1 Day Turkmenistan Tour from Khiva: Dashoguz & Kunya-Urgench
1 Day | Private Tour | Khiva / Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Kunya-Urgench – Shavat Border / Khiva
1 Day Turkmenistan Tour from Khiva is a private cross border journey for travelers staying in Khiva or Urgench who want to visit northern Turkmenistan in a single day. The tour begins at the Shavat border and continues to Dashoguz before traveling to Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important historical centers of the medieval Silk Road. During the day, you will explore the main monuments of Ancient Urgench, including the Kutlug Timur Minaret, Turabek Khanum Mausoleum, Il-Arslan Mausoleum and Najmuddin Kubra Mausoleum. The route also includes time in Dashoguz for lunch and, when timing allows, a short visit to a local bazaar. The program is carefully planned around the border operating hours so that you can return through the Shavat border and continue back toward Khiva or Urgench the same day.
1 Day Turkmenistan Tour from Khiva Itinerary
Day 1: Khiva / Shavat Border – Dashoguz – Kunya-Urgench – Dashoguz – Shavat Border
Morning departure from Khiva or Urgench
Optional transfer can be arranged from your hotel in Khiva or Urgench to the Shavat border crossing between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. We recommend leaving early enough to arrive before the planned border-crossing time and avoid unnecessary delays.
Border crossing and meeting your guide
After completing the Uzbek exit procedures, continue through the border area to the Turkmenistan side. Once your passport, visa and border formalities are completed, meet your local English speaking guide and driver. The exact timing may vary depending on the border procedures on the day of travel.
Drive to Dashoguz
From the Shavat border, drive toward Dashoguz, the main city of northern Turkmenistan. The journey is relatively short and gives you your first look at everyday life in the Dashoguz region.
Lunch in Dashoguz
Stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Depending on the timing and your preferences, your guide can recommend traditional Turkmen dishes and simple local specialties before continuing toward Kunya-Urgench.
Drive to Kunya-Urgench
Continue west toward Kunya-Urgench, one of Turkmenistan’s most important archaeological and historical destinations. The drive takes approximately 1-1.5 hours, depending on road conditions.
Guided tour of Kunya-Urgench
Explore the major monuments of the ancient city with your local guide. Kunya-Urgench was once an important center on the Silk Road and today preserves remarkable examples of medieval architecture.
Main sightseeing includes:
- Kutlug-Timur Minaret, one of the most recognizable monuments of Kunya-Urgench and among the tallest surviving medieval minarets in Central Asia.
- Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum – famous for its impressive architecture and richly decorated interior dome.
- Il-Arslan Mausoleum – one of the oldest surviving monuments within the historical complex.
- Najmuddin-Kubra Mausoleum an important religious and historical site associated with the famous Sufi teacher Najmuddin Kubra.
- Other monuments of Ancient Urgench, additional sites can be visited depending on your available time, walking pace and interests.
Your guide will explain the history of the settlement, its role on the Silk Road and the significance of the surviving monuments.
Return to Dashoguz
After the Kunya-Urgench sightseeing program, drive back toward Dashoguz.
Local bazaar visit, if time permits
Depending on the border schedule and the time remaining, make a short stop at a local Dashoguz bazaar. This is an opportunity to see everyday local life and browse Turkmen products such as traditional caps, small handicrafts, snacks and other regional goods.
Transfer to Shavat Border
Continue to the Shavat border in time for the return crossing into Uzbekistan. Your guide and driver will assist you up to the Turkmenistan side of the border.
Return toward Khiva or Urgench
After completing the Uzbekistan entry formalities, continue independently or with a pre arranged transfer back to Khiva or Urgench.
End of the tour.
Price included:
- Visa support. Full assistance with the Letter of Invitation (LOI) and foreigner registration in Turkmenistan.
- Transport. Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers throughout the tour.
- Transfers. Border pick-up, city-to-city transfers, sightseeing transfers, and drop-off at the border.
- Guide. Licensed English-speaking guide throughout the route.
- Sightseeing and entrance fees. Sightseeing included in the itinerary and any required entrance fees are included.
- Medical insurance. Insurance coverage up to 64,000 USD per guest.
- Driver and guide expenses. Gasoline, meals, accommodation, and all route-related expenses for the driver and guide are included.
- Taxes and organization. All taxes, road fees, and organizational expenses are included.
- Border-to-border service. The tour starts at the Turkmenistan border and ends at the Turkmenistan border.
- Flexible program. You will see everything possible within the available time. The tour can be adjusted on the go, depending on time, logistics, and local conditions.
Not included:
- Visa and border fees. Usually not more than 110 USD per person.
- Meals not mentioned in the program. Average cost is 3-8 USD per person per meal.
- Personal expenses. Souvenirs, snacks, alcohol, laundry, minibar, SIM cards, extra hotel services, and other personal purchases.
- Tips. Tips are not included, but welcomed.
Prices, per person
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | US$ 248 |
| 2 persons | US$ 192 |
| 3 persons | US$ 164 |
| 4 persons | US$ 151 |
1 Day Turkmenistan Tour from Khiva Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I requested to "experience daily life," and the tour included visits to several local supermarkets and bazaars, allowing me to experience the reality of Turkmenistan, which is completely different from the image often portrayed in Japan.
Why Choose This 1 Day Turkmenistan Tour from Khiva?
This 1 Day Turkmenistan Tour from Khiva is ideal for travelers who want to experience Turkmenistan without adding an overnight stay to their Uzbekistan itinerary. The Shavat border is conveniently located for travelers staying in Khiva and Urgench, while Kunya-Urgench offers the opportunity to explore one of northern Turkmenistan’s most important historical destinations in a single day. Private transportation, an English speaking guide and coordinated border assistance are arranged throughout the Turkmenistan portion of the journey. The itinerary is also planned around the available border crossing time, making it a practical option for travelers who want to visit Dashoguz and Kunya-Urgench and return to Uzbekistan on the same day.
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