solo-travel – Dan Travels

How To Apply Online For A Tajikistan eVisa (Updated)

By Dan Forteza

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Think of it as buying a cup of coffee for me on someone else. Thanks & enjoy!

With Tajikistan’s untouched and unspoiled nature alongside its people’s warm hospitality, I truly made a good decision to see this little known corner of the world last November 2019. So if you’re planning to visit Tajikistan and looking for a guide on how to apply for your Tajikistan eVisa (tourist visa) online, then you’re in the right place. So let’s wait no further and get that Tajikistan eVisa right away!

My friend Dilshod at his home in Dushanbe Couchsurfing — My Tajik friend Dilshod at his home in Dushanbe | Dantravels.org

Tajikistan launched an e-Visa system on June 1, 2016. The eVisa can be used at any border crossing (including international airports) and is granted for tourism and business. Along with an eVisa, visitors may obtain a permit to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region for an additional cost of 20 USD.

If you intend to visit the famous Pamir Highway or the M41 in Tajikistan, you need to include the additional 20 USD fee–you’ll see it when you process your visa application online. More details from my step-by-step guide below.

WHO’S ELIGIBLE OF TAJIKISTAN EVISA?

Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need an eVisa. See information below which category you fall in.

eVisa Eligible Countries

All European Union citizens, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen

Free-Visa Countries

Armenia **, Azerbaijan **, Belarus *, Georgia *, Kazakhstan *, Kyrgyzstan *, Moldova *, Russia *, Ukraine **, Uzbekistan ***

Notes:
* Unlimited stay
** 90 days
*** 30 days

Visa policy Map of Tajikistan — Visa Policy Map | Wikipedia.org

As a Philippine passport holder, I am eligible to apply for an eVisa (yay!) including citizens from 120 other countries. That’s why in this blog, I’ll share with you my experience on my Tajikistan eVisa application.

GET YOUR TAJIKISTAN EVISA IN 4 EASY STEPS

STEP 1: GET YOUR ROOM ACCOMMODATION READY

When filling up the application form online, you need to indicate your Address in Tajikistan. if you’re staying in a hotel/hostel (which you probably should), fill it in with its address.

You can book a room at any Tajikistan hotel through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

If hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

STEP 2: APPLY AT TAJIKISTAN’S e-VISA WEBSITE

For you to be able to facilitate your application ONLINE, just follow the through the below steps:

1. Go to www.evisa.tj and click the “Start” button.

Takikistan eVisa website — Tajikistan eVisa website | Dantravels.org

2. Then it will lead you to the Application form page where you’re required to complete your personal details, passport data, and your address in Tajikistan (in Step 1).

eVisa fee with GBAO permit – 70 USD
eVisa fee without GBAO permit – 50 USD

Again, if you intend to visit the famous Pamir Highway or the M41, you need to tick ‘Yes’ to GBAO permit (see snapshot below.)

3. Next page, you need to upload files for both mandatory and optional documents:

Mandatory – Scanned copy of Passport

TIP: I know most of us do not own a scanner, so I recommended you to use a mobile app called “CAMSCANNER”. It is available in both Android and iPhone. Just take a picture of the file and it can be saved as pdf. I used it myself and it appears just like a normal scanned document!

Optional – Any files that would support your tourism activity such as flight and hotel bookings. In this regard, I only uploaded my hostel booking from Step 1 as well as snapshot of my payslips.

Upload your files at Tajikistan eVisa website | Dantravels.org

4. Proceed to the next page and review your information. Make sure your email is correct since your eVisa will be sent to you via email. Then confirm to proceed with your payment.

REMEMBER: Once you proceed, you can NO longer change any of the information, so make sure you’ve got everything right.

STEP 3. PAY THE VISA FEE

You will then be directed to the next page to provide your payment.

Pay the relevant evisa processing fee using your electronic payment cards (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit cards) and submit the application.

After payment, you will then be prompted by an email notification – “..we have received your 50.0 USD payment for your Visa application with ID XXXXXX.The application is in under study. You’ll receive automatic updates via email whenever the status of your application changes.“

STEP 4. WAIT FOR THE RESULTS

After you completed the whole online application process, you just have to wait for the result of your e-Visa application.

According to some forums, applicants normally receive their visa results within one day or two which is sent to them via email. And in case on the third day you haven’t received it yet, go ahead and make a follow up (see additional Step 5).

Once you got APPROVED, print out your e-visa approval confirmation. Upon arrival, it is advisable for you to bring a copy of the eVisa notice along with you.

STEP 5 (EXTRA STEP). FOLLOW UP THE RESULTS

As per my experience, applying for a Tajikistan e-Visa is not that complicated. However, it took 4 days for me to receive the results of my eVisa. Thus, I was one of those whose visas got stuck or delayed!

In the case of getting your visas stuck or delayed, you can follow up with this guy via email: Kmuhamadulloev@consular.tj (based on the forums I’ve read, this guy works at Tajik consular office). You can also send an email to info@visa.mfa.tj and evisa@visa.mfa.tj. It is the same thing I did and luckily I got a quick reply from Mr. Kmuhamadulloev who helped me speed up my visa results. I received my evisa on the same day I made a follow up.

SUMMARY:

Visa Type: e-Visa
Visa Validity: 45 Days from your first arrival
Entry type: Single Entry
Visa Fee: 50 USD / 70 USD (with GBAO permit)

So there you have it! I hope this blog helps you in any way. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a reply in the comment section below. I’ll reply as soon as I can.

With all that said, I wish you all the best on your Tajikistan eVisa application!

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your Tajikistan itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it as well. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Airbnb
- Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Dushanbe (Tajikistan) Package tours
- Viator. Viator is the world’s leading resource for researching, finding and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.

Click here to find the best Viator deals in Dushanbe!

Travel Insurance
- World Nomads. If you don’t have travel insurance when times get tough, basically you are screwed. Traveling always comes with inherent risks attached. Whether you are trekking in the Pamir mountains or wandering the streets of Dushanbe, unforeseen events can suddenly upend your world. Generally speaking, travel insurance covers you for the following: Medical Costs – hospital visits, emergencies, evacuations; Property Loss – luggage and their contents; Travel Issues – accommodation and transportation expenses. Thus, I highly recommend you guys getting a travel insurance. I bought one from the World Nomads (available in 130+ countries) where most travelers get their travel insurances.

Go to this link to get to your World Nomads travel insurance.

4-Day Tehran Itinerary And Travel Guide: Best Places To See On A Budget

By Dan Forteza

Iran’s exceptional artistic heritage and the incredibly hospitable and friendly people make visiting the land of Ancient Persia a fascinating experience. I visited Iran for the first time last September 2019 and my visit in Tehran was truly unforgettable. So without further ado, let me share with you my 4-day Tehran itinerary with travel guides which include Tehran’s top attractions specifically for budget travelers.

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

At the Negarestan Museum | Dantravels.org

Aside from Tehran, I also went to Damavand City (east of Tehran) wherein a Couchsurfer hosted me for a night. I will be creating a separate blog about my memorable experience in Damavand for sure!

DO YOU NEED A VISA?

Depending on your nationality, you might or might not need a visa. Check out my Iran visa guide to check if you’re legible for an e-visa or visa on arrival or no visa at all.

OTHER REMINDERS:

Bring CASH!

IMPORTANT: Bring CASH in either USD or Euro. Take note that Mastercard or Visa and the likes are not accepted in any of Iran’s ATM. Before you go to Iran, make sure you have some cash with you in either USD or Euro. While I was in Bangkok, I immediately bought some dollar cash. Then you can easily exchange you cash to rial in Tehran specifically in Ferdowsi avenue.

COVER yourself!

IMPORTANT: If you’re a woman, a headscarf is required in Iran. So make sure you put your scarf on once you get off the plane. Regardless of gender, wearing long pants are preferred. It is not illegal to wear shorts but it is not usual (people might stare at you.)

WHERE IS TEHRAN?

Tehran is the capital and most populous city in Iran. It is located to the north of the central plateau of Iran. It is a 3-hour flight away from Istanbul, roughly a 3 ½-hour flight away from either Dubai or Moscow, and about 5 hours from Frankfurt.

Language: Farsi (Persian)
Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR)*
Airport: IKA, THR
Preferred mode of transportation: Metro Train / Subway
Time Zone: GMT +3 ½

*Although the “toman” is no longer an official unit of the Iranian currency, Iranians commonly express amounts of money and prices of goods in tomans. (1 toman = 10 rial.)

NOTE: The exchange rate you see on Google.com for Iranian Rial is not very accurate. When I was in Iran, the exchange rate on the street of Tehran is in the range of 110,000-114,000 rials for every US dollar vs 42,102 rials for every US dollar per Google rate. Again, Ferdowsi is the famous avenue where you can find several shops to exchange your dollars.

FLIGHTS TO TEHRAN:

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Tehran, Iran from the Middle East is relatively easy. I booked mine coming from Colombo, Sri Lanka with a layover at Muscat’s airport in Oman. My flight carrier was Oman Air.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

Subways are the best way to get around Tehran. But as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!“

One-way subway ticket normally just costs 15,000 rial (0.12 USD). Very cheap!

Go with Taxis if not accessible by subways. In general, you can get 3 kinds of taxis in Iran or better say, Tehran: Getting a Darbast (private taxi) in the street, getting a normal shuttle or shared taxi in the street, calling a taxi using Snapp (Iranian Uber).

HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:

I arrived at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) at around 3:40 AM from a 3 ½-hour flight from Muscat, Oman. I then headed to the visa section hall to process my Iran visa-on-arrival. The whole visa process took about 40 minutes to complete.

After passing through the border check gate, I met a friend of mine (Mohsen) who was waiting for me at the exit of the arrival area. He drove me to my hostel in downtown Tehran. It was around 6:00 in the morning when we arrived there.

In case you don’t have a ride like mine (haha!), you can take either a taxi or subway (airport to downtown) which I personally prefer. Subways normally start to operate at 7:00 AM. One-way subway ticket normally just costs 15,000 rial (0.12 USD). Very cheap, right?

WHERE DID I STAY?

Tehran Heritage Hostel (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 7 – 8 USD per night
- Hostel also offers FREE breakfast!!!
- Nearest subway tation: Baharestan station

FREE breakfast at Tehran Heritage Hostel | Dantravels.org

NOTE: I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com but it looks like Tehran’s hostels/hotels are not available in Booking.com neither in Agoda, so I used HostelWorld. Just like Booking.com, they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Book HOSTELWORLD here

Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

MY 4-DAY TEHRAN ITINERARY

DAY 1:

1st Stop: Azadi Tower

Starting off the day with one of the most iconic landmarks of Iran is this tower in Tehran. This is the Azadi Tower and is easily accessible by the subway at Azadi Square station.

Azadi Tower from my Tehran itinerary — Azadi Tower | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours
Nearest train station: Azadi Square station.

2nd Stop: Tabiat Bridge

Tabiat Bridge is the largest pedestrian overpass in Tehran. The 270-meter (890 ft) bridge connects two public parks — Taleghani Park and Abo-Atash Park — by spanning Modarres Expressway. From Shahid Haqqani station, I took a 10-minute hike along the Taleghani Park to reach the bridge.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Shahid Haqqani station

3rd Stop: Milad Tower

Standing at 435 meters, Milad Tower is the tallest man-made structure in Iran. I took this photo while crossing the footbridge near Medan-e Sana’t station.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Medan-e Sana’t station

DAY 2:

4th Stop: Theater Building

After the heavy breakfast c/o Tehran Heritage Hostel (my hostel), I headed to the City Theater subway station to see this famous Theater Buiding in Tehran.

Tehran's Theater Buiding — Tehran’s Theater Buiding | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest train station: City Theater station

5th Stop: Laleh Park

Did you know that I walked 2 km to get here? Though the weather was hot, that long-distance doesn’t seem noticeable when you’re having fun walking and wandering the city of Tehran. With the help of my pre-downloaded Google Maps, I’ve reached this beautiful green area (from the City Theatre Building) which is, by the way, one of the biggest parks in Tehran.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours
Nearest train station: Meydan-e Enghelab-e Islami station

6th Stop: Saint Sarkis Cathedral

Iran is obviously an Islamic country, but believe it or not, there are few Christian Churches here as well. I went to the Saint Sarkis Catherdral to see it for myself. As soon as I enter the gate of the church, an old man called me while signaling his hand for me to come inside the church. It was beautiful inside. Calm and serene. I sit there for a while and prayed. (I was born Catholic by the way in case you’re wondering.)

To get there: I again took the subway and get off at Meydan-e Vale Asr. Then I just walked 10-15 minutes to reach this church.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Meydan-e Vale Asr station

7th Stop: Honarmandan Park or Artists Park

Another recreational area with lushed green trees is the Honarmandan Park or Artists Park in Tehran. It is considered as a very important cultural and artistic location in Tehran. It is about 11-15 min by foot from Saint Sarkis Cathedral.

Honarmandan Park or Artists Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Meydan-e Vale Asr station

8th Stop: Negarestan Museum and Garden

Negarestan Art Gallery Museum and its garden! My newfound friend Mojtaba (from my Instagram post) took me here. He even paid for my museum ticket which cost 200,000 rials (1.8 USD). This museum is close to my hostel in Baharestan.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Baharestan station

DAY 3:

9th Stop: TAJRISH BAZAAR

I started the morning going up north of Tehran at Tajrish and its Bazaar. Tajrish Bazaar is a great place to see how traditional markets look like in Tehran, from fresh fruits and vegetables to piles of Safran, traditional sweets, all kinds of herbs, olives, home-made sauces, and bizarre stuff.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Tajrish station

10th Stop: Jamshidiyeh Park

From Tarjish, I went further up north to Jamshidiyeh Park. Also known as Stone Garden, Jamshidiyeh Park climbs steeply up the lower reaches of the Alborz Mountains. What a beautiful park!

How to get up there: I went by taxi from Tarjish. Taxi is the only transportation option to get you there. COST of taxi (one way): 200,000 rials (1.8 USD). How to get down: I was in the mode of walking so I went for a stroll down the street of Omidvar till I reach the bigger street of Bahonar. From Bahonar, I took the bus going to Tajrish which saved me some cash instead of going by taxi. COST of bus (w/ hike; one way): 15,000 rials (0.13 USD).

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours
Nearest train station: Tajrish station (need a taxi to get there)

11th Stop: Darband

Another great place to see near Tarjish is Darband. Aside from its cooler weather, Darband offers expensive-looking restaurants and a nice trekking route complete with rivers and waterfalls. For me, this place feels too touristy and the food is pricey, too. So I’d rather eat my “chicken with rice” again down the avenue near Laleh Park haha! How to get there: I took a taxi from Tarjish. If you have strong legs for a 3-km hike, go for it and hike up! COST of taxi: 150,000 rials (1.4 USD).

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours
Nearest train station: Tajrish station

DAY 4:

12th Stop: Tehran’s National Garden (Bagh Melli)

The National Garden is a historical and governmental compound in Tehran, Iran. Formerly referred to as the Parade Square, it used to be a military shooting range during the Qajar period. It was then turned into a public park for a short period, and eventually important governmental offices and museums were built around it.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Emam Khomeini station

13th Stop: Golestan Palace

Visiting Tehran will not be complete without seeing the Golestan Palace as it is one of the oldest historic monuments in the city of Tehran. The complex of Golestan Palace consists of 17 structures, including palaces, museums, and halls. The palace is just a short walk from the National Garden.

The admission ticket costs 150,000 rials and there are several add-ons to see as well such as Main Palace (310,000 rials), Howz Khaneh (80,000 rials), Edifice of the Sun (80,000 rials), Wind Tower (80,000 rials), Ethnology Museum (80,000 rials), Halls of Diamonds (80,000 rials), Marble Throne (80,000 rials). As for me, I only purchased the admission ticket just for the sake of telling myself I’ve seen it before leaving Tehran.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 3-4 hours
Nearest train station: Emam Khomeini or Kayyam station

14th Stop: Tehran Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar is considered the heart of the business of Tehran. So many shops here at Tehran Grand Bazaar! This is something not to be missed in Tehran.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Kayyam station

15th Stop: BAM-E, TEHRAN

Bam-e Tehran (also known as The Roof of Tehran) is a place located in the north of Tehran where you can go to have a fair view of the city. You can walk through the walking path – it has a mild slope or gets on the available inexpensive bus to get there. There are kiosks and food stalls along the way and at the end of the path.

My friend Mohsen and his wife took me here by car before I leave Iran the next day for Georgia.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours
Nearest train station: Tajrish station (need a taxi to get there)

What do you think of this 4-day TEHRAN itinerary?

I hope that you find this 4-DAY TEHRAN ITINERARY useful!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- HostelWorld. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com but looks like Tehran’s hostels/hotels are not available in Booking.com neither in Agoda, so I used HostelWorld. Just like Booking.com, they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

2-Day Zhangjiajie Itinerary: China’s Wulingyuan Park & Tianmen Mountain

By Dan Forteza

Do you want to explore the famous Avatar mountains? Well, I do and…I did! The box-office movie Avatar, released in 2010, made Zhangjiajie a world-famous travel destination for tourists seeking traces of the iconic “Hallelujah Mountains.”

Tourists visiting Zhangjiajie are often overwhelmed by the region’s peculiar sandstone forest landforms and the magnificent scenery of Wulingyuan and the surrounding areas. Even with just a 2-day Zhangjiajie itinerary, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a magical mountain fairyland.

Floating Mountains from the movie Avatar | james-camerons-avatar.wikia.com

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel — a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

Avatar Floating Mountains in Yuanjiajie | Dantravels.org

WHERE IS ZHANGJIAJIE?

Zhangjiajie, located in the northwest of Hunan Province, China, offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the country. It is roughly a 2-hour flight from Shanghai or about 2.5 hours from Beijing.

For international travelers, the most common flight routes usually include a stopover in major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong. Because of this, I recommend spending a few days exploring those cities first before booking a flight or train ticket to Zhangjiajie.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheaper flight rates compared to other booking sites.

Language: Chinese
Currency: Chinese Yuan (RMB)
Airport: DYG
Time Zone: GMT +8

HOW I GOT THERE

Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (DYG) is the main airport serving the Zhangjiajie region. If you’re like me and enjoy long train rides, you can also reach Zhangjiajie by train.

Coming from Shanghai Railway Station, I took an overnight train bound for Zhangjiajie Railway Station. The journey took almost a full day, and I arrived at around 2:00 PM. My Zhangjiajie itinerary officially started the following morning.

Shanghai South to Zhangjiajie ticket price — 35 USD
Ticket class — Hard Seat
Booking website: Travel China Guide

Train to Zhangjiajie — My train to Zhangjiajie | Dantravels.org

WHERE DID I STAY?

From Zhangjiajie Railway Station, I used Google Maps to navigate my way to my pre-booked hostel. I walked about 1.2 kilometers, which took around 20 minutes. I love walking and wandering around new places, so I actually enjoyed it!

Tujia Impression Inn:
- 2-night stay
- Room type: Standard Room, 1 Bed
- Hostel rate: 78 RMB (~11 USD) per night
- Book here

The hostel is located in downtown Zhangjiajie City.

NOTE: There are three main areas where you can stay in Zhangjiajie:

Zhangjiajie City downtown
Wulingyuan (just outside the park)
Inside the park itself

If you plan to spend more than one day exploring Wulingyuan Scenic Area, staying in Wulingyuan is the best option.

Tujia Impression Inn in Zhangjiajie City downtown | Dantravels.org

Tujia Impression Inn room — Tujia Impression Inn in Zhangjiajie City downtown | Dantravels.org

Tujia Impression Inn interior — Tujia Impression Inn in Zhangjiajie City downtown | Dantravels.org

Book AGODA here

Book BOOKING.com here

Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

You can book a room at any Zhangjiajie hotel or hostel through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my accommodations through Booking.com because many properties offer free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel options.

If hostels are not your thing, you can also try Airbnb. Staying in an Airbnb often gives you a more local and homey experience since many rentals are located inside neighborhoods and residential communities. I’ve used Airbnb on some of my other trips and really enjoyed it.

If you’re new to Airbnb, you can get up to 42 USD travel credit by signing up through this link.

MY 2-DAY ZHANGJIAJIE ITINERARY

I personally prefer traveling solo because I can customize my itinerary and travel at my own pace. However, if you prefer package tours and a more relaxed experience, I highly recommend using Viator. Click here to find the best Viator deals in Zhangjiajie.

DAY 1: WULINGYUAN – ZHANGJIAJIE NATIONAL FOREST PARK

The Wulingyuan Mountains, officially known as the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, is a 397-square-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1992 and later recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2004.

The park includes four scenic zones:

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Tianzi Mountain
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
Suoxiyu Nature Reserve

The entire Wulingyuan area is part of Zhangjiajie. You can download the park map here.

Ticket Price: 245 RMB (valid for 4 days)
- Includes bus rides inside the park and insurance
- Does NOT include:
  - 10-Mile Gallery trolley ticket — 38 RMB
  - Tianzi Mountain cable car — 72 RMB
  - Bailong Elevator (one way) — 72 RMB
Duration: Whole day
- NOTE: Wulingyuan Park is huge! There’s so much to explore that fully seeing all four zones in one day is nearly impossible.
How to get there:
- From downtown Zhangjiajie, go to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Terminal and take a mini-bus to Wulingyuan.
- Travel time: 40 minutes to 1 hour
- Mini-bus fare (one way): 20 RMB

Main Entrance to Wulingyuan Park

Cable Car to Tianzi Peak

Yubi Peak (Tianzi Mountain)

The Ten-Mile Natural Gallery

Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (In Yuanjiajie)

BAILONG ELEVATOR

DAY 2: TIANMEN MOUNTAIN

Tianmen Mountain is the second most-recommended tourist area in Zhangjiajie after the forest park.

Just as stunning as the Wulingyuan-Zhangjiajie Park, Tianmen Mountain’s highlights include the Tianmen Mountain Cableway (the longest in the world), the famous 99 Bends Road, the Hanging Bridge, the Glass Skywalk, and Tianmen Cave — a giant natural opening often called the “Gateway to Heaven” with its iconic 999 steps.

Ticket Price: 261 RMB
- This includes the cableway ride and bus ride.
- Valid for one day only.
- This does NOT include the Glass Walkway fee (5 RMB).
Duration (getting there + visiting): Whole day
How to get there:
- In downtown Zhangjiajie, simply go to the Tianmen Mountain ticket office where the cableway line starts.
- I walked there directly from my hostel.
- Once you have your ticket, you can either go up by cable car or by bus.
- Take note that if you go up by cable car, you’ll need to go down by bus (and vice versa).

VIDEO: Cablecar

Glass Walkway

TIANMEN TEMPLE

The Hanging Bridge

VIDEO: Tunnel Escalators

Tianmen Cave & the “999 Steps to Heaven”

Tianmen Cave and the 999 Steps to Heaven

What do you think of this 2-DAY Zhangjiajie itinerary?

I know I was rushing in this do-it-yourself 2-day Zhangjiajie itinerary, but I still hope you find it informative and useful!

If you have more days to spend in Zhangjiajie, you can include these cool tours from Viator Zhangjiajie .

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com — I usually book my hostel accommodations through Booking.com. Room options range from budget hostels to luxury hotels, and many listings offer free cancellation or pay-at-the-property options.

Use my Booking.com link and you may get cashback rewards after your stay.

Airbnb
- Airbnb is also a great option if you prefer cozy apartments or neighborhood stays during your Zhangjiajie trip.

New to Airbnb? Sign up here to check available travel credits and discounts.

Flights
- KAYAK is one of my preferred flight search engines because it compares fares across many booking websites.

Check flight prices on KAYAK for possible cheap fare deals.

Zhangjiajie Package Tours
- Viator is a popular platform for booking guided tours and travel experiences around the world.

Browse available tours through Viator Zhangjiajie .

2-Day Sapporo Itinerary: Best Places To See In Sapporo, Japan On A Budget

By Dan Forteza

While many travelers see the city of Sapporo as a transit hub to access Hokkaido’s mountains and hot springs, there are enough worthwhile attractions to keep you here for days. Summer is the season for beer and food festivals. In February, despite the harsh cold, Sapporo’s population literally doubles during the famous Festival of Snow and Ice.

But if you only have 2 days in Sapporo and surely don’t want to miss those must-see places in the city, this blog is for you. Here, I’ve put together my do-it-yourself Sapporo itinerary, specifically for budget travelers, which includes Sapporo’s top attractions.

Meet Pepper the humanoid robot. I met him at Tanukikuji Underground Mall | Sapporo itinerary — Meet Pepper the humanoid robot. I met him at Tanukikuji Underground Mall | Dantravels.org

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

WHERE IS SAPPORO?

Sapporo is the largest city on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. It is also the fifth-largest city of Japan by population. It is about 1-½ hour flight away from Tokyo and could take up to 8 hours if you go by bullet train from Tokyo.

If you go in winter as I did, everything is so white and pristine…a beautiful winter wonderland for people like me who grew up in a tropical country!

Language: Japanese
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Airport: CTS
Preferred mode of transportation: Trams / Subway
Time Zone: GMT +9

HOW I GOT THERE:

Coming from Tokyo, I bought a cheap flight ticket to Sapporo via Jetstar Air. It was actually much cheaper (and of course way faster) than going by a bullet train. There are a lot of economy flights going to Sapporo so it’s better if you go by plane.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

Subways and Trams are the best way to get around Sapporo. But as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!”
- Subway – Sapporo has three subway lines that can take you to many places throughout the city. Fares are generally anywhere from 200 yen to 360 yen per ride, depending on how far you’re going. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines outside the stations.
- Trams or Streetcars – Sapporo’s tram network is one of the city’ more unique transportation methods. With only about seven minutes between each streetcar, it is one of the fastest ways for you to get around some areas of town. The fare is only 200 yen, so it’s a reasonable alternative to subways or trains.

If you already have a prepaid Suica card, you can still use it in Sapporo to pay for transport. If you haven’t, you can buy a Suica card online at GoVoyagin.com for pickup at Narita or Haneda airport.

TIP: Your navigation would be much easier if you are using Google Maps. Google Maps was my savior in Sapporo! In Japan, it is very reliable and accurate. If you’re looking for travel directions, it will give you all different options and how much it will cost for each option. You can either buy a sim card here or rent a pocket wifi here for pick-up at various airports across Japan.

WHERE DID I STAY?

I arrived at New Chitose Airport (CTS) at around 8:00 AM from a 1-½-hour flight from Tokyo. Outside CTS airport, there are buses departing every 15-20 minutes from about 5:30 am to 10:30 pm. Taking a bus is the cheapest option (costing JPY 1,030) and take about an hour to downtown Sapporo with stopovers from various stations and hotels around the city.

So I then took the airport shuttle bus to go downtown Sapporo at Minami 3 Jo Susukino stop where my hostel is about 2-3 minute walk.
- Bus ticket from CTS airport to Minami 3 Jo Susukino – 1,030 JPY (9.7 USD)
Capsule Inn Sapporo: 2-night stay (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Capsule Type Bed
- Hostel rate: 2,500 JPY (23 USD) per night
- Important: This hostel is for MEN only

NOTE: There were no private bathrooms in the hostel, only the so-called indoor ONSEN. As a foreigner, it was a bit strange for me to strip off naked and bathe side by side with other people. But at the end of the day, it was a unique yet memorable experience I would treasure! Don’t worry, cameras are not allowed inside the onsen bathroom. Keep in mind also the Onsen etiquette in the photo below.

Book AGODA here

Book BOOKING.com here

Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

You can book a room at any Sapporo hotel through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

If Sapporo hostel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

MY 2-DAY SAPPORO ITINERARY

DAY 1:

1st Stop: SUSUKINO

Susukino is a vibrant and busy pocket of Sapporo. This is also called the downtown of Sapporo. Around Susukino, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and shopping centers. There is a subway stop here and an underground passageway connecting you to Odori Park and other parts of the city. I spent most of my time in this area since it is closed to my hostel, Odori park, and the TV tower.

At Susukino taken from McDonalds’ | Dantravels.org

- Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
- Nearest train / tram station: Susukino station

2nd Stop: Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Located between Odori Park and Susukino, this above-ground but covered shopping street is a number of blocks long. So if you’re going to Odori Park from Susukino by foot as I did, you’ll pass Tanukikoji Shopping Street. This place is full of bars, food shops, game arcades, souvenir shop, animal cafe, drugstores, and everything! Perfect to buy some cheap souvenirs haha!

Tanukikuji Shopping Centers | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train / tram station: Tanukikoji station

3rd Stop: Odori Park

In summer, this park is beautifully decorated with flowers and fountains. In winter, it becomes spectacular because of the famous Yuki Matsuri, the Festival of Snow and Ice. However, when I visited in late February, the festival had just ended and the park was still covered in snow.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest train station: Odori Station

4th Stop: Sapporo TV Tower

You should definitely visit this TV tower as it is one of the main landmarks in Sapporo. The tower is located along Odori Park, and from its observatory deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo City and the park below. You can buy tickets here in advance.

Overlooking Sapporo TV Tower at Odori Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest train / tram station: Odori station

DAY 2:

5th Stop: Sapporo Tram Ride

Riding the tram in Sapporo was an interesting experience since Tokyo does not have streetcars. Unlike the subway, the tram lets you enjoy the sights and sounds of the city while traveling. The fare was also very affordable at only 200 Yen. The tram’s circular loop brought me around Sapporo and eventually to my next destination — Fushimi Inari Shrine.

NOTE: On weekends and holidays, they offer the special Dosanko Pass, which gives unlimited rides for one day for only 360 Yen. Children can also ride free when accompanied by an adult carrying the pass.

An inside look of one of the trams in Sapporo | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

6th Stop: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Visiting this shrine requires a short uphill hike from the nearby tram stop. The area is peaceful and scenic, especially during winter when the falling snow creates a beautiful atmosphere. The long row of torii gates at the entrance was especially memorable and provided plenty of great photo opportunities.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Nishisen Juroku Jo station

7th Stop: Sapporo Clock Tower

A Japanese friend once told me that the Sapporo Clock Tower is Hokkaido’s most famous landmark because it is one of the oldest structures in the region. Built in 1878 during the early development of Sapporo, the tower stands just about 200 meters from Odori Park.

There is an entrance fee to go inside, but I decided to admire it from outside. Honestly, taking a good photo with the clock tower was enough for me!

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest train station: Odori station

8th Stop: Mt. Moiwa

The viewpoint at Mt. Moiwa offers one of the best panoramic views of Sapporo City and Ishikari Bay. This is definitely something you should not miss while in Sapporo.

Using Google Maps directions, you can hike for a little over an hour from Ropeway Iriguchi station through a well-marked trail lined with Buddhist statues. However, be extra careful during winter because the trail can become heavily covered in snow.

If you prefer not to hike, you can take a shuttle bus instead. From Ropeway Iriguchi tram stop, walk about 3 minutes to the free shuttle bus going to the cable car station. From there, two cable cars will bring you to the summit: one to the halfway station with a gift shop, and another to the top where you’ll find an observatory deck and café.

You can also book a Sapporo Night Tour here.

The snowy city of Sapporo taken from Mt. Moiwa’s viewpoint | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 3–4 hours
Nearest tram station: Ropeway Iriguchi station

What do you think of this 2-day Sapporo itinerary?

I hope that you find this 2-DAY SAPPORO ITINERARY useful!

There are other awesome (and cheap!) Sapporo tours available at Viator Sapporo.

If you have more days to spend in Sapporo, you can also include these places in your itinerary:

Hokkaidō Shrine
Jozankei Onsen Hot Spring
Maruyama-koen Park
Shikotsu-Tōya National Park
Moerenuma Park
Sapporo Beer Museum

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com — I usually book my hostel accommodations through Booking.com. Room accommodations range from budget hostels to luxury hotels, and many properties offer free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel options.
Airbnb — Try Airbnb for cozy and comfortable rooms during your Sapporo trip. I’ve used Airbnb on several of my travels and loved the experience!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up using my link and get up to 42 USD (2,200 PHP) off your first stay. Click this link to claim the discount.

Flights
- KAYAK — Most of my flight bookings are through KAYAK, one of the world’s leading travel search engines.

I suggest checking KAYAK (HERE) since they often offer cheaper fares compared to other booking websites.

Sapporo Package Tours
- Viator — One of the leading resources for finding and booking travel experiences around the world.

Click here to find the best Viator deals in Sapporo.