Daytrip to Five Fortresses

Explore Ancient Khorezm Fortresses dating back 2000 years with us!

Details

Daytrip Duration: 7-8 hours
Sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Driving time: 4-5 hours
Driving Distance: 240 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 provide pick-up services from the Airport, Train Station, or your hotel in both Khiva and Urgench to start our day trip. You have the flexibility to begin the trip at any time of day, although starting in the morning after breakfast or in the afternoon after lunch is recommended for this half-day excursion.

The journey to the first fortress, Dumon Kala, takes about 90 minutes. Comprising three sections— a square-shaped western enclosure with corner towers, a smaller citadel on the eastern side, and an irregular northern enclosure— Dumon Kala showcases best-preserved sections along its northern side, with remnants of the eastern enclosure visible.

Next is Kizil Kala, originally built in the Late Antique period (1st to 4th centuries CE) and later rebuilt in the 12th-13th centuries. Scholars debate its use, suggesting it served as a garrison barracks or a fortified manor house typical of early medieval Khorezm.

Following Kizil Kala is Toprak Kala, a royal residence dated to the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, later serving as an administrative citadel after restoration in the early 4th century.

After exploring these three fortresses, our driver will stop at the shores of Akchakul Lake, where you’ll find restaurants, a minimarket, and restroom facilities. Nearby yurt camps offer local meals, drinks, and ice cream made from local milk. Akchakul Lake also offers opportunities for swimming and sand baths.

Continuing our journey, we visit Kavat Kala, which boasts a rich history spanning 2400 years as the center of a complex irrigation system, surrounded by flourishing settlements, particularly from the 11th to 13th centuries.

The final highlight of the day is Ayaz Kala, one of the most spectacular fortresses in the area. 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 tourist rest center with yurts overlooking a shallow, picturesque lake. Dating to medieval times, Ayaz Kala likely originated during the Afrighid period (7th to 8th centuries CE).

After visiting Ayaz Kala, we return 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 at no additional cost.