Visit 3 the top attractions outside of Khiva on this day trip to Kyzyl Qala (“Red fortress” in Uzbek), Toprak Qala (“Sand” in Uzbek) and “must see” fort in the desert Ayaz Qala. After breakfast transfer to the Qala trip (“Fortress” in Uzbek) total drive 210 km. The ruins of over a dozen walled towns, palaces and forts, some well over 2000 years old, stand half-forgotten in the semi-desert east and north of Urgench in southern Karakalpakstan. The area’s traditionally name, Ellik Qala (the 50 fortresses) gives a stark indication of what lies beneath the desert sands. There are about 20 forts and you will visit three of the most impressive forts: Toprak Qala and Ayaz Qala.
The driver picks you up at 9:00 am (starting time can be changed by request) from meeting point or from your hotel in Khiva. (Please contact us to let us know the exact starting place for the tour)
In front of Ota Darvoza gate (It is the western gate of Ichan Kala and it is the main gate)
Kyzyl Qala (“Red fortress” in Uzbek)— located in modern Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan and it was an ancient fortress in Khorazm built in the 1st -4th centuries AD. Kyzyl Qala fortress buried in the desert for centuries before being discovered by Professor Tolstov in 1938.
Toprak Qala (“Sand” in Uzbek)— used to be the region’s biggest city (350 meters by 500 meters) until the destruction canals left it marooned in the desert sands. The Russian archaeologist Tolstov excavated the palace friezes in 1938 dating from the 2nd and 3rd century AD.
Ayaz Qala— is a “must see” fort in the desert. The external walls, built upon a flat hilltop, have survived since at least the 4th century BC, the guests can clearly see the scale of the site and even today sections of wall survive that are 10 meters high. After forts sightseeing transfer to the Khiva and check in to the hotel.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience