About this experience
For many millennia, the state of Khorezm existed in Central Asia. It was sought to be conquered by Persian kings and Alexander the Great. The ancient civilization left behind many settlements, hundreds of towers, and even more secrets and legends. We will visit the main fortresses of Khorezm, which will appear before us as ghosts of past eras amid the scorching sands of the Kyzylkum and Karakum deserts.
What to expect
Kyzyl-Kala Fortress
In Turkic, it means 'red fortress.' It was built in the first millennium AD to defend the northeastern borders of Khorezm. It served as a shelter for local peasants and an important caravan hub on the Great Silk Road. We will peek inside the fortress. I will help you imagine how the ancient settlement that existed here many centuries ago looked like.
Toprak-Kala Fortress
Translated from Turkic as 'clay fortress.' It was not just a military fortification but also one of the capitals of the ancient state. The only fully excavated monument of Khorezm architecture amazes with its size. We will visit the fortress and feel the special energy it is imbued with. I will tell you about the history of the ancient civilization that originated here.
Ayaz-Kala Fortress
Translated from Turkic as 'fortress on the wind.' It was built on the flat top of a 60-meter hill. I will share a beautiful legend about the slave Ayaz, who sought the hand of a princess living in the fortress with her forty girlfriends. The brave and wise hero Ayaz is one of the characters of Central Asian Turkic folklore.
We have prepared three route options for you to choose from:
Khiva - fortresses - Urgench
Urgench - fortresses - Khiva
Khiva - fortresses - Khiva
Organizational details
- The tour will be convenient for those who arrive in Uzbekistan or depart through Urgench
- The trip will be by a Chevrolet car
- The price includes transfer and guide services
- Additional expenses: entrance tickets to each fortress - from $10 per person
- The tour will be led by one of the guides from our team
