One-day tour "Golden Ring of Khorezm"« This tour allows you to explore three key archaeological sites of the ancient Khorezm Kingdom in the Kyzylkum Desert in one day. The route begins in the morning in Khiva and passes through sandy landscapes to the fortresses of Ayaz-Kala, Toprak-Kala, and Kyzyl-Kala, located in what is now Karakalpakstan.
The journey combines desert travel (approximately 150–190 km roundtrip, 1.5–2 hours each way) with a tour of the ruins of fortifications dating from the 2nd century BC to the 4th century AD. The guide will explain the role of these fortresses in the region's defensive system, trade routes, and the daily life of the ancient Khorezmians.
This is a convenient format for those who want to complement their visit to Ichan-Kala in Khiva with archaeological discoveries without a long journey or an overnight stay in the desert.
The tour is held all year round, the most comfortable months are March–May and September–November.
Tour itinerary
In the morning you will be met at your hotel in Khiva. After a brief preparation, the group sets out for the Kyzylkum Desert. The journey takes approximately 1.5–2 hours (approximately 100–150 km), passing through the region's characteristic landscapes, with views of semi-desert plains and dunes.
First stop is Ayaz-Kala. The fortress complex is located on a hill, offering a sweeping panorama of the surrounding area. Here you'll explore the ruins of fortifications dating from the 2nd century BC to the 4th–7th centuries AD, which were part of the Khorezm defensive system. Your guide will explain the life of border guards and the structure of the fortress, which was built with the prevailing winds in mind.
Next, we move to Toprak-Kala, the ancient capital of Khorezm from the 3rd–4th centuries AD. The site contains the remains of a palace, residential quarters, and fortress walls. It is one of the most studied archaeological sites in the region, where frescoes, wooden documents, and other evidence of Khorezmian culture have been found.
Located nearby Kyzyl-Kala — a compact, restored fortress that clearly demonstrates the typical structure of ancient Khorezmian fortifications of the Kushano-Afrigid period. It's easy to imagine what defensive structures looked like at that time.
After exploring the sites, head back to Khiva. Estimated return time is around 4:00 PM. The total duration of the excursion is 2–3 hours, with the remainder of the time spent traveling and making stops.
Tour cost
The cost of the tour depends on the number of people in the group:
|
Number of people
|
Price per person
|
| 1 person | 160 $ |
| 2 people | 85 $ |
| 3 people | 60 $ |
Tour conditions
Tour starting point
Khiva
Duration
8-10 hours
Included in the price
- Guide services
- Transport services
- Pick-up and drop-off at a hotel in Khiva
Paid separately
- Personal expenses
- Entrance tickets
- Meals throughout the entire route
Important to know
In what languages are the guided tours and excursions conducted?
Guides conduct tours and accompanying services in the following languages: Russian, English, French, German, and Italian. The language of the accompanying service must be specified in advance when booking the tour.
When is the best time to go on a one-day excursion to the cities of Uzbekistan?
The optimal time is spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when temperatures remain within a comfortable range of +20–+30°C. Summer (June–August) often sees temperatures exceeding +35°C, so excursions begin early in the morning.
How long does the full route take?
6–8 hours with photo stops, a museum visit, and lunch. The distances are short, and the route is on foot.
What to take with you on a walk?
Comfortable shoes, water, a hat (in spring/autumn), a small amount for souvenirs and lunches.
Is it possible to have a photo session in national costumes?
Yes, in many cities (including Khiva), this is possible in the afternoon or during free time. Renting costumes usually costs 5-10 USD, and guides know suitable spots for photos against the backdrop of historical sites.
Are cities in Uzbekistan safe for tourists?
Uzbekistan is considered one of the safest countries to travel to in Central Asia. Tourist police are present in tourist areas (Ichan-Kala, the historic centers of Samarkand and Bukhara), and locals are welcoming. Take the usual precautions—keep an eye on your personal belongings in crowded places.
Clothing and behavior at shrines
When visiting the mausoleums, modest clothing covering the shoulders and knees is recommended. Women are advised to bring a headscarf or scarf. It is recommended to perform ablutions (where possible) before entering the complexes. Maintain silence, respect, and adhere to local traditions—this will allow you to fully experience the atmosphere of the ziyarat.
How to book a tour?
Contact us using your preferred method, specifying the dates and number of people. We'll find a convenient format (private or group) and a precise price.
