Khiva

Urgench is the capital of Uzbekistan's Xorazm Region and the main gateway to the ancient Silk Road city of Khiva. Set in the Amu Darya valley in western Uzbekistan, it is a practical base for exploring the historical sites of Khorezm.

Although Urgench itself is a relatively young city founded in the 17th century and expanded as a Soviet-era regional centre, it lies in one of Central Asia's oldest cultural areas. Wide, leafy avenues such as Al-Khwarizmi Avenue, the Avesta monument and lively bazaars give the city its everyday character.

The region's greatest draw lies about 35 kilometres southwest in Khiva, whose walled inner town of Itchan Kala is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside its mud-brick walls, visitors can see the Kalta Minor minaret, Juma Mosque, Tash Khauli Palace and the Islam Khoja Minaret.

Urgench works as the transport and service hub for the area, with Urgench International Airport and a railway station linking Khorezm to Tashkent and other Uzbek cities. Travellers use the city to reach Khiva, the ancient desert fortresses of Khorezm and the Kyzylkum region.

Leisure visitors and business travellers pass through Urgench for tourism, regional trade and events, while its markets, cafés and riverside parks offer a quieter introduction to everyday Uzbek life.