A fast-paced and fascinating 1-day historical transit tour exploring the UNESCO-listed ancient treasures of northern Turkmenistan! Enter via the Shavat border (Khiva) and travel directly to Kunya-Urgench, the glorious former capital of the Khorezm Empire. Discover the magnificent Kutlug-Timur Minaret, the mathematically perfect mosaics of the Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum, and the ancient Silk Road Caravanserai Gate with an expert guide. Enjoy a traditional local lunch before completing your excursion with a convenient transfer back to Uzbekistan via either the Shavat (for Khiva) or Hojaili (for Nukus) border crossings.
No dates scheduled yet. Contact us to request a private tour or specific date.
Tour program
Day 1Shavat Border → Kunya-Urgench → Border crossing
9:30 AM (Approx.): Meet and greet inside the main hall of the Shavat Border Control Terminal on the Turkmen side; as you process your migration and passport check, the border officers will contact our team, and our local guide will enter the hall to meet you directly based on your photo.
Drive to Kunya-Urgench: Depart toward Kunya-Urgench (~100 km, approx. 1.5 to 2 hours), the ancient capital of the powerful Khorezm Empire and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lunch: Enjoy a traditional lunch upon arrival in Kunya-Urgench (or en route in Dashoguz, depending on exact timing).
Kunya-Urgench Historical Tour: A comprehensive guided exploration of the historical park, featuring:
Kutlug-Timur Minaret: The tallest medieval minaret in Central Asia.
Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum: Famous for its breathtaking, mathematically perfect geometric ceiling mosaic.
Mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh & Il-Arslan: Showcasing unique conical domes.
Caravanserai Gate: A glimpse into the old Silk Road trade hub.
Border Transfer (Customizable Options): Depending on your onward travel itinerary in Uzbekistan, enjoy a private transfer to your preferred border checkpoint:
Option A: Shavat Border Crossing (Best for Khiva / Urgench): Drive south via Dashoguz back to the Shavat crossing (~130 km, approx. 2 hours).
Option B: Hojaili Border Crossing (Best for Nukus / Muynak): Drive north directly to the nearby Hojaili-Kunya-Urgench crossing (~35 km, approx. 45 minutes).
Border Formalities & Exit: Arrival at the border terminal. Our professional team will escort and assist you through all Turkmen customs and departure immigration formalities as per official border permit regulations.
End of Tour.
Route Map
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1 points
What is included/not included
What is included
Letter of Invitation (LoI) for Turkmenistan visa and assistance with mandatory registration of foreign visitors.
Private transport, domestic flights, and train tickets (as specified in your itinerary), along with a professional English-speaking guide for all designated routes.
All expenses of your driver and guide, including fuel, meals, accommodation, meeting you at the border and seeing you off at the border.
Entrance fees and photography permits for museums and attractions visited with your guide.
Travel insurance.
All local taxes and mandatory service charges for services included in the tour.
The tour usually starts and ends at the Turkmenistan side of the border (other pick-up or drop-off points can be arranged on request).
What is not included
Visa and other border fees are not included. The visa can be obtained either at the embassy or at the border.
International flights and any transport to/from Turkmenistan at the start and end of the tour.
Meals are not included in the program (approximately 5–10 USD per meal per person, depending on the location and restaurant).
Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, laundry, minibar) and tips for guides/drivers (optional but appreciated).
Drones (not allowed in Turkmenistan).
FAQ
Which border checkpoints does the route pass through, and is it possible to end the tour in Nukus?
The tour begins with crossing the border at the Shavat checkpoint (near Khiva). At the end of the program, you can choose a convenient option for returning to Uzbekistan: back to Khiva via the Shavat checkpoint or to Nukus via the Khojeyli border checkpoint.
Which attractions are included in the Kunya-Urgench tour?
You will see the key monuments of the ancient capital of Khorezm, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list: the towering Kutlug-Timur Minaret, the Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum with its famous mosaics, and the gate of an ancient caravanserai from the Silk Road era.
Are meals included in the tour price and itinerary?
Yes, the tour itinerary includes a traditional local lunch in Turkmenistan before concluding the excursion and transferring back to the border.
How long does the tour last and is it suitable for a quick trip?
This is an intensive one-day express tour designed for a single day. It is ideal for travelers who want to explore northern Turkmenistan and its historical heritage without an overnight stay.
Still have questions?
If you have not found the answer to your question, contact us in any convenient way.
My boyfriend and I recently returned from a tour of Turkmenistan. At first, we were worried it would be cold in winter, but the tmtourism.com team organized everything at the highest level!
We were met very warmly at the Farap border and quickly helped with the documents. Merv and Ashgabat are a wh...
My boyfriend and I recently returned from a tour of Turkmenistan. At first, we were worried it would be cold in winter, but the tmtourism.com team organized everything at the highest level!
We were met very warmly at the Farap border and quickly helped with the documents. Merv and Ashgabat are a whole different aesthetic, especially when there are no crowds of tourists. But the main emotion was, of course, Darvaza.
Despite the frost outside, it was very warm and cozy in the yurt camp prepared by the team. Sleeping in a real yurt in the middle of the desert while a huge fiery crater burns nearby is simply an incredible experience! Dinner by the campfire, hot tea, and a starry sky—the team did everything to make sure we didn't freeze and felt comfortable.
A huge thank you to the drivers for safe driving and to the whole team for their care. If you want to see the 'Gates of Hell' and not freeze, reach out to them—they really know their stuff when it comes to winter tours!
Мы, с моим молодым человеком недавно вернулись из тура по Туркменистану. Сначала переживали, что зимой будет холодно, но команда tmtourism.com организовала всё на высшем уровне!
На границе Фарап нас встретили очень тепло, быстро помогли с документами. Мерв и Ашхабад - это отдельная эстетика, особенно когда нет толп туристов. Но главные эмоции - это, конечно, Дарваза.
Несмотря на мороз снаружи, в юрточном кемпинге, который подготовили ребята, было очень тепло и по-домашнему. Спать в настоящей юрте посреди пустыни, когда рядом горит огромный огненный кратер - это просто невероятный опыт! Ужин у костра, горячий чай и звездное небо - команда сделала всё, чтобы мы не замерзли и чувствовали себя комфортно.
Огромное спасибо водителям за безопасную езду и всей команде за заботу. Если хотите увидеть «Врата ада» и не замерзнуть - обращайтесь к ним, они знают толк в зимних турах!
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1-Day Transit Tour to Kunya-Urgench from Khiva to Khiva or Nukus
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