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2-day trip from Khiva visiting Deep Desert Transit to Ayaz Kala, Visit Melon Market in Shabbaz and Visit cotton fields. Operated by Islambek Travel & Hotels, Khiva.
Highlights
- Explore the ancient Ayaz Kala Fortress and its architectural layers
From Khiva to Nukus 2-Day Trip with Yurt Stay & Fortresses: Key Facts
| Price | From $507 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 to Nukus 2-Day Trip with Yurt Stay & Fortresses
Full description
A 2-day trip out of Khiva taking in Deep Desert Transit to Ayaz Kala, Visit Melon Market in Shabbaz, Visit cotton fields and Yurt Camp Arrival & Comprehensive Trek of the Ayaz Kala. There are 11 stops in all.
The running order is Deep Desert Transit to Ayaz Kala, then Visit Melon Market in Shabbaz, then Visit cotton fields, then Yurt Camp Arrival & Comprehensive Trek of the Ayaz Kala, then Camel riding, and on from there.
The price covers overnight stay charges in the Ayaz Kala Yurt Camps, Traditional dinner and morning breakfast at the Yurt Camp, Entrance tickets to the all sites listed in the itinerary and Included visits: cotton fields (seasonal), melon market, Ayaz Kala fortress, Ayaz Kala Yurt Camps, Akchakul Lake, Toprak Kala, Kizil Kala and Chilpik Kala. It does not cover personal Guide (optional) and Camel Riding (optional), so budget for those separately. Two travellers pay $754 together rather than $507 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.
Deep Desert Transit to Ayaz Kala
Depart Khiva, pass Urgench, cross the expansive Amu Darya River, and enter the stark landscape of the Kyzylkum Desert. The road heads north toward the Ellik Kala (Fifty Fortresses) district.
Visit Melon Market in Shabbaz
Stop at a traditional wayside stand to enjoy a refreshing melon tasting, sampling freshly sliced, incredibly sweet local varieties.
Visit cotton fields
Walk directly into a local field to experience the traditional cotton-picking process and learn how locals harvest Uzbekistan’s famous "white gold" by hand. (Note: Seasonal and active during autumn; otherwise, it serves as a brief photo stop).
Yurt Camp Arrival & Comprehensive Trek of the Ayaz Kala
Dedicate your afternoon to exploring the three massive citadels of Ayaz Kala, widely considered the crown jewel of ancient Khorezm's defensive network.
Camel riding
At the foot of the fortress, you will have the unique opportunity to ride a double-humped Bactrian camel across the rolling desert dunes. (Optional experience; cash fee paid directly to local camel handlers).
Campfire Dinner & Stargazing
Descend back to the camp for a traditional dinner. Spend the evening outdoors on wooden topchans. Because the camp is miles away from light pollution, it offers premier views of the night sky and the Milky Way.
Sunrise Walk, Camp Breakfast & Departure.
Catch an early desert sunrise over the ruins. Enjoy a classic camp breakfast of eggs, local cheeses, jams, bread, and hot tea.
Oasis Break at Akchakul Lake
Drive southwest to Akchakul Lake, a massive natural body of blue water surrounded by desert dunes. Take a brisk walk along the shore or capture photos of the stark contrast between the bright blue water and the desert sands. Following lunch, take a refreshing swim in the lake's remarkably clear waters, or try a traditional sand bath—a therapeutic local practice of burying oneself in the warm, mineral-rich desert sand to soothe muscles and joints.
Exploring the Ancient Capital of Toprak Kala
Move on to Toprak Kala, a UNESCO-recognized 3rd-century CE city that served as the grand capital of imperial Khorezm. Explore the massive multi-level royal palace ruins. You can still trace the layouts of the ancient throne room, the armory, and the domestic quarters where legendary royal archives were unearthed.
The Red Garrison of Kizil Kala
A five-minute drive brings you to Kizil Kala (The Red Fortress). This highly compact, square, fortified garrison was heavily restored to show exactly how a functional military outpost protected the agricultural borders of nearby Toprak Kala during the Kushan Empire.
Climbing Chilpik Kala (Zoroastrian Tower of Silence)
Arrive at the base of Chilpik Kala, a striking, circular mud-brick ring resting atop an isolated, conical hill. Walk up the pathway to explore this 1st-century CE Dakhma. Ancient Zoroastrians utilized this open-air platform for ritual excarnation. The hilltop provides an expansive panoramic view of the looping green banks of the Amu Darya cutting through the desert.
Final Leg to Nukus City
Complete the final leg of the drive into Nukus, the capital of the autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan. Your driver drops you off at your hotel, Nukus Museum, Airport or Train Station.
Includes
- Overnight stay charges in the Ayaz Kala Yurt Camps.
- Traditional dinner and morning breakfast at the Yurt Camp
- Entrance tickets to the all sites listed in the itinerary.
- Included visits: cotton fields (seasonal), melon market, Ayaz Kala fortress, Ayaz Kala Yurt Camps, Akchakul Lake, Toprak Kala, Kizil Kala and Chilpik Kala.
- Modern, air-conditioned Chevrolet vehicles with 100% functional seat belts.
- Professional local drivers with basic English & Russian language skills.
- Free Wi-Fi internet access is available in the car during the day trip.
- Door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off (including luggage handling).
- Informative printed materials and brochures about the historical sites.
- Complimentary chilled mineral water (1L per person).
- Fresh, local melon and watermelon tastings along the way.
- Hands-on cotton picking experience in local cotton fields.
Excludes
- Personal Guide (optional)
- Camel Riding (optional)
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