Kunya-Urgench
In the far north, Kunya-Urgench was a capital of the Khorezm region and a great Silk Road centre. Its UNESCO-listed monuments include the Kutlug Timur Minaret — at 60 metres, the tallest in Central Asia — and a constellation of mausoleums.
Pilgrims still come to its shrines, and the site rewards a slow wander among domes, portals and turquoise tilework rising from the northern plains.
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Kutlug Timur Minaret (60 m)
- Khorezm mausoleums
- Living pilgrimage site
Best time to visit
Tours that visit Kunya-Urgench
Grand Turkmenistan — The Classic
The complete overland loop from Ashgabat — Nisa, the Darvaza crater, Kunya-Urgench and ancient Merv in eleven unhurried days.
Grand Turkmenistan — Coast & Canyons
Everything in the Classic, plus the Caspian shore, the Awaza resort and the flame-coloured Yangykala canyons — fourteen days.
Grand Turkmenistan — The Expedition
The classic highlights plus Turkmenistan’s remotest corner — the Ekedeshik cave and the Jurassic dinosaur plateau of Koýtendag.