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Ancient Khorezm Fortresses: Cultural Day Trip
4.8
4 Ratings
Bustan
Explore ancient Khorezm fortresses, savor local fish at Akchakul Lake, and immerse in Karakalpak traditions on this unforgettable daytrip.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Fortress Toprak Kala - Toprak Kala dates back to the Kushan period, around the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, and served as the royal residence for the kings of Khorezm. Initially a royal sanctuary, it was briefly abandoned in the early 4th century. After some restorations, it was repurposed as an administrative citadel for the city.
- GULDURSUN - Guldursun Kala is a fortified town with exterior walls and towers dating to the 12th century CE. Archaeological excavations have uncovered ancient and medieval pottery, bronze items, and coins. The coins suggest that the town was last occupied around 1220, during the rule of Muhammad Khorezmshah and the Mongol invasion of Khorezm.
- Janbasqala - Janbas Kala features one of the oldest fortification systems from the Early Antique period. Its four flanking walls are relatively well-preserved, reaching up to 20 meters in height in some places. Unlike most other fortresses, Janbas Kala lacks towers on its outer walls, making it potentially vulnerable to attacks on the lower sections. Military architects addressed this weakness by incorporating steeply inclined loopholes for archers to fire down along the walls.
- Ayaz-Kala - Ayaz Kala is one of the most impressive fortresses in the area, consisting of three fortresses clustered on and around a prominent hill at the eastern end of the Sultan-Uiz-dahg range. It provided defense against nomadic raids. A gravel road leads to a small cluster of yurts, a tourist rest center overlooking a picturesque lake. It was likely founded during the Afrighid period, around the 7th to 8th centuries CE. There is a lake, Akchakul Lake, between Toprak and Ayaz Kala, with yurt camps and restaurants nearby where you can enjoy local meals and drinks. In summer, you can swim and take sand baths in Akchakul Lake.
- Kyzyl Qala - Kizil Kala was originally built in the Late Antique period, from the 1st to 4th centuries CE, but was abandoned and later rebuilt in the 12th-13th centuries, just before the Mongol invasions. Scholars debate its original use, with some suggesting it was a garrison barracks for troops, while others believe it was an early example of the fortified manor houses typical of early medieval Khorezm. After visiting all seven fortresses, it takes about 90 minutes to drive back to Khiva. Our driver can drop you off at Urgench Airport, Urgench/Khiva Train Station, or your hotel in Khiva or Urgench at the end of the trip.
- Uzbekistan - Duman Kala consists of three adjacent sections: a square-shaped western enclosure with corner towers, a smaller square-shaped citadel, and an irregular four-sided northern enclosure, the remains of which are no longer visible. The western citadel is the best-preserved section, especially along its northern side, while only a small section of the eastern enclosure remains.
- АкчаКуль, Aqchako’l - In ancient times, the Amudarya (Ox) River flowed in two directions: the Akcha River and the Suvyorgan River. The Akcha River was named after the Akchakhan Fortress on the left bank of present-day Akchakol, which still exists today. The fortress was named after the ancient queen of Khorezmshahs, Akchahon. After the river changed its course, the present-day Akchakul Lake was formed and retained its name. The lake features a beautiful landscape, along with a fishery house and restaurant.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
- Lunch
Additional Information
During this daytrip, a private driver in a sedan will take you to the most fascinating fortresses of Ancient Khorezm: Dumon Kala, Guldursun Kala, Angka Kala, Janbas Kala, Ayaz Kala, Akchakul Lake, Toprak Kala, and Kizil Kala. The journey can begin from either Khiva or Urgench. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to experience life as it was in the BC period. Visitors will enjoy immersive cultural experiences, gain insider knowledge about the Khorezm khanate, and have memorable encounters with Karakalpak traditions. The local fish at the Akchakul lake complex will provide an unforgettable culinary experience.
Location
Fortress Toprak Kala
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(4 Ratings)
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Boburm390
Jul 14, 2024
history - The trip wo 7 fortresses was full of joy, rich of archeological destinations. Driver is experienced, audio guided materials enriched the trip to Karakalpak country.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
