Daytrip to Three Fortresses

Daytrip Duration: 6-7 hours
Sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Driving time: 3-4 hours
Driving Distance: 225 km.
Included: Hands-Free Brochures, a good drivers with new Cars with AC, pick up and drop off at your location and Mineral water (0.5l. per person)
Not Included: Entrance tickets, meals, camel riding, Yurt Camp stay & etc

Your day begins with a pick-up from Urgench Airport, either train station (Khiva or Urgench), or directly from your hotel in both cities—all included in the price. You decide when to start, but for the best experience, we suggest leaving in the morning after breakfast or later in the afternoon after lunch, since the program lasts around half a day.

The first stop is Kizil Kala, about a 90-minute drive from Khiva. Built between the 1st and 4th centuries CE and rebuilt in the 12th–13th centuries before the Mongol invasions, this fortress has long fascinated historians. Some believe it was a garrison used by soldiers, while others argue it was a fortified residence typical of Khorezm’s early medieval period.

A short 15-minute ride takes you to Toprak Kala, a magnificent fortress from the Kushan era (2nd–3rd centuries CE). It was originally a royal complex and later restored in the early 4th century to serve as the main administrative citadel of the region.

After exploring the fortresses, you’ll head to Akchakul Lake for a relaxing break and lunch. Located 20 minutes from Toprak Kala, the lakefront offers a minimarket, restrooms, and local cafés where you can try traditional meals, drinks, and even homemade ice cream prepared with fresh local milk. In summer, visitors often swim in the lake or enjoy sand baths on its shores.

From there, it’s just a 30-minute drive to the highlight of the trip—Ayaz Kala. This complex of three fortresses sits on and around a striking hill at the edge of the Sultan-Uiz-dahg range. Built to guard against nomadic raids, it is among the most impressive strongholds in the region. A gravel track leads to a small cluster of yurts, now used as a rest stop for travelers, with sweeping views over a tranquil desert lake. Though its earliest sections date back much further, the fortress you see today largely took shape in the Afrighid period (7th–8th centuries CE).

At the end of your visit, you’ll return by road—about 90 minutes back to Khiva or an hour to Urgench. The tour finishes with a drop-off at your preferred location: Urgench Airport, the train station, or your hotel in either city. Everything is included, with no extra costs.