The price is fixed and agreed before you travel: it is for the whole vehicle, not per person.
The desert crossing from Bukhara to Khiva, with a detour to the fortresses of ancient Khorezm on the way. Instead of arriving in Khiva after a long, empty drive, you stop at Toprak Kala and Ayaz Kala, two thousand years old, and reach Khiva in the late afternoon.
The drive takes 9–10 hours in all, with about an hour at each fortress. Your driver waits while you walk; the climb to the upper fortress of Ayaz Kala is steep and sandy. Entrance tickets are paid on the spot. The driver is not a guide: for the history, read our guide to the desert fortresses first.
Leave Bukhara early, at around 07:00, and take water and snacks: there are few cafés on the road. The driver drops you at your hotel in Khiva, at the nearest gate if it is inside the walls of Ichan Kala.
What the price includes
Air-conditioned cars with English or Russian speaking drivers. Prices are for the whole vehicle, not per person, and include fuel, tolls and waiting time.
Need a route that isn't listed, or a multi-day car with driver? Message us and we'll quote it the same day.
