Group trips to Tajikistan

Tajikistan operates on Tajikistan Time (TJT), which is 5 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+5). Tajikistan does not observe daylight saving time.

• If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 5pm in Tajikistan.
• If it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 10pm in Tajikistan.

In Tajikistan, the currency used is the Tajikistani Somoni (TJS). The exchange rate can vary, but as a rough guide:

• 1 GBP is approximately 15 TJS
• 1 USD is about 11 TJS
• 1 EUR is around 12 TJS

You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, or major hotels in the cities.

In Tajikistan, you can pay using cash or credit cards. Cash is widely accepted and the local currency is the Tajikistani Somoni. Credit cards are accepted in major cities, but not everywhere, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand. ATMs are available in larger towns and cities for cash withdrawals. We suggest you inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.

Tipping in Tajikistan is not a common practice, but it's always appreciated, especially in tourist areas. In restaurants, if you feel that the service was exceptional, you could leave a small tip of around 5 to 10 percent.

In hotels, rounding up the bill for porters or housekeeping is a nice gesture. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is usually sufficient. Remember, tipping is not mandatory, so it's entirely up to you if you want to show your appreciation.

In Tajikistan, internet access can be a bit limited compared to Western countries. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and some cafes in larger cities like Dushanbe, but it might not be the fastest. For more reliable access, especially if you're traveling to rural areas, we recommend you buy a local SIM card.

You can get a SIM card from major providers like Tcell, Beeline, or Megafon. They offer data plans at reasonable prices. Just make sure your phone is unlocked before purchasing a SIM. You might also consider an e-SIM data plan if your phone supports it, which can save you time and hassle.

In Tajikistan, the official language is Tajik. It's a variety of Persian and you'll find it widely spoken across the country. Here are some useful expressions you might hear or find handy:

• Hello: Salom
• Thank you: Tashakkur
• How much?: Chand pul?
• Yes: Bale
• No: Na

While Tajik is the main language, Russian is also commonly used, especially in business and government settings. It's always great to learn a few phrases to enrich your travel experience!

In Tajikistan, the power plugs and sockets used are of types C and F. The standard voltage is 220V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If you're traveling from a country that uses different plug types, it's a good idea to bring a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be charged without any issues. This way, you can stay connected and keep all your gadgets powered up during your trip.

The main religion in Tajikistan is Islam, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslims. When visiting, especially in rural areas, it's respectful for women to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Major religious holidays include:

• Ramadan, a month of fasting
• Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan
• Eid al-Adha, another significant festival, commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son

During these times, you might experience closures of businesses or altered schedules.

For a trip to Tajikistan, you'll want to be well-prepared for a mix of urban and outdoor adventures. Here's what you should pack in your backpack:

Clothing:

• Lightweight long-sleeve shirts
• T-shirts
• Warm sweater or fleece
• Waterproof jacket
• Comfortable pants
• Quick-dry shorts

Shoes:

• Hiking boots
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals

Accessories and Technology:

• Sunglasses
• Hat for sun protection
• Power bank
• Camera
• Travel adapter (Tajikistan uses type C or F plugs, 220V, 50Hz)

Toiletries and Medication:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and soap
• Sunscreen
• Basic first aid kit
• Common travel medication like pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, anti-diarrheal medication

Tailor your packing list according to your planned activities and the season you’re visiting.

Tajikistan's weather varies significantly depending on the region and time of year. Here's a breakdown:

• Northern regions: Experience cold winters with heavy snowfall and mild summers. The best time to visit is from May to September.
• Central regions: Have a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Late spring and early autumn are ideal times to visit.
• Southern regions: Tend to be warmer, with mild winters and very hot summers. Visit in spring or autumn for the most pleasant weather.

Overall, the best time to explore Tajikistan is between late spring and early autumn when the weather is generally mild and more predictable.