logo
logo
logo

Things to do in Kunya-Urgench

Kunya-Urgench, in northern Turkmenistan, is steeped in history as a major Silk Road city. It's famed for its ancient architectural ruins, which reflect its significance as a cultural and religious centre. The UNESCO World Heritage site includes the towering Kutlug-Timur Minaret, one of the highest in Central Asia, and the Turabek Khanum Mausoleum with its stunning mosaic work. These architectural marvels, along with other mausoleums and mosques, tell stories of the city's past grandeur. Kunya-Urgench's rich history of multiple civilizations makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in the complex tapestry of Central Asian history.

EXPERIENCES

A range of thrilling experiences handpicked by our experts. Don’t see one that’s just right for you? No problem. Our local insiders will create precisely what you want.

Kutlug-Timur Minaret

Standing tall at over 60 meters, the Kutlug-Timur Minaret is the most iconic structure in Kunya-Urgench. Its ornate brickwork, inscriptions, and bands tell tales of bygone eras. As one of the tallest minarets from the Islamic world, a visit here provides both an architectural treat and a historical journey, transporting you back to the time when Kunya-Urgench was a major Islamic cultural centre.

Mausoleum of Fakhreddin Razi

This intricate 13th-century mausoleum is a testament to the Seljuk architectural prowess. The beautifully preserved brickwork, combined with the turquoise-blue tiles and central dome, make it a must-visit. Inside, pay homage to Fakhreddin Razi, the prominent medieval philosopher and scientist, and soak in the serenity that the sacred site emanates.

Turabek Khanum Complex

Turabek Khanum Mausoleum, believed to be the resting place of a Mongolian princess, is a structural marvel. The intricate geometric and floral designs of its interior dome, representing the heavens, are a captivating sight. The tiles shimmer in hues of turquoise and blue, offering an ethereal experience to every visitor and underscoring the craftsmanship of the artisans of the era.

Kyrk Molla Hill

Literally translating to "Forty Mullahs", this site is steeped in legends. Local folklore suggests that this was once the ancient city's library. Today, it's a pilgrimage spot, with many believing its soil has healing properties. Wander around the ruins, feel the whispers of the past, and maybe even witness local customs of seeking blessings from this revered hillock.

Gates of Caravanserai

Remnants of a bustling trading past, the Gates of Caravanserai once welcomed merchants and travellers journeying along the Silk Road. Today, the arched gates stand as silent sentinels to history, evoking images of camels, traders, and goods passing through. Feel the pulse of ancient trade routes and the cosmopolitan nature of Kunya-Urgench in its prime as you walk through these gates.

Experience Local Life

A weekly affair, the Sunday Market is where local life unfurls in all its colours. From regional produce, traditional Turkmen clothing, to handicrafts, it's a sensory delight. Mingle with locals, haggle over prices, and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two. The market not only offers a glimpse into the present-day culture but also echoes the city's historical significance as a trading hub.

CENTRAL ASIA DISCOVERY EXPEDITION

Travel across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan on this 17-day group tour. Explore Silk Road cities, mountain valleys, and desert landscapes. Stay in yurts, meet local families, and discover ancient monuments with expert guides—an immersive Central Asia expedition blending culture, history, and nature in one unforgettable journey.

Interest

Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

SILK ROAD FIVE STANS ADVENTURE

Journey through the heart of Central Asia on this 20-day Silk Road adventure across Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Discover ancient cities, mountain landscapes, vibrant cultures, and modern capitals on an unforgettable tour through the Five Stans with Asian Geographical, the leading designer of luxury travel to Asia.

Interest

Heritage, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

20 days

Price For Person

From £17,870

SILK ROAD FIVE-STANS EXPEDITION

Travel across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan on this 17-day Silk Road group tour. Explore ancient cities, scenic valleys, mountain landscapes, and vibrant bazaars with expert guides. Enjoy cultural immersion, comfortable stays, and unforgettable experiences throughout Central Asia’s Five Stans with Asian Geographical.

Interest

People & Culture, Off Grid, AONB

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

TREASURES OF CENTRAL ASIA TOUR

Explore Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on a cultural journey through Silk Road cities, ancient ruins, and desert wonders. From Tashkent to Samarkand, Khiva to Merv, experience rich history, traditional crafts, and dramatic landscapes on a multi-centre tour designed for curious travellers seeking depth, beauty, and discovery.

Interest

People & Culture, Art & Architecture, History & Archaeology

Destination

Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

14 days

Price For Person

From £6,430

TURKMENISTAN HERITAGE TOUR

Uncover Turkmenistan’s cultural treasures on this 8-day heritage tour. From Ashgabat’s grand monuments to ancient Merv, Bronze Age Gonur Depe, and coastal Turkmenbashi, experience a fascinating blend of history, landscapes, and tradition, guided by Asian Geographical’s expert local team.

Interest

Art & Architecture, Off Grid, History & Archaeology

Destination

Turkmenistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

8 days

Price For Person

From £3,650

TURKMENISTAN SILK ROAD TOUR

This 8-day Turkmenistan Silk Road tour explores ancient cities, desert wonders, and cultural heritage. Visit UNESCO sites like Kunya-Urgench and Merv, camp by the Darvaza gas crater, experience village life in Damla, and discover Ashgabat’s marble splendour—an unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Asia’s Silk Road history and landscapes.

Interest

Heritage, Art & Architecture, History & Archaeology

Destination

Turkmenistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

8 days

Price For Person

From £3,250

TURKMENISTAN'S CULTURAL TAPESTRY: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

Discover Turkmenistan's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes on a 6-day tour, from the modern marvels of Ashgabat to the ancient ruins of Merv and the traditional life in Bokurdak.

Interest

Heritage, Art & Architecture, History & Archaeology

Destination

Turkmenistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

6 days

Price For Person

From £3,170

TURKMENISTAN'S DESERT WONDERS: AN EPIC JOURNEY

Turkmenistan's Desert Wonders is a 9-day adventure through ancient cities, vast deserts, and modern marvels. Discover UNESCO sites, the flaming Gates of Hell, and remote desert villages. From archaeological ruins to white-marble Ashgabat, this tour reveals the rich history, culture, and surreal beauty of Turkmenistan with expert guidance throughout.

Interest

Heritage, Off Grid, History & Archaeology

Destination

Turkmenistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

9 days

Price For Person

From £3,090

CENTRAL ASIA DISCOVERY EXPEDITION

Travel across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan on this 17-day group tour. Explore Silk Road cities, mountain valleys, and desert landscapes. Stay in yurts, meet local families, and discover ancient monuments with expert guides—an immersive Central Asia expedition blending culture, history, and nature in one unforgettable journey.

Interest

Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

SILK ROAD FIVE STANS ADVENTURE

Journey through the heart of Central Asia on this 20-day Silk Road adventure across Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Discover ancient cities, mountain landscapes, vibrant cultures, and modern capitals on an unforgettable tour through the Five Stans with Asian Geographical, the leading designer of luxury travel to Asia.

Interest

Heritage, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

20 days

Price For Person

From £17,870

SILK ROAD FIVE-STANS EXPEDITION

Travel across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan on this 17-day Silk Road group tour. Explore ancient cities, scenic valleys, mountain landscapes, and vibrant bazaars with expert guides. Enjoy cultural immersion, comfortable stays, and unforgettable experiences throughout Central Asia’s Five Stans with Asian Geographical.

Interest

People & Culture, Off Grid, AONB

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

TREASURES OF CENTRAL ASIA TOUR

Explore Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on a cultural journey through Silk Road cities, ancient ruins, and desert wonders. From Tashkent to Samarkand, Khiva to Merv, experience rich history, traditional crafts, and dramatic landscapes on a multi-centre tour designed for curious travellers seeking depth, beauty, and discovery.

Interest

People & Culture, Art & Architecture, History & Archaeology

Destination

Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

14 days

Price For Person

From £6,430

SILK ROAD FIVE STANS ADVENTURE

Journey through the heart of Central Asia on this 20-day Silk Road adventure across Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Discover ancient cities, mountain landscapes, vibrant cultures, and modern capitals on an unforgettable tour through the Five Stans with Asian Geographical, the leading designer of luxury travel to Asia.

Interest

Heritage, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

20 days

Price For Person

From £17,870

TREASURES OF CENTRAL ASIA TOUR

Explore Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on a cultural journey through Silk Road cities, ancient ruins, and desert wonders. From Tashkent to Samarkand, Khiva to Merv, experience rich history, traditional crafts, and dramatic landscapes on a multi-centre tour designed for curious travellers seeking depth, beauty, and discovery.

Interest

People & Culture, Art & Architecture, History & Archaeology

Destination

Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

14 days

Price For Person

From £6,430

TURKMENISTAN HERITAGE TOUR

Uncover Turkmenistan’s cultural treasures on this 8-day heritage tour. From Ashgabat’s grand monuments to ancient Merv, Bronze Age Gonur Depe, and coastal Turkmenbashi, experience a fascinating blend of history, landscapes, and tradition, guided by Asian Geographical’s expert local team.

Interest

Art & Architecture, Off Grid, History & Archaeology

Destination

Turkmenistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

8 days

Price For Person

From £3,650

TURKMENISTAN SILK ROAD TOUR

This 8-day Turkmenistan Silk Road tour explores ancient cities, desert wonders, and cultural heritage. Visit UNESCO sites like Kunya-Urgench and Merv, camp by the Darvaza gas crater, experience village life in Damla, and discover Ashgabat’s marble splendour—an unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Asia’s Silk Road history and landscapes.

Interest

Heritage, Art & Architecture, History & Archaeology

Destination

Turkmenistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

8 days

Price For Person

From £3,250

TURKMENISTAN'S CULTURAL TAPESTRY: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

Discover Turkmenistan's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes on a 6-day tour, from the modern marvels of Ashgabat to the ancient ruins of Merv and the traditional life in Bokurdak.

Interest

Heritage, Art & Architecture, History & Archaeology

Destination

Turkmenistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

6 days

Price For Person

From £3,170

TURKMENISTAN'S DESERT WONDERS: AN EPIC JOURNEY

Turkmenistan's Desert Wonders is a 9-day adventure through ancient cities, vast deserts, and modern marvels. Discover UNESCO sites, the flaming Gates of Hell, and remote desert villages. From archaeological ruins to white-marble Ashgabat, this tour reveals the rich history, culture, and surreal beauty of Turkmenistan with expert guidance throughout.

Interest

Heritage, Off Grid, History & Archaeology

Destination

Turkmenistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

9 days

Price For Person

From £3,090

CENTRAL ASIA DISCOVERY EXPEDITION

Travel across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan on this 17-day group tour. Explore Silk Road cities, mountain valleys, and desert landscapes. Stay in yurts, meet local families, and discover ancient monuments with expert guides—an immersive Central Asia expedition blending culture, history, and nature in one unforgettable journey.

Interest

Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

SILK ROAD FIVE-STANS EXPEDITION

Travel across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan on this 17-day Silk Road group tour. Explore ancient cities, scenic valleys, mountain landscapes, and vibrant bazaars with expert guides. Enjoy cultural immersion, comfortable stays, and unforgettable experiences throughout Central Asia’s Five Stans with Asian Geographical.

Interest

People & Culture, Off Grid, AONB

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

No records found

newsletter image

What Others Say

Here’s what our customers have to say about their Asian Geographical experience

what other says

A COUPLE FROM BIRMINGHAM

"Every aspect of the trip, from guides to accommodation and the well-planned itinerary ... was seamlessly orchestrated. We will always recommend Asian Geographical Expeditions for anyone looking to explore Central Asia in unparalleled depth and comfort."

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
icon
icon

Why travel with us

Tailored Luxury

Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences

Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility

Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia

Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance

Expert Knowledge

Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel

Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately

Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences

Sustainable Travel

Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia

We partner with eco-conscious providers

Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage

PROTECTED SERVICES

Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection

Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind

Established in 2014

Atol Logo PTS Logo British Airways Logo