Ichon-Qala

The main entrance to the Ichon-Qala is the twin-turreted brick West Gate (Ota-Darvoza, literally 'Father Gate'), a 1970s reconstruction - the original was wrecked in 1920. The two-day ticket gives you access to all the sights and museums in the Ichon-Qala besides the Islom-Hoja Minaret, the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum and the Akshaikh Baba Complex in Kuhna Ark. One highlight for which you do not need a ticket is the walk along the northwestern section of the wall, best at sunrise or sunset. The stairs are at the North Gate. The 2.5km-long mud walls date from the 18th century, rebuilt after being destroyed by the Persians.

Despite what the guards at the West Gate say, you are free to walk around the Ichon-Qala without a ticket, you just won't have access to any sights. If you get hassled, simply walk to one of the other gates and enter there. The North, East and South gates are known as, respectively, the Buhoro-darvoza (Bukhara Gate), Polvon-darvoza (Strongman's Gate) and Tosh-darvoza (Stone Gate).

One highlight for which you do not need a ticket is the walk along the northwestern section of the wall, best at sunrise or sunset. The stairs are at the North Gate. The 2.5km-long mud walls date from the 18th century, rebuilt after being destroyed by the Persians.