Iran/Turkmenistan Border Crossing
 

I will be crossing the Iran border at Bajgian/Ashgabat in March by bike, does any one know if there is Accommodation or place to stay in Bajgian as I will be traveling from Mashhad and would like to stop before crossing, so I can do the border crossing the next day then on to Ashgabat for max time given to the crossing. I have had a look on google earth and look like there may be some sort of guest house judging by a photo.

Any help or info would be great.

Peter

re hotel at border
 

Hi Peter,

Yes there is a hotel. Bajgiran is simple a one street border not-even-town,
the strip of shops before the border post perhaps 200m. Just as you come into that street from the open space you'll see a hotel on your left, set back say 50m from the road. Can't remember the name but it's obvious. Large white, simple and modern. Respectable, clean rooms for perhaps $15-20 (can't remember) and you can pop your bike around the back of the hotel.

If you haven't yet got your visa and plan to collect it at the border, make sure you have a copy of the letter of invitation.

Have fun,

Bob

thanks
 

Hi Bob

Many thanks good info

Cheers
Peter

Hi Peter,

the other option is to go straight from Mashad to Ashgabat, it's easily possible in a day, although of course you lose 1/2 day of sight seeing in Turkmenistan on the probably short visa. You can extend the transit visa in Ashgabat or at the border though.

I don't quite recall how long it took, but I believe Mashad - TM border was about 3-4h, the immigration takes a while, but usually there is little traffic, so with a bit of luck you'll be through in ~2h. From there to Ashgabat it's not very far, and the road is good. The only thing to watch out for is that they close the border quite early, something like 3 or 4pm.

Enjoy, Turkmenistan is a fascinating place to visit :-)

Thanks
 

Hi

thanks for the info I plan to stop before the borders that I will be crossing that way it gives me plenty of time crossing.
5 day trans visa should be fine.

But any info any one has is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Peter

May 2012
Bajgiran/Gaudan
open from 8:00 to 17:00 (Iran side, but Turkmen preferably too)

In Bajgiran, there is a hotel, and cheap kebab restaurant. But we managed to sleep on the street in a side alley and nobody said anything. The guards just passed around, after saying "hello, where are you from and similar questions".

There is actaully some truck traffic, but passenger cars are few.

We were through in 2h.
On Irani side, they couldnt find anybody, who can fill the CPD, but finally they managed somehow. Otherwise no problem at all. On Turkmen side, its not necessary..however, you pay 11 USD per person just for the stamp of visa, and later we paid cca 100 USD for the car (fuel tax, insurance, bank fees, road tax and things like desinfection and similar nonsense).
It takes time, but its ok.. And the border itself is nice, clean and modern.

Oh, and btw, if you somehow overextend your iranian visa - its a 300 000 rial fine, but othewise no problem. You pay, you get your exit stamp and thats it.
Iran is just great country (with maaany problems :-))