Tourism in Tajikistan: What’s Improved Since 2020 – And What Still Holds It Back

Five years ago, Canadian traveler and researcher Christian Bleuer identified 25 key problems in Tajikistan’s tourism sector. In 2025, while there have been no groundbreaking reforms, the industry has made noticeable progress in several areas, particularly in digital services, infrastructure, and hospitality standards.

 

Signs of progress

Over the past half-decade, digitalization has led the way in reshaping the tourist experience. The introduction of eSIM technology, e-visa services, and improved online booking systems has made travel logistics smoother. In parallel, infrastructure upgrades—like new flight routes and partial road reconstructions—have improved access to the country’s mountainous regions.

Key areas of improvement include:

  • Service Quality: The spread of online reviews and growing competition have helped travelers identify more reliable hotels and cafes than in the past.
  • Promotion & Visibility: Social media, YouTube, and travel influencers have played a more effective role in promoting Tajikistan’s image abroad than official advertising campaigns.
  • Visa & Registration: The simplified e-visa system has eased entry procedures, although awareness remains limited. Tourist registration is now easier, though some bureaucratic elements persist.
  • Navigation & Information: Tools like Google Maps and travel apps have enhanced urban navigation, though coverage remains patchy outside Dushanbe and Khujand. Info centers have appeared in the capital and in Khorog, but a nationwide network is still lacking.
  • Transport: Online taxi services now operate in Dushanbe, and parts of the M41 highway have been reconstructed. However, regional transport remains disorganized, and many mountain roads are still difficult to access.
  • Accommodation & Food: The capital has seen growth in modern hotels and restaurants. However, there remains a shortage of mid-range options for nature-seeking travelers, and rural services are still poorly developed.
  • Banking Services: While Dushanbe has seen improvement, foreign tourists still face issues with currency exchange and limited acceptance of bank cards, especially outside major cities.
  • Air Connectivity: The “Open Skies” policy has introduced flights to Beijing, Xi’an, Tashkent, and Samarkand, though high ticket prices continue to deter greater tourist inflows.
  • Tour Guides: New training programs have launched, but the industry still suffers from a lack of skilled, professional guides.
  • Corruption & Harassment: There has been some progress at border crossings and in Dushanbe, but problems persist in remote regions.

 

Lingering challenges

  • Despite some headway, several issues remain unresolved — either due to systemic inefficiencies or deeper structural limitations.
  • Internet and Connectivity: Tajikistan ranks at the bottom among Central Asian countries in both mobile and fixed internet speeds. According to the Speedtest Global Index, Tajikistan’s mobile internet speed is below 24 Mbps, compared to 91.7 Mbps in Kazakhstan and 55 Mbps in Uzbekistan. For fixed broadband, Tajikistan ranks 117th globally, far behind its neighbors.
  • Environmental Concerns: Waste management remains a major issue. Trash is visible not only in remote areas but also in urban ditches and alleys near government roads in Dushanbe.
  • Border Access Issues:
    • The Jirgatal checkpoint, located on the border with Kyrgyzstan, remains closed to foreign nationals.
    • The Rasht Valley–Pamir route, proposed as a shorter alternative to reach the Pamirs, has seen no concrete progress. Currently, travelers must rely on the longer and weather-dependent Kulob–Khoburabot Pass route, which is often closed in winter due to avalanches.
  • Drone Restrictions: Drones remain formally banned, and there is no functioning registration system. This limits the development of photo and video tourism.
  • Coordination in Tourism Sector: Hotels, taxi drivers, and tour operators continue to operate independently without a coordinated strategy or unified standards.

 

Chronic Limitations

Some factors appear to be beyond the reach of policy reform:

  • Limited Historical Sites: Compared to Uzbekistan, which boasts iconic architectural heritage, Tajikistan lacks large-scale historical attractions, making it more of a supplementary destination on regional itineraries.
  • Afghanistan Proximity: The unstable situation in neighboring Afghanistan prevents the opening of promising transit routes, such as through the Wakhan Corridor.
  • Geographic Isolation: Tajikistan’s mountainous terrain and landlocked position make infrastructure development costly and limit access to many regions, especially during the winter months. The Pamir and Tian Shan mountain ranges contribute to year-round logistical challenges and physical isolation.
  • Urban Development Trends: The unchecked felling of trees, destruction of historic urban areas, and chaotic development in cities like Dushanbe are diminishing their appeal to tourists.

 

Tourism still on the margins of the global stage

According to the National Tourism Development Strategy of Tajikistan (up to 2030), the country’s tourism sector has struggled to transition from its Soviet-era legacy into a competitive, market-driven industry. Despite an increase in visitor numbers, Tajikistan’s share of the global tourism market remains minimal.

Key structural barriers include:

  • Weak Investment Climate: A lack of investor confidence, especially in the hospitality and transport sectors, hampers the development of essential infrastructure such as affordable hotels, reliable transportation services, and tourist-friendly amenities in remote areas.
  • Low Service Standards: Poor customer service continues to deter repeat visits and limits the country’s appeal to international travelers.
  • Insufficient Global Promotion: Outside of specialized circles, Tajikistan remains largely unknown as a travel destination. Moreover, much of the online information available is either outdated or inaccurate, further complicating trip planning.
  • Lack of Private Sector Involvement: Without stronger engagement from private companies, the state’s efforts alone are unlikely to bring transformative change. Tourism holds real potential as a job creator, particularly for youth, and could ease the burden of labor migration. However, this potential remains largely untapped.

 

Conclusion

While Tajikistan’s tourism sector has seen measurable improvements since 2020 — particularly in digital services, infrastructure, and hospitality — deep-rooted structural challenges continue to limit its growth. A combination of geographic constraints, poor coordination, weak internet connectivity, and underinvestment keeps the country on the periphery of global tourism.

To move forward, Tajikistan must invest in long-term reforms, embrace private sector collaboration, and prioritize sustainable tourism models that play to its strengths: pristine nature, rugged landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.