Top Khiva Culture - page 2

Visit 3 the top attractions outside of Khiva on this day trip to Kyzyl Qala (“Red fortress” in Uzbek), Toprak Qala (“Sand” in Uzbek) and “must see” fort in the desert Ayaz Qala. After breakfast transfer to the Qala trip (“Fortress” in Uzbek) total drive 210 km. The ruins of over a dozen walled towns, palaces and forts, some well over 2000 years old, stand half-forgotten in the semi-desert east and north of Urgench in southern Karakalpakstan. The area’s traditionally name, Ellik Qala (the 50 fortresses) gives a stark indication of what lies beneath the desert sands. There are about 20 forts and you will visit three of the most impressive forts: Toprak Qala and Ayaz Qala.

This route from Khiva to Bukhara is an adventure on its own, and it really helps to travel with people who know these roads inside out. The drivers have spent years taking travelers across the desert, through the fortresses, and into Bukhara, so the journey feels smooth, safe, and relaxed from start to finish. You’ll travel in comfortable electric SUVs or Hyundai minivans, enjoy the stops without any rush, and always feel that you’re in good hands — not just with a driver, but with someone who understands the land.

My tour in Khiva gives you the opportunity to experience the beauty and unique atmosphere of the city. The city is more than 2500 years old, and was one of the most important cities on the Great Silk Road near Khorazm Oasis. Today, Khiva is an open-air museum with narrow streets, beautiful tile decorations, and mud city walls. In one day, you will get to know this charming little city and its history, explore its monuments, and get a taste for life on the Silk Road. Explore Ichan-Kala (Inner wall city), the central fortress in Khiva, which holds the majority of the main sights and is a strikingly intact medieval city. Ichan-Kala in Khiva was the first site in Uzbekistan to be inscribed on the World Heritage List. And it is also the land of World known Great Historians, Mathematicians, Astronomers and many other Scientists such as Al-Beruni and Al-Khorezmi. Ichan-Kala opens its doors. . . Come and feel the spirit of the Eastern fairytale.