Explore Ancient Khorezm Fortresses dating back 2000 years with us!
Daytrip Duration: 6-7 hours
Sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Driving time: 3-4 hours
Driving Distance: 225 km.
Included: Hands-Free Brochures, a good drivers with new Cars with AC, pick up and drop off at your location and Mineral water (0.5l. per person)
Not Included: Entrance tickets, meals, camel riding, Yurt Camp stay & etc
We offer convenient pick-up options from Urgench Airport, Urgench/Khiva Train Station, or your hotel in either Khiva or Urgench to begin your day trip. You have the flexibility to start the excursion at any time of day, though we recommend morning departures after breakfast or afternoon departures post-lunch, considering it’s a half-day trip.
The journey to the first fortress, Kizil Kala, takes approximately 90 minutes from Khiva. Originally constructed in the Late Antique period (1st to 4th centuries CE), Kizil Kala was later rebuilt in the 12th-13th centuries before the Mongol invasions. Scholars debate its ancient use, suggesting it served as either a garrison barracks or a fortified manor house typical of Khorezm in early medieval periods.
From Kizil Kala, it’s only a 15-minute drive to the second fortress, Toprak Kala, dating to the Kushan period (2nd-3rd centuries CE). Initially a royal sanctuary, it later functioned as an administrative citadel after restoration in the early 4th century.
After exploring these fortresses, our driver will stop at the shores of Akchakul Lake for lunch, with facilities like a minimarket and restrooms available. It’s a scenic 20-minute drive from Toprak Kala to Akchakul Lake, where visitors can enjoy local meals, drinks, and even ice cream made from local milk. Swimming and sand baths are also possible in the natural lake.
Continuing the journey, it’s about 30 minutes from Akchakul Lake to Ayaz Kala, one of the most spectacular fortresses in the region. Clustered on and around a prominent hill at the eastern end of the Sultan-Uiz-dahg range, Ayaz Kala provided defense against nomadic raids. A gravel road leads to a small cluster of yurts serving as a tourist rest center overlooking a shallow yet picturesque lake. Dating to medieval times, Ayaz Kala likely originated during the Afrighid period (7th to 8th centuries CE).
After visiting Ayaz Kala, the return journey is approximately 90 minutes to Khiva or 60 minutes to Urgench. Our driver will drop you off at Urgench Airport, Urgench/Khiva Train Station, or your hotel in either Khiva or Urgench, concluding the day trip without any additional charge.
