Explore ancient Silk Road fortresses on a Khiva day trip. Discover Ayaz-Kala, Toprak-Kala, and Kyzyl-Kala amid the Kyzylkum Desert’s vast landscapes.
Explore ancient Silk Road fortresses on a Khiva day trip. Discover Ayaz-Kala, Toprak-Kala, and Kyzyl-Kala amid the Kyzylkum Desert’s vast landscapes.
- Ayaz-Kala - The Ayaz-Kala Fortress is a historic archaeological site located in Uzbekistan, forming part of the Elliq-Qala (Fifty Fortresses) in the Karakalpakstan area. Visitors to Ayaz-Kala can enjoy a captivating blend of history, breathtaking desert vistas, and remarkably preserved ruins. Here’s what awaits:
- Fortress Toprak Kala -…
- Ayaz-Kala - The Ayaz-Kala Fortress is a historic archaeological site located in Uzbekistan, forming part of the Elliq-Qala (Fifty Fortresses) in the Karakalpakstan area. Visitors to Ayaz-Kala can enjoy a captivating blend of history, breathtaking desert vistas, and remarkably preserved ruins. Here’s what awaits:
- Fortress Toprak Kala - Toprak-Kala provides a unique insight into the royal history of Khorezm, distinct from the military-oriented Ayaz-Kala. The palace ruins, remnants of ancient art, and the haunting desert backdrop make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
- Kyzyl Kala - Kyzyl-Kala, translating to “Red Fortress” in Turkic, is a small yet well-preserved mud-brick fortress situated near Toprak-Kala and Ayaz-Kala in Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan region. Dating from the 1st to 4th centuries CE, it functioned as a military outpost and a caravan stop along the Silk Road.

- Round trip A/C vehicle
- Private Transportation
- Pick up from Khiva and Urgench City
- Drop-off any location in Khiva / Urgench City
- Round trip A/C vehicle
- Private Transportation
- Pick up from Khiva and Urgench City
- Drop-off any location in Khiva / Urgench City
- Lunch
- Tickets not included
- Lunch
- Tickets not included
Embark on an extraordinary day trip from Khiva into the heart of the Kyzylkum Desert, where three incredible Silk Road fortresses await—Ayaz-Kala, Toprak-Kala, and Kyzyl-Kala. These ancient ruins, once vibrant under the Khorezmian civilization, now stand as silent testaments to history amidst expansive, windswept landscapes.
- Ayaz-Kala (4th Century BCE…
Embark on an extraordinary day trip from Khiva into the heart of the Kyzylkum Desert, where three incredible Silk Road fortresses await—Ayaz-Kala, Toprak-Kala, and Kyzyl-Kala. These ancient ruins, once vibrant under the Khorezmian civilization, now stand as silent testaments to history amidst expansive, windswept landscapes.
- Ayaz-Kala (4th Century BCE – 8th Century CE)
A grand defensive fortress offering panoramic views of the desert.
Three distinct sections (Ayaz-Kala I, II, III) highlight Kushan and Khorezmian architectural styles.
Ascend to the top for breathtaking vistas of the Kyzylkum Desert and Sultan Uvays Mountains.
- Toprak-Kala (1st–6th Centuries CE)
A royal palace-fortress of the Khorezmian kings.
Features ancient Zoroastrian elements—observe fire altars and inscriptions.
- Kyzyl-Kala (1st–4th Centuries CE)
A compact “Red Fortress” with impressive reddish-brown mud-brick walls.
Served as a military outpost protecting Silk Road caravans.
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.