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.
Accommodation
- Dorm bed: 7-20$/€
- Homestay: 7-15$/€
- Double in a cheap hotel: 25-40$/€
- Double in a nice hotel: 70-150$/€
- Double in a luxury hotel: 200-350$/€
More tips and info on your sleeping options at accommodation in Tajikistan.
Transport
Public transport is affordable.
- 16-hour ride in a shared jeep Dushanbe – Khorog: 35$
- 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.
