From Khiva: 5 Ancient Fortresses & Ayaz-Kala 1 night Camping
"2-Day Desert Expedition, 5 Fortresses & Ayaz-Kala Yurt Night"
Explore five legendary fortresses of ancient Khorezm from Khiva, then spend the night in a desert yurt camp at Ayaz-Kala under a spectacular star-filled sky.
2 days / 1 night
~450 km desert expedition loop
Up to 3 Guests
Hotel pickup anywhere within Khiva city
Expedition Gallery
The Experience
Journey Overview
Discover the ancient 'Land of a Thousand Fortresses' on a two-day private journey from Khiva through the archaeological heart of Khorezm.
Follow a natural route connecting five remarkable fortresses: Kyzyl Kala ('Red Fortress'), Toprak Kala (royal palace city), Koy Krylgan Kala (circular sacred complex), Guldursun Kala (fortified settlement), and Ayaz Kala (hilltop citadel).
Finish the fortress route at Ayaz-Kala, settle into your traditional desert yurt camp, enjoy dinner, and experience the dark desert sky. The following morning features breakfast, photos, and private return transfer to either Khiva city or Nukus.
Expedition Highlights
Day-by-Day Schedule
Suggested Itinerary
Departure from Khiva
Begin with pickup from your hotel in Khiva. Meet your government-certified English-speaking guide and begin the drive into ancient Khorezm.
Kyzyl Kala (The Red Fortress)
Explore Kyzyl Kala's imposing mud-brick walls and towers reflecting the military architecture of ancient Khorezm.
Toprak Kala Royal City & Lunch Break
Explore the monumental royal palace city of Toprak Kala, followed by a lunch break at a local restaurant.
Koy Krylgan Kala & Guldursun Kala
Discover the unique circular ruins of Koy Krylgan Kala and the massive defensive walls of Guldursun Kala.
Ayaz-Kala & Yurt Camp Overnight
Arrive at Ayaz-Kala fortress above the Kyzylkum Desert. Check into your yurt camp, enjoy dinner, and stargaze beneath dark desert skies.
Desert Sunrise, Breakfast & Photo Walk
Wake up to desert light, enjoy breakfast at the camp, and take photos around the fortress ruins and camp surroundings.
Return Transfer to Khiva or Nukus
Conclude your 2-day expedition with private return drop-off to your accommodation in Khiva city or Nukus.
What's Included
- •Private pickup from any location within Khiva city
- •Private drop-off in Khiva city or Nukus
- •Private sedan or SUV/Jeep transportation (up to 3 in sedan; up to 6 in minivan/SUV)
- •English-speaking tour guide certified by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- •One overnight stay at Ayaz-Kala yurt camp with full dinner & full breakfast included
What's Not Included
- •Entrance tickets to archaeological sites
- •Personal expenses, souvenirs, snacks & extra beverages
- •Lunch on the first day
Important Guest Information
- ▸Pickup from any location in Khiva; drop-off available in Khiva or Nukus.
- ▸Private Sedan / SUV package for up to 3 travelers ($289); Business-Class Minivan for up to 6 travelers.
- ▸Includes 1 overnight stay at Ayaz-Kala yurt camp with full dinner (Evening 1) and full breakfast (Morning 2).
- ▸Standard 24-hour free cancellation and refund policy applies.
- ▸Our team will contact you via WhatsApp before departure to confirm pickup time, driver details, and vehicle license plate.
- ▸Recommended items: comfortable clothes and walking shoes, water, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen.
Private Group Rate
Price covers up to 3 participants. Licensed guide & driver included.
~$145 per person (2 guests)
Visit Kharezm & Khiva Tourism
Have a different journey in mind?
Every journey does not have to follow a fixed route. If you have a specific destination, schedule, city combination, activity, or travel idea in mind, tell us what you are looking for and we will help create the right journey for you.
Tell Us About Your Trip
Choose your destinations, travel dates, group size, interests, and personal preferences.
We Build Your Journey
Our local team reviews your request and crafts a custom, tailored private itinerary.
Confirm Your Experience
Discuss details directly with us on WhatsApp or Email and finalize your private expedition.
Never limited to the routes you see on our website
Our tours are designed to make traveling through Uzbekistan simple, but you are never limited to the routes you see here. If you want to visit a different city, combine several destinations, take a different route, spend more time somewhere, or create an entirely different journey, just tell us what you have in mind.
💡 Not sure where to start? That's perfectly fine. Tell us your dates and interests, and we'll help you build the route!
Prefer to Talk to Us Directly?
You are always welcome to contact us directly. If you have questions, need advice, or simply want to discuss your travel plans before making a decision, send us a message.
Official Partner Profiles & Listings
Have a question? Have a special idea? Or simply want some advice before you travel?
Contact us. We're happy to help.
Thank you for choosing Visit Kharezm & Khiva. We look forward to helping you discover Uzbekistan your way.