Tour Overview
Turn your stay in Khiva into a one-day cross-border journey to one of Turkmenistan's most important historical destinations. The tour begins at the Shavat border crossing, conveniently located for travellers coming from Khiva and Urgench. After entering Turkmenistan and meeting your local guide, travel north through the Dashoguz region toward Kunya-Urgench.
Once a major political and commercial centre of historic Khorezm, Kunya-Urgench is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with medieval monuments that reflect centuries of Silk Road history. Explore towering minarets, distinctive mausoleums and surviving architectural remains with a private local guide. During the programme, enjoy a traditional lunch and take time to explore the historical park without the need for an overnight stay in Turkmenistan.
At the end of the day, choose the onward route that best suits your travel plans: return via Shavat for Khiva and Urgench, or continue toward the Khojeyli border for Nukus and the Aral Sea region. This tour is especially suitable for travellers based in Khiva who want to add Turkmenistan to their Uzbekistan itinerary in a single day.
1-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1 — Khiva / Shavat Border → Kunya-Urgench → Shavat Border or Khojeyli Border
Your one-day Turkmenistan journey begins at the Shavat border crossing, one of the most convenient entry points for travellers staying in Khiva.
The planned meeting time on the Turkmenistan side is approximately 09:30.
After completing passport, migration and entry formalities, meet your Darvaza Tour guide within the permitted border area.
Border processing times may vary, so the day's programme remains flexible around the actual time of entry.
Shavat Border → Kunya-Urgench
After meeting the guide, begin the drive north toward Kunya-Urgench.
The journey is approximately 100 km and normally takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on road and traffic conditions.
During the drive, your guide can introduce the history of northern Turkmenistan, the Khorezm region and the importance of Kunya-Urgench on the medieval Silk Road.
Lunch
Depending on the timing of the border crossing and arrival, stop for a traditional lunch either en route or after reaching Kunya-Urgench.
This gives you time to rest before beginning the historical sightseeing programme.
UNESCO Kunya-Urgench Historical Tour
Continue to the historical park of Kunya-Urgench, one of Turkmenistan's major UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
During the guided visit, explore the principal monuments of the former Khorezm capital.
- Kutlug-Timur Minaret — one of the tallest surviving medieval minarets in Central Asia and one of the most recognisable landmarks of Kunya-Urgench.
- Turabek-Khanum Mausoleum — celebrated for its remarkable interior dome decoration and geometric patterns.
- Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum — an important medieval monument associated with the powerful Khorezmshah dynasty.
- Il-Arslan Mausoleum — another distinctive example of medieval Khorezm architecture, recognised by its conical roof.
- Caravanserai Gate — a surviving architectural reminder of the city's role in historic long-distance trade.
Your guide will explain how Kunya-Urgench developed as a major Silk Road centre and why its surviving monuments remain so important to the history of Central Asia.
There will also be time for photographs and a relaxed walk through the historical area.
Border Transfer — Choose Your Route
After completing the Kunya-Urgench sightseeing programme, continue to the border crossing best suited to your Uzbekistan itinerary.
Option A — Shavat Border for Khiva / Urgench
Travel back south toward the Shavat border, normally the most convenient option for travellers returning to Khiva or Urgench.
The planned distance is approximately 130 km, with around 2 hours of driving depending on road conditions.
Option B — Khojeyli Border for Nukus / Muynak
Travel toward the Khojeyli border crossing if your onward journey continues toward Nukus, Muynak or the Aral Sea region.
The planned distance is approximately 35 km from the Kunya-Urgench area, with around 45 minutes of driving.
Khojeyli is used here as an exit from Turkmenistan, not as the entry point for this programme.
Border Formalities & End of Tour
Arrive at your selected border crossing.
Our local team will assist with Turkmenistan departure procedures within the areas permitted by official border regulations.
After crossing into Uzbekistan, continue independently or with your separately arranged Uzbekistan-side transport toward Khiva, Urgench or Nukus.
End of tour services.
Overnight: None.
1-Day Tour Price
Price per person based on the total number of travelers in the group.
1 Traveler
US$ 1,154
per person
2 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
3 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
4 Travelers
US$ 1,154
per person
Groups of more than 4 travelers are also welcome. The larger the group, the lower the price per person may become.
Price includes:
- E-Visa support and registration: assistance with the Turkmenistan e-Visa procedure and foreign guest registration.
- E-Visa fee: electronic visa cost included in the tour price.
- Private transport: comfortable vehicle with an experienced local driver throughout the itinerary.
- Border pick-up and transfers: Shavat border pick-up, transfer to Kunya-Urgench and final transfer to the confirmed exit border.
- Kunya-Urgench guided tour: private sightseeing programme with a licensed local guide.
- Entrance fees: admission fees for historical sites included in the confirmed itinerary.
- Lunch: one traditional lunch during the day tour.
- English-speaking guide: licensed local guide throughout the programme.
- Medical insurance: coverage up to USD 64,000 per traveller, subject to policy conditions.
- Driver and guide expenses: fuel, meals and route-related operational expenses.
- Taxes and organisational costs: applicable taxes, road charges and operational costs.
- Flexible programme: timing may be adjusted according to border processing, road conditions and site access.
- Portable Wi-Fi: access to the guide's router where mobile network coverage is available.
- Happ VPN access: VPN access key can be provided after arrival in Turkmenistan.
Price doesn't include:
- Uzbekistan-side transport: transfers between Khiva, Urgench or Nukus and the Uzbekistan side of the border unless specifically confirmed in your quotation.
- Additional meals and drinks: anything not specifically listed as included.
- Personal expenses: souvenirs, snacks, alcoholic drinks and personal purchases.
- Tips: gratuities for the guide and driver are optional and appreciated.
- Additional activities: services or stops outside the confirmed itinerary.
- Accommodation: no overnight accommodation is required or included because this is a one-day tour.
Accommodation
This programme is designed as a one-day excursion from Khiva into Turkmenistan. You will enter through Shavat Border, visit Kunya-Urgench and return to Uzbekistan on the same day via Shavat or the confirmed Khojeyli exit.
Because the full itinerary is completed within one day, no overnight accommodation in Turkmenistan is required.
