Public transportation options are available nearby
•
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
•
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
•
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
•
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
•
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
•
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
•
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Become our Lokal Curator
Are you ready to turn your hobbies into a business?
Journey into the heart of the Kyzylkum Desert on an unforgettable day trip from Khiva, where you’ll discover three remarkable Silk Road fortresses—Ayaz-Kala, Toprak-Kala, and Kyzyl-Kala. These ancient ruins, once thriving under the Khorezmian civilization, now stand as silent witnesses to history amid vast, windswept landscapes.
1. Ayaz-Kala (4th Century BCE – 8th Century CE)
A massive defensive fortress with panoramic desert views. Three distinct sections (Ayaz-Kala I, II, III) showcasing Kushan and Khorezmian architecture. Climb to the top for sweeping vistas of the Kyzylkum Desert and Sultan Uvays Mountains.
2. Toprak-Kala (1st–6th Centuries CE)
Royal palace-fortress of the Khorezmian...
Highlights
6 hours
Offered in Russian (Русский) & English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
6 hours
Offered in Russian (Русский) & English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Round trip A/C vehicle
Drop-off any location in Khiva / Urgench City
Pick up from Khiva and Urgench City
Private Transportation
Optional Lunch not included
Ayaz-kala fortress
Toprak-kala fortress
Kyzyl-kala Fortress
Daytrip From Khiva To Ancient Fortresses
(3) Reviews
About
Journey into the heart of the Kyzylkum Desert on an unforgettable day trip from Khiva, where you’ll discover three remarkable Silk Road fortresses—Ayaz-Kala, Toprak-Kala, and Kyzyl-Kala. These ancient ruins, once thriving under the Khorezmian civilization, now stand as silent witnesses to history amid vast, windswept landscapes.
1. Ayaz-Kala (4th Century BCE – 8th Century CE)
A massive defensive fortress with panoramic desert views. Three distinct sections (Ayaz-Kala I, II, III) showcasing Kushan and Khorezmian architecture. Climb to the top for sweeping vistas of the Kyzylkum Desert and Sultan Uvays Mountains.
2. Toprak-Kala (1st–6th Centuries CE)
Royal palace-fortress of the Khorezmian...
Highlights
6 hours
Offered in Russian (Русский) & English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
6 hours
Offered in Russian (Русский) & English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Round trip A/C vehicle
Drop-off any location in Khiva / Urgench City
Pick up from Khiva and Urgench City
Private Transportation
Optional Lunch not included
Ayaz-kala fortress
Toprak-kala fortress
Kyzyl-kala Fortress
Itinerary
1
Ayaz-Kala
The Ayaz-Kala Fortress is an ancient archaeological site in Uzbekistan, part of the Elliq-Qala (Fifty Fortresses) in the Karakalpakstan region. Travelers visiting Ayaz-Kala will see a fascinating mix of history, stunning desert landscapes, and well-preserved ruins. Here’s what to expect:
1 hour
2
Fortress Toprak Kala
Toprak-Kala offers a rare glimpse into Khorezm’s royal past, unlike the military-focused Ayaz-Kala. The palace ruins, ancient art remnants, and eerie desert setting make it a must for history buffs and adventurers.
30 minutes
3
Kyzyl Kala
Kyzyl-Kala (meaning "Red Fortress" in Turkic) is a small but well-preserved mud-brick fortress near Toprak-Kala and Ayaz-Kala in Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan region. Dating back to the 1st–4th centuries CE, it served as a military outpost and caravan stop on the Silk Road.