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2-day trip from Khiva visiting Hand-Harvested Cotton Experience, Roadside Melon Degustation and The Red Garrison of Kizil Kala. Operated by Islambek Travel & Hotels, Khiva.
Highlights
- Discover the best Ancint Khorezm Fortresses on a 2-day tour from Khiva
Khiva: 2-Day Desert Fortres Trip with Yurt Camp Stay & Meals: Key Facts
| Price | From $390 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
Khiva: 2-Day Desert Fortres Trip with Yurt Camp Stay & Meals
Full description
A 2-day trip out of Khiva taking in Hand-Harvested Cotton Experience, Roadside Melon Degustation, The Red Garrison of Kizil Kala and Ancient Capital of Toprak Kala. There are 9 stops in all.
The running order is Hand-Harvested Cotton Experience, then Roadside Melon Degustation, then The Red Garrison of Kizil Kala, then Ancient Capital of Toprak Kala, then Midday Break, Lunch & Swim at Akchakul Lake, and on from there.
The price covers overnight stay in the Ayaz Kala Yurt Camp, Traditional dinner and morning breakfast at the Yurt Camp, Entrance Tickets to the all Fortresses listed in the itinerary and Included visits: Ayaz Kala Fortresses and the Yurt Camps, Toprak Kala, Kizil Kala, Anchakul Lake, cotton fields & melon market. It does not cover personal Guide (optional) and Camel Riding (optional), so budget for those separately. Two travellers pay $572 together rather than $390 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.
Departure & Desert Crossing
Leave Khiva in the morning. Cross the iconic Amu Darya River to enter the autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan.
Hand-Harvested Cotton Experience
Walk directly into an agricultural field. Experience the hand-picking process of Uzbekistan’s "white gold." (Note: Seasonally active during autumn; serves as a brief photo stop during other months).
Roadside Melon Degustation
Stop at a traditional wayside stand. Sample freshly sliced local desert melon varieties famous for their incredible sweetness.
The Red Garrison of Kizil Kala
Explore Kizil Kala, a compact, heavily fortified Kushan military outpost built to protect the agricultural borders of the empire.
Ancient Capital of Toprak Kala
Walk through the massive multi-level royal palace ruins of this 3rd-century CE city, tracing the layouts of the ancient throne room and royal quarters.
Midday Break, Lunch & Swim at Akchakul Lake
Drive to Akchakul Lake, a striking blue water sanctuary surrounded by desert dunes. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a roadside teahouse. Afterward, 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. (Note: Bring a swimsuit and towel; swimming is weather-dependent).
Yurt Camp Arrival & Desert Camel Trekking
Arrive at the camp. Before hiking the ruins, enjoy an optional opportunity to ride a double-humped Bactrian camel across the rolling desert dunes. (Note: This is an optional experience; a small extra fee is paid in cash directly to the local camel handlers).
Full Ayaz Kala Citadel Sunset Trek
Explore the massive architectural layers comprising this ancient defensive network: Ayaz Kala 3 (Plains Garrison): See the 1st–2nd century CE complex foundations and governor's palace footprint. Ayaz Kala 2 (The Feudal Castle): Walk up the steep clay cliff to explore the 7th-century CE fortress built to repel early invasions. Ayaz Kala 1 (The Grand Citadel): Complete your ascent to the highest 4th-century BCE hilltop ruins and walk along the preserved double-layered walls.
Campfire Dinner & Desert Stargazing
Descend to the camp for a traditional Karakalpak dinner. Spend the evening relaxing outdoors on wooden topchans. Free from city light pollution, the camp offers premier views of the night sky and the Milky Way.
Sunrise Walk & Camp Breakfast
Catch an early desert sunrise over the dunes. Enjoy a homestyle breakfast of eggs, local cheeses, jams, fresh bread, and hot tea before departure.
Departure & Return Journey to Khiva
Bid farewell to the desert. Head south, recrossing the Amu Darya River and driving back through Urgench.
Drop-off & Tour Conclusion
Your driver drops you off directly at your hotel or transit hub inside or around the historic Ichan Kala of Khiva, giving your guests a free afternoon to explore the old city.
Includes
- Overnight stay in the Ayaz Kala Yurt Camp
- Traditional dinner and morning breakfast at the Yurt Camp
- Entrance Tickets to the all Fortresses listed in the itinerary.
- Included visits: Ayaz Kala Fortresses and the Yurt Camps, Toprak Kala, Kizil Kala, Anchakul Lake, cotton fields & melon market.
- 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