Planning a trip to the Pamirs? Here, you'll find everything you need
Plan your trip to the Pamirs
Whether you want to get information before or during your trip. On this page you will find all relevant information and useful tips for a trip to the Pamirs.
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find all Travel information you need
The great thing is that the Pamirs are one of the few destinations where you can still find untouched nature. Only about 225,000 people live in the whole Pamir, although it covers about 50% of the land area of Tajikistan. Compared to the 9 million inhabitants of Tajikistan, the population in the Pamirs is very small. The infrastructure in the Pamirs is therefore low quality. For this reason, a certain amount of travel preparation is advantageous. All important travel information is listed below.
Visa & Permits
In order tovisit Tajikistan, a visa is required. For an onward journey to the Pamir region, you need an additional GBAO permit.
You can apply online for an e-visa and permit.
Since 2020, visa and permit are valid for 60 days, with the availability of multiple enter choices.
Permits are required for the following locations in GBAO region:
- Zorkul lake, 50 Somoni per person/day, 23-35 Somoni per vehicle/day.
- National park, 20 Somoni per person/day, 20 per vehicle/day, 25 per truck/day.
- Sarez lake: 220 Somoni per day/person.
Please take into consideration that Sarez lake is a strategical area. You need to obtain your visa at least two weeks in advance.
Currency
The official currency in Tajikistan is Somoni, named after emir Ismoil Somoni. The exchange rate from US $ to Somoni is about 1 to 9,4. Please check daily updated rates here.
Banks & Cash
In the Pamirs it can be challenging to withdraw money. We recommend that you always have enough cash with you. It is NOT possible to withdraw money with a Mastercard throughout the Pamirs. In Khorog you can withdraw money with a Visa card or Western Union. ATMs are only available in Khorog and Qualai Khumb.
Fuel
The best way to replenish fuel is in Qulai Kumb and Khorog. Very often you can buy it in Roshtqala, Murgab and Ishkashim. However, it may happen that the supplies are used up and no gasoline is available. In this case, 1-2 days have to be waited until replenishment comes. In many villages, there is also the possibility to buy gasoline.
Travel Season
The tourism season usually starts in April and ends in October. The high season is from July to mid September. During this time, many mountain peaks are free of snow and the passes are open.
Please note that not all passes may be open at the beginning and end of the season. This varies from year to year depending on the weather conditions.
Costs
(55-00.65Homestays:
Overnight prices may vary depending on the area. In particularly deserted areas, prices for overnight accommodation are more expensive because prices for food are more expensive.
- price: between 10$ and 20$ including breakfast
Public Transport:
In the city, you can always take mashrutkas. They are cheap and run regularly. For longer distances, we recommend a car with a four-wheel drive. .
Price:
- Dushanbe – Khorog: around 350 Somoni per person
- Khorog – Murghab: 180 Somoni
- Murghab – Osh: 250 Somoni
It is advisable to arrive at the bus station in the morning. The journey begins as soon as the seats are full.
Please note that the seats can be overbooked sometimes, which makes the journey to an adventurous experience. If you want a little more comfort, you can pay for seats and leave them empty.
Private Transport:
The private transfer offers comfort above all. You can stop at any time to take photos or go for a walk.
Self-driving: 100 US$ per day
Car with driver: 0.55-0.65 US$ per km (price depends on the vehicle size) + 20US$ per day for drivers accommodation and food.
Visa & Permits
In order tovisit Tajikistan, a visa is required. For an onward journey to the Pamir region, you need an additional GBAO permit.
You can apply online for an e-visa and permit.
Since 2020, visa and permit are valid for 60 days, with the availability of multiple enter choices.
Permits are required for the following locations in GBAO region:
- Zorkul lake, 50 Somoni per person/day, 23-35 Somoni per vehicle/day.
- National park, 20 Somoni per person/day, 20 per vehicle/day, 25 per truck/day.
- Sarez lake: 220 Somoni per day/person.
Please take into consideration that Sarez lake is a strategical area. You need to obtain your visa at least two weeks in advance.
Travel Season
The tourism season usually starts in April and ends in October. The high season is from July to August. The best travel time for hikers is from July to mid-September. During this time, many mountain peaks are free of snow and the passes are open.
Please note that not all passes may be open at the beginning and end of the season. This varies from year to year depending on the weather conditions.
Banks
Payment & Cash:
In principle, payment in Tajikistan is made in somoni. In some places you can also pay in dollars. Please note that you cannot withdraw money via Mastercard in the whole Pamir region. Please make sure you have enough cash with you when travelling through the Pamirs. In Khorog, you can withdraw money with a Visa card or send money to Western Union. Khorog and Qalai-Khumb are the only cities in Pamir with available ATM’s.
Costs
Homestays:
Overnight prices may vary depending on the area. In particularly deserted areas, prices for overnight accommodation are more expensive because prices for food are more expensive.
- price: between 10$ and 20$ including breakfast
Public Transport:
Public transport such as all-terrain vehicles or mashrutkas are a good and cheap way to get around.
Mashrutkas are usually very cheap and are suitable for travel within cities.
For longer journeys, we recommend using an off-road vehicle. It is advisable to arrive at the bus station in the morning. The journey begins as soon as the seats are full.
Please note that the seats are often overbooked, which makes the journey an adventurous experience. If you want a little more comfort, you can pay for seats and leave them empty.
Price:
- Dushanbe – Khorog: around 350 Somoni per person
- Khorog – Murghab: 180 Somoni
- Murghab – Osh: 250 Somoni
Private Transport:
car rental: 100 US$ per day
car with driver: 0.55-0.65 US$ per km (price depends on the vehicle size) + 20US$ per day for drivers accommodation and food.
Fuel & Diesel
In order tovisit Tajikistan, a visa is required. For an onward journey to the Pamir region, you need an additional GBAO permit.
Currency
The official currency in Tajikistan is Somoni, named after emir Ismoil Somoni. The exchange rate from US $ to Somoni is about 1 to 9,4. Please check daily updated rates here.
Want to book a tour?
You want to travel to the Pamirs?
Below you will find all national and international partners who offer trips.
#travel agency #tour operator
#driving association # handicraft
National Tourism Companies
National Tourism Companies
Looking for literature & guide books?
The Pamirs are a white spot on the tourist map. Literature offers the opportunity to learn about the destination, the country and its people. Here you will find everything from travel guides to general country information.
Brochures
Maps
Books
Meet our international partner
We work together with international partners. Most of them are travel agencies that offer tours to the Pamirs. There are also airlines, hotels and equipment suppliers.
