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View all Khiva toursFrom Khiva: 5 Ancient Fortresses & Ayaz-Kala 1 night Camping
2-day trip from Khiva visiting First fortress of the day and Kharezm's desert exploration, Toprak Kala, an archeological sites, and stop for a lunch and Kavat kala, the third of 5 fortresses. Operated by Visit Kharezm & Khiva.
Highlights
- Visit 5 ancient Khorezmian fortresses on one epic desert route from Khiva.
From Khiva: 5 Ancient Fortresses & Ayaz-Kala 1 night Camping: Key Facts
| Price | From $376 per person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days |
| Languages | English |
| Tour type | Guided Tour |
| Booking | Direct with the local operator — no OTA markup |
Choose from 1 available option
From Khiva: 5 Ancient Fortresses & Ayaz-Kala 1 night Camping
Full description
A 2-day trip out of Khiva taking in First fortress of the day and Kharezm's desert exploration, Toprak Kala, an archeological sites, and stop for a lunch, Kavat kala, the third of 5 fortresses and Guided visit to Guldurson Kala and its archeological site. There are 6 stops in all.
The running order is First fortress of the day and Kharezm's desert exploration, then Toprak Kala, an archeological sites, and stop for a lunch, then Kavat kala, the third of 5 fortresses, then Guided visit to Guldurson Kala and its archeological site, then Arrival to Ayaz-kala, local dinner, and 1 night Yurt Camping, and on from there.
The price covers private pickup from any location within Khiva city, Private Drop-off in Khiva/Nukus, Private sedan transportation for groups of up to 3 people and An English-speaking tour driver. It does not cover entrance tickets to archaeological sites, Personal expenses, souvenirs, snacks, additional meals or drinks and Lunch on the first day, so budget for those separately. Two travellers pay $376 together rather than $376 each, because this is priced per party and not per head.
Tour Itinerary
The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Pick-up from Khiva and departure to Kharezm for fortresses
Begin with pickup from any location within Khiva city. Travel by private sedan with an English-speaking guide certified by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
First fortress of the day and Kharezm's desert exploration
Your route follows the ancient fortresses of Khorezm in sequence: Kyzyl Kala — meaning “Red Fortress,” this imposing square fortress was built with massive defensive walls and towers. Its strategic position reflects the military importance of ancient Khorezm.
Toprak Kala, an archeological sites, and stop for a lunch
Toprak Kala — one of the greatest archaeological sites of ancient Khorezm. Once a major fortified royal city, it contained a palace, temples, residential quarters and defensive walls. Archaeological discoveries reveal the sophisticated urban culture that flourished here nearly two thousand years ago.
Kavat kala, the third of 5 fortresses
Kavat kala — explore the distinctive circular ruins of this ancient Khorezmian complex, an archaeological site associated with the religious and cultural traditions of the region.
Guided visit to Guldurson Kala and its archeological site
Guldursun Kala — continue through the desert to the imposing remains of Guldursun, another fortified settlement demonstrating how ancient communities protected their cities and controlled the surrounding landscape.
Arrival to Ayaz-kala, local dinner, and 1 night Yurt Camping
Ayaz Kala — finish the fortress route at the spectacular Ayaz-Kala complex, dramatically positioned above the Kyzylkum Desert. The complex contains several ancient settlements, with the main fortress dating to the ancient Khorezmian period. Its massive mud-brick walls, towers and elevated position create one of the region’s most impressive desert views. Stay overnight in a traditional-style desert tent, enjoy dinner and experience the exceptional silence of the Kyzylkum Desert.
Waking up in the desert, breakfast, and photographing
Wake up in the desert, enjoy breakfast and take time for photographs around the camp and surrounding landscape. After your morning at Ayaz-Kala, begin the return journey. drop-off in Bukhara city .
Includes
- Private pickup from any location within Khiva city.
- Private Drop-off in Khiva/Nukus.
- Private sedan transportation for groups of up to 3 people.
- An English-speaking tour driver
- One overnight stay at Ayaz-Kala yurt camp, with dinner on the first evening and breakfast the following morning ($55 for a single person).
Excludes
- Entrance tickets to archaeological sites.
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, snacks, additional meals or drinks.
- Lunch on the first day.
Important information
Meeting point
The operator confirms the exact meeting point and time once your booking is confirmed, and you will have it well before the day. If you would rather know before you book, message us on WhatsApp and we will ask them for you.
Know before you go
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts