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Activities in Khiva

Kyzyl Kum Desert Fortresses Private Tour

Discover the fortresses of the Kyzyl Kum Desert from Khiva, visiting Toprak-Kala, Kizil-Kala, and Ayaz-Kala on this private tour in English. A true journey back in time!

Discover the fortresses of the Kyzyl Kum Desert from Khiva, visiting Toprak-Kala, Kizil-Kala, and Ayaz-Kala on this private tour in English. A true journey back in time!

Day Trip Details

At the indicated time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Khiva and head into the vast Kyzyl Kum Desert, a golden sea that guarded the borders of the ancient Kingdom of Khorezm for thousands of years.

As we cross these plains, we’ll discover a landscape shaped by wind and silence, where some of the most impressive fortresses in Central Asia once rose. The first we’ll visit will be Toprak-Kala, capital of ancient Chorasmia.

During the visit, we’ll walk among its adobe walls, still majestic despite the passage of time. Frescoes, sculptures, and manuscripts found here reveal the sophistication of a royal court that ruled from these arid lands. Did you know that Toprak-Kala once housed a royal hall decorated with 23 colossal sculptures?

We’ll continue to Kizil-Kala, the red fortress, used as a defensive outpost between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Its reddish tones stand out against the desert sands, and its rectangular layout helps us understand how a military system was organized to monitor trade routes and detect nomadic incursions.

Next stop? Ayaz-Kala Fortress, perhaps the most impressive of them all. It consists of 3 castles perched on a volcanic ridge, offering breathtaking views over the desert. Some say its name, “icy fortress,” comes from the cutting winds that sweep across the area.

Finally, we’ll return to Khiva and conclude the tour by dropping you off at your hotel after between 7 and 8 hours of sightseeing.

Advantages of Booking a Private Tour

Booking a private tour offers several advantages. You’ll enjoy the exclusive service of an English-speaking guide, and there won’t be anyone else in the group apart from your partner, family, or friends. If you’re traveling as a larger group, you’ll also save money!

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More Information

Duration

7 - 8h.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English. The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

Hotel pickup and drop–off

Transport by minibus or bus

English–speaking guide

Water

Private and exclusive tour, there won’t be anyone else in the group

Not included

Admission: between 3 (US$ 3.54) and 5 (US$ 5.90) per person

When to book?

You can book up until 4 days before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Sustainability conditions

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.

Pets

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

  • Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

    A - This activity requires a minimum of 1 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

  • Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

    A - Orient Star Group Corporate name: Sodik Begmatov Registered Office: Shaykhontokhur Distric, Ankhor Buyi Street 6, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): FA1840630 Contact information Email: spain@orientstar.uz Phone: +998915388180

If you have any other questions please contact us.

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