- On any wander through Khiva, you’ll happen upon numerous medrassas boasting impressive tilework and tiny rooms, winding alleyways perfect for getting lost in and brightly coloured mosques and minarets waiting to be explored.
- Helpfully, there is a single ticket, sold at the west gate, that can be used to gain access to most of the city’s tourist sights and is valid for two days. The ticket costs 51,000 som ($6.30) per person, plus a 15,000 som ($1.90) camera fee. Attractions requiring extra payment tend to have a small cashier desk at the entrance.
- As we found with all the Silk Road stops in Uzbekistan, the tacky souvenir stands that cluster through many of the entrances can detract a little from the overall charm, but explore around sunrise and sunset to experience the place completely unspoiled.
VISIT PAHLAVON MAHMOUD MAUSOLEUM - Although the usually leafy courtyard was under renovation during our visit, the interiors, with every inch adorned in blue and white tile work, is simply beautiful.
- The sacred site which sits below the turquoise dome that dominates Khiva’s skyline, houses the tomb of Pahlavon Mahmoud, Khiva’s patron saint among other accolades.
- The chamber that houses the mausoleum, as well as the chambers surrounding the courtyard, are places of worship and sanctuary for the townspeople so remember to be respectful at all times when exploring, especially when visiting as a group. Shoes should be removed before entering.
WATCH THE SUNSET FROM THE WATCHTOWER - Accessible through the Kuhna Ark, the Watchtower provides the perfect vantage point for sunset and is almost an obligatory stop during your time in Khiva.
- After admiring the beautiful tile work and ceiling design in the Summer Mosque, clamber up the steep, dimly lit stairwell to enjoy the views of Khiva from above; the undulating city wall from up high is particularly beautiful.
- Of course, the views on offer make this a rather popular evening hangout so try to arrive about an hour before sunset and you may just have the place all to yourself – for a short while at least.
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