Islam Khjoa Minaret, Khiva: "Rather more graceful looking is the slim Islam Khoja Minaret (1910), which adjoins the Islam Khoja Madrassa. Almost 60m tall, it is just 2m shorter than the Kalyon Minar in Bukhara, but it looks taller due to the tapered shape and the varying widths of the yellow and blue-green stripes. It is possible to climb the 120 steps to the top, where you are following in the footsteps of the city’s watchmen." Uzbekistan: The Bradt Guide www.bradtguides.com