Visitors will base themselves in the modern regional capital city of Dashoguz just 60 miles from Kunya Urgench. It's a popular crossing point for Uzbekistan and home to the best hotels from which to explore the rich heritage of the surrounding area. Nearby, Izmukshir is not only a fortress of historic significance but the birth- and resting-place of a famous Muslim scholar. Kunya Urgench is populated with countless minarets, madrassas and mausoleums housing some of the most important figures of the area's history.
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At its peak as the capital of the mighty Khoresm state, Kunya Urgench was the center of learning for Islam as well as a great many other disciplines and arts. To cater to the large cultural, economic and religious community, the first academy of sciences of the east was established.
Just over 15 miles southwest of Dashoguz lies the town of Izmukshir, the birthplace of noted medieval Muslim scholar, Al-Zamakhshari. Dating back as far as the third century BC, the fortress city of Izmukshir, though ruined, contains madrasahs and mausoleums that have outlived countless dynasties and empires.
Built more than 700 years ago using ancient, medieval techniques, this unique cubic construction is one of the oldest in the region and has survived numerous invasions. Its brick patterned dome serves as a template for many similar buildings in Samarkand. Here lies Il Arslan, father of Sultan Tekesh.
Built for the ruthless sultan, Khoresmshakh Tekesh, this mausoleum combined with the mausoleum of Il-Arslan comprise the necropolis of the fearsome Khoresm leaders. It’s one of the last examples of pre-Mongol architecture and, at nearly 100 feet tall, once acted as a beacon in the desert.
In the midst of Kunya Urgench, once the most important city in the Islamic world, stands the astounding mausoleum, built for the princess Turabek Khanum and now the resting place of the Sufi kings. Built in the 14th century, the building is richly-decorated and steeped in myths and legends.
Built over three centuries, the Kutlug Timur minaret towers above Kunya Urgench’s main mosque. Richly decorated with belts of inscription, the minaret stands at nearly 200 feet high, making it the tallest in central Asia.
Built in the 14th century for the famous religious teacher Najamuddin Kubra who founded a significant Sufi order, the mausoleum is one of the most sacred buildings in Kunya Urgench. The walled compound creates a peaceful courtyard shaded by trees, and also contains the tomb of Sultan Ali.
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This five-day journey is your chance to uncover Turkmenistan, an off-the-beaten path destination and one of the most mysterious regions of Central Asia. From a perpetually burning crater, an eerily quiet capital clad in white marble, and ancient UNESCO ruins, this guarantees to be a journey like no other.
This short and sweet four-day tour of Turkmenistan takes you to all the must-see sites in what is one of the most mysterious countries in Central Asia. After sightseeing in the capital, Ashgabat, make your way to the stunning ancient at Kunya-Urgench and Mary, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Get to grips with the fascinating Turkmenistan capital, Ashgabat, over three action-packed days, before embarking on an epic overland journey. Your guide will take you to the World Heritage Site of Merv and Mary before you make your way back to the capital via the quaint local village of Bokurdak.
This tour around the mysterious Central Asian country of Turkmenistan offers you the best of what this fascinating country has to offer: glistening mausoleums, ancient fortress remains, desolate deserts and majestic mountains, all wrapped up into an unforgettable eight-day adventure.
This eight-day tour of Turkmenistan opens up one of Central Asia’s most mysterious lands: Turkmenistan. Passing over the desolate, yet utterly spectacular Karakum Desert, you’ll explore ancient ruins, dazzling mausoleums, and fiery caves, all before ending up in the fascinating capital of Ashgabat.
Renovated in 2009, the two-star Uzboy Hotel is a basic yet convenient stop-off for tourists travelling through the Dashoguz region of Turkmenistan. Some of the most important historical monuments in the country are located nearby, such as the architecturally-impressive Kunya-Urgench, Butentau and scattered ruins of ancient settlements. Uzboy hotel offers a range of comfortable guestrooms, with basic amenities included such as en-suite bathrooms, furniture and air conditioning/heating. Elsewhere, guests can enjoy Uzboy’s on-site bar and restaurant and shop that sells local souvenirs and crafts. There is also an indoor swimming pool and a beauty salon open for all guests. There is Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel at a small extra cost.
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