Route: Khiva / Shavat Border – Kunya-Urgench – Shavat Border / Khiva or Hojaili Border / Nukus
Tour Overview
This 1-day Kunya-Urgench tour from Khiva is ideal for travellers who want to discover one of Turkmenistan’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites without adding a multi-day journey to their Uzbekistan itinerary.
Enter Turkmenistan through the Shavat Border near Khiva and travel directly to historic Kunya-Urgench, once a major centre of medieval Khorezm and an important stop along the Silk Road.
Explore the city’s remarkable monuments with a local guide, including the towering Kutlug-Timur Minaret, the beautifully decorated Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum, the mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan, and the historic Caravanserai Gate.
After a traditional lunch, choose the most convenient border crossing for your onward journey. Return through Shavat for Khiva or Urgench, or continue through Hojaili for Nukus or Muynak.
09:30 AM – Meet at Shavat Border
After crossing from Uzbekistan, complete passport control and migration formalities at the Shavat Border.
Meet our local guide inside the main hall of the border terminal on the Turkmen side.
During the entry process, border officials will contact our team, and your guide will recognise you using the photograph provided in advance.
Drive to Kunya-Urgench
Leave the border area and travel towards Kunya-Urgench.
The distance is approximately 100 km, with a journey time of around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Kunya-Urgench was once an important capital of the Khorezm region and today forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Traditional Lunch
Enjoy a traditional lunch either upon arrival in Kunya-Urgench or during the journey through Dashoguz, depending on the day’s timing.
Kunya-Urgench Historical Tour
Explore the main monuments of the historic archaeological park with your guide.
Kutlug-Timur Minaret
See the impressive Kutlug-Timur Minaret, one of the most remarkable surviving medieval structures in Central Asia.
Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum
Visit the elegant Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum, renowned for the intricate geometric decoration of its interior dome.
Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan Mausoleums
Discover the historic mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh and Il-Arslan, notable for their distinctive architecture and conical domes.
Caravanserai Gate
See the surviving Caravanserai Gate, a reminder of Kunya-Urgench’s importance as a trading centre along the historic Silk Road.
Border Transfer Options
After completing the Kunya-Urgench tour, choose the border crossing that best suits your onward travel plans in Uzbekistan.
Option A: Shavat Border – Khiva / Urgench
Travel south via Dashoguz to the Shavat Border Crossing.
The distance is approximately 130 km, with a driving time of around 2 hours.
This option is recommended for travellers returning to Khiva or Urgench.
Option B: Hojaili Border – Nukus / Muynak
Travel directly to the nearby Hojaili–Kunya-Urgench Border Crossing.
The distance is approximately 35 km, with a journey time of around 45 minutes.
This option is more convenient for travellers continuing to Nukus or Muynak.
Border Assistance and Departure
Upon arrival at the selected border terminal, our team will assist you with Turkmen customs and departure immigration procedures in accordance with official border regulations.
After crossing into Uzbekistan, continue your journey towards Khiva, Urgench, Nukus or Muynak.
End of Tour Services.
