Mud-brick walls of Ayaz Kala fortress on a hilltop in the Kyzylkum desert

Private tour · Khiva

Desert Fortresses of Ancient Khorezm, Private Day Trip

Leave the khans' Khiva behind for a far older world — mud-brick citadels of ancient Khorezm rising from the edge of the Kyzylkum desert.

Duration
Full day (about 8 hours)
Group
Private — your party only
Start
Morning pick-up from your Khiva hotel
Meeting point
Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Khiva or Urgench
Language
English as standard; other languages on request, subject to availability
Price
On request — quoted for your party

Highlights

  • Ayaz Kala on its hilltop above the desert
  • The palace ruins of Toprak Kala
  • Restored walls of Kyzyl Kala
  • Lunch near Ayaz Kala (included)

Itinerary

  1. Drive into Karakalpakstan

    Cross the Amu Darya and drive into the Ellikkala district — usually around 1.5 to 2 hours each way, with the guide explaining Khorezm's history on the road.

  2. Kyzyl Kala

    A compact, partly restored fortress — a good introduction to how these strongholds were built.

  3. Toprak Kala

    The remains of a palace-city once used by Khorezm's rulers, with corridors, halls and towers carved by wind and rain.

  4. Ayaz Kala

    Climb to the hilltop fortress for the widest views of the trip, with the desert on one side and the irrigated oasis on the other.

  5. Return to Khiva

    Back at your hotel by late afternoon.

Eroded clay walls and corridors of Toprak Kala, ancient Khorezm

Included

  • Private guide for the day
  • Private car with driver, fuel and parking
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Khiva or Urgench
  • Lunch near Ayaz Kala
  • Drinking water in the car

Not included

  • Entrance fees at the fortresses
  • Extra drinks, alcohol and anything ordered beyond the set lunch
  • Tips

Good to know

  • Full-day package — guide, car and lunch are included; entrance tickets are paid on the spot (your guide helps you buy them).
  • The fortresses are unshaded and the ground is sandy — bring sun protection, a hat and closed shoes.
  • Climbing Ayaz Kala takes 15–20 minutes up a sandy path; the views are worth it, but it is optional.
  • The order of the fortresses may change depending on light and weather.

20% deposit · free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Booking terms

Questions about this tour

How old are the fortresses?

They were built by the ancient Khorezm civilisation, roughly between the last centuries BC and the first centuries AD, and were used and rebuilt over several hundred years.

Can we stay overnight in a yurt?

There is a yurt camp near Ayaz Kala. If you would like to stay overnight, mention it in your enquiry and we will check availability.

More about the city: private guide in Khiva

Before you go: Samarkand, Bukhara or Khiva · How Many Days Do You Need in Khiva? · Photography in Uzbekistan

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