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Offered languages
- English
Transform a Nukus-Khiva transfer into an epic Silk Road expedition. Explore the top 4 ancient fortresses & the Akchakul oasis with camel riding, swimming, melon tasting, and seasonal cotton picking.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We can start the day trip in your hotel, airport or railway stations in Nukus. Driver arrives at the agreed location 5 minutes in advance and wait for you there with his cars. One day before the day trip, we will send you a reminder Email or WhatsApp message with all the details and pictures of your driver and car. So, you can find and recognize him easily.
We can meet you and start the daytrip in the car parking area of Savitsky Nukus Museum of Art in Nukus
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
09:00 AM – Your expedition begins with a convenient, private pickup from your hotel door in Nukus in a climate-controlled vehicle with Wi-Fi internet access.
Admission ticket free -
1
09:45 AM – Arrive at Chilpik Kala, a striking, circular dakhma (Zoroastrian Tower of Silence) dating back to the 1st century BCE. Climb to the top to see the morning light reflecting off the river waters from one of Central Asia’s most sacred landmarks.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
2
11:15 AM – Arrive in the Ellik Kala region and explore Kizil Kala, a uniquely square fortress. Erected between the 1st and 4th centuries CE, this vital military garrison protected the ancient empire's frontiers.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Fortress Toprak Kala
11:45 AM – Drive a short distance to Toprak Kala, the magnificent 3rd-century AD capital of the ancient Khorezmshahs. Wander through the skeletal remains of this sprawling imperial complex, tracing the high-walled citadels, domestic quarters, and the imposing three-towered royal palace that once housed breathtaking ancient frescoes.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
4
12:30 PM – Escape the rising desert heat by heading to Akchakul Lake, a massive, vibrant turquoise oasis framed by golden sand dunes. Indulge in a relaxing lunch at a local shoreline eatery, specializing in freshly caught local fried fish and traditional charcoal-grilled shashlik. Following lunch, 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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
5
02:30 PM – Arrive at the spectacular Ayaz Kala, the ultimate jewel among the desert fortresses. Perched majestically atop a windswept plateau, these massive 4th-century BC mud-brick ramparts command panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. At the foot of the fortress, you will have the unique opportunity to ride a double-humped Bactrian camel across the rolling desert dunes. (Optional experience; cash fee paid directly to local camel handlers).
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
6
04:00 PM – As you transition back into the fertile plains, stop along the rural agricultural belts for a unique, immersive encounter with Uzbekistan’s "white gold." Step directly into the sprawling fields to discover how cotton is traditionally cultivated.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
04:45 PM – Pull over at the vibrant roadside fruit markets of Shabbaz (Beruniy). Celebrated for millennia along the Silk Road for their unparalleled, honey-like sweetness, Khorezm melons are legendary. Indulge in an authentic roadside degustation, sampling multiple sun-ripened, freshly sliced local varieties while chatting with local vendors.
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
(Pass by)
05:30 PM – The final stretch of your journey begins by crossing the historic Amu Darya River delta and transiting through Urgench, the modern administrative heartbeat of the Xorazm Region.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
06:30 PM – Arrive safely in ancient Khiva as the evening sets in. Your driver will handle your luggage and drop you off directly at your hotel door, concluding a profound and unforgettable day exploring the mysteries of the desert.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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