4.9
4.9
- Duration
- 9–10 hours
- Tour type
- Private
- Starts
- Khiva
- Runs
- Daily
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation 24 hours before
Overview
A full private day from Khiva or Urgench to seven desert fortresses of ancient Khorezm, from Ayaz Kala to Toprak Kala, with a stop at Akchakul Lake. Your own driver and car, hotel to hotel.
North of Khiva, across the Amu Darya, the clay ruins of ancient Khorezm stand in the desert of Karakalpakstan. On this private day trip your driver takes you from your hotel in Khiva or Urgench to seven fortresses and Akchakul Lake. The day takes about 9 to 10 hours.
You see Dumon Kala, Guldursun Kala, Angka Kala, Janbas Kala, Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala and Kizil Kala. Most stops last about 30 minutes, and Ayaz Kala about an hour, because the walk up to the upper fortress is the best view of the day. Lunch is at Akchakul Lake, where a lakeside restaurant serves local fish. In summer you can swim there.
This is a driver-only tour: your driver takes you between the sites but does not guide you. If you would like a guide, tell us when you book and we will arrange it at an extra cost.
Entrance fees (about $5 per person, in cash) and lunch (about $15 per person) are not in the base price. You can pay for them on the day, or choose All-inclusive when you book. At the end of the day we can drop you at your hotel in Khiva or Urgench, at Urgench Airport or at the train station.
Highlights
- Seven fortresses of ancient Khorezm in one day
- Ayaz Kala, with wide views over the desert
- Toprak Kala, a royal city of the first centuries AD
- Lunch stop at Akchakul Lake
- Private car and driver from your hotel in Khiva or Urgench
- Sites on UNESCO's Tentative List
Itinerary
9–10 hours · Ancient Khorezm
Stop 1Seven fortresses and Akchakul Lake
- A full private day. The order of the stops can change with the road and the light.
What to expect
- Morning pick-up from your hotel in Khiva or Urgench, then across the Amu Darya into Karakalpakstan
- Dumon Kala, Guldursun Kala and Angka Kala (about 30 minutes at each stop)
- Janbas Kala, a rectangular fortress begun in the 4th century BC (about 30 minutes)
- Ayaz Kala, three fortresses on and below a steep hill (about 1 hour)
- Lunch at Akchakul Lake, between Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala
- Toprak Kala, a fortified city with a royal palace (about 30 minutes)
- Kizil Kala, a compact square fort (about 30 minutes)
- About 90 minutes back to Khiva, to your hotel, Urgench Airport or the train station
What's included
Included
- Hotel pick-up in Khiva or Urgench
- Private air-conditioned car with driver for the whole day
- Drop-off at your hotel, Urgench Airport or the train station
Not included
- Entrance fees: about $5 per person, in cash at the sites
- Lunch: about $15 per person
- Guide (on request, at an extra cost)
- Personal expenses
Practical information
Route
- Starts:
- Khiva
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation 24 hours before
Free date change
Prices
$70 per person, based on 2 travellers
Price per person
| 1 person | $130 |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | $70 |
| 3 persons | $50 |
| 4–6 persons | $40 |
| 7–10 persons | $35 |
Private tour, per person: 1 person $130 · 2 persons $70 · 3 persons $50 · 4–6 persons $40 · 7–10 persons $35
Estimate. TravelBliss confirms the final price.
Questions about this journey
What is included in the price?
A private air-conditioned car with driver for the whole day, with pick-up and drop-off in Khiva or Urgench. Entrance fees, lunch and a guide are not included.
How much are entrance fees and lunch?
Entrance fees are about $5 per person, paid in cash at the sites; some sites may have no ticket seller. Lunch at Akchakul Lake is about $15 per person. You can pay on the day, or choose All-inclusive when you book.
Is there a guide on this tour?
No, this is a driver-only tour, and the driver does not guide. If you would like a guide, tell us when you book and we will arrange it at an extra cost.
How long is the day?
About 9 to 10 hours from pick-up to drop-off.
What should I bring?
Closed shoes with good grip, a hat, sun cream, plenty of water and cash in local currency. The sites have little shade.
How do I pay?
In cash on the day or by payment link.
