Bordered by the Karakum and Kyzylkum Deserts, the city of Khiva in south-central Uzbekistan rises from the sands like a mirage. It is easy to picture its heyday as a rest stop for weary traders and travelers on the famed Silk Road. Today, visitors will find no shortage of things to do in Khiva, from visiting the turquoise-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret (the unofficial symbol of the city) to exploring the winding lanes of the Itchan Kala, Khiva’s walled inner city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aim for the shoulder seasons when planning a trip to Uzbekistan: spring and fall are the most temperate. March through June are reliably sunny and pleasant months. Early September through late October coincides with the harvest season in Uzbekistan, bringing juicy, flavorful melons and pomegranates (each celebrated with its own festival in Khiva). Khiva also hosts Navruz celebrations in early spring and the Lazgi International Dance Festival, which honors Khorezm folk dance.
Khiva is compact, making it easy to navigate, although getting here typically involves a long train or taxi ride from Tashkent, Samarkand, or Bukhara. The nearest city is Urgench, which also has a small regional airport. Once inside the walled city, everything is within walking distance. The Itchan Kala is made for leisurely strolls, and taxis don’t operate within the citadel, so the only mode of transportation you’ll need is your own two feet.
Don’t miss a climb to the top of the Islam Khoja Minaret for sweeping views overlooking the Itchan Kala, and into the desert beyond. Aim for morning or late afternoon for the softest lighting conditions, especially if you plan on taking photographs. The minaret is 187 feet (57 meters) tall, the highest in the city. There’s no elevator, so this activity isn’t recommended for travelers with mobility issues or anyone who suffers from claustrophobia.
