Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By eurasiaoverland

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Jul 2009
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Monaco
Posts: 336
Naxcivan (Nakhichevan), Iran, Armenia

Hi,

just to share my recent experience.

The borders between Armenia/Iran (Meghri) as well as Turkey/Naxcivan (Ararat) and Naxcivan/Iran (Julfa) are relatively easy to cross and apparently very rarely travelled. The border guard at the Ararat mountain told me that there were only 1-2 western tourists per year.

Both ways may be an interesting alternative to the classic Turkey/Iran crossing behind Dogubeyazit.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Aug 2009
Knight of the Holy Graal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
Thanks for informing, this sounds very good!
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Apr 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 8
Recent info needed

Hi everybody,
Do anybody have recent info regarding border crossing to/from Naxicivan (Iran, Turkey) with ones moto/auto?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Apr 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 935
Quote:
Originally Posted by VirginiaC View Post
Hi everybody,
Do anybody have recent info regarding border crossing to/from Naxicivan (Iran, Turkey) with ones moto/auto?
Here is the content of a thread I posted last year after entering the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic from Iran and exiting to Turkey.

If you have any further questions, let me know. FYI 'Naxicivan' is a rarely-used form in Azeri, in English 'Nakhchivan' is generally preferred, and should get you more search results.

Here is my original thread:

Nakhchivan is an exclave and autonomous republic of Azerbaijan. It is wedged between Armenia and Iran, with a very short border with Turkey. It was techincally the first part of the USSR to declare independence.

The border with Armenia is of course absolutely closed.

I decided that this year I would leave Iran and enter the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, then exit to Turkey.

The Iranian side of the border was hell. Iranian borders are always chaotic, but this one was appalling. Just finding the entrance was difficult, then an irritating 'fixer' was foisted upon me. This guy ran around with my passport and carnet getting the stamps. Then to a fuel tax office where I had to pay for the diesel I was taking out of Iran. Very frustrating as I don't believe tourists need to pay this. There was arguing and bargaining and eventually a figure of about $30 was paid by this 'fixer', so not too bad. Then the fixer wants $70. I walked away, complained to an immigration clerk, and then gave the fixer $35. All this would be annoying enough if I knew what was going on, but nobody spoke English, German or Russian, and I spek almost no Persian and no Azeri.

The Azerbaijan side of the border was, to my surprise, very calm, relaxed and professional, the utter opposite of the mess on the Iranian side of the bridge. I paid $20 transit fee and was given 72 hours (not 3 days) with the vehicle in Azerbaijan.

The Jolfa - Nakhchivan highway is amazing, 4 lanes and very good quality. Speed limits are painted on the road surface and I had no issues with traffic police. I was followed by a guy in a car into Nakhchivan city, but my local contact had a word and that was the last of any official interference that I was aware of.

Nakhchivan city is a pleasant place, pretty tiny but with all the ministries of a capital city. There is of course an Aliev Museum too



The Momine Khatun is a very nice piece of Seljuk architecture, tastefully restored in the 1990s:



The village of Qarabaghlar to the north holds an equally impressive mausoleum:



The local Nakhchivan is pretty damn drinkable, and being in a bar was heaven after ramadan-misery in Iran. Finding a cool underground bar with an English-speaking Nigerian waiter was just a bonus.

A little to the south is Ilhan Dağ, probably the most famous natural landmark of Nakhchivan:



I also drove down to the south-west corner of the republic, to the very charming town of Ordubad. I think it's my favourite place in Azerbaijan as a whole.

Old timers sitting in the chaykhana under the huge plane trees:



Nice old street with a mosque:



North of Nakhchivan there is little of interest (except the Qarabaghlar mausoleum; see above), and so I headed to the Turkish border. There is a pretty good view of Ararat from just beyond:



Crossing the Azerbaijan - Turkey border at Sədərək / Dilucu was painless, very friendly on the Turkish side though unfortunately the guy selling insurance had knocked-off early and I had to spent the night there, which was not so bad.

A nice and unusual way out of Iran.

For more pictures, see:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1136194...AncientArmenia

EO
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 Apr 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 8
Thanx

Thanks a lot for posting your story here and the useful information!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 Apr 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 8
The transit visa for Azerbaijan (Nakhchevan) you got at the border or arrange it in advance?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 Apr 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 935
Quote:
Originally Posted by VirginiaC View Post
The transit visa for Azerbaijan (Nakhchevan) you got at the border or arrange it in advance?
No chance at the border, you need to get a visa in advance. Embassies in Europe are fine with transit visas, but I have heard that others closer to Azerbaijan (Tbilisi, Tehran) no longer issue them, though that is just what I have heard. You can of course enter on a tourist visa, but transit visas are much cheaper and need no paperwork.

Goodluck, I hope you get to Nakhchivan and enjoy it as much as I did

EO
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Apr 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 8
Thanks

Thanks again! Strange that you got only 72 hours to transit the region, as on Ministry of external affairs they write you can transit AZ in 5 days. But looking at AZ embassies websites, I find very little practical and clear information. First hand info, like from you - are very important.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Apr 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 935
Indeed transit visas are valid for 5 days, but with a vehicle you may only spend 72 hours in the country. They give you a small till receipt with the exact date and time when you have to leave.

I was told last year that if you have a 30 day visa, you may also have the vehicle for 30 days, but I cannot verify this.

Good luck

EO
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Armenia-Iran border crossing JYP_ Trip Paperwork 3 7 Jun 2011 16:30
Honda Armenia Camtracey Repair Shops, Europe 1 26 May 2010 15:45
Armenia Luciano West and South Asia 0 17 Sep 2007 09:16
Georgia to Armenia DUBAIPETE Route Planning 1 25 Jun 2007 11:59
Armenia - Georgia niels Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 6 23 May 2005 19:45

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:04.