Kalta Minor Minaret

Wonderful Madrasah with this very unique minaret which makes the top sight in the old city of Khiva. We searched entering this minaret but we couldn't find anything.

You do not need to buy an overpriced ticket to see this minaret ;) They will try and firmly suggest otherwise at some of the gates (East and West), however the ticket covers entrance into the sites, not the city itself, including the street where you can walk around the minaret. To avoid a confrontation, if you're not going inside the sites and just want to wander the streets, enter the other gates at sunrise or sunset for a magical experience without the touts and large tour groups ;) If you're on the fence of coming here (Khiva in general), if time is not a concern, it was cute to see, but if pressed for time, I would avoid as it's the most touristy and least "authentic" of any site we've been to in central Asia, let alone Uzbekistan.

Stunning and you can't miss it as it's one of the two landmarks of Khiva.

The Kalta Minor minaret is one of the iconic buildings in Khiva. When I first saw it I was mesmerised by the colour of its tiles sparkling in the sunlight. It is very identifiable not only through its shape but also the vibrancy of the green and blue tiles used in its decoration. It is located close to the West Gate. It is apparently unfinished but even in this ‘unfinished’ state, it does not distract from its beauty. It provides the opportunity for some wonderful photographs and should also be viewed at night when it is beautifully lit.

The symbol of Khiva, beautiful by day and brilliantly lit up in the evening. There are some live music performances around 630 pm and everyone is encouraged to join in and dance.

One of the most beautiful minarets within the old city of Khiva. We also loved the laughing and tea drinking statues there . The lively statues in various parts of Khiva really enliven the atmosphere. It also gives an artistic touch to the mostly historic experience.

The Minaret of Kalta-Minor is really the symbol of Khiva. It is simply massive and brilliant in construction and design although it is now what its original architects envisage. There are all sorts of rumours and legends and stories imbedded in its history including the burying alive of an alleged dissedent in the tower's foundation. And when Muhammad Amin Khan learned about some deception he decided to kill the corrupt architect. But the architect managed to escape, leaving the tower unfinished.

I really love this Minaret. It was totally worthed doing a 6 hour taxi drive from Bukhara to come here. The old town is quite and pure, clean and has some of it's ancient traits. During night the entrance is free, not sure about the day as I came here only for a short visit time, and saw it during night time only. Eat the dumplings that you will find around the city in a specific place, up to you to find it. They are prepared in a traditional way by a family with a small girl speaking English. They are without meat!