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- Destinations
- Asia
- Tajikistan
Tajikistan
The Republic of Tajikistan is a landlocked, mountainous country
in central Asia with much to offer adventurers, mountaineers and
lovers of the road less travelled.
Tajikistan came into being with the break-up of the Soviet Union
in 1990. It promptly fell into a bitter civil war until 1997 when a
peace agreement lead to the formation of a republic under the
largely corrupt leadership of Emomali Rahmon. Subsequent elections
have been deeply flawed but peace has prevailed giving this
impoverished country a chance at better things.
Dushanbe, the capital city, is famous for its Monday market and
Soviet era statues and is a decent place to start a trip. In the
far west of the country, the city of Khorog serves as a gateway to
the magnificent Pamirs, perhaps the least explored mountain range
in the world. This vast region is difficult to access but rewards
its intrepid visitors with splendid Alpine vistas and endless
opportunities for mountaineering.
Trekkers also come to Tajikistan to traverse the ancient Silk
road routes, and in doing so retrace journeys first taken three
millennia ago. Also making an appearance on the Tajik highlights
reel are the seven Muragazor Lakes which famously change colour
throughout the day.
The national sport is wrestling, which won a silver medal for
the country in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Over 70 percent of
the people live in rural areas, despite the fact that only seven
percent of the land is arable. This is perhaps a clue to the
persistent poverty that characterises the population.
Another negative indicator is the increasingly bizarre and
autocratic leadership of President Rahmon who has recently outlawed
gold fillings and decreed that guests at circumcision ceremonies
should not exceed 60 people. Despite their challenges, the
predominantly Muslim Tajiks are renowned for their exuberant and
friendly nature, providing a ready welcome for the few visitors
that come.
Information & Facts
Customs
Tajikistan culture is predominantly Islamic, and tourists should
respect that. Modest clothing is expected, but women are not
required to cover their heads. Men should not enter a house where
only women are present and vice versa. Personal space is not
generally respected, especially in public areas. It is polite to
remove your shoes when entering a house. When greeting someone, you
may shake hands, but it shows respect to also bow slightly with
your hand placed over your heart.
Duty Free
Travellers are allowed to inport 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or
500g of tobacco products; 2 litres of alcohol; perfume for personal
use; and other items intended for personal use not exceeding US$500
in value. Complete the customs declaration form in full upon entry
into Tajikistan, noting any valuables, jewellery, and electronic
goods, plus cash over US$500.
Passport Visa
It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months
validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your
travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different
rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.