Daytrip to Seven Fortresses

Daytrip Duration: 9-10 hours
Sightseeing time: 4-5 hours
Driving time: 5-6 hours
Driving Distance : 330 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 offer pick-up services from the airport, train station, or your hotel in Khiva or Urgench to start our day trip. It is recommended to begin the excursion in the morning after breakfast to make the most of the day.

Our first stop is Kizil Kala, originally constructed during the Late Antique period (1st–4th centuries CE) and later rebuilt in the 12th–13th centuries, shortly before the Mongol invasions. Scholars continue to debate its original function, suggesting it served either as a garrison barracks or as a fortified manor house typical of early medieval Khorezm.

Next, we visit Guldursun Kala, a large fortified settlement whose outer walls and towers date to the 12th century CE. Archaeological excavations have uncovered pottery, bronze artifacts, and coins dating to around 1220 CE, associated with the Mongol invasion of Khorezm during the reign of Muhammad Khorezmshah.

The journey continues to Qavat Kala, a site with over 2,400 years of history. It once functioned as the center of an extensive irrigation system and was surrounded by prosperous settlements, particularly during the 11th–13th centuries.

Our next destination is Qirq Qiz Kala, an important archaeological monument reflecting the defensive and residential architecture of ancient Khorezm. The site offers insight into the region’s early settlement patterns and strategic importance.

We then proceed to Ayaz Kala, one of the most spectacular fortresses in the region. Consisting of three fortresses clustered on and around a prominent hill at the eastern end of the Sultan-Uiz-dagh range, Ayaz Kala dates to the Afrighid period (7th–8th centuries CE) and once served as protection against nomadic raids.

Between Ayaz Kala and the next site lies Akchakul Lake, where we make a relaxing stop. The area features yurt camps and restaurants offering local meals and drinks. During the summer season, visitors can swim and enjoy traditional sand baths by the lake.

After the break, we visit Toprak Kala, dating to the Kushan period (2nd–3rd centuries CE). Initially a royal sanctuary, it later became an administrative citadel following restoration in the early 4th century and remains one of the most significant archaeological sites of ancient Khorezm.

The final stop of the day is Qoy Qirilgan Kala, a unique circular fortress believed to have served as a Zoroastrian temple and astronomical complex. Dating to the 4th–3rd centuries BCE, it provides valuable insight into the religious and scientific practices of ancient Khorezm.

After visiting all seven fortresses, we return to Khiva or Urgench. The return journey takes approximately 90 minutes. 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.