Valley. There is an ATM here for those hoping to withdraw cash and a mosque that may be of interest.

Sarvoda isn’t a site itself, much like Ayni. The main reason you would be here is to grab a shared taxi bound for either Margeb & the Yagnob Valley, Iskanderkul, or Vertical Alovaddin Base Camp.

There is a guesthouse here called Mehmonkhona Yazdon if you end up getting stuck here overnight. There is a chaikhana just outside of Sarvoda that is painted green and has outdoor seating right along the main highway that sells great laghman.

Khatlon Region

The Khatlon region makes up the southwestern corner of Tajikistan. Khatlon can get dreadfully hot in the summertime. The best time of year to visit the Khatlon area is in springtime.

Qurgonteppa

Qurgonteppa is a city situated in the southwest of Tajikistan, about two hours by bus or shared taxi from Dushanbe. The main attractions to check out in Qurgonteppa include the Chiluchor Sacred Spring, the Ajina-Teppa Buddhist Monastery, and the Mausoleum & Museum of Bibikhonum. Learn how to get to  Qurgonteppa and more here .

Yahksu Valley, Sary Khosar Nature Reserve & Childukhtaron Reserve

These three areas offer some truly off-the-beaten-path experiences in Tajikistan and offer a taste of rural Tajik lifestyle.

Sary Khosar is reachable by heading north of Kulab to Baljuvon where you can either arrange a UAZ (500 TJS) or wait with the locals for the “Machina Kalon”, an old Gaz-66 (20 TJS per person) that trundles up and down Sary Khosar Valley a couple of times a day.

Childukhtaron is probably the most well-known of these three destinations as it is a popular Tajik vacay spot. You can reach Childukhtaron by heading north of Kulab to Muminobad where you can begin arranging transport. A windy mountain road also connects Baljuvon to Childukhtaron which I recommend if you’re visiting in early summer and have your own transport (the rolling green hills of Khatlon between Baljuvon and Childukhtaron reminded me of being in parts of Italy).

A little further north, the Yakhsu Valley which can tie you to Tavildara along the Northern Pamir Highway Route can be accessed through a town by the name of Khovaling.

Read more about the Yakhsu Valley, Sar i Khosar, and Childukhtaron  here .

Kulab is Tajikistan’s third-largest city The biggest attractions here are to stock up at the massive bazaar before heading out on the Pamir Highway and the Shrine to Mir Said Ali Hamadani.

Visiting Hulbuk Fortress in Pingan can be done as a day trip from Dushanbe or as a stop along your Pamir Highway adventure, as it is very close to Kulob. The main attraction is, of course, the 11th-century Hulbuk Fortress. Read up on how to get to  Hulbuk in this post here .

Trekking In Tajikistan

Tajikistan is a dream for trekkers and mountaineers. There are far too many treks to mention in this already forever-long guide. To learn more about trekking in the country check out the following posts:

• The 10 Best Treks in Tajikistan
• The Fann Mountains Guide
• Trekking The Haft Kul In Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains
• A Guide to the Lakes Loop, Fann Mountains

Crossing Chimtarga Pass

• A Guide to Bolshoi Allo Lake in the Fann Mountains
• A Quick Guide to Iskanderkul & Sarytag
• The Trek to Timur Dara Lake in the Southern Fanns
• Crossing Dukdon Pass
• Yagnob Trekking & Travel Guide
• The Lakes Loop
• The Yagnob Valley  Trekking & Travel Guide
• The Jizeu Trek, the Best Overnight Trek in the Pamirs
• How To Get To Lake Sarez
• How To Get To The Khafrazdara Valley & Grum Grijmailo Glacier
• Trekking Over Gardan i Kaftar Pass from the Rasht Valley
• The Gumbezkul Pass Hike from Pshart to Madiyan Valley
• The South Aral Peak Hike neay Karakul
• A Trek to Pik Engles Meadow

The Tajik Wakhan Valley Travel Guide

• The Pamir Highway Guide

Looking for more ideas? Read the  10 best treks in Tajikistan

Tajik Festivals

There is no shortage of festivals in Tajikistan. There are many that are only celebrated in one particular village and others that are celebrated nationwide. Here are a few to list:

• Nowruz – This is the Persian New Year that usually falls March 20-21 each year. The day is marked by celebrations all over the country.
• Sayri Guli Lola Festival – Held in spring just after Navruz typically. The festival celebrates springtime and the tulips it brings with it. The song Naqshi Kalon is commonly played and celebrations usually include choirs, traditional music, and dancing.
• Victory Day – Celebrated on May 9 each year marking the Soviet defeat of the Germans in 1946 during WWII. The largest celebration happens at Victory Park in Dushanbe.
• Ruz i Nour – Held on May 25, celebrated by Ismailis to commemorate the current Aga Khan’s first visit to the GBAO in 1992.
• Imamat Day – Celebrated by Ismailis in the Badakhshan on July 11 each year. Commemorates the anniversary of the current Aga Khan taking over the Imamat of the Ismaili.
• Roof Of The World Festival – Held in Late July in Khorog each year celebrating Pamiri traditions & culture. Features music, dancing, and artwork from across the GBAO region.
• Roof Of The World Regatta – Held at the end of July, this sailing competition takes place on lake Karakul. There are hopes to get Karakul marked the official highest navigable body of water in the world, beating out Lake Titicaca.
• At Chabysh – Held in late July to early August each year near Murghab. The festival is centered around horse games but also includes craft & art exhibits and yurts.
• Eid al Qurban – Eid al-Qurban or ‘Feast of the Sacrifice’ is a huge holiday in Tajikistan as well as the rest of the Muslim world as it marks the end of the Hajj. The dates of Eid al-Qurban do float around year to year, but the holiday is usually celebrated in mid-August to mid-September. If you are in Tajikistan on the 3 days Eid al- Qurban is celebrated, you may very well be invited by a complete stranger to their family celebrations. On my first visit to Tajikistan, I was wondering the streets of Dushanbe trying to find a good place to grab lunch when an older man walked to me and asked what time it was ( in Russian ). I responded ‘Sechas chas’ ( one o’clock ). He then told me I looked hungry and grabbed my arm and walked me down a street, down an alleyway (um, am I being kidnapped?!) that finally opened up into a courtyard. The man’s entire family that came from all over Dushanbe and the surrounding communities was there. The whole family then proceeded to feast for about the next 6 hours, setting plate after plate out that we dug into. His family members only spoke Russian and Tajik (my Russian was fairly limited and my Tajik was minimal back then) so one of his sisters called her cousin who was going to university in Khorog who spoke English and acted as a translator to fill the gaps in my Russian capabilities. This is why I love Tajiks, some of the friendliest and fun people in the world.
• Independence Day – Celebrated September 9th each year, marking Tajikistan’s 1991 Independence from the Soviet Union. Independence Day is celebrated nationwide and usually includes parades, concerts, and fireworks.
• Ruz i Mavlud – The Aga Khan’s birthday, celebrated on December 13.

Tajikistan Travel & Tour Operators

Tajik companies offering tours within the country.

• Paramount Journey  Offers some of the best itineraries around Tajikistan and staff are extremely knowledgeable.
• Pamir Guides  Ran by the friendly and kind Saidali (he’s helped me out of a number if binds in the country!). Can arrange travel to both Pamirs and Fanns.
• Unique Pamir Started in 2018 by the amazing Zhandiya (she is a wealth of knowledge on the Pamirs!), Unique Pamirs offers a number itineraries in Tajikistan as well as the Afghan Wakhan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
• Women Rockin’ Pamirs  First female guides in Tajikistan! Started by French NGO to get Tajik women into the guiding business. Offering trekking tours of the Pamirs.
• Discover The Pamirs  Specializing in trips in the Tajik Pamir and Bartang Valley, ran by the wonderful Saidmamad.
• Pamir Highway Adventure  Offers trips to both Pamir and Fanns.
• Tour De Pamir  Agency offering guided Pamir trekking.
• Sarez Travel  Specializes in Lake Sarez travel as well as the Pamirs and Fanns.
• Bartang & Sarez Tours  Specializes in the Bartang Valley including Lake Sarez and Khafrazdara Valley.
• Badakhshan Travel  Specializes in the Pamirs and GBAO.
• Discovery Tajikistan  Agency offering tours all over the country.

Western & Foreign Based Companies Offering Tours In  Tajikistan 

• G Adventures  Offering overlanding adventures that include Tajikistan, as well as itineraries continuing through or coming from other ‘Stans including Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and China. Most range from 6 to 23 days.
• Intrepid Travel  Another popular overlanding style tour company. Offering a 13 day tour from Bishkek to Dushanbe including the Pamir Highway.
• Mir Corp  US based company offering trips to Tajikistan in addition to trips they lead all over the former USSR and Balkans.
• AdvanTour  Tour company that specializes in Central Asia tours, as well as areas of the former Soviet Union.

Tajikistan Travel Budget

Traveling Tajikistan on a budget isn’t too difficult to accomplish, however, it’s not as cheap as backpacker meccas of Southeast Asia or Central America. Here are three different tiers of travel style budgets (these estimates are per person):

285 TJS/$25 USD Per Day

Staying in dorms & homestays, eating at the bazaar & chaikhanas, traveling by marshrutka & sometimes shared taxi, and trekking unguided.

570 TJS/$50 USD Per Day Per Day

Staying in decent double rooms & homestays in rural areas, eating at chaikhanas & international restaurants, traveling by shared taxi or splitting the cost of car & driver hire with other travelers, and going on an occasional guided trek.

1140 TJS/ $100 USD Per Day

Sleeping in luxury hotels in cities & homestays in rural areas, eating at international restaurants when in cities and chaikhanas when in the rural, traveling by private car hire, taking guided and fully supported treks including equipment, porters, and meals.

My personal budget when averaged out over my first trip in Tajikistan averaged  750 TJS ($81 USD)/day (including the Pamir Highway)-  I, of course, did not travel Tajikistan on the tightest budget- this was my dream destination so paying a little more to do what I truly wanted to do on my timeframe was worth it in my eyes (I did hire my own driver on the Pamir Highway). However, you can do this trip for a hell of a lot cheaper than this. Little did I know that I would return every year.

In 2017 my budget (excluding my private tour to Lake Sarez) averaged less than 180 TJS ($20 USD)/day-  On my second trip to Tajikistan, I traveled by marshrutka & shared taxi everywhere I went and stayed in hostel dorms & homestays. Plus I spent nearly two months in Tajikistan so I didn’t have much on time restraints.

Tajikistan Travel Packing List

Trekking & Camping Gear

• Inreach Explorer+ – GPS & SOS beacon, that can also send and receive text messages. Delorme/Garmin offers some good monthly plans when in use.
• Solar charger – To keep electronics charged in remote areas.
• External battery pack – Great in a pinch when batteries are dead and you’re in the middle of nowhere.
• Backpack – I recommend the  Osprey Ariel 65L backpack  for women.
• Daypack – My personal favorite is the Osprey Hikelite Plus.
• Hydration Pack – Have water available without having to reach for a water bottle.
• 3 Season tent – I use the  MSR NX Hubba-Hubba solo tent  when I’m traveling alone and love it! I also use a Mountainsmith Morrison Evo 2 tent for when I’m traveling with others.
• Sleeping bag – Useful for trekkers & cyclists. I use a  Nemo sleeping bag  cold rated to 15 F/-5 C.
• Hiking Boots – My personal favorite is the  La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX  hiking boot.
• Lightweight cooking camp set – For trekkers and cyclists that plan to prepare their own meals.
• Water Purifier – I personally use the  Katadyn water filter . Tap water in the entire country is unsafe for drinking and natural water sources can be contaminated.
• Trekking Poles – Useful for the steep scree slopes and river crossings you may encounter.
• Headlamp – Useful while camping, and for the usual power outages, you’ll have in Murghab and other rural areas.
• Sunscreen – Don’t let the cold fool you, the sun is still powerful, especially at high elevations.
• Mosquito Repellant – Recommended in the summertime especially in the Khatlon Region & around Karakul.
• Prescription & Over the counter medications
• Tajikistan and the High Pamirs  by Robert Middleton & Hue Thomas. This is a huge book, but it has so much good info on Tajikistan from the history, great-game stories, travel information, and more.
• Bradt Guide Tajikistan  by Sophie Ibbotson. Probably my top pick for guidebooks on the country.
• Central Asia  by Lonely Planet. Handy to have with you, although don’t necessarily treat it like a bible. Things rapidly change and the currency can fluctuate so it’s not always dead-on, however, the new book for 2018 just released in June. The  Central Asia Phrasebook  by Lonely Planet I found this to be a handy item for Tajik, Russian and Kyrgyz phrases, not so much for the Wakhi phrase section.
• Trekking In Tajikistan by Jan Bakker & Christine Oriol. The much anticipated and hugely updated print version of Jan’s ebook. Jan has become a friend over the years and along with Christine have led trekking expeditions in the Pamirs, Fann, and the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan.
• The Pamirs Map  by Markus Hauser
• Northern Tajikistan Map  by Gecko Maps
• Southern Tajikistan Map  by Gecko Maps
• Fann Mountains Map  by EWP (can be ordered direct from  EWP  as well)

Great Online Tajikistan Travel Resources

• Pamirs.org : A great all-around resource for all things Pamir. From trekking, visa & permit information, cycling, sport, and more.
• Trekking in the Pamirs : Jan Bakker’s website with information on many hikes all over Tajikistan (not just the Pamirs!).
• ZTDA : Zeravshan Tourism Development Association. Munira & Jamshed are very knowledgable about trekking, cultural experiences, handcrafts, and more in the Zerafshan, Fann Mountains, and Yagnob Valley. Office located in Kamoli Khujandi Park in Khujand.
• PECTA : Pamir Eco-Cultural Tourism Association. Zhendaya who is often working in the office in the City Park in Khorog is very helpful. Can arrange just about anything for the Pamir and can arrange guides and/or porters.
• Trekking In The Pamirs : Jan Bakker’s website with information on trekking in Tajikistan.
• Monk Bought Lunch : Travel blog by Stephen Lioy who has been based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for a few years now.
• Indy Guide : Making travel in the whole of Central Asia & Mongolia easier by providing the largest community marketplace of Central Asian tour operators and drivers.

Internet & Mobile

Tajikistan now offers tourist sim cards to travelers. You can get one from the Dushanbe Airport or at a Tcell or Megafone shop. The only downside is that the sim cards are only active for 10 days at a time. Once the 10 days are up you will have no service at all until you go into a shop and provide a copy of your passport, visa, and a registration slip from your accommodation (ask your hotel/hostel/etc for one).

In Dushanbe, you’ll have LTE coverage, outside it’ll range from 3G to nothing at all.

When I visited Tajikistan in 2016 social media apps like Facebook, Instagram & Twitter were all blocked, so I had to download a VPN in order to use them. When I returned in 2017 this was not the case, so know that some websites could be blocked at any time without any notice.

Tajikistan Travel Health & Safety

In general, Tajikistan is a safe country to visit. Of course, Tajikistan has had occasional incidents over the years but the vast majority of visitors depart the country unscathed.

The most common afflictions travelers encounter in Tajikistan are food poisoning/stomach upset and altitude sickness.

For tips and tricks to stay safe and healthy in Tajikistan, read my Tajikistan Safety Guide .

Any Questions On Tajikistan Travel?

Ask your Tajikistan travel questions in the comments below.

More Posts from Tajikistan:

Ishkashim Border Crossing Between Tajikistan & Afghanistan

Khujand Travel Guide + 14 Things to Do In Khujand

The Best Restaurants In Dushanbe

Fann Mountains Trekking Expedition, Tajikistan June 12-23, 2024

12 Day Pamir Highway Expedition June 25-July 6, 2024

25 Day Tajikistan Expedition June 12-July 6, 2024

Trekking The Haft Kul in Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains

Two Week Tajikistan & Uzbekistan Itinerary

Tajikistan Itinerary For 1-4 Weeks

Must-Try Tajik Food: Best Food in Tajikistan

A Guide To Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains

The 10 Best Hikes In Tajikistan

Panjakent Travel Guide + 6 Things To Do In Panjakent, Tajikistan

17 Things To Do In Tajikistan

A Beginner’s Guide To Central Asia Travel: Discover The Silk Road

Panjakent-Samarkand Border Crossing Between Tajikistan & Uzbekistan

Rasht Valley, Tajikistan

How to Cross the Shirkhan Bandar Border Crossing Between Tajikistan & Afghanistan and get an Afghan Visa on the Border

The Gardan i Kaftar Hike In Tajikistan’s Rasht Valley

A Day Trip To The Taboshar Uranium Mines in Istiklol, Tajikistan

A Day Trip to Madiyan Hot Springs, Tajikistan 

Windswept Desolation In Karakul, Tajikistan

Gumbezkul Pass Hike, Tajikistan 

Murghab Travel Guide + 4 Things To Do In Murghab, Tajikistan

The Beautiful Bolshoi Allo Lake In Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains

Sarazm Ruins, Tajikistan: The Oldest City in Central Asia

How To Get To Khafrazdara Valley, Tajikistan

Qala i Khumb Travel Guide, Tajikistan

A Giant Salt Flat in Tajikistan? Welcome to Akhkon

How To Get To Timur Dara Lake, Tajikistan

A Guide to the Shokhdara Valley, Tajikistan

How To Get To Lake Sarez, Tajikistan

Trekking to Pik Engles Meadow in Tajikistan’s Wakhan Valley

Across Tajikistan In 80 Photos

Climbing Kyzyldong in Tajikistan’s Pamir Mountains 

How To Get To Hisor Fort, Tajikistan

Crossing Kyzyl Art Pass Between Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan

Tajikistan Border Crossings

Khorog Travel Guide + 7 Things To Do In Khorog

Is Tajikistan Safe? The Short Answer: Yes

Solo female travel in tajikistan.

Tajikistan Visa Guide: How to Get a Tajik Visa

Istaravshan Travel Guide + 9 Things To Do In Istaravshan

Jizeu Trek: Tajikistan’s Best Overnight Hike In The Pamirs

10 Reasons to Visit The Pamirs

The Best Road Trips In The World

A Simple Guide To Central Asia Visas

Yagnob Valley Trekking & Travel Guide

Iskanderkul & Sarytag Travel Guide, Tajikistan

Hike The Lakes Loop in Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains

10 Things To Do In Dushanbe + Dushanbe Travel Guide

Crossing The Qolma Pass Between Tajikistan & China

The Ultimate Guide To The Pamir Highway

10 reasons to visit tajikistan.

7 Tips For Solo Female Travel In Central Asia

A 10 Day Pamir Highway Itinerary including the Wakhan Valley

Bartang Valley Guide

Crossing Dukdon Pass In Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains

South Aral Peak Hike, Tajikistan

Visiting the Sary Khosar Nature Reserve, Tajikistan 

How to Visit Childukhtaron, Tajikistan

Eastern Pamir Travel Guide

10 Off The Beaten Path Destinations For 2021

Travel with Me to China, Tajikistan and Pakistan in 2018!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tajikistan Small Group Tours

Tajikistan is a very mountainous country with a rich Persian heritage and history dating back to the times of Alexander the Great and the Silk Road. For adventure travelers who love mountains, wilderness, and homestays with locals, Tajikistan is the place to go – by foot, Jeep, or a combination of both. You can also easily combine your trip to Tajikistan with a visit to neighboring Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan.

Book your Tajikistan small-group tour with guaranteed departures. Explore the popular travel highlights of Tajikistan or combine with sightseeing tours in other Central Asian countries.

Cultural Tours

Best of Tajikistan Tour

22 Aug 2024

Price from:

$2320

Pamir Expedition

$3970

Active Adventures

Tajikistan Trekking Tour

15 Jul 2024

$2390

Best of Central Asia Tour - Summer

16 Jun 2024

$5450

Travel Highlights of Tajikistan

Tajikistan is the smallest country in Central Asia, but it is home to the region’s highest mountain peak, Ismoil Somoni (7495 meters), and the largest glacier outside the polar regions – Fedchenko Glacier. Over 50% of Tajik territory lies at 3000 meters or more above sea level. Cities like Dushanbe, Khujand, and Penjikent reveal to travelers the rich Persian heritage of the country. Locals once called the Pamir mountain range the “Roof of the World,’ and later during the period of intrigue called the Great Game – Western explorers, and British spies adopted this term. The Pamir Highway, or simply M41, is the second-highest highway in the world and reaches up to 4,655 meters. The views and scenery throughout the entire journey are simply unbelievable. Driving on this road one can experience the long journeys of the Silk Road merchants, imagine the spies of the Great Game and spend nights in simple homestays in villages that were built during Soviet times. Another highlight of Tajikistan is to go trekking in the Fann mountains , passing by beautiful mountain lakes, one of which is named after Alexander the Great, who once reached this point. The Tajik national language is of Persian origins and Tajiks are very proud of their rich Persian literary heritage. If you would like to know more about Tajikistan’s travel highlights have a look at our pick of top places to see in Tajikistan .

At a glance

• Population:
• Time zones:
• Somoni (TJS)
• Continental
• Mountains Highest point: Ismoil Somoni Peak 7,495m
• Dialing code:
• Electricity:
• 220V, 50Hz, European plug

Private Tour Enquiry

Tajikistan in photos.

Travel information

Money & costs.

Currency, ATMs, budgets and more

Tips for flawless journey

Entry & exit

Visa, permits, registration and customs matters

Best Time to Go

See when the weather is best for your trip

Keep fit and well during your trip

MONEY & COSTS:

The Tajik currency is called the Somoni (TJS). In the capital Dushanbe there are a few ATMs that you’ll find in shopping malls, supermarkets, or on the main streets, but most of them accept only Visa cards. Outside of Dushanbe, we don’t recommend relying on ATMs as there are only a few of them and they may run out of money or have very small withdrawal limits. We recommend bringing cash in new USD banknotes of denominations of at least 20 USD. There are many exchange offices, some working 24/7. Small and old-looking bank notes are harder to exchange. Paying directly with a credit card is still not possible in most places, except for a few high-end restaurants and hotels. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during guided trips to Central Asia.

The political situation in the country has been calm in recent years and there are no indications of upcoming tensions, except for the border conflict with Kyrgyzstan in the Fergana valley - we do not visit this area on our tours. The border with Kyrgyzstan is closed due to political tensions and it is not clear when it will open again. The border with Afghanistan is closed as well. Guests and locals are treated with respect and Tajikistan can be regarded as a safe destination for travelers. That being said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, avoid dark streets at night and only take official taxi rides. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Tajik partners and we closely monitor political events.

ENTRY & EXIT:

Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Tajikistan for a period of up to 30 days. A notable exception is the United Kingdom - UK citizens need to apply for an electronic visa to visit Tajikistan. You can get the visa yourself through the official government website for 30 USD per person: https://www.evisa.tj/. If you book a trip to Tajikistan with us we will get the visa for you. Please note, if you are planning to visit the Pamir region, you need a GBAO permit, which you can purchase online, together with the eVisa, for an additional fee of USD 20. If you book a tour with us, we can get the GBAO permit for you. As soon as we receive the deposit payment for your tour, we will confirm your booking and send you an email with important pre-departure information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information on customs regulations for Tajikistan.

BEST TIME TO GO:

The climate of Tajikistan is continental and dry across most of the country, including the largest cities. In regions situated at relatively low altitudes, such as the capital Dushanbe, the south of Tajikistan around Kulob, and the Khujand region, summers are very hot with day temperatures between 30° and 40° Celsius. However, most of the country is situated at high altitudes, where temperatures are in the mid-20s or less during the summer. If you visit the Fann or Pamir Mountains, make sure to bring some warm clothes, as it can get very cold at night at elevations of more than 3000 meters. The best season to visit Tajikistan is during summer when it's possible to go to the mountains.

Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered, or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing your teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for Tajikistan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Tajikistan are basic at best. Please note: there is a small risk of malaria in the south of Tajikistan by the borders with Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. None of our tours visit this region.

FAQs on Tajikistan

How does communication work during my travel to Kyrgyzstan?

WIFI Most of the hotels and hostels in cities provide free Wi-Fi access. In rural areas, homestays generally have no internet access.

Local Sim card

Only residents of Tajikistan may purchase sim cards in Tajikistan.

In the case of emergency your friends/family can call us and we will pass their message to you. Please take note of the 24/7 emergency number indicated in your travel documents.

What language do people speak in Tajikistan?

Tajik is the official languages of Tajikistan and is derived from Persian. Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Region (“Pamirs”) has different Pamiri dialects as well as Kyrgyz as a minority language in the Eastern part of the Pamir. People will understand Russian mostly in larger cities. All our guides speak English, but overall in Tajikistan very few people understand or speak English.

Is it easy to get in contact with locals in Tajikistan?

Local population is friendly and hospitable, but not very sociable. You will be staying at guesthouses and yurts that belong to local families. You can bring a postcard with you and show where you come from and try to make simple conversations. If you are interested in getting in touch with locals we recommend you to familiarize yourself with social dos and do nots as explained in our blog article . Our guides are trained to be cultural mediators and will be happy to facilitate conversations with your hosts and translate for you.

What is the religion in Tajikistan?

Tajikistan is a secular state and population is predominantly Muslim. Religion is practiced but quite moderate. Pamiri people are Shia Ismailiten, branch of Islam whose main religious leader is Aga-Khan. There are still influences from Zoroastrianism and Sufism, thus people are quite superstitious.

How do I need to dress in Tajikistan?

In Tajikistan, you will see bright colored national dresses on women and modern European style clothing on men. Tajik people love their national clothes but tolerate well how tourists are dressed. We still recommend to women to cover shoulders and not wearing any clothes that could be considered offensive. When visiting Mosques, you will need to wear long pants and women need to cover their shoulders and their hair with a veil.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

No, it is not and we recommend you to drink bottled water, use filter or boil it. Moreover, please do not use tap water for brushing teeth and order your drinks without ice.

Is there vegetarian food in Tajikistan?

The national dish in Tajikistan called Kurutob is vegetarian. It is made of bread pieces, fresh tomatoes and onions. Tajikistan eats lot of soup and it will contain small piece of meat. Central Asia is generally not an ideal place for vegetarians, however you can order side dish such as plain rice, mashed potatoes and in some places, even grilled vegetables. Most of the national dishes in cafes are made with meat, predominantly mutton. In guesthouses and yurt stays you need to talk to the guide so he can arrange something. In some cases, you can also alter some meals with quick noodles that can be bought in stores. More information of food in Central Asia you can find here.

Is there coffee in Tajikistan?

Tajikistan has couple of coffee places, however outside the capital the best coffee you can get is an instant coffee, if you are coffee-lover we recommend taking little Italian coffee machine.

How much to tip in Tajikistan?

In cafes, service of 10-15% is usually included on the bill, however this does not go directly to the waiter, he gets only salary. Usually the amount is rounded up and If you are very content with the service you can leave some tip. Guides and guesthouses do not expect tips from you, if you are happy with their services provided they will certainly appreciate a little tip.

What are toilets like in Tajikistan?

Most of the hotels and hostels are clean and have western standard toilets with shower. Guesthouses differ in quality of facilities and services offered from place to place, occasionally it will have shared shower and a western toilet. Most of the guesthouses located in Pamirs do not have shower and western style toilet. Toilets there are little self-made cabins with a hole on the ground. It is always handy to have roll of a toilet paper, hand sanitizer and a torch in rural areas.

Will I be able to do my laundry in Tajikistan?

The most expensive services for laundry is in hotels, since they charge 1-3$ per laundry item. Hostel laundries are cheap and charge per machine load. In guesthouses, it is not always available and should be discussed there. In Pamirs or during camping we recommend you to use bio-degradable wash.

What happens in emergency situations during my trip?

Your safety is the first priority for Kalpak Travel, in organizing our tours we discuss every detail to make sure that your tour runs smoothly and you will have a wonderful experience with us. Our guides are well trained to deal with emergency situations and we will get you help as quickly as possible. In case of serious illness, we will help you to get proper medical assistance, do everything possible to get you to your homeland and inform your family. To join our tours, you are required to have travel insurance. Please make sure it fully covers medical emergencies including repatriation costs.

How are the general road conditions and transport in Tajikistan?

Pamir highway is the second highest highway in the world and it is a tough road. The roads in suburbs and in villages can be in poor condition or not paved at all. Tajikistan is highly mountainous land with high passes and many passes have rugged roads. Not all roads have guard rails and proper signs. Our drivers are experienced and professional drivers who can drive you safely in Tajikistan. All our vehicles are well maintained, four-wheel drive, and checked before each departure.

Articles on Tajikistan

Dushanbe – top places to see, tajikistan – top places to see, tajikistan trekking, pamir highway travel, tajikistan visa information, best time to visit tajikistan.

Travel Information & Tips

Languages in Central Asia

Bulunkul, pamir, pamir houses, customer review.

The experience was phenomenal. We visited and stayed in a number of authentic Tajik villages where I was able to see first hand the unique Tajik culture. The locals were exceptionally welcoming, and the scenery was breathtaking. The Kalpak Travel team went out of their way to make sure I was safe, comfortable, and happy throughout my trip. I couldn't recommend this company enough to anyone looking to visit the stans.

I did a combination of mountain biking and trekking in the Fann mountains in Tajikistan. Mind you, Kalpak uses local resources and is responsible tourism. I really recommend Kalpak Travel! They make astonishing trips to Central Asia and are professional, serious and responsible.

I landed in Tajikistan in the very early hours and was greeted by my driver and guide. They were both fantastic and went above and beyond to ensure an exceptional time. By the way, Tajikistan is jaw-droopingly gorgeous. Go there now before tourism invades. It's an untouched marvel.

This was the best tour I have taken. Trekking through the Fann Mountains is an amazing way to experience this beautiful region. Rahim was an exceptional guide and Luca from Kalpak went over and beyond when a couple of unforeseen changes came up. They really put the traveler's interest first and can't recommend them enough!

Tajikistan Local Travel Agency | Pyala Travel

Pyala travel offers authentic, individual tajikistan travel trips, customized for you by local operators. choose a module, make it your own and journey through tajikistan.

Connect directly to your Tajikistan Travel agent

No results.

100% tailor made

Our selected local agent customizes your tour to your wishes.

Connect directly

to local travel agencies and skip the middleman.

Secure bookings

Bookings and payments are done securely through our head office in the Netherlands.

Explore Tajikistan the way we do!

Sign up for our newsletter.

Your e-mail adress:

You signed up succesfully!

your signing up failed

Cookies and privacy

The website of Pyala Travel makes use of cookies. These cookies are divided in the following categories: functional, analytic, advertising and Social Media Cookies.

Cookie policy Pyala Travel Privacy policy

Social media

Visit also:

Saudi arabia.

Qualified agents Insolvency Security Best Price Personal Contact

[email protected]

Copyright 2021 - Pyala Travel | Webdevelopment - Studio Projectie B.V.

RJ Travel LLC » Travel Agency & Tour Operator

Re-writing the concept of tourism and taking you on adventure tours to Iraq, Morocco, Afghanistan, Yemen, Persia, Lebanon, Saudi, Libya, Uzbekistan.

• Adventure tours
• Travel Destinations

Tours in Tajikistan

Table of Contents

Our choices of tours in Tajikistan are divided into thematic features such as Dushanbe’s capital city, the Fann mountains, Garmchashma Hot Spring, the Hissar fortress, and the Pamir Highway mountain experience.

Tajikistan is a fantastic travel destination with exciting and engaging cultural elements. It has a rich history, remarkable architecture, and natural wonders spread across a tiny part of Central Asia. Soaked in history, amazing landscapes, and absorbing cultural heritage, Tajikistan is a country often forgotten by many travelers. Nevertheless, Tajikistan has everything to impress those pursuing adventure travel packages. The exotic Tajikistan culture can be experienced with our carefully selected Tajikistan tours to its vast variety of monuments and cities, mixed landscapes, and very welcoming population.

Tajikistan is a country located in Central Asia .

It is easy touring Tajikistan mainly because of its geographic location.

Choosing and booking a tour of Tajikistan can be complicated because most people don’t understand the country’s geographic proportions.

Join one of our Tajikistan packages and travel the region safely with our expertise.

Our Tajikistan excursions have one option for departure. You can choose the city of Dushanbe as your arrival city for our Tajikistan tours.

Tajikistan tour package options are extensive since the country is full of monuments and things to do.

Visiting the top Tajikistan tourist places will delight those who enjoy ancient archaeological sites, history, religion, stunning nature, and friendly smiles.

Your vacation in the Tajikistan package will be unforgettable because of the region’s unique architecture, exotic destinations, and generous people.

The opportunity of being a Tajikistan tour operator gives us great joy since we’re very proud of promoting this beautiful and unique destination.

We feel happy to provide unforgettable Tajikistan travel experiences that will create long-lasting memories.

Tajikistan’s practical information

• Population: 9 million people.
• Area: 55,100 sq. km. 1.7 times smaller than the size of the U.K.
• Land borders: Uzbekistan (1332,9 km), Kyrgyzstan (about 987 km), Afghanistan (1332,9 km), China (494,95 km).
• Length of coastline: landlocked.
• Capital city: Dushanbe (0.9 million people).
• Languages: Tajik (national), Russian (interethnic).
• Electricity/Plug Type : 220 V / 50 Hz / plug types: C, F

Tajikistan Private Tours from Dushanbe

Start : Dushanbe | Time of year : January to December | Tour type : Private

13-day travel to Tajikistan tour

Tajikistan is a country in Central Asia known for its rugged mountains, ancient cities, and rich cultural heritage. This 13-day Tajikistan tour allows you to…

7-day Pamir highway tour express – Bishkek to Dushanbe via Wakhan

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of Central Asia, the Pamir Highway road trip offers a lifetime experience. Travel from Bishkek to Dushanbe on…

Tajikistan Group Tours from Dushanbe

Start : Dushanbe | Time of year : January to December | Tour type : Join a Group

Highlights of Tajikistan

Highlights of the most Beautiful Places in Tajikistan :

Sarez Lake, Wall of Great Tajik Writers, Yamchun Fort, Hulbuk Fortress, Tomb of Rudaki, Tajikistan Lenin Statue, Shorbulak Observatory, Ancient Panjakent, Anzob Tunnel, Hisor Fort, Dushanbe Flagpole.

Travel in Tajikistan FAQ

Tajikistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, known for its mountainous terrain, rich culture, and history. It is a destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. To make the most of your trip to Tajikistan, it is important to understand the country’s culture, customs, and climate. Here are some key things to know about traveling to Tajikistan.

Are these trips private tours?

Yes, these Tajikistan tours are made so that only you, your family, and your friends will travel together. You will not be traveling to Tajikistan along with people you never met. We also have group tours available if you’re interested.

How much is the price of monument tickets in Tajikistan?

The prices of monument and museum entrances in Tajikistan, taking into consideration that you’re interested in one of our tours, is not really relevant. All our tours include entrance tickets for the most famous attractions. So you don’t have to worry about this matter.

What is the capital city of Tajikistan?

The capital of Tajikistan is Dushanbe, with a population of approximately 800.000 people.

Is Tajikistan a touristic country?

Tajikistan is one of the world’s most unique countries regarding historical, natural, and cultural heritage. Being at the junction of different cultures, the country possesses a rich history reflecting the number of Tajikistan tourist attractions and monuments spread throughout the nation’s massive size within its region.

While you visit Tajikistan, you can indulge in thousand-year-old ancient monuments of all types and shapes.

There are 2 properties inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in Tajikistan: The proto-urban Site of Sarazm, and Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs).

In addition to its inscribed  UNESCO sites in Tajikistan , there is a list of more than 17 properties on its tentative list: Mausoleum of “Amir Khamza Khasti Podshoh, The Site of Ancient Town of Takhti-Sangin, The Site of Ancient Town of Baitudasht IV, Mausoleum of “Khoja Mashkhad, Buddhistic cloister of Ajina-Tepa, Mausoleum of “Hodja Nashron, The Site of Ancient Town of Pyanjekent, Mausoleum of “Mukhammad Bashor, The Site of Ancient Town of Shahristan (Kahkakha), Fann mountains, Tigrovaya Balka, Zakaznik Kusavlisay, State reserve Dashti Djum, Zorkul State Reserve, Silk Roads Sites in Tajikistan, Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor, Khulbuk – the capital of ancient Khuttal. The perfect example of Azerbaijan’s history can be seen when choosing your itinerary.

As Tajikistan tour operators, we fully design our packages to fulfill all your needs. We know the country by heart and provide the best services, partners, guides, and accommodations we personally visited and examined.

How to get a Tajikistan tourist visa?

Tajikistan launched a Tajikistan e-Visa Application system that can be used at any border crossing. Holders of passports of 121 countries can obtain an entry e-Visa online for US$30 prior to arrival. Most countries can get a  Tajikistan E-visa .

When is the best time to visit Tajikistan?

The best time to visit Tajikistan is between June and September, when the weather is warm and dry, making it easier to explore the great outdoors. Tajikistan has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. It is important to pack warm clothing and layers, as temperatures can drop significantly at night, even in the summer.

Why is Tajikistan famous?

Tajikistan is famous for its history and culture. One of the best ways to experience this is by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ancient city of Penjikent, one of the most important archaeological sites in Central Asia, which offers a glimpse into the ancient Sogdian civilization. Another important historical site is Khujand, the second largest city in the country, which offers a rich history and culture.

The country is also home to some of the most spectacular natural wonders, such as the Fann Mountains, the Iskanderkul lake, and the Seven lakes. The Fann Mountains are known for their diverse landscapes and offer the chance to explore the mountain’s rugged terrain and see the beautiful alpine lakes and glaciers. Iskanderkul lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The Seven lakes are located in the mountains and offer the chance to explore the beautiful alpine lakes and glaciers.

Tajikistan tourist attractions

Images of Tajikistan with the most important tourist attractions.

Tajikistan tour packages

Our tajikistan images on pinterest.

Security Questions Emerge as First Charges Are Filed in Russia Attack

Russian officials formally charged four men in the attack, which killed at least 137 people at a Moscow-area concert hall on Friday. American officials blamed a branch of the Islamic State.

• Share full article

• A memorial outside the Crocus City Hall concert venue. Maxim Shemetov/Reuters
• People waiting to visit a memorial at Crocus City Hall. Maxim Shemetov/Reuters
• Leaving flowers outside the site of the attack. Nanna Heitmann for The New York Times
• Mourners at a memorial in St. Petersburg, Russia. Anton Vaganov/Reuters
• Firefighters and rescuers clearing debris after the deadly attack. Reuters
• Police officers outside the Basmanny District Court in Moscow. Alexander Zemlianichenko/Associated Press
• People waited to donate blood near Crocus City Hall on Saturday. Nanna Heitmann for The New York Times
• A flag flying at half-staff as policemen guard the closed entrance to Red Square in Moscow. Sergei Ilnitsky/EPA, via Shutterstock
• A billboard on Saturday noted the date of the concert hall attack in Moscow. Nanna Heitmann for The New York Times
• The Crocus City Hall concert venue in suburban Moscow after it was attacked Friday night. Nanna Heitmann for The New York Times

Paul Sonne and Neil MacFarquhar

Here’s what to know about the attack.

Russian officials have brought charges against four men they said were responsible for a fiery terrorist attack on a suburban Moscow concert venue that killed at least 137 people last week.

Four men were arraigned late Sunday night on terrorism charges in the attack at Crocus City Hall, just outside the Russian capital. A court spokesman identified them as Dalerjon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni and Muhammadsobir Fayzov, a 19-year-old who appeared in court in a wheelchair, according to Russian media outlets.

Mr. Mirzoyev, Mr. Rachabalizoda and Mr. Fariduni told the court they were from Tajikistan, and Russian media outlets reported that Mr. Fayzov was also from the Central Asian nation. All four had visible injuries; Mr. Rachabalizoda’s head was heavily bandaged and Mr. Fayzov had to be wheeled in and out of the courtroom.

Earlier Sunday — which had been declared a national day of mourning — people visited the scene of the attack to lay flowers and light candles at a memorial. Scores of people waited in a long line under a gray sky, many clutching red bouquets, as efforts were underway inside to dismantle the remains of the stage. Flags were lowered to half-staff at buildings across the country, and state media released a video of President Vladimir V. Putin lighting a memorial candle in a church.

Russia’s Investigative Committee, a top law-enforcement body, said on Sunday that 137 bodies had been recovered from the charred premises, including those of three children. It said that 62 victims had been identified so far and that genetic testing was underway to identify the rest.

There are two primary narratives about the violence on Friday night, Russia’s deadliest terrorist attack in 20 years . American officials say it was the work of Islamic State Khorasan, or ISIS-K, an Islamic State offshoot that has been active in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran . But on Saturday, Mr. Putin did not mention ISIS in his first public remarks on the tragedy , and hinted at the possible involvement of Ukraine, which has issued a strong denial .

Here’s what to know:

The search for survivors ended on Saturday, as details about the victims began to emerge . Many of the more than 100 people wounded in the attack were in critical condition. The search for bodies continues.

As Russia mourned, the war in Ukraine continued. Ukraine’s air force said it had shot down 43 out of 57 Russian missiles and drones launched overnight against different parts of the country. And Ukraine’s military said it had struck two large landing ships that were part of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. There was no immediate comment from Russia’s Defense Ministry.

Piknik, the Russian rock band that was to play a sold-out concert at the suburban venue on the night it was attacked and burned to rubble, now finds itself at the center of the tragedy .

The attack dealt a political blow to Mr. Putin , a leader for whom national security is paramount.

Neil MacFarquhar

Russia charges four people with terrorism after attack on concert hall.

The four men suspected of carrying out a bloody attack on a concert hall near Moscow, killing at least 137 people, were arraigned in a district court late Sunday and charged with committing a terrorist act.

The four, who were from Tajikistan but worked as migrant laborers in Russia, were remanded in custody until May 22, according to state and independent media outlets reporting from the proceedings, at Basmanny District Court. They face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The press service of the court only announced that the first two defendants, Dalerjon B. Mirzoyev and Saidakrami M. Rachalbalizoda, pleaded guilty to the charges. It did not specify any plea from the other two, Mediazona, an independent news outlet, reported.

The men looked severely battered and injured as each of them was brought into the courtroom separately. Videos of them being tortured and beaten while under interrogation circulated widely on Russian social media.

Muhammadsobir Z. Fayzov, a 19-year-old barber and the youngest of the men charged, was rolled into the courtroom from a hospital emergency room on a tall, orange wheelchair, attended by a doctor, the reports said. He sat propped up in the wheelchair inside the glass cage for defendants, wearing a catheter and an open hospital gown with his chest partially exposed. Often speaking in Tajik through a translator, he answered questions about his biography quietly and stammered, according to Mediazona.

Mr. Rachabalizoda, 30, had a large bandage hanging off the right side of his head where interrogators had sliced off a part of his ear and forced it into his mouth, the reports said, with the cutting captured in a video that spread online.

The judge allowed the press to witness only parts of the hearings, citing concerns that sensitive details about the investigation might be revealed or the lives of court workers put at risk. It is not an unusual ruling in Russia.

Russia’s Federal Security Services announced on Saturday that 11 people had been detained, including the four charged men, who were arrested after the car they were fleeing in was intercepted by the authorities 230 miles southwest of Moscow.

In the attack, on Friday night, four gunmen opened fire inside the hall just as a rock concert by the group Piknik was due to start. They also set off explosive devices that ignited the building and eventually caused its roof to collapse. Aside from the dead, there were 182 injured, and more than 100 remain hospitalized, according to the regional health ministry.

President Vladimir V. Putin used the fact that the highway where the men were detained leads to Ukraine to suggest that the attack was somehow linked to Ukraine’s war effort. But the United States has said repeatedly that the attack was the work of an extremist jihadi organization, the Islamic State, which claimed responsibility.

The first charged, Mr. Mirzoyev, who had a black eye and cuts and bruises all over his face, leaned for support against the glass wall of the court cage as the charge against him was read. Mr. Mirzoyev, 32, has four children and had a temporary residence permit in the southern Siberian city of Novosibirsk, but it had expired, the reports said.

Mr. Rachabalizoda, married with a child, said he was legally registered in Russia but did not remember where.

The fourth man charged, Shamsidin Fariduni, 25, married with an 8-month-old baby, worked in a factory producing parquet in the Russian city of Podolsk, just southwest of Moscow. He had also worked as a handyman in Krasnogorsk, the Moscow suburb where the attack took place at Crocus City Hall, at a concert venue within a sprawling shopping complex just outside the Moscow city limits.

The Islamic State has been able to recruit hundreds of adherents among migrant laborers from Central Asia in Russia who are often angry about the discrimination they frequently face.

Alina Lobzina , Paul Sonne and Milana Mazaeva contributed reporting.

Maps and Diagrams of the Moscow Concert Hall Attack

The mass shooting and arson at a suburban Moscow concert venue, which killed more than 130, were attributed by U.S. officials to members of a branch of the Islamic State.

Advertisement

The other two men charged in the attack are Shamsidin Fariduni, 26, and 19-year-old Muhammadsobir Fayzov, who appeared in court in a wheelchair. All four men who've been charged have been identified by a court spokesman on Telegram. They appeared separately before a judge on charges of committing a terrorist act and were remanded in custody until May 22.

Russian authorities have begun naming the suspects in the attack. The first two suspects have been identified as Dalerjon Mirzoyev and Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, according to state news agency RIA Novosti, which is reporting from the court. Both have been charged with committing a terrorist act and face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

RIA reported that Mirzoyev is a 32-year-old from Tajikistan who had an expired three-month permit to be in the southern Russian city of Novosibirsk. Less information was immediately released about Rachabalizoda, but state media reports said he was born in 1994.

Valerie Hopkins and Alina Lobzina

Concertgoers describe screams, smoke and stares of shock in a night of horror.

Once they heard the shots ring out on Friday night at Crocus City Hall, Efim Fidrya and his wife ran down to the building’s basement and hid with three others in a bathroom.

They listened as the gunfire began and thousands of people who had come to a sold-out rock concert on Moscow’s outskirts began screaming and trying to flee.

Horrified and scared, Mr. Fidrya did the only thing he could think to do: He held on tight to the bathroom door, which didn’t lock, trying to protect the group in case the assailants came to find them.

“While we could hear shooting and screaming, I stood the whole time holding the bathroom door shut,” Mr. Fidrya, an academic, said in a phone interview from Moscow. “The others were standing in the corner so that if someone started shooting through the door, they wouldn’t be in the line of fire.”

They didn’t know it then, but they were sheltering from what became Russia’s deadliest terror attack in two decades, after four gunmen had entered the popular concert venue and began shooting rapid-fire weapons.

Their story is one of many harrowing accounts that have emerged in the days since the attack, which killed at least 137 people. More than 100 injured people are hospitalized, some in critical condition, health officials said.

Mr. Fidrya’s small group waited and waited, but the attackers had started a fire in the complex and it was spreading. Mr. Fidrya’s wife, Olga, showed everyone how to wet their T-shirts and hold them to their faces so they could breathe without inhaling toxic smoke.

And then a second round of shots rang out.

After about half an hour, it was so smoky that Mr. Fidrya, 42, thought even the assailants must have left. As he ventured out, he saw the body of a dead woman lying by the escalator. Later he saw the body of another woman who had been killed in the carnage, her distraught husband standing over her.

His group went down into the parking garage and eventually emerged on the street as the emergency service workers were carrying victims from the building.

The Islamic State, through its news agency, claimed responsibility for the attack. U.S. officials said the assailants were believed to be part of ISIS-K, an Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan. On Saturday, Russia’s Federal Security Services announced that 11 people had been detained, including four who were arrested after the car they were fleeing in was intercepted by authorities 230 miles southwest of Moscow.

In interviews, survivors described how what started as a typical Friday night out devolved into a scene of panic and terror. The venue, which seated 6,200 people, had been sold out for a show by a veteran Russian band called Piknik.

Video footage from the scene shows the assailants shooting at the entrance to the concert venue, part of a sprawling, upscale complex of buildings that also includes a shopping mall and multiple exhibition halls. They then moved into the concert hall, where they sprayed gunfire as well, videos show.

The attackers also set the building on fire using a combination of explosives and flammable liquid, Russian authorities said.

Like the Fidryas, Tatyana Farafontova initially thought the sound of the shooting was part of the show.

“Five minutes before the show was supposed to start, we heard these dull claps,” she wrote on her VK social media page. Ms. Farafontova, 38, said in a direct message on Saturday that she was still in shock and was slurring her speech after the attack.

Then the claps got closer and someone shouted that there were attackers shooting. She scrambled onto the stage with the assistance of her husband.

“At the moment when we climbed onto the stage, three people entered the hall with machine guns,” she wrote in her VK account. “They shot at everything that moved. My husband from the stage saw bluish smoke filling the hall.”

Ms. Farafontova said that being on the center of the stage made her feel exposed and targeted.

“It felt as if they were poking me in the back with the muzzle of a machine gun,” she wrote, adding, “I could feel the breath of death right behind my shoulders.”

She crawled under the curtain and eventually followed the musicians, who had already started to flee, and ran as far as she could from the building.

Up on the balcony, Aleksandr Pyankov and his wife, Anna, heard the gunshots and lay on the floor for some time before joining others who jumped up and began running to the exit.

As they fled, they encountered a woman who had slumped down on an escalator and was blocking their route. She was alive but staring blankly ahead, Mr. Pyankov, a publishing executive, said. He told her to keep running, but then turned his head and saw what she was staring at.

“I started to look,” Mr. Pyankov, 51, said in a telephone interview. “And first I saw a murdered woman sitting on the sofa, and there was a young man lying next to her. I looked around and there were groups of bodies.”

It all happened in a matter of seconds, he said, and he tried to keep fleeing.

“The worst thing is that in this situation you’re not running away from the shooting, but toward it,” he said. “Because it was already clear that there would be a fire there, we know how it would burn. And you’re just running to figure out where else to run.”

Anastasiya Volkova lost both her parents in the attack. She told 5 TV, a state channel, that she had missed a call from her mother on Friday night at around the time of the assault. When she called back, there was no response, Ms. Volkova said.

“I couldn’t answer the phone. I didn’t hear the call,” Ms. Volkova told the broadcaster, adding that her mother had been “really looking forward to this concert.”

Accounts emerging about others who died in the assault also told tales of eager concertgoers who had made special efforts to get to the show.

Irina Okisheva and her husband, Pavel Okishev, traveled hundreds of miles — making their way from Kirov, northeast of Moscow. Mr. Okishev had received the tickets as an early birthday present, the newspaper Komsomolsaya Pravda reported. He did not live to celebrate his 35th birthday, which is this week. Both he and his wife died in the attack.

And Alexander Baklemyshev, 51, had long dreamed about seeing Piknik , a heritage rock band that was playing the first of two sold-out concerts accompanied by a symphony orchestra.

Mr. Baklemyshev’s son told local media that his father had traveled solo from his hometown of Satka, some 1,000 miles east of Moscow, for the concert.

His son, Maksim, told the Russian news outlet MSK1 that his father had sent him a video of the concert hall before the attack. That was the last he had heard from him.

“There was no last conversation,” his son said. “All that was left is the video, and nothing more.”

Mr. Fidrya said he felt grateful to be alive, and that four of the assailants had been captured.

“Now there is confidence that the crime will be solved and those non-humans who organized and carried it out will be punished,” he said. “This really helps a lot.”

But images of the victims remain seared in his memory, in particular that of the husband, his back burned from the fire, standing over his dead wife outside the building as medics attended to the wounded.

The man was talking to Mr. Fidrya’s wife, Olga, saying they were from the city of Tver northwest of Moscow, had been together for 12 years and had three children.

“For us it’s all over, by and large,” Mr. Fidrya wrote in a message after the phone interview. “But for that guy who stood over the body of his wife, and for their three children, the worst is yet to come. And there are so many people like him there.”

Oleg Matsnev contributed reporting.

Russia’s Investigative Committee, a top law enforcement agency, released video of suspects being led, blindfolded, into its headquarters on Sunday. The agency said the investigation at the scene of the attack was continuing.

Ivan Nechepurenko

As questions about security failures swirl, Russian state media focus on a different narrative.

As Russia mourned the victims of the worst terrorist attack in the Moscow area in more than two decades on Sunday, differing narratives about the attack were spreading and taking hold in the country.

The attack late Friday on a concert hall near Moscow left at least 137 people dead and represented a significant security failure for the Kremlin. While the Russian authorities said they had arrested the four attackers, speculation over their identities and motivations was widespread. There also were open questions about whether Russia had adequately followed up on a warning from the United States about the threat of such an attack, and about how specific that warning was.

But most Russian commentators and state media devoted little time to those issues, instead pointing fingers elsewhere. The reaction reflected in part the state of anxiety that Russia has been living in since the start of the war in Ukraine, with propaganda outlets competing to advance one narrative, conspiracy theory or bit of speculation after another.

Many nationalist commentators and ultraconservative hawks on Sunday continued to push the idea that Ukraine was the obvious culprit, despite a claim of responsibility and mounting evidence that a branch of the Islamic State was responsible.

Hard-line anti-Kremlin activists speaking from abroad, meanwhile, speculated that the Russian state could have orchestrated the attack so that it could blame Ukraine or further tighten the screws inside the country.

Some lawmakers in Parliament argued that the government needed to get tough on migrants, after the authorities said that the four assailants were foreign citizens. Lawmakers also pledged to discuss whether capital punishment should be introduced in Russia.

“Different political forces are starting to use” the attack, said Aleksei Venediktov, a Russian journalist and commentator and the former editor of the influential Ekho Moskvy radio station. “The Kremlin, most of all,” he said in an interview broadcast on YouTube. “But others too, who say that it was all organized by the Kremlin.”

Some nationalist activists said that such a sense of disorientation could have been the attackers’ ultimate goal.

Yegor S. Kholmogorov, a Russian nationalist commentator, wrote in his blog on the Telegram messaging app that Russian society was “strongly united by the war and President Vladimir V. Putin’s victory in the election” before the attack.

But after the tragedy, he lamented on Sunday, Russia had turned into a “society that is split.”

Mr. Putin has done little to clear things up. On Saturday, he vowed to inflict “fair and inevitable” punishment on both the terrorists and the unknown forces behind them. Mr. Putin hinted that Ukraine was tied to the tragedy but stopped short of directly laying blame.

But many of Mr. Putin’s subordinates and public supporters appeared to have made up their minds about who was responsible.

Sergei A. Markov, a pro-Kremlin analyst who often appears on Russian state television, wrote in a post on Telegram that Russia must work at isolating the Ukrainian leadership by “connecting the terrorist act not with ISIS, but with the Ukrainian government as much as possible.”

Russian state news outlets barely mentioned the claim of responsibility made by ISIS. United States officials have said the atrocity was the work of Islamic State Khorasan, or ISIS-K, an offshoot of the group that has been active in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran.

Maria V. Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said on Sunday that the West was pointing at ISIS in order to shift the blame away from Ukraine.

Russia has not presented any evidence of Ukraine’s involvement in the attack. Ukrainian officials have ridiculed the Russian accusations, and U.S. officials also have said there is no indication Kyiv played any role.

“There is no, whatsoever, any evidence — and, in fact, what we know to be the case is that ISIS-K is actually by all accounts responsible for what happened,” Vice President Kamala Harris said Sunday when asked on ABC’s “This Week” whether the United States had evidence that Ukraine was connected to the concert hall attack.

Some commentators did criticize Russian security services for failing to prevent the tragedy. On Saturday, the state news agency Tass reported , citing a source in the Russian special services, that they had received a warning from the United States but that it was “broad, without any concrete information.”

Maggie Astor

Vice President Kamala Harris was asked on ABC’s “This Week” whether the United States had any evidence to back up Vladimir Putin’s hints that Ukraine was connected to the concert hall attack. “No,” she said. “There is no, whatsoever, any evidence — and, in fact, what we know to be the case is that ISIS-K is actually by all accounts responsible for what happened.”

Russia’s Investigative Committee, a top law enforcement agency, said 137 bodies have been recovered from the site of the attack, including those of three children. It said 62 victims had been identified and that genetic testing was being carried out on the remaining bodies to establish identities.

Jason Horowitz

Pope Francis offered prayers today “to the victims of the vile terrorist attack carried out the other night in Moscow,” telling the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Rome for Palm Sunday Mass that he hoped God would comfort and bring peace to their families and “convert the hearts of those who plan, organize and implement these unhuman acts.’”

He also prayed for all those suffering because of war: “Especially I think of martyred Ukraine, where many people find themselves without electricity because of the intense attacks against infrastructure, which, beyond causing death and suffering, bring about the risk of a human catastrophe of even greater dimensions."

Search and rescue workers are dismantling the remains of the stage at Crocus City Hall so that a giant crane can be brought in to clear debris from the collapse of the roof, the regional governor, Andrei Vorobyov, said on Telegram. Late last night, he said 133 bodies had been recovered from the scene of the attack, of which 50 have been identified. Another 107 injured people were in area hospitals, he said.

Matthew Mpoke Bigg

As the investigation into the Moscow attack continues, the war in Ukraine carries on. Ukraine's air force said it had shot down 43 out of 57 Russian missiles and drones launched overnight against different parts of the country. And Ukraine’s military said it had struck two large landing ships that were part of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. There was no immediate comment from Russia's defense ministry.

Crocus International, the company that owns the concert hall, vowed in a statement to restore everything that was destroyed during the terrorist attack. The cost of restoring the concert hall, one of the biggest and best-equipped in Moscow, will likely exceed $100 million, real estate experts told RIA Novosti, a Russian state news agency.

The complex was developed by the Azerbaijan-born billionaire Aras Agalarov, whose son, Emin, is a famous pop star. Former President Donald Trump held the Miss Universe pageant at the same complex in 2013, and world-famous performers like Eric Clapton, Dua Lipa and Sia have also performed there.

Sunday is a national day of mourning in Russia. The state media is airing footage of flags flying at half-staff on government buildings and foreign embassies, and of people bringing flowers, candles and toys to spontaneous memorials across the country.

Alex Marshall

Piknik, a longtime Russian rock band, is now at the center of a tragedy.

Early Saturday, Piknik, one of Russia’s most popular heritage rock bands, published a message to its page on Vkontakte , one of the country’s largest social media sites: “We are deeply shocked by this terrible tragedy and mourn with you.”

The night before, the band was scheduled to play the first of two sold-out concerts, accompanied by a symphony orchestra, at Crocus City Hall in suburban Moscow. But before Piknik took the stage, four gunmen entered the vast venue, opened fire and murdered at least 133 people .

The victims appear to have included some of Piknik’s own team. On Saturday evening, another note appeared on the band’s Vkontakte page to say that the woman who ran the band’s merchandise stalls was missing.

“We are not ready to believe the worst,” the message said .

The attack at Crocus City Hall has brought renewed attention to Piknik, a band that has provided the soundtrack to the lives of many Russian rock fans for over four decades.

Ilya Kukulin, a cultural historian at Amherst College in Massachusetts, said in an interview that Piknik was one of the Soviet Union’s “monsters of rock,” with songs inspired by classic Western rock acts including David Bowie and a range of Russian styles.

Since releasing its debut album, 1982’s “Smoke,” Piknik — led by Edmund Shklyarsky, the band’s singer and guitarist — has grown in popularity despite its music being often gloomy with gothic lyrics. Kukulin attributed this partly to the group’s inventive stage shows.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kukulin said, the band began performing with exciting light displays, special effects and other innovative touches. At one point in the 1990s, the band’s concerts included a “living cello” — a woman with an amplified string stretched across her. Shklyarsky would play a solo on the string.

This month, the band debuted a new song online — “ Nothing, Fear Nothing ” — with a video that showed the band performing live before huge screens featuring ever-changing animations.

Unlike some of their peers, Piknik was “never a political band,” Kukulin said, although that did not stop it from becoming entwined in politics. In the 1980s, Soviet authorities banned the group — along with many others — from using recording studios, while Soviet newspapers complained of the group’s lyrics, including a song called “Opium Smoke” that authorities saw as encouraging drug use.

In recent years, some of Russia’s most prominent rock stars have left their country, fed up with President Vladimir V. Putin’s curbs on freedom of expression, including regular crackdowns on concerts. Piknik had benefited from that exodus, Kukulin said, because the band had fewer competitors on Russia’s heritage rock circuit.

Unlike some musicians, Shklyarsky had not acted as a booster for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kukulin said. Still, Ukrainian authorities have long banned Piknik from performing in the country because the group has played concerts in occupied Crimea. In a 2016 interview , Shklyarsky said he was not concerned about the ban.

“Politics comes and goes, but life remains,” he said.

Kukulin said that among Piknik’s songs was “ To the Memory of Innocent Victims ” — a track that could be interpreted as being about those who were politically oppressed under communism. Now, Kukulin said, many fans were hearing the song in a new way, as a tribute to those who lost their lives in Friday’s attack.

Anton Troianovski

news analysis

A deadly attack shatters Putin’s promise of security to the Russian people.

Less than a week ago, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia claimed a fifth term with his highest-ever share of the vote, using a stage-managed election to show the nation and the world that he was firmly in control.

Just days later came a searing counterpoint: His vaunted security apparatus failed to prevent Russia’s deadliest terrorist attack in 20 years.

The assault on Friday, which killed at least 133 people at a concert hall in suburban Moscow, was a blow to Mr. Putin’s aura as a leader for whom national security is paramount. That is especially true after two years of a war in Ukraine that he describes as key to Russia’s survival — and which he cast as his top priority after the election last Sunday.

“The election demonstrated a seemingly confident victory,” Aleksandr Kynev, a Russian political scientist, said in a phone interview from Moscow. “And suddenly, against the backdrop of a confident victory, there’s this demonstrative humiliation.”

Mr. Putin seemed blindsided by the assault. It took him more than 19 hours to address the nation about the attack, the deadliest in Russia since the 2004 school siege in Beslan, in the country’s south, which claimed 334 lives. When he did, the Russian leader said nothing about the mounting evidence that a branch of the Islamic State committed the attack.

Instead, Mr. Putin hinted that Ukraine was behind the tragedy and said the assailants had acted “just like the Nazis,” who “once carried out massacres in the occupied territories” — evoking his frequent, false description of present-day Ukraine as being run by neo-Nazis.

“Our common duty now — our comrades at the front, all citizens of the country — is to be together in one formation,” Mr. Putin said at the end of a five-minute speech, trying to conflate the fight against terrorism with his invasion of Ukraine.

The question is how much of the Russian public will buy into his argument. They might ask whether Mr. Putin, with the invasion and his conflict with the West, truly has the country’s security interests at heart — or whether he is woefully forsaking them, as many of his opponents say he is.

The fact that Mr. Putin apparently ignored a warning from the United States about a potential terrorist attack is likely to deepen the skepticism. Instead of acting on the warnings and tightening security, he dismissed them as “provocative statements.”

“All this resembles outright blackmail and an intention to intimidate and destabilize our society,” Mr. Putin said on Tuesday in a speech to the F.S.B., Russia’s domestic intelligence agency, referring to the Western warnings. After the attack on Friday, some of his exiled critics have cited his response as evidence of the president’s detachment from Russia’s true security concerns.

Rather than keeping society safe from actual, violent terrorists, those critics say, Mr. Putin has directed his sprawling security services to pursue dissidents, journalists and anyone deemed a threat to the Kremlin’s definition of “traditional values.”

A case in point: Just hours before the attack, state media reported that the Russian authorities had added “the L.G.B.T. movement” to an official list of “terrorists and extremists”; Russia had already outlawed the gay rights movement last year. Terrorism was also among the many charges prosecutors leveled against Aleksei A. Navalny, the imprisoned opposition leader who died last month .

“In a country in which counterterrorism special forces chase after online commenters,” Ruslan Leviev, an exiled Russian military analyst, wrote in a social media post on Saturday, “terrorists will always feel free.”

Even as the Islamic State repeatedly claimed responsibility for the attack and Ukraine denied any involvement, the Kremlin’s messengers pushed into overdrive to try to persuade the Russian public that this was merely a ruse.

Olga Skabeyeva, a state television host, wrote on Telegram that Ukrainian military intelligence had found assailants “who would look like ISIS. But this is no ISIS.” Margarita Simonyan, the editor of the state-run RT television network, wrote that reports of Islamic State responsibility amounted to a “basic sleight of hand” by the American news media.

On a prime-time television talk show on the state-run Channel 1, Russia’s best-known ultraconservative ideologue, Aleksandr Dugin, declared that Ukraine’s leadership and “their puppet masters in the Western intelligence services” had surely organized the attack.

It was an effort to “undermine trust in the president,” Mr. Dugin said, and it showed regular Russians that they had no choice but to unite behind Mr. Putin’s war against Ukraine.

Mr. Dugin’s daughter was killed in a car bombing near Moscow in 2022 that U.S. officials said was indeed authorized by parts of the Ukrainian government , but without American involvement.

U.S. officials have said there is no evidence of Ukrainian involvement in the concert hall attack, and Ukrainian officials ridiculed the Russian accusations. Andriy Yusov, a representative of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, said Mr. Putin’s claim that the attackers had fled toward Ukraine and intended to cross into it, with the help of the Ukrainian authorities, made no sense.

In recent months, Mr. Putin has appeared more confident than at any other point since he launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russian forces have retaken the initiative on the front line, while Ukraine is struggling amid flagging Western support and a shortage of troops.

Inside Russia, the election — and its predetermined outcome — underscored Mr. Putin’s dominance over the nation’s politics.

Mr. Kynev, the political scientist, said he believed many Russians were now in “shock,” because “restoring order has always been Vladimir Putin’s calling card.”

Mr. Putin’s early years in power were marked by terrorist attacks, culminating in the Beslan school siege in 2004; he used those violent episodes to justify his rollback of political freedoms. Before Friday, the most recent mass-casualty terrorist attack in the capital region was a suicide bombing at an airport in Moscow in 2011 that killed 37 people.

Still, given the Kremlin’s efficacy in cracking down on dissent and the news media, Mr. Kynev predicted that the political consequences of the concert hall attack would be limited, as long as the violence was not repeated.

“To be honest,” he said, “our society has gotten used to keeping quiet about inconvenient topics.”

Constant Méheut contributed reporting.

There have been other deadly attacks at concerts and music festivals in recent years.

The attack before a sold-out rock concert near Moscow on Friday was the latest in a series of mass killings at concerts and music festivals around the world in recent years.

During the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel last year, Hamas targeted Tribe of Nova’s Supernova Sukkot Gathering , a dance music festival in Re’im, leaving at least 360 dead , according to the Israeli authorities. Gunmen surrounded the music festival at daybreak, killing and kidnapping attendees as others fled in their cars, only to find roads blocked and the event surrounded. “It was like a shooting range,” said Hila Fakliro, who was bartending around sunrise. Around 3,000 people had come to the event, timed to the end of the harvest holiday Sukkot.

In May 2017, a suicide bombing killed 22 people and injured hundreds more at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena in England. The assailant, a British citizen of Libyan descent, detonated explosives packed with nails, bolts and ball bearings moments after the performance ended, sending the crowd — filled with children and adolescent fans of the pop singer, who was then 23 — into a panic. Intelligence officials found that the bomber had previously traveled to Libya to meet with members of an Islamic State unit linked to terrorist attacks in Paris in 2015, which included an assault on a concert venue.

In November 2015, 90 people were killed at the Bataclan , a Paris music venue that holds 1,500, when three men armed with assault rifles and suicide vests stormed a concert by the California rock band Eagles of Death Metal. The musicians fled the stage as gunfire broke out, and attendees tried to hide from the assailants. A standoff with the police lasted more than two hours, with concertgoers held as hostages, ending when the police entered the club. One attacker was killed; two others detonated suicide vests. “Carnage,” one attendee posted on Facebook from inside the club. “Bodies everywhere.”

The deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history took place at a music festival in October 2017, when a gunman fatally shot 60 people and injured hundreds more attending the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas . The assailant had stockpiled 23 firearms in a 32nd-floor suite at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, opening fire from his window as Jason Aldean was onstage singing “When She Says Baby.” “It was just total chaos,” Melissa Ayala, who attended the festival with four friends, said. “People falling down and laying everywhere. We were trying to take cover and we had no idea where to go.” The F.B.I. concluded that the motive for the killings was unclear, but released files last year suggesting that the gunman, a gambler, was angry over casinos scaling back on perks. He had searched “biggest open air concert venues in USA” and reserved a hotel room overlooking the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago before settling on the Las Vegas event as his target.

The people killed at recent concerts and music festivals were commemorated earlier this year at the Grammy Awards . “Music must always be our safe space,” Harvey Mason Jr., the chief executive of the Recording Academy, which gives out the awards, said during the telecast. “When that’s violated, it strikes at the very core of who we are.”

Christina Goldbaum

The ISIS branch the U.S. blames for the attack has targeted the Taliban’s links with allies, including Russia.

The ISIS affiliate that American officials say was behind the deadly attack in Moscow is one of the last significant antagonists that the Taliban government faces in Afghanistan, and it has carried out repeated attacks there, including on the Russian Embassy, in recent years.

That branch of ISIS — known as the Islamic State Khorasan or ISIS-K — has portrayed itself as the primary rival to the Taliban, who it says have not implemented true Shariah law since seizing power in 2021. It has sought to undermine the Taliban’s relationships with regional allies and portray the government as unable to provide security in the country, experts say.

In 2022, ISIS-K carried out attacks on the Russian and Pakistani embassies in Kabul and a hotel that was home to many Chinese nationals. More recently, it has also threatened attacks against the Chinese, Indian and Iranian embassies in Afghanistan and has released a flood of anti-Russian propaganda.

It has also struck outside Afghanistan. In January, ISIS-K carried out twin bombings in Iran that killed scores and wounded hundreds of others at a memorial service for Iran’s former top general, Qassim Suleimani, who was killed by a U.S. drone strike four years before.

In recent months, the Taliban’s relationship with Russia, as well as China and Iran, has warmed up. While no country has officially recognized the Taliban government, earlier this month Russia accepted a military attaché from the Taliban in Moscow, while China officially accepted a Taliban ambassador to the country. Both moves were seen as confidence-building measures with Taliban authorities.

ISIS-K has both denounced the Kremlin for its interventions in Syria and condemned the Taliban for engaging with Russian authorities decades after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan.

Its propaganda has painted the Taliban as “betraying the history of Afghanistan and betraying their religion by making friends with their former enemies,” said Ricardo Valle, the director of research of the Khorasan Diary, a research platform based in Islamabad.

In the more than two years since they took over in Afghanistan, Taliban security forces have conducted a ruthless campaign to try to eliminate ISIS-K and have successfully prevented the group from seizing territory within Afghanistan. Last year, Taliban security forces killed at least eight ISIS-K leaders, according to American officials, and pushed many other fighters into neighboring Pakistan .

Still, ISIS-K has proved resilient and remained active across Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. Within Afghanistan, it has targeted Taliban security forces in hit-and-run attacks and — as it came under increasing pressure from Taliban counterterrorism operations — staged headline-grabbing attacks across the country. Just a day before the attack at the concert hall in Moscow, the group carried out a suicide bombing in Kandahar — the birthplace of the Taliban movement — sending a powerful message that even Taliban soldiers in the group’s heartland were not safe.

After the attack in Moscow, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s foreign ministry, said in a statement on social media that the country “condemns in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attack in Moscow” and “considers it a blatant violation of all human standards.”

“Regional countries must take a coordinated, clear and resolute position against such incidents directed at regional de-stabilization,” he added.

Oleg Matsnev

Names of the victims are beginning to emerge.

As emergency services combed the scene of the attack on a concert hall in Moscow, details on some of the victims began to emerge from officials and local news media.

Most of those identified so far appeared to be in their 40s, and many had traveled from other parts of the country to attend the concert where Piknik, a Russian rock band formed in the late 1970s, was slated to perform on Friday night.

Alexander Baklemyshev, 51, had long dreamed about seeing the band, his son told local media , and had traveled solo from his home city of Satka, some 1,000 miles east of Moscow, for the concert.

His son, Maksim, told the Russian news outlet MSK1 that his father had sent him a video of the concert hall before the attack. That was the last he heard from his father.

Irina Okisheva and her husband, Pavel Okishev, also traveled hundreds of miles to attend the concert — making their way from Kirov, northeast of Moscow. Mr. Okishev had received the tickets as an early birthday present. He was set to turn 35 next week, the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper reported. Both he and his wife died in the attack, the paper reported.

“Very painful and scary,” Ms. Okisheva’s colleagues wrote on a social media page for a photo studio where she worked. “The whole studio team is horrified by what happened.”

Anastasiya Volkova lost both of her parents in the attack. She told 5 TV that she had missed a call from her mother on Friday night at around the time of the attack. When she called back, there was no response, Ms. Volkova said.

As the death toll climbed to 133 people, the Moscow region’s health care ministry published a preliminary list of victims . It had 41 names; Andrey Rudnitsky was one of them.

A forward in an amateur hockey league, he turned 39 years old last week, according to his page on the league’s website. Mr. Rudnitsky’s teammates told Pro Gorod , a local news website, that he had moved to Moscow last year from Yaroslavl but planned to return home to play there. Mr. Rudnitsky had two children.

Ekaterina Novoselova, 42, was also on the list. Ms. Novoselova won a beauty pageant in 2001 in her home city of Tver, 110 miles northwest of Moscow, one of the pageant organizer’s told the local news outlet TIA . It reported that she had moved to Moscow to work as a lawyer and is survived by her husband and two children.

Some people appeared to have been named by mistake. Yevgeniya Ryumina, 38, told Komsomolskaya Pravda that she had fled the concert hall to safety. But she had lost her ID, Ms. Ryumina said, suggesting that might have led to the confusion.

This is what we know about the attack.

An attack Friday at a popular concert venue near Moscow killed 137 people, the deadliest act of terrorism the Russian capital region has seen in more than a decade.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack; American officials have attributed it to ISIS-K, a branch of the group.

Russian officials and state media have largely ignored ISIS’s claim of responsibility and instead suggested that Ukraine was behind the violence. Ukraine has denied any involvement, and American officials say there is no evidence connecting Kyiv to the attack.

Russian authorities have detained at least 11 people, including four migrant laborers described as Tajik citizens who have been charged with committing a terrorist act, but they have not identified most of the accused assailants or their motives.

Here’s a closer look at the attack.

What happened?

The gunmen entered the Crocus City Hall building, one of the biggest entertainment complexes in the Moscow area, with capacity of more than 6,000, shortly before a sold-out rock concert was scheduled to start. Armed with automatic rifles, they began shooting.

Using explosives and flammable liquids, Russian investigators said, they set the building ablaze, causing chaos as people began to run. The fire quickly engulfed more than a third of the building, spreading smoke and causing parts of the roof to collapse. Russia’s emergency service posted a video and pictures from after the fire showing charred seating and firefighters working to remove debris.

Russian law enforcement said that people had died from gunshot wounds and poisoning from the smoke.

At least three helicopters were dispatched to extinguish the fire or to try to rescue people from the roof. The firefighters were only able to contain the fire early on Saturday; the emergency service said it was mostly extinguished by 5 a.m.

The search for survivors ended on Saturday, as details about the victims began to emerge. Many of the more than 100 people injured in the attack were in critical condition.

Where are the assailants?

Attackers were able to flee the scene. Early on Saturday, the head of Russia’s top security agency, the F.S.B., said that 11 people had been detained in the connection to the attack, including “all four terrorists directly involved.” The four men were arraigned late Sunday and charged with committing a terrorist act, according to state and independent media outlets, and they face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The press service of the Basmanny District Court said that the first two defendants, Dalerjon B. Mirzoyev and Saidakrami M. Rachalbalizoda, had pleaded guilty to the charges.

It did not specify any plea from the other two — Muhammadsobir Z. Fayzov, a 19-year-old barber and the youngest of the men charged, and Shamsidin Fariduni, 25, a married factory worker with an 8-month-old baby — according to Mediazona, an independent news outlet.

The men looked severely battered and injured as they appeared in court, and videos of them being tortured and beaten while under interrogation circulated widely on Russian social media.

There were signs that Russia would try to pin blame on Ukraine, despite the claim of responsibility by the Islamic State. The F.S.B. said in a statement that the attack had been carefully planned and that the terrorists had tried to flee toward Ukraine.

How are Russians responding?

President Vladimir V. Putin, who claimed victory in a presidential election last weekend, did not publicly address the tragedy until Saturday afternoon. In a five-minute address to the nation, he appeared to be laying the groundwork to blame Ukraine for the attack, claiming that “the Ukrainian side” had “prepared a window” for the attackers to cross the border from Russia into Ukraine.

But he did not definitively assign blame, saying that those responsible would be punished, “whoever they may be, whoever may have sent them.”

The attack has punctured the sense of relative safety for Muscovites over the past decade, bringing back memories of attacks that shadowed life in the Russian capital in the 2000s.

Russia observed a national day of mourning on Sunday as questions lingered about the identities and motives of the perpetrators. Flags were lowered to half-staff at buildings across the country.

Neil MacFarquhar contributed reporting.

• International

Trump's hush money trial

University protests

March 25 Moscow concert hall attack

By Antoinette Radford and Aditi Sangal , CNN

Tajikistan reiterates readiness to cooperate with Russia against terrorism after Moscow concert attack 

From CNN's Anna Chernova

Following the identification of the four men charged with carrying out the attack in Moscow on Friday as Tajik nationals, Tajikistan has reiterated its readiness to fight terrorism together with Russia.

The Russian state news agency TASS published video Monday showing Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda writing a note in the book of condolences at the Russian embassy in Dushanbe.

State-run RIA Novosti reported on its Telegram channel that Tajikistan is providing assistance to the Russian investigation “in the case of the terrorist attack in Crocus,” citing a source in Tajikistan’s special services. It reported that a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry had confirmed that “Tajikistan specialists are providing assistance to investigators from Russia in connection with the arrest of citizens of the republic in the case of a terrorist attack.”

On Sunday, the Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken with his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon, who had expressed “deep condolences and feelings of solidarity with the Russian people in connection with the death of civilians as a result of the vile terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall."

“During the conversation, Vladimir Putin and Emomali Rahmon noted that special services and relevant departments of Russia and Tajikistan are working closely in the field of countering terrorism, and this work will be intensified,” the Kremlin said. 

Macron says it would be "cynical and counterproductive" for Russia to blame Ukraine for Moscow terror attack

From CNN’s Joseph Ataman in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that it would be “cynical and counterproductive for Russia and her citizens” to try and blame Ukraine for the Crocus City terror attack in Moscow. 

“We must be careful of any instrumentalization” of the attack, Macron said in remarks to journalists upon his arrival in the French territory of French Guiana.

Macron expressed his “solidarity” with the Russian people following the “Islamist terror attack” in Moscow, adding that France had offered its help to Moscow regarding intelligence about the attack.

He noted that ISIS, also known as the Islamic State group, had claimed the attack and that France and its main partners believed it was an Islamic State entity that planned and perpetrated this attack. However, he did not specify which ISIS entity France believes perpetrated it.

Macron said that the same entity had attempted several attacks on French soil in recent months, which contributed to the French government’s decision to raise the country’s terror threat level on Sunday.

Remember: After the attack, Putin said the "perpetrators" were headed to the Ukraine border before being captured. His comments came after ISIS had already claimed responsibility. Ukraine strenuously denied any involvement. 

Kremlin spokesperson refuses to answer questions about whether concert hall attack was an intelligence failure

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has sidestepped questions about whether Friday’s terror attack in Moscow constitutes a failure by Russia’s intelligence services.

On a call with journalists Monday, Peskov was asked whether the attack was "a failure of the intelligence services?"

Peskov responded: “There is currently a lot of emotional, hysterical, provocative content online. Clearly, this monstrous tragedy evokes a lot of emotions, but unfortunately, our world shows that not a single city or country can be completely immune to the threat of terrorism."

"The intelligence services work tirelessly. They are dealing with all the threats, all the challenges that our country faces," he said.

Peskov also said the fight against terrorism required "full-fledged international cooperation" but suggested that cooperation was not happening. He refused to comment on whether any warnings had been received from the United States about the risk of terror attacks in Russia.

CNN reported Friday that there had been a steady stream of intelligence that ISIS-Khorasan was determined to attack in Russia, according to two sources familiar with the intelligence.

"Intelligence is never provided to the Kremlin. It is provided through channels from one intelligence agency to another intelligence agency. This is classified as sensitive information that is not disclosed," Peskov said.

In response to a question asking if there was any help provided from Western countries in view of the warnings, Peskov said: "Our [special] services operate independently. There is no talk of any help now," later adding "there are currently no contacts with Westerners now."

CNN's Alex Marquardt contributed to this report.

Kremlin offers no comment on reports that Moscow attack suspects may have been tortured

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has declined to comment on reports that the four men alleged to have carried out the attack at Moscow's Crocus City concert hall had been tortured after being apprehended.

Peskov was asked by CNN:

“In the videos from the court, it is noticeable that the accused have visible signs of violence: bruises, a swollen face, a bandaged head covered in blood, one of them is in a wheelchair and with his eyes closed. Earlier, videos and photos emerged online suggesting torture. What happened to them and how can you comment on it?”

Peskov responded: “No, I leave this question unanswered.”

He also refused to comment on ISIS, also known as the Islamic State group's claim that it carried out the attack.

During a call with journalists Monday, Peskov was asked: “How can you explain the fact that ISIS was not mentioned by the officials among the versions of this terrorist attack?” 

He responded: “The investigation is ongoing. So far, no coherent version has been voiced; only preliminary data has been discussed. No versions have been put forward yet.”

Regarding the claim of responsibility , which was made via the ISIS-affiliated Amaq news agency on Saturday, Peskov said:

“An investigation is underway. I repeat once again, here we need to wait for information from our official law enforcement agencies that are dealing with this matter.”

Neither President Vladimir Putin nor other senior Russian officials have referred to the claim by ISIS, which included releasing a video of the attack taken by one of the perpetrators.

This post has been updated to include Peskov's response to the ISIS claim. 

Here's what we know about the four suspects in the Moscow concert hall attack

From CNN’s Masha Angelova and Josh Pennington

Each of the four defendants charged with committing a terrorist act in the Crocus City concert hall attack was brought to court individually in Moscow on Sunday.

They are accused of committing a crime under part 3, provision “b” of article 205 of the Russian Criminal Code (terrorist act), which the Russian Criminal Code states is punishable with up to life imprisonment.

Three pled guilty to all charges, according to state media news agency TASS .

Here's what we know about the accused:

• Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev: The 32-year-old was the first defendant brought to court. Mirzoyev, from Tajikistan, had a temporary registration for three months in the southern Russian city of Novosibirsk in Siberia, but it expired, according to RIA Novosti.
• Saidakrami Rachabalizoda: He appeared as the second defendant, and told the the court that he had Russian registration documents but couldn't remember where they were. He communicated through an interpreter, according to state media RIA Novosti. Rachabalizoda was reportedly born in 1994.
• Shamsidin Fariduni: He was born in 1998 in Tajikistan and is a citizen of the Central Asian country. Fariduni was officially employed at a factory in the Russian city of Podolsk and was registered in the city of Krasnogorsk, according to state media RIA Novosti.
• Muhammadsober Faizov: The fourth defendant appeared nonresponsive in a wheelchair and was accompanied by a doctor to his court appearance, as seen in Moscow City Court’s video shared on Telegram. Faizov was temporarily unemployed, before which he worked in a barber shop in Ivanovo, a city northeast of Moscow, and is registered in that city, according to state media RIA Novosti. He was reportedly born in 2004.

Moscow court orders preventive detention for all four defendants in concert hall attack case

The Basmanny District Court of Moscow on Sunday granted the investigators’ motion for detention, as the chosen preventative measure, for all four defendants in the Crocus City Hall attack case.

All four men have been remanded into pre-trial detention until May 22, Moscow City Court said on Telegram. They are all charged with committing a terrorist act, according to the courts of general jurisdiction of the city of Moscow, which under the Russian Criminal Code is punishable up to life imprisonment.

Each of the four defendants was brought to court individually on Sunday. Three pled guilty to all charges, according to state media news agency TASS. 

The names of the four accused in the case are Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni and Mukhammadsobir Faizov, Moscow City Courts announced via Telegram.

All four are from Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic, and have been in Russia on either temporary or expired visas. The court held closed hearings for each of the accused with no members of the public allowed, TASS reported, citing the court’s press service. 

France raises its terror alert to highest level in wake of Moscow attack  

From CNN’s Chris Liakos and Morayo Ogunbayo

France lifted its terror alert to its highest level on Sunday, after ISIS claimed responsibility for the concert hall attack in Moscow that killed at least 137 people on Friday. 

“Given the Islamic State's claim of responsibility for the attack and the threats weighing on our country, we have decided to raise the Vigipirate posture to its highest level: attack emergency,” French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said in a post on X.  

France’s decision to raise the alert came after a meeting of its defense and national security council, according to Attal.  

On Monday, Attal said two attempted terror attacks on French soil had been foiled since January and 45 in total since 2017. He said thousands more soldiers were ready to boost its counter-terrorism force, should they be needed.

Speaking to reporters in Paris, Attal said that 4,000 soldiers were on standby to mobilize if necessary "in the event of an alert," in addition to the current 3,000 soldiers deployed across the country. Police presence in front of sites deemed sensitive such as schools would also be reinforced," he added.

CNN's Chris Liakos and Emmanuel Nicholas Miculita in Paris contributed to this report.

Analysis: Moscow attack is a blow to Putin, who promised Russia security

From CNN's Matthew Chance, CNN's Chief Global Affairs Correspondent, Moscow

Barely a week since Vladimir Putin secured his fifth presidential term, Russia has been plunged into carnage and disarray.

The attack  on the Crocus City Hall concert venue and shopping complex near Moscow, which has been claimed by ISIS, has left hundreds of people killed or injured.

This is hardly the stability and security for which so many Russians voted for President Putin. For years, the Kremlin strongman has been cast as a leader able to guarantee order in this vast, turbulent country. But Russia today seems more insecure and volatile than at any point in Putin’s 24 years in power.

The Kremlin’s brutal  war in Ukraine , now in its third horrific year, has cost Russians dearly. The military doesn’t publicize casualty figures, but US estimates suggest more than 300,000 Russians have been killed or injured.

The recent death of  Alexey Navalny , Russian most prominent opposition leader, has permanently silenced a vocal Kremlin critic. But the thousands who attended his funeral in Moscow, or who turned out to vote in a  Midday Against Putin  mass gathering at polling stations on the last day of the presidential election, indicate a base of discontent.

Now, the focus is firmly on the apparent reappearance in Russia of large-scale Jihadi terror attacks, unrelated to the Ukraine war or domestic opposition to the Kremlin. For a leader who has promised security and stability to Russians, a major attack on Russian soil is yet another powerful blow.

Read the full analysis.

Crocus City Hall killings are deadliest since Beslan school siege. Here are the recent attacks in Russia

From CNN Staff

The attack on Moscow's popular Crocus City Hall that left at least 133 dead has become the deadliest attack in Russia since the Beslan school siege in 2004.

Some other recent attacks include:

• September 26, 2022 : Eleven children and four adults were killed when a gunman wearing Nazi symbols opened fire at a school in the western Russian city of Izhevsk. The shooter, who was reportedly wearing a black T-shirt with Nazi insignia and a helmet, died by suicide following the attack.
• April 3, 2017 : At least 11 people were killed in a blast on the St. Petersburg metro. The explosion tore through a train as it was traveling between two stations in Russia’s second-largest city.
• October 31, 2015 : A Russian passenger jet, Metrojet Flight 9268 crashed  on October 31 after departing from the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh,  killing all 224 people  on board. US intelligence analysis suggested that ISIS or its affiliates  planted a bomb on the plane .
• December 30, 2013 : A massive explosion at a train station in the Russian city of Volgograd killed at least 16 people, including one police officer, the Investigative Committee of Russia said.
• January 25, 2011 : A suicide bomber attacked Domodedovo Airport , Moscow's busiest airport, killing 35 people and wounding about 100, authorities and state television said.
• March 29, 2010 : Two explosions rocked the subway stations in central  Moscow during rush hour, killing at least 38 people and wounding more than 60 others, spawning widespread public outrage. A website associated with Chechen separatists, who have long fought for independence from Russia, claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.