Handpicked experience · Khiva
Khiva, Uzbekistan
A private day from Khiva into the Kyzylkum desert to three fortresses of ancient Khorezm, built of mud brick on low hills around two thousand years ago: Kyzyl Kala, Toprak Kala and Ayaz Kala.
Kyzyl Kala, the Red Fortress
The palace ruins of Toprak Kala
Ayaz Kala on its hill above the desert
The Kyzylkum landscape
<section><h2>Overview</h2><p>Long before Khiva, the land along the lower Amu Darya was the kingdom of Khorezm, and its rulers built fortified towns and palaces out of mud brick in what is now the desert. Dozens of their ruins survive, and three of the most striking make a comfortable day from Khiva.</p></section><section><h2>The day</h2><p>The route covers about 190 kilometres in all. Kyzyl Kala, the Red Fortress, is compact and partly restored. Toprak Kala nearby was a palace and walled town, and its outlines of rooms and courtyards are still clear from the top of the mound.</p><p>Ayaz Kala is the most dramatic: one fortress crowns a steep hill and others spread below it, with the Kyzylkum stretching away in every direction. You return to Khiva in the afternoon.</p></section><section><h2>Highlights</h2><ul><li>Kyzyl Kala, the Red Fortress</li><li>The palace ruins of Toprak Kala</li><li>Ayaz Kala on its hill above the desert</li><li>The Kyzylkum landscape</li></ul></section>
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No. This is a private car or minivan with a driver who knows the route; the driver may not speak English. An English-speaking guide can be added on request for an extra charge.
Short but sometimes steep scrambles up loose ground to the fortress walls, especially at Ayaz Kala. Wear shoes with grip and bring a hat and water; there is no shade.