To visit the Pamir Mountains, travel the Pamir Highway, or explore the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), you’ll need to obtain a GBAO Permit. This additional documentation is required due to the highway’s proximity to the Afghan border, serving as a crucial security measure. When applying for a Tajikistan e-visa, make sure to select the option for the GBAO Permit so it can be issued together with your visa.
The GBAO Permit will be checked at various checkpoints along the Pamir Highway. It’s advisable to make around 10 copies of the permit beforehand, as each checkpoint will retain a copy. You can obtain the permit when applying for a visa at Tajikistan embassies or from the OVIR (Department of Visas and Registration) Office in Dushanbe. Only a passport is required for this process.
Once in Tajikistan, it takes about 5-7 days to receive a GBAO Permit, which will be valid for the duration of your visa and allow you to travel throughout the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, with the exceptions of Sarez Lake and Zorkul. The cost of obtaining the permit through travel agencies typically ranges between 30 to 50 USD. If needed, the permit can be extended at any OVIR office along your journey for up to 30 days.
To visit Sarez Lake, you’ll need to obtain a permit from the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense. Although officially free, this permit is rarely issued in practice. For Zorkul, permits are available through the Direction of State Reserves in Dushanbe, with a fee of approximately 4 USD per day for staying at the Zorkul State Nature Reserve.