Tours from Iran — Howdan Border Crossing
Finishing a trip through Mashhad or northeastern Iran? Continue into Turkmenistan by land at the Howdan/Bajgiran border crossing, less than two hours from Ashgabat. We pick up where Iran ends, with visa support, a licensed guide and a route built around your crossing.
Turkmenistan Tours Starting at the Iran Border
Cross at Howdan (Bajgiran on the Iranian side) and reach Ashgabat the same day. From there, popular continuations include the Darvaza Gas Crater, marble-clad Ashgabat itself, and Ancient Merv further along the Silk Road — everything can be arranged to link up with your Iran itinerary.
Upcoming Departures Near the Border
Prefer a fixed date and a ready-made group over a fully custom crossing? Here are our next guaranteed departures.
How to Continue Your Trip into Turkmenistan
Crossing overland from Iran takes a bit more planning than a flight, mainly because of the visa. Here is how we handle it:
1. Tell us your crossing date
Howdan/Bajgiran is the main crossing point from northeastern Iran — let us know roughly when you plan to arrive.
2. We arrange your visa (LOI) in advance
A Turkmenistan tourist visa requires a Letter of Invitation prepared before you travel — it has to be ready before you reach the border, so we start it as soon as you confirm.
3. Confirm your route
We build an itinerary starting from Ashgabat, just under two hours from the border, with Darvaza and Ancient Merv as popular add-ons.
4. Cross the border and meet your guide
Your English-speaking guide and driver meet you on the Turkmenistan side and take over from there — transport, hotels and entrance tickets are already arranged.
Why Cross into Turkmenistan with TmTourism
We know the Howdan crossing
We run this route regularly and tell you exactly what to expect and how long to allow.
Visa sorted before you arrive
The Letter of Invitation (LOI) is the one thing that has to be ready in advance for an overland crossing — we handle it as part of every booking.
Short hop to Ashgabat
Howdan is one of the closest border crossings to the capital — your tour can start the same day you cross.
Local operator, not a foreign agency
We run the Turkmenistan side of the trip ourselves from Ashgabat, so pricing reflects real local costs.
Visa for an Overland Crossing — Plan Ahead
Unlike an airport arrival, an overland crossing at Howdan gives you no room to sort out paperwork on the spot — your Letter of Invitation (LOI) must be ready before you reach the border. Read our full visa guide for timing.
Ready to Continue into Turkmenistan?
Overland visas take time to arrange — let us know your crossing date today. We reply within 24 hours.
