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Kalta Minor

Tower

Kalta Minor in Khiva is the short, unfinished minaret clad in turquoise tiles; tourists photograph it while exploring the Ichan Kala ensemble of madrasas and gates.

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In this guide

Kalta Minor essentials

Address: Kunya-Ark area, Khiva, Khorazm Region, Uzbekistan
Admission: Entrance to the Kalta Minor minaret area nominal (museum/complex fees may apply)
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About Kalta Minor

Kalta Minor is an unfinished minaret in the historic Ichan-Kala quarter of Khiva in Uzbekistan’s Khorazm Region, notable for its squat, truncated form and dense covering of glazed turquoise tiles. The minaret was intended as a tall mosque tower but construction stopped in the mid-19th century.

Construction began under the rule of the local khan in the mid-19th century and work ceased on the structure after the patron’s death, leaving it far shorter than originally planned. Its unusually wide and richly tiled exterior distinguishes it from typical tapering minarets and makes it visually prominent within the walled city.

The minaret stands within Ichan-Kala, the fortified inner town of Khiva, and is approached from the central squares and narrow streets of the old city; it is a short walk from other monuments and the main visitor routes through the citadel.

  • Setting and appearance: Situated within the inner walled city of Ichan-Kala in Khiva, its truncated profile and glazed tilework make it one of the most photographed landmarks in the old town.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Kalta Minor

Spring and autumn are ideal-moderate temperatures and clear skies for sightseeing.

Spring/Autumn
April-June, Sep-Oct · 15-30°C
Mild weather; very comfortable for exploring Khiva's walled city.
Summer
July-August · 30-40°C
Extremely hot; avoid midday outdoors.

Weather & Climate near Kalta Minor

Climate

Kalta Minor's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 36°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 81 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
48°
Warmest Month
-29°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -7° - 2° -7° 11 mm partly cloudy 73% 3.2 m/s 0.2 low 9.4h
February Good -5° - 4° -5° 11 mm partly cloudy 67% 3.6 m/s 0.4 low 10.5h
March Very Good 0° - 11° 3° 19 mm some cloud 54% 3.7 m/s 0.8 moderate 11.8h
April Excellent 9° - 22° 16° 16 mm some cloud 43% 3.8 m/s 1.2 high 13.2h
May Ideal 15° - 28° 22° 11 mm some cloud 31% 3.6 m/s 1.7 very high 14.4h
June Ideal 20° - 34° 27° 4 mm clear 23% 3.6 m/s 2.1 extreme 15.0h
July Ideal 22° - 36° 29° 3 mm clear 23% 3.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 14.7h
August Ideal 19° - 34° 26° 2 mm clear 23% 3.3 m/s 1.8 very high 13.7h
September Ideal 13° - 28° 20° 1 mm clear 27% 2.9 m/s 1.3 high 12.3h
October Excellent 5° - 19° 12° 7 mm mostly sunny 40% 2.8 m/s 0.7 moderate 11.0h
November Very Good -1° - 10° 2° 11 mm some cloud 59% 3.0 m/s 0.3 low 9.7h
December Good -4° - 4° -4° 13 mm partly cloudy 72% 3.0 m/s 0.2 low 9.1h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Kalta Minor

Kalta Minor is in Khiva’s Ichan-Kala (old city). Khiva is accessible by road from Urgench (the nearest airport) with short local transfers into the walled city.

Tips for Visiting Kalta Minor

  • Visit early to avoid the heat and to see the minaret's turquoise tiles glow best in soft light.
  • Look for the unfinished, squat form of the minaret-its tapering is unusually truncated and reads differently from nearby madrasa towers.