Tajikistan Map (2026): Tourist Regions, Cities & Surrounding Countries

Where is Tajikistan on A Map (Tajikistan on World & Asia Map)

Where is Tajikistan on a map? Highlighting its location in Central Asia near China and Afghanistan

Tajikistan is often missed on world maps. However, you can clearly see where it fits on our highlighted Tajikistan Location Map.

Where exactly is it? The country sits right in the Central Asia—roughly halfway between Europe and China. In terms of size, it is about as big as Greece or the US state of Arkansas (143,100 sq km).

The Neighbors We have also marked the four countries that surround it:

• Afghanistan to the south (1,357 km – the longest border).
• Uzbekistan to the west and north (1,312 km).
• Kyrgyzstan to the north (984 km).
• China to the east (477 km).

The Capital Dushanbe lies in the western part of the country. To give you some perspective, it sits on roughly the same latitude as Athens or San Francisco.

Tajikistan Country Map With 5 Regions & GBAO Permit Area

Tajikistan country map showing the 5 regions and the GBAO permit area in the east

Before you book anything, take a moment to study this Tajikistan Country Map. It clearly shows the different regions of the country. Understanding this map is very important because you need a special permit to visit certain areas.

The 5 Regions of Tajikistan on Map

• Sughd Region (North): The most developed area. It is home to Khujand (the 2nd biggest city) and Panjakent (ancient ruins).
• Khatlon Region (South): Mostly farmland. Not many tourists go here.
• Districts of Republican Subordination (Central): It has a strange name. This region surrounds Dushanbe and has some beautiful valleys.
• Dushanbe City: The capital has its own status.
• GBAO (East): The big one for adventurers.

Where do people actually go? About 70% of tourism happens in just three places: Dushanbe, the Sughd Region (Fann Mountains/Panjakent), and the GBAO (Pamir Highway).

GBAO Region: Do You Need a Permit?

Let's focus on the East side of the map. This is the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO).

It covers 45% of the country. This massive area contains the famous Pamir Highway, the Wakhan Corridor, and spectacular high-altitude lakes.

When do you need a Permit?

• YES: If you leave Dushanbe and head southeast into the mountains.
• YES: If you plan to drive the Pamir Highway.
• NO: You do not need a permit for the Seven Lakes (Haft Kul) near Panjakent.

How to Apply? It is easy. When you apply for your official Tajikistan E-Visa online:

1. Look for the option that says "GBAO Permit."
2. Tick the box.
3. Pay the extra fee (usually $5–10 USD).
4. Submit it together with your visa application.

Tajikistan Map with Cities: Major Hubs & Airports

Tajikistan map with cities highlighting major tourist hubs like Dushanbe, Khujand, and Khorog with airport hubs

Next, let's look at the main tourist cities and transport hubs using this "Tajikistan Map with Cities". This will show you exactly where you can land and where to stay.

Tajikistan doesn't have hundreds of big cities. Instead, there are a few key "hubs" that you can use as base camps. Here are the most important ones marked on the map (from West to East):

Dushanbe: The capital and the starting point for most trips. It is modern by Central Asian standards, with decent hotels, restaurants, and the world's highest flagpole (seriously, they are very proud of it). Most travelers stay here for 1–2 days. Dushanbe International Airport (DYU) – This is your main entry point.

Khujand: The second-biggest city (in the North). It sits on the ancient Silk Road and has a fantastic bazaar. It is usually visited together with Panjakent. A small airport (LBD) with flights to Moscow and Dushanbe.

Panjakent: A small town near the Uzbekistan border. It is famous for ancient ruins and is the gateway to the stunning Fann Mountains. No airport. You arrive by road from Dushanbe (5–6 hours) or Khujand (3 hours).

Khorog: The capital of the GBAO region. This is the last "real town" with basic hotels before you enter the high Pamir mountains. It also has the second-highest botanical garden in the world.

Murghab: The highest town in Tajikistan (3,650m). It feels more like a village than a city, but it is a crucial rest stop on the Pamir Highway.

Kulob: A transport hub in the South. You will pass through here if you drive the "South Route" to the Pamirs. It has an airport (TJU) with flights to Moscow.

On the map, you might see other names like Bokhtar or Istaravshan. These are nice places, but for first-time visitors, Dushanbe, Khujand, and Panjakent are the "Big Three" where you will actually stay.

Related Article:Dushanbe Map, Tajikistan: Latest Dushanbe City Map for Tourist (2026)

Tourist Map of Tajikistan: Top 10 Attractions & Sightseeing

Tajikistan Tourist map highlighting 10 attractions with photos

This is the fun part. What are you actually going to see? I have created this Tourist Map of Tajikistan to show you the top 10 most visited places.

How to read this Tourist Map?

You will notice two main "clusters" on the map. The Western Cluster is around Penjikent and Dushanbe (Numbers 1, 3, 5, 6, 10). These are easier to reach. You can see these in a 5-7 day trip.

The Eastern Cluster: The Pamir Highway loop (Numbers 2, 4, 8, 9). These are far apart. You need at least 7-10 days just for this section.

This tourist map of Tajikistan is your menu. You probably cannot order everything on the menu in one trip unless you have 3 weeks. Pick your cluster!

Related Article:What to Do in Tajikistan 2026: 10 Tourist Spots & Experiences Worth the Trip

Tajikistan Itinerary Map: Classic Routes & How Long to Stay

This is the question I get asked the most: "How do I connect the dots?" Here, I present two versions of the Tajikistan Itinerary Map. These are the classic routes that 95% of tourists take.

Route 1: Classic 7-Day Itinerary for First Timer

Detailed map of Tajikistan showing the classic 7-day itinerary from Dushanbe to Penjikent

This route keeps you in the western/northern regions, never requiring a GBAO permit. Roads are decent (by Tajik standards), and you'll find hotels easily. Perfect for a first visit or if you're combining with an Uzbekistan trip.

• Dushanbe (2 days): Arrival, city sights, National Museum, bazaars.
• Iskanderkul Lake (1 day): day trip or overnight camping.
• Khujand (1 day): Sheikh Muslihiddin Complex, Panjshanbe Bazaar, Khujand Fortress
• Penjikent (1-2 days): Ancient ruins, Rudaki Museum, base for Seven Lakes.
• Seven Lakes (1 day): day trip from Penjikent. Return to Penjikent. You can continuing to Uzbekistan or back to Dushanbe.

Recommended Tours:

7 Days Best Tajikistan Tour: History, Culture & Iskanderkul Lake

Route 2: The Classic Pamir Highway (7-10 days total)

Tajikistan Pamir Highway 10 Days Itinerary map

The crown jewel of Tajik tourism. This is what most adventure travelers come for. The Pamir Highway is only reliably open from June through September.

The Route on the Map: Dushanbe -> Kalaikhumb -> Khorog -> Wakhan Valley -> Murghab -> Karakul -> Osh (Kyrgyzstan).

Look at the Tajikistan itinerary map carefully. This is a one-way trip usually ending in Kyrgyzstan. If you have to go back to Dushanbe, you need to double your driving time.

Related Article:Tajikistan Itinerary: Road Trips & Pamir Highway Itinerary

Map of Tajikistan and Surrounding Countries: Borders & Stans Combo

Finally, let's look at the big picture. Tajikistan is often part of a bigger "Stans" trip. If you look at the Map of Tajikistan and Surrounding Countries, you will see how it fits into the puzzle of Central Asia. This map is vital for planning how you enter and exit.

The Uzbekistan-Tajikistan Combo (The Popular Choice)

Map of Tajikistan and surrounding countries showing border crossings to Uzbekistan (Samarkand & Tashkent)

Use this map to plan a combined trip to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. It clearly shows the flight routes and the locations of the two border crossings you are most likely to use.

Border Crossing 1: The most famous crossing is between Samarkand (Uzbekistan) and Panjakent (Tajikistan).

Border Crossing 2: In the northeast, you can travel from Khujand to Tashkent (Uzbekistan). You will use the Oybek-Buston border crossing.

Flights: You can also fly directly from Tashkent to Dushanbe. The flight takes only about 1 hour.

Related Article:Uzbekistan Tajikistan Border: Itineraries & Crossing Guide

The Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan Combo (The Adventure Choice)

Map of Tajikistan and surrounding countries showing border crossings to Kyrgyzstan (Osh)

Adventurers, this map is for you. The Land Route (Pamir Highway): The most popular border crossing for tourists is the Kyzyl-Bel – Sary-Tash route.

Travelers usually drive east along the Pamir Highway from Tajikistan and cross into Kyrgyzstan towards Osh. You MUST have a Tajikistan GBAO Permit to travel this route.

There are also direct flights from Dushanbe to Bishkek. The flight takes about 1.5 hours.

Related Article:Dushanbe to Bishkek (2026): My Personal Experience You Can Take

Tajikistan Flights Connection with "4 Stans"

Tajikistan Flights Map showing air lines with 4 stans and travel time

You have already seen the maps for crossing borders by land. This new map focuses on flight connections. It shows the routes and flight times between Tajikistan and the other "Stan" countries.

Use this map for inspiration. It will help you find new ideas for your adventure across Central Asia.

Travel to Tajikistan With Asia Odyssey Travel

Tajikistan is 90% mountains—a pristine, high-altitude paradise perfect for a cool summer escape. Asia Odyssey Travel handles the rugged logistics and border crossings, making your trip to the "Roof of the World" safe and seamless. You just show up and enjoy.

✅ Tajikistan Tour Packages – In-depth journeys covering Dushanbe, Khujand, and the turquoise gem of Iskanderkul Lake.
✅ Central Asia Combo – Expertly connected multi-country routes that blend Persian history with Pamir landscapes.
✅ Dushanbe Tours: Dive into the Persian heart of Central Asia, covering Rudaki Park, museums, and the ancient Hissar Fortress.