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Flying regionally in Central Asia is probably not the safest thing in the world. That being said, it is rather exciting.
The planes that fly this between Bishkek and Dushanbe are all local (Tajik Airlines) and are quite small, seating fewer than 50 people, goats, etc.. The flight itself is quite dramatic, as the planes fly at a low altitude over the very dramatic Fergana Valley and Ayni Pass (see photos). This flight is NOT for the faint of heart, however and the real risks associated with traveling on Central Asian airlines, particularly during winter months, should be strongly considered.
A one way ticket, at the time of writing, costs $150. Cheaper tickets are likely available.
Written Aug 15, 2007
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Most international arrivals into Tajikistan arrive into the international airport in Dushanbe. This is a miserable experience, and you must prepare yourself emotionally prior to arriving. The arrival gate, in the Customs Area, becomes a total zoo, with all of your fellow passengers pushing to get ahead in line. Customs and border enforcement can be seen blatantly receiving bribes (presumably to look the other way and not search specific peices of luggage) and the arrival area is often without electricity.
Two tips - 1) buy a visa in advance (to avoid having to deal with this hassle upon arrival) and 2) try to avoid arriving at night (the airport is far more hospitable during the daylight).
Written Aug 13, 2007
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As I already wrote about the flight to Khorog on my Tajikistan main page, I will make it short here.
Don’t even bother trying to buy a ticket at the airport itself, as this was (and I am sure still is) a bit of a chaos. Go directly to the travel agent across the street (see photo and screenshot of GE), and there you will get the tickets immediately. The price difference is only 10 USD (at a price of 80 USD for a oneway ticket to Khorog). There are daily flights from Dushanbe to Khorog, but it depends on the weather conditions if they actually fly or not.
At the day of your departure, be there approx. 1 hour prior to departure, as all very much depends on the weather conditions. Even if the weather seems to be nice in Dushanbe, that’s not the point – it is more important what kind of wind conditions are on the last flight leg = through the western Pamir ranges. See my travellogue for photos, and then you will understand.
Don’t get confused if a plane arrives on the runway, but you are not called for boarding, in case you booked with the travel agent (and not at the airport itself). It seems that there are 2 flights per day, one for the passengers booked with Tajikistan Airlines directly and the other one a so-called business flight for the ones that booked with the travel agent.
Make sure you sit on the right hand side in the plane !! Then you will get the best views !
Updated Apr 22, 2007
Map of Dushanbe: http://www.dushanbe.ru/images/map1.jpg
Written Aug 25, 2002
Little mini-buses (mainly converted vans) run all over Dushanbe. They display a route number in the front window, but are otherwise unmarked.
You can hail them anywhere (even in the middle of a junction!), and they'll always stop unless full (when you think of full, think of Turkish Dolmus-style full).
A trip anywhere is only 20 Dirhams (about 10 cent).
Written Jun 2, 2003
Going around the city in minibus (marshrutka) is a great way of travelling. It's easy and cheap. 30 Dirham flat rate is the fare (30 Dirham= 0.3 Somani, 1 USD eqauls 2,93 Somani, April 2004).
No. 1: Giprozem (south) - Sakovat Bazaar - Circus - War Memorial - Aini Street - Dushanbe Airport
No. 2: Giprozem - Sakovat Bazaar - Circus - War Memorial - Bokhtar Street (centre)
No. 3: Dushanbe I Train Station - Rudaki Avenue - Vodanasos Bazaar (north)
No. 8: Dushanbe Airport - Aini Street - Rudaki Avenue - Ismoil Somoni Street - 102nd microdistrict (west)
No. 17: 82nd microdistrict - Ismoil Somoni Street - Rudaki Avenue - Vodanasos Bazaar
No. 29: Giprozem - Circus - Bus Station - 82nd microdistrict - Ismoil Somoni Street - Barakat Bazaar (centre)
Written Apr 19, 2004
Taxi sharks at the Pyanj crossing will look for $60 to Dushanbe.
$5 and good bargaining can get you to the first town beyond the 20-25 km exclusion zone by the border.. From there I got a taxi to Dushanbe for $15. Half way there the driver picked up three passengers who got in back. I suppose you could argue for a price reduction but as I don't speak Russian or Tajik I assumed he would just say that $15 was quoted with the freedom to pick up more passengers in mind.
There may be a bus from this town (I'm not sure of the name) to Dushanbe. The Taxi will take 2 hours or so.
Written Jul 25, 2004
[Apologies -- there doesn't seem to be a Khojand listed in the database to add to my page so I've posted this here]
Volga taxis are available to Khojand (formerly Leninobad). The trip takes about 10 to 10.5 hours and costs 60 somoni ($20US) for one seat. The road is rough for a good part of the way but construction on the road seems to be ongoing. Leave early enough to get there before dark as the roads (and drivers!) aren't safe after dark.
Taxis leave from past the University on the right side of prospekt Rudaki.
Written Oct 2, 2004
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Forget about buses in Tajikistan, the nearest thing might be a microbus. For travels out of town and to other places in Tajikistan, you should visit the designated taxi stands. Thus you have one basically for each compass direction. For Varzob, Fan Moutains and Khojand, the north bus stop therefore will be your place. There you will find drivers ready to take you on the sort of arrangement you'd prefer - hire the vehicle/driver or pay your share of a taxi. And similar to the other directions out of Dushanbe. For in-city or near-city trips, flag down any taxi.
Negotiate a fare first. I never stepped out of a long-distance Tajik taxi on friendly terms with the driver as he will claim more money that originally settled. Be aware of this dramatic finale to any long journey where you have hired the driver/vehicle and been on friendly terms with the driver all along.
Updated Feb 1, 2007
There are trains reaching the south of Tajikistan from Dushanbe, but the service is slow and unreliable. The line goes almost all the way to the Afghan border. You will save time and effort, but perhaps not money by travelling by hire vehicle or long-distance taxi or bus.
Written Feb 1, 2007
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Insider advice and photos on Dushanbe flights and airports in the Dushanbe area posted by real travelers and locals.
There are trains reaching the south of Tajikistan from Dushanbe, but the service is slow and unreliable. The line goes almost all the way to the Afghan border....
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