Daytrip to Five Fortresses

Daytrip Duration: 7-8 hours
Sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Driving time: 4-5 hours
Driving Distance: 240 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

We provide pick-up services from the airport, train station, or your hotel in Khiva or Urgench to begin our half-day excursion. You may start the trip at any time of day, although beginning in the morning after breakfast or in the afternoon after lunch is recommended.

Our first destination is Ayaz Kala, one of the most spectacular and well-known fortresses of Ancient Khorezm. Located on and around a prominent hill at the eastern edge of the Sultan-Uiz-dagh range, Ayaz Kala once served as a defensive stronghold against nomadic invasions. A gravel road leads to a tourist rest area with traditional yurts overlooking a shallow, scenic lake. The fortress dates back to medieval times and is believed to have originated during the Afrighid period (7th–8th centuries CE).

Next, we visit Toprak Kala, a remarkable archaeological site that functioned as a royal residence in the 2nd–3rd centuries CE. After restoration in the early 4th century, it became an important administrative citadel and is considered one of the most significant monuments of ancient Khorezmian civilization.

Our journey continues to Kizil Kala, originally constructed during the Late Antique period (1st–4th centuries CE) and later rebuilt in the 12th–13th centuries. Scholars suggest that it may have served as a garrison barracks or a fortified manor house, both characteristic of early medieval Khorezm.

After exploring these fortresses, we stop at Akchakul Lake, where visitors can relax and enjoy available facilities, including restaurants, a minimarket, and restrooms. Nearby yurt camps offer local meals, drinks, and ice cream made from fresh local milk. The lake also provides opportunities for swimming and traditional sand baths.

We then proceed to Kavat Kala, a site with a history spanning over 2,400 years. It once served as the center of a complex irrigation system and was surrounded by thriving settlements, particularly during the 11th–13th centuries.

The final stop of the tour is Qirqiz Kala, another fascinating fortress that reflects the defensive architecture and settlement patterns of ancient Khorezm. Its ruins offer insight into the region’s strategic and cultural development over centuries.

After completing the sightseeing program, we return to Urgench or Khiva. The drive back takes approximately 60 minutes to Urgench or 90 minutes to Khiva. Drop-off is provided at Urgench Airport, the Urgench or Khiva train stations, or your hotel in either city at no additional cost, concluding the day trip.