Uzbekistan · DAY TRIPS IN KHIVA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 8 day trips in Khiva worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Travel from Khiva or Urgench to three ancient Khorezm fortresses in a private air-conditioned car. Your driver handles the long desert roads and hotel pickup, while you explore Kyzyl-Kala, Tuprak-Kala, and Ayaz-Kala on foot. Drivers such as Islam and Muradbek have provided extra explanations, but guiding is not guaranteed.
“Our driver was really great, really enjoyed this trip.”
Travel privately from Khiva or Urgench to Karakalpakstan with a driver such as Islom, Jamal, or Murat. See the Muynak ship cemetery, Aral Sea Museum, Mizdakhan Necropolis, and Chilpik Dakhma. Expect a 12-hour day, rough road sections, optional lunch, and driver-led transport rather than a full guided tour.
“Islom is an exceptional guide and companion. The tour went very well, despite the long distances the day was exactly as we expected. Islom picked us up at the hotel where we were staying and took us to discover what remains of the Aral Sea, the necropolis of Mizdakhan and Mount Chilpik. Very comfortable car trip and return in the same day. Everything perfect, recommended activity!”
You travel by air-conditioned sedan from Khiva or Urgench to seven fortresses and Akchakul Lake. Sarvar has guided some departures, with audio materials supplied when English conversation is limited. Expect open-air ruins, long drives, free time at Ayaz Kala, and local fish at the lake. Lunch and some entrance fees cost extra.
“We booked a private tour to see all of the Kalas. The tour was good. We ended up with another group travelling in a separate car but with the same guide. This wasn't really what we booked and meant we didnt have the amount of time Read more”
Travel by private air-conditioned vehicle from Khiva to Moynaq with stops at Chilpik Qala, Mizdakhan Necropolis, the Aral Sea Ship Cemetery, and Muynak’s museum. Islom may arrange English-speaking driver Jasur, while other drivers such as Beg have also operated the route. Expect a very long day, often close to 900 km.
“Islom, our guide and companion, was extremely friendly and well-informed. He took good care of us. We got ample time to explore Chilpiq qala, the Necropolis, and the Ship cemetery at Moynaq. He never rushed us and gave us significant information about these places. We had a wonderful trip.”
Travel privately from Khiva or Urgench to five ancient Khorezm fortresses: Guldursun-Kala, Ayaz-Kala, Kavat-Kala, Toprak-Kala, and Kyzyl-Kala. Your driver handles the long desert roads in an air-conditioned vehicle, while you explore independently. Ask for an English-speaking driver if explanations matter, and bring cash for entry fees and lunch.
“It was great. The personal driver was very friendly, funny and accommodating. He stopped where we wanted. He got us from point a to b very quickly. He did his best to communicate in English which was great. The forts were beautiful and cool. Its remarkable they have survived for this long.”
Leave from Khiva or Urgench in a private air-conditioned car and spend the day with Karakalpakstan’s finest sights: the Savitsky Museum in Nukus, the hilltop Chilpik Dakhma, and Mizdakhan Necropolis. A driver handles the long route, while museum and site tickets, lunch, and a guide are extra. Some drivers speak limited English, so Google Translate may help.
“The monuments were very interesting, especially the sky burial. Be prepared for an V amazing flight if steps and a bit of a scramble at the top. Toilets available too. Mizdakhan was big and overwhelming in its spread. The art gallery was an amazing spread of Soviet art with some textiles.”
Spend five to six hours inside Khiva’s walled Itchan-Kala with a private guide such as Charos, who can explain the city’s layered past while keeping the walk at a comfortable pace. You’ll see Kalta-Minor, Kunya-Ark, Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, and more. Transport, bottled water, and guide service are included, but entrance fees are extra.
“Charos was a lovely guide. Even though it was a very hot day, she arrived on time and did not miss or skip any parts of the itinerary. Itcha Kala is a big place and lots to take in. This was a good tour to get oriented with the history.”
Leave Khiva at 8:00 am in an air-conditioned vehicle and spend about 6 hours 40 minutes visiting three ancient Khorezm fortresses. Toprak Kala and Ayaz Kala carry separate admission fees. This private trip offers fine views and freedom to explore, but it may function more as car service than a guided history tour.
“Tour and trip didn't happen. Tour operator didn't turn up. Trying to claim refund. Almost impossible.”
Start with a city, a desert or a kazan.
