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AIR : The domestic
airline is Tajik Air, offering internal flights to Khorog in
Gorno-Badakhshan (one of the most technically demanding regularly
scheduled flights in the world), Khojand and less frequently to Kulyab.
All flights are subject to the weather and the endemic fuel shortages
of the region. Flights from Dushanbe to Khorog take 1 hour, to Khojand
1 hour and to Kulyab 30 minutes. Internal services are subject to
cancellations, long delays and overloading of passengers.
RAIL : Passenger railways are restricted at present. There are
only three railway lines in Tajikistan : one leading south from
Dushanbe through Kurgan - Tyube and Shaartuz to the Uzbek/Afghan
border at Termez; one that leads due south from Dushanbe, through
Kurgan - Tyube to Tugul on the Afghan border; and one in the northern
region which runs from Samarkand, through Khojand to the Fergana
Valley. A branch from Kulyab to Kurgan-Tyube is currently under
construction.
Note : Travellers are advised to store their valuables in the
compartment under the bed/seats, to ensure the door is securely shut
from the inside by tying it closed with wire or strong cord, and not
to leave the compartment unattended.
ROAD : There is a reasonable road network in Tajikistan, though
some parts may be seasonally impassable. During the winter (October to
March), three of the four main roads from the capital and the
southwest of the country (east to Khorog via Khalaikum, northeast to
Osh via the Garm valley, and north to Khojand via the Anzob Pass and
Ayni) are all closed by snow. The only way of reaching these areas is
through Uzbekistan. The road between Osh (in Kyrgyzstan) and Khorog is
kept open all year round and traverses one of the most beautiful and
unspoilt regions in the world, the Pamir Mountains. Recent political
and economic troubles have meant that road maintenance has been widely
neglected. Foreigners are, in theory, allowed to go anywhere except
border zones - it is worth noting that the road from Dushanbe to
Khorog is in a border zone for much of its length - without having to
get special permission (other than an endorsement on their visas).
Tourists should inform their tour operator of their plans. If
travelling independently, it is worth getting as many official -
looking documents as possible in order to negotiate the many
checkpoints. Traffic drives on the right. Bus : There are
services between the major towns when the roads are open. In the
south, buses go to Kurgan - Tyrube and Kulyab and as far down as Pyanj
and Ayvadaz. Buses to the east reach only around 100km (60 miles), as
far as Komsomolabad. Information on timetables and fares can be found
at the bus station, or autovokzal. Taxi : These and
chauffeur-driven cars for hire can be found in all major towns. Many
are unlicensed and travellers are advised to agree a fare in advance.
Officially marked taxis are safe, but sharing with strangers should be
avoided. As many of the street names have changed since independence,
it is also advisable to ascertain both the old and the new street
names when asking directions. Car hire : Self-drive car hire is
not available. Documentation : It is in theory possible to
bring, or buy, one’s own transport : drivers should have an
International Driving Permit and have arranged insurance before
departure. |
