Explore ancient fortresses near Khiva. Visit Kyzyl Qala, Toprak Qala, and Ayaz Qala on a captivating day trip. Uncover history beneath desert sands.
- Kyzyl Kala - 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.
- Fortress Toprak Kala - 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-Kala - 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.
- Entrance tickets to the monuments
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- English speaking tour guide for the day trip
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Explore some of the premier attractions outside of Khiva on this day trip to Kyzyl Qala (“Red Fortress” in Uzbek), Toprak Qala (“Sand Fortress” in Uzbek), and the must-see desert fort, Ayaz Qala. After breakfast, embark on a 210 km drive to the Qala trip (“Fortress” in Uzbek). The journey will take you to the ruins of over a dozen walled towns, palaces, and forts, some of which are more than 2000 years old, lying half-forgotten in the semi-desert regions east and north of Urgench in southern Karakalpakstan. The area’s traditional name, Ellik Qala (the 50 fortresses), hints at the hidden treasures beneath the desert sands. Among the approximately 20 forts, you will visit three of the most remarkable ones: Toprak Qala and Ayaz Qala.
- Total duration of the tour is 7 hours which includes driving from Khiva till Kyzyl Qala (less than an hour), from Kyzyl Qala till Toprak Qala (around 10 minutes), from Toprak Qala till Ayaz Qala (around 45 minutes), lunch break if needed and drive back to Khiva (1 hour 40 minutes).
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
