Uncover Khorezm’s ancient fortresses on a private daytrip. Explore Toprak Kala, savor local cuisine, and enjoy seamless travel with expert audio guides.
Uncover Khorezm’s ancient fortresses on a private daytrip. Explore Toprak Kala, savor local cuisine, and enjoy seamless travel with expert audio guides.
- Fortress Toprak Kala - Toprak Kala dates back to the Kushan period, around the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, and served as the royal residence for the kings of Khorezm. Initially a royal sanctuary, it was briefly abandoned in the early 4th century. After some restorations, it became an administrative citadel for the city.
- Guldursun - Guldursun…
- Fortress Toprak Kala - Toprak Kala dates back to the Kushan period, around the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, and served as the royal residence for the kings of Khorezm. Initially a royal sanctuary, it was briefly abandoned in the early 4th century. After some restorations, it became an administrative citadel for the city.
- Guldursun - Guldursun Kala is a fortified town with exterior walls and towers dating to the 12th century CE. Archaeological excavations have uncovered ancient and medieval pottery, as well as numerous bronze items and coins. The coins suggest the last period of occupation was around 1220, during the reign of Muhammad Khorezmshah and the Mongol invasion of Khorezm.
- Ayaz-Kala - Ayaz Kala is one of the most impressive fortresses in the region. In fact, there are three fortresses clustered together on and around a prominent hill at the eastern end of the Sultan-Uiz-dahg range. The fortress provided defense against nomadic raids. A gravel road leads to a small cluster of yurts, a tourist rest center overlooking a shallow yet picturesque lake. It was likely founded during the Afrighid period, around the 7th to 8th centuries CE. There is a lake, Akchakul Lake, between Toprak and Ayaz Kala. Yurt camps and restaurants by the lake offer local meals and drinks. In the summer, visitors can enjoy swimming and sand baths in Akchakul Lake.
- Kyzyl Qala - Kizil Kala was originally built in the Late Antique period, from the 1st to 4th centuries CE, but was abandoned and later rebuilt in the 12th-13th centuries, just before the Mongol invasions. There is some debate about its ancient use, with some scholars suggesting it was a garrison barracks for troops, while others believe it was an early example of the many fortified manor houses typical of Khorezm in the early medieval periods. After visiting all seven fortresses, it takes about 90 minutes to drive back to Khiva. The driver can drop visitors off at Urgench Airport, Urgench/Khiva Train Station, or at their hotel in either Khiva or Urgench at the end of the trip.
- Koi Krylgan Kala - Koi Krylgan Kala was a temple during the Zoroastrian period. Unlike other fortresses, it had two levels.

- Private transportation
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- audio-guide materials
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Private transportation
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- audio-guide materials
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
Embark on a private day trip to explore the historic ancient fortresses of Khorezm, delving into Uzbekistan’s rich heritage. Visit renowned landmarks such as Toprak Kala and Ayaz-Kala, each providing insight into the area’s illustrious history. Benefit from private transportation with convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a seamless journey….
Embark on a private day trip to explore the historic ancient fortresses of Khorezm, delving into Uzbekistan’s rich heritage. Visit renowned landmarks such as Toprak Kala and Ayaz-Kala, each providing insight into the area’s illustrious history. Benefit from private transportation with convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a seamless journey. Relish a local meal at a roadside eatery and receive audio-guide materials to deepen your appreciation of these extraordinary sites.
- Explore the TOP 5 ancient fortresses, including Toprak Kala, Guldursun Kala, Kyzyl Kala, Koi Krylgan Kala, and Ayaz-Kala
- Travel in comfort with private, air-conditioned transportation and hotel pick-up
- Delight in a local lunch and informative audio-guide materials
- Perfect for travelers with a moderate fitness level, promising an engaging day out
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.