How much money do you need to travel in Tajikistan? It depends, of course, but despite widespread poverty, Tajikistan is not a cheap country to travel in, mostly because of expensive transport on the Pamir Highway and beyond. Sharing costs is advisable if you are on a tight budget.
Outside of the Pamirs, food and transport are very cheap.
Tajikistan is a place where your money matters, so let go of it in the right places. Perhaps you really do have very little of it right now, but at least you have a lot more opportunity than the people of Tajikistan to earn it back later.
For info on money exchange, withdrawing money, what currency to bring etc., see money in Tajikistan.
Table of Contents
Accommodation
- Dorm bed: 7-20$/€
- Homestay: 15-20$/€
- Double in a cheap hotel: 25-40$/€
- Double in a nice hotel: 70-150$/€
- Double in a luxury hotel: 200-350$/€
More tips and info on your sleeping options at accommodation in Tajikistan.
Transport
Public transport is affordable.
- 16-hour ride in a shared jeep Dushanbe – Khorog: 40$
- Minibus in Dushanbe: 15 cents
But most people visiting the Pamirs prefer not to take public transport. If you are not renting a car, 900$ for 7 days Osh – Khorog is the absolute bare minimum for an independent driver. 1000$ for 8 days is a more reasonable aim for budget travelers. You can split the costs in 4 (but preferably in 3 for more leg room in the back).
If you are not on a budget, add another 10-20% to get agency support and more accountability from the tour operator. See our Pamir Highway driver offer for more, or the Pamir Highway jeep tour for a more complete package.
More details about transport in Tajikistan on the overview page.
Food
Food in a simple local restaurant or fast food place will cost around 1-2$/€. If it’s somewhat nicer, 4$/€. In the Pamirs you can expect prices to be similar to Western prices for basic foodstuff. Only at the most elite places in Dushanbe does the menu go over 10$/€ for a dish.
Tours and activities
Difficult to say anything about prices with such a wide range of options of course, but, to give you an idea, expect to pay around 100$/€ per day for a small-group ecotourism horse riding adventure. Entrance to sights and museums ranges between 2 and 5$/€.
Find out more about our selection of tours in Tajikistan, or our custom tours.
Visas and flights
An e-visa costs 50$, and a GBAO permit costs 20$ on top. More info at the Tajikistan visa page.
If you are flying in and out of the country, expect to pay around (this is a very rough estimate) 500$/€ for a return flight from Europe or Asia.
Q&A
Budget and expense questions for your trip are welcome in the Silk Road travel budget forum thread.