Khiva Desert Fortresses Full-Day Tour with Guide: Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala, Kyzyl Kala and Yurt-Camp Lunch

Long before Khiva's walls were built, the oasis of Khorezm was defended by a ring of fortified towns of mud brick on the edge of the Kyzylkum desert. This full day takes you to three of them with your own guide, who brings the ruins to life: who lived here, what they defended, and how archaeologists read these walls. Lunch is at the yurt camp at the foot of Ayaz Kala.

What you see

• Kyzyl Kala, a small square fort with its walls partly restored, so you can see how these fortresses looked when complete
• Toprak Kala, a walled city of the first centuries AD, with the palace of Khorezm's rulers at one corner, where wall paintings and statues were excavated
• Ayaz Kala, three fortresses on and around a desert hill, with the widest view of the day from the top

How the day goes

About eight to nine hours, door to door, with around an hour and a half's drive each way across the Amu Darya into Karakalpakstan. The walking is easy at Kyzyl Kala and Toprak Kala; the climb at Ayaz Kala is steep and sandy, and your guide can show you the lower viewpoints instead.

Lunch is a home-style meal at the yurt camp, usually soup, salads, plov or another main dish, bread and tea. When the camp is closed in the colder months, we have lunch at a café on the way.

In July and August we start early so the walking is done before the heat of the afternoon.

Half day or full day?

Short on time, or happy without a guide? Our half-day trip by private car visits Toprak Kala and Ayaz Kala in about five hours. To read up first, see our guide to the desert fortresses.

Good to know

Bring a hat, sunscreen and shoes with grip. Karakalpakstan is part of Uzbekistan, so no extra permit is needed; carry your passport as usual. More than 6 travellers, a pickup in Urgench or a night in the yurt camp: message us on WhatsApp.