The Dilemma
‘Should I or shouldn’t I?’, I wondered as I approached the Islam Khoja Minaret in Khiva, Uzbekistan. ‘Should I exert the effort to climb the minaret for some fantastic views over Khiva, or should I stay safely anchored to the ground and avoid the claustrophobic staircase with its 175 stairs to the top?’
TABLE CONTENTS: CLIMBING THE ISLAM KHOJA MINARET
| QUICK FACTS: CLIMBING THE ISLAM KHOJA MINARET | |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location: | Ichan Qal’a, Khiva |
| 📏 Height: | 56.6 meters |
| 🪜 Number of Steps: | 121, apparently |
| ℹ️ Good to Know: | Very narrow spiral staircase leading to a viewing platform |
| 🎟️ Entry Fee: | 100,000 som (just over nine US dollars) (August 2026) |
| 👀 What to Expect: | Challenging climb with great views over Ichan Qal’a |
| ⭐ Worth Visiting: | Yes, if you can manage the steep climb |
Such was my internal discussion on the last of my five days in Khiva. Having wandered near the base of the minaret multiple times during the previous days, I finally committed to climbing the second tallest minaret in Central Asia.
History of the Islam Khoja Minaret
The Islam Khoja Minaret is one of Khiva’s most recognizable landmarks, rising high above the rooftops of Ichan Qal’a, the city’s historic walled center. Built between 1908 and 1910, it is surprisingly recent compared with many of the ancient monuments surrounding it.
The minaret was commissioned by Islam Khoja, the chief vizier, or prime minister, of the Khiva Khanate. He was an influential and progressive statesman who supported modernization and helped fund projects including schools, a hospital and a post office. The minaret and its neighboring madrasa were built as a religious and educational complex, reflecting his influence on the city.
Standing 56.6 meters tall, the minaret is distinguished by its slender, tapering shape and decorative bands of glazed blue, turquoise and white tiles. Its design draws inspiration from earlier Central Asian minarets, creating a striking contrast between its traditional appearance and its relatively modern construction.
Originally, the minaret served religious purposes, including calling worshippers to prayer. Today, visitors can climb its narrow spiral staircase to a viewing platform, where they are rewarded with panoramic views across Ichan Qal’a and its distinctive collection of domes, courtyards and historic buildings.
The Climbing Experience
Having parted with the separate entry fee of 100,000 som, just over nine US dollars, and depositing my backpack at the ticket office for safe-keeping, I made my way to the wooden stairs that ascend into the tower. After a short climb I reached the solid yet very narrow stairs that ascended the 56.6 meters to the top of the minaret.
The climb to the top of the minaret was challenging, mainly because the spiral staircase was so narrow and steep. You have to hope that no one is coming down the stairs as it would be very difficult to let them go past. There are no places in the minaret where you can step to the side and let people go past.
The climb to the top of the minaret uses the same stairs as the descent. Anyone with claustrophobia would have a hard time making it to the top of the minaret. I highly recommend that if you have this fear that climbing the minaret is probably not for you.
After 10 minutes of climbing the steep stairs, I finally made it to the top of the minaret and the very small viewing platform at the top. The climb was demanding, but it offers a memorable way to appreciate Khiva from above.
There is room for five people at the most on the viewing platform. You have to be very careful not to miss your step as you could very easily fall down the stairs of the minaret. By modern safety standards, the minaret is not very well protected and, in my opinion, is quite dangerous at the top.
I was fortunate to be alone for most of the time that I was at the top of the minaret, being joined later by two other people. We jockeyed for the best angles, the best views and for the best photos from the six open-air windows at the top. They left before me and I was left to contemplate how I would navigate the stairs on my way down.
Taking the stairs one by one on the way down, I eventually made it safely to the bottom and back onto the wooden stairs that ascend into the tower.
How Many Steps Are There in the Islam Khoja Minaret?
From all the articles I found online, it is claimed that there are around 175 stairs in the Islam Khoja Minaret. Being the accountant that I am, I counted the stairs both inside the minaret and the wooden stairs leading to its entrance. I counted 98 stairs in the minaret and 23 wooden stairs on the outside for a total of 121 stairs. I have no idea where the number of 175 comes from, but that number seems to have been accepted as fact across many articles that I found online. But I guess it doesn’t really matter.
Should I Climb the Islam Khoja Minaret?
My reason for climbing the minaret was simple. I may never have the chance to return to Khiva and contemplate again whether I should make the climb. Perhaps on a second visit access would no longer be allowed, or perhaps in future I would no longer be physically able to make the ascent. As such, I took the chance while it was available. As the quotation goes: ‘You’ll rarely regret the things you dared to do, but you may always wonder about the things you didn’t.’
However, climbing the Islam Khoja Minaret is not easy. If you have a fear of tight spaces or believe you would have difficulty navigating steep stairs, I suggest that climbing the minaret is not for you.
Although the climb is not particularly long, the narrow staircase and limited room to pass other visitors make it more challenging than the number of steps alone might suggest. Consider your comfort with confined spaces, steep stairs and heights before deciding whether to climb the Islam Khoja Minaret.
Find the Islam Khoja Minaret on Google Maps.
Where to Stay in Khiva
After exploring Khiva’s historic sights, including the Islam Khoja Minaret, and enjoying dinner around Ichan Qal’a, you will probably want somewhere comfortable to relax at the end of the day. I stayed at Hotel Bankir Khiva for five nights, using the hotel as my base while exploring this fascinating historic city.
Hotel Bankir Khiva is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from the western gate of Ichan Qal’a, making it a practical option for visitors who want to explore the old town on foot.
If you would prefer to compare other properties, you can also explore accommodation options in Khiva using the search box below.
Consider reading other posts on Uzbekistan by Two Passports Packed.
(Visited in August 2026)