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Offered languages
- English
Journey from the oasis of Khiva into the rugged heart of the Karakalpakstan desert for an extraordinary, full-day expedition that spans thousands of years of human history. This unique itinerary seamlessly blends the eerie mysteries of ancient religions with a jaw-dropping look at forbidden Soviet art. Traverse the shifting sands to stand on a 2,200-year-old Zoroastrian "Tower of Silence", decode centuries of myth at one of Central Asia’s most sacred necropolises, and step into the "Louvre in the Desert"—home to a legendary, multi-million dollar collection of banned avant-garde masterpieces. Perfect for history buffs, art lovers, and adventurous spirits looking to uncover a completely different side of Uzbekistan.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We can start the day trip in your hotel, airport or railway stations in Khiva or Urgench. 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.
Our Travel Agency located inside the Ichan Kala Touristic Complex next to the Caravan Sarai and Toshhovli Palace.
Itinerary
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1
Make your first major stop at the dramatic Chilpik Dakhma, a striking circular fortress rising sharply above the desert plains. Walk up to this 2,000-year-old ritual site—once used by ancient Zoroastrians for sky burials—and take in panoramic views of the sweeping Amu Darya river basin.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2State Museum of Art named after I.V. Savitsky
Next, arrive in the capital of Karakalpakstan to visit the Nukus Museum of Art. Known globally as the "Louvre of the Desert," it houses the world's second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde art—saved and hidden away from the Soviet regime by Igor Savitsky—alongside unique regional archaeological treasures.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included -
3Mizdakhan Necropolis
At the end, explore the Mizdakhan Necropolis, one of the most sacred, ancient, and atmospheric burial grounds in Central Asia. Wander through this massive "city of the dead," home to the shifting "World Clock" tomb, underground mausoleums, and ancient ruins steeped in deep local myths and spiritual energy.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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