Khiva – Five Fortresses – Bukhara / Bukhara – Five Fortresses – Khiva

Daytrip Duration: 10-12 hours
Sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Driving time: 7-8 hours
Driving Distance: 640 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 pick you up from your place in Khiva or Urgench with our driver and start the Daytrip from there. You can start the Daytrip at any time of the day. It is recommended to start the trip in the morning after breakfast around 08:00 – 09:00 am. It takes about 60–90 minutes to reach the first fortress.

The first fortress Guldursun Kala is one of the largest ancient fortresses in the Khorezm region. It dates back to around the 12th century CE and was once a large fortified town. Archaeological excavations have revealed pottery, bronze items, and coins, indicating that the site was inhabited until the Mongol invasion in 1220. The massive walls and towers still give an impression of its former strength and importance.

The next fortress Koy Krylgan Kala, located about 30 minutes from Guldursun Kala, is one of the most unusual monuments in the region. Dating back to the 4th century BCE, this circular fortress is believed to have served as a religious or astronomical center. Its unique structure and remote desert location make it one of the most fascinating sites in Karakalpakstan.

After visiting two fortresses, our driver will stop at the shore of Akchakul Lake. You can find a Yurt Camp Restaurant, minimarket, and washroom facilities there. You can enjoy local meals, drinks, and even ice cream made from local milk. It is also possible to enjoy swimming and a sand bath in the lake, depending on the weather conditions.

The next stop is Anqaqala, an ancient settlement that was part of a larger network of fortresses and irrigation systems in ancient Khorezm. The site reflects the advanced agricultural and defensive strategies used by early civilizations in this region. Though less restored, it provides an authentic feeling of untouched history.

After driving about 40 minutes from Anqaqala, you will arrive at Ayaz Kala, which is one of the most spectacular fortresses in the area. In fact, there are three fortresses located on and around a prominent hill at the eastern end of the Sultan-Uiz-Dagh range. The fortress served as a defense point against nomadic raids. A road leads up to a group of yurts, which function as a tourist rest area overlooking a small lake. The fortress was likely founded during the Afrighid period, around the 7th–8th centuries CE.

The last fortress Qirq Qiz Kala is one of the most legendary sites in the region. According to local legends, it was defended by forty brave women, which gave the fortress its name “Forty Girls Fortress.” The structure dates back to the early medieval period and is known for its unique architectural style and historical atmosphere.

After visiting all five fortresses, it takes about 4–5 hours to drive to Bukhara. Please feel free to stop the car at any place during the trip to have a break, take photos, have lunch, or for any other reasons. There are also several local restaurants available along the way where you can stop for lunch.

After all, our driver will drop you off at your hotel, airport, or train station in Bukhara and end the trip there.