Overview
Visit 3 the top attractions outside of Khiva on this day trip to Kyzyl Qala (“Red fortress” in Uzbek), Toprak Qala (“Sand” in Uzbek) and “must see” fort in the desert Ayaz Qala. After breakfast transfer to the Qala trip (“Fortress” in Uzbek) total drive 210 km. The ruins of over a dozen walled towns, palaces and forts, some well over 2000 years old, stand half-forgotten in the semi-desert east and north of Urgench in southern Karakalpakstan. The area’s traditionally name, Ellik Qala (the 50 fortresses) gives a stark indication of what lies beneath the desert sands. There are about 20 forts and you will visit three of the most impressive forts: Toprak Qala and Ayaz Qala.
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Entrance tickets to the fortresses
- Air-conditioned vehicle
✗ Not Included
- Lunch
- English guide
- Gratuities
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
Kyzyl Qala (“Red fortress” in Uzbek)— located in modern Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan and it was an ancient fortress in Khorazm built in the 1st -4th centuries AD. Kyzyl Qala fortress buried in the desert for centuries before being discovered by Professor Tolstov in 1938.
2
Stop 2
Toprak Qala (“Sand” in Uzbek)— used to be the region’s biggest city (350 meters by 500 meters) until the destruction canals left it marooned in the desert sands. The Russian archaeologist Tolstov excavated the palace friezes in 1938 dating from the 2nd and 3rd century AD.
3
Stop 3
Ayaz Qala— is a “must see” fort in the desert. The external walls, built upon a flat hilltop, have survived since at least the 4th century BC, the guests can clearly see the scale of the site and even today sections of wall survive that are 10 meters high. After forts sightseeing transfer to the Khiva and check in to the hotel.
Meeting & End Point
📍
Meeting Point
In front of Ota Darvoza gate (It is the western gate of Ichan Kala and it is the main gate)
🏁
End Point
In front of Ota Darvoza gate (It is the western gate of Ichan Kala and it is the main gate)
Good to Know
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Total duration of the tour is 7 hours which includes driving from Khiva till Kyzyl Qala (less than an hour), from Kyzyl Qala till Toprak Qala (around 10 minutes), from Toprak Qala till Ayaz Qala (around 45 minutes), lunch break if needed and drive back to Khiva (1 hour 40 minutes).
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