If you’re exploring Uzbekistan, especially the historic city of Khiva, a trip to the nearby ancient fortresses offers a glimpse into a world that predates many modern civilizations. This tour, organized by Asli Travel, takes you on a journey to some of the most significant fortresses in the Khorezm oasis, providing a fascinating look at the area’s early urban centers and defensive structures. While it’s priced at a modest $90 for a group of up to three people, it offers a rich experience packed with history, scenery, and authentic sights.
What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines the practical aspects — like the convenience of door-to-door transport from Khiva — with the chance to see well-preserved ruins that tell stories of ancient Khorezm. We also appreciate how flexible the pickup options are, allowing you to choose between your hotel, the Khiva gates, or even Urgench airport or train station. Still, a potential downside might be the language barrier, as the driver may not speak English, which could limit the storytelling or context you’d get during your visit. That said, this trip is an excellent pick for history buffs, curious travelers eager to see beyond the city walls, or those looking for an affordable, hassle-free way to explore the region’s ancient past.
Who is this tour best suited for?
If you love discovering archaeological sites, enjoy scenic drives, and don’t mind a bit of a trek with minimal guided commentary, this tour hits the spot. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a deep dive into Khorezm’s history without paying steep prices, especially if you’re comfortable exploring independently or with minimal explanations.
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- Who is this tour best suited for?
- Key Points
- A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Sites
- Starting Point: Khiva and the Pick-up
- Toprakkala: The First Capital
- Kizilkala: The Red Fortress
- Ayazkala: The Remote Oasis Fortress
- Returning to Khiva or Urgench
- The Experience and Practicalities
- Transport and Group Size
- Cost and Value
- Important Tips
- Reviews and Feedback
- Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?
- FAQ
- More Tours in Uzbekistan
- More Tour Reviews in Uzbekistan
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Uzbekistan we have recnetly reviewed
Key Points
- Accessible and flexible pickup/drop-off options make traveling convenient.
- Affordable price point offers good value for a full day of exploration.
- Focus on well-preserved, significant sites like Toprakkala, Ayazkala, and Kizilkala.
- Authentic ruins that reveal early Khorezm urban planning and defenses.
- Limited guided commentary, so some historical context might require additional research.
- Reviews praise the driver’s kindness and the tour’s overall interest, despite language barriers.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Uzbekistan.
A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Sites
Starting Point: Khiva and the Pick-up
The tour begins in Khiva, with a pickup arranged at the Ata Darwaza (the West gates) of Ichan Kala — the old city’s fortress walls. Whether you’re staying inside Khiva or nearby, this setup works well, and the driver will pick you up in an air-conditioned vehicle for the roughly 1-2 hour journey to the first site. You also have options to be picked up from your hotel or even from Urgench’s train station or airport, which adds to the tour’s flexibility for travelers with tight schedules.
Toprakkala: The First Capital
Your first stop is Toprakkala, known as “Clay Fortress,” which is especially significant because it’s believed to be the earliest capital of Khorezm from the 4th century A.D. Here, you’ll get a sense of where Khorezm’s political and cultural heart once beat. The site is notable because it’s where the earliest written sources of Khorezm, including a calendar and plaster statuettes of singers, were discovered. It’s a slice of history that shows how advanced and organized their society was, even in ancient times.
From the ruins, you can imagine a bustling city with planning and infrastructure that laid the foundation for later Khorezm centers. The remains are relatively well-preserved, offering engaging photo opportunities and a tangible link to the past. As one reviewer points out, the visit to Toprakkala is “kapitalna” (fantastic), giving a real sense of stepping back in time.
More Great Tours NearbyKizilkala: The Red Fortress
On the way to the next site, you’ll stop at what’s called Kizilkala, or the “Red Fortress,” because of the distinctive color of its clay walls. This site is a garrison fortress, which served as part of the defensive network protecting the oasis from nomad raids. Exploring Kizilkala gives insight into the military architecture of Khorezm and its strategic importance. Although smaller and perhaps less dramatic than other sites, its historical significance as part of the ancient fortification network is clear.
Ayazkala: The Remote Oasis Fortress
The highlight for many is Ayazkala, a large and well-organized fortress complex built around the oasis itself. Its name means “Severe Frost Fortress,” which makes sense considering its exposure to the harsh steppe winter cold — a fact travelers might appreciate if visiting during the winter months. It’s a remote site, but that’s part of its charm: fewer travelers, more authentic exploration, and impressive defensive walls built to defend against northern nomads.
The fortress comprises three sections, each designed to protect different parts of the oasis, and it’s remarkably well-preserved. It offers a sense of how ancient communities maintained security and control over their environment. Visitors often find the site intriguing, especially given its strategic significance. As one reviewer noted, the fortress is “very kind” in its remoteness, giving a feeling of stepping into a lost world.
Returning to Khiva or Urgench
After a full day exploring these ancient sites, the tour wraps up with a return to Khiva or your choice of transport hub. The trip’s total duration, approximately 6-8 hours, balances a good amount of sightseeing with comfortable pacing.
The Experience and Practicalities
Transport and Group Size
The round-trip is conducted in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. With a group of up to three people, you get a more personalized experience, although larger groups can sometimes be accommodated. The small group size minimizes distractions and allows for a more intimate look at the sites.
Cost and Value
At $90, the price includes transportation and all fees and taxes. While guide services and entrance tickets are extra, the cost remains reasonable for a half-day to full-day tour that covers three major sites. Considering the sites’ cultural significance and state of preservation, this is a good value, especially for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of renting a car or arranging their own transportation.
Important Tips
Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat and sunglasses), and light clothing suitable for the weather. The sites are largely outdoors, so be prepared for exposure to sun or wind, depending on the season. The driver’s limited English might be a consideration, but many travelers found the kindness and flexibility of their driver enough to compensate.
Reviews and Feedback
Most reviews are positive, with travelers praising the good value for money and the interesting sites. A few mention the challenges of communication due to language barriers, but even those comment on the driver’s friendliness. One quote describes it as “a very interesting tour,” though some found the lack of English commentary a small downside. Others appreciated the driver giving as much time as needed at each stop, making the experience more relaxed.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?
For travelers with a passion for history and archaeology, this tour offers a window into the ancient Khorezm civilization. It’s especially suitable if you’re eager to see the remnants of early urban planning and military architecture that helped shape the region. The affordability makes it accessible, and the flexible pickup options ensure ease of access from Khiva or Urgench.
While it might lack detailed guided narration, the sites themselves speak volumes. With careful planning, you can enhance your experience by doing a little reading beforehand or bringing along a guidebook for context. The quiet, desert-like atmosphere of Ayazkala and the strategic importance of Toprakkala make this more than a simple sightseeing trip — it’s a chance to walk through history.
If you’re comfortable with some language barriers and want to avoid crowded tourist spots, this tour delivers authentic, less touristy ruins that tell stories of Khorezm’s past. It’s ideal for independent-minded travelers, history enthusiasts, or those seeking a meaningful day outside the hustle of Khiva’s city walls.
Ayazkala, Toprakkala & Kizilkala Fortress Tour From Khiva
“It was fun but we have no clue on the history behind each fortress and we're only provided with a driver and no guide”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
While the sites are fascinating, the tour involves outdoor walking and some uneven ruins, so children should be supervised. Check with the provider about age restrictions if unsure.
What is included in the price?
The tour price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and all fees and taxes. Guide services and entrance tickets are not included but are minimal.
Can I join this tour if I stay outside Khiva?
Yes, the pickup can be arranged from your hotel or even from Urgench airport or train station, making it flexible for travelers staying in the region.
How long does the tour last?
Expect about 6-8 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at each site.
Is the driver bilingual in English?
Most reviews suggest the driver may not speak English, so communication could be limited. Bringing a translation app or basic phrases might help.
What should I bring for the day trip?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Photography is welcome at all sites.
In sum, this tour offers a practical and affordable way to connect with Khorezm’s ancient past in a relaxed, friendly environment. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to see the ruins of a civilization that once thrived at the crossroads of history.
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