Uzbekistan · ANCIENT DESERT FORTRESSES
Ayaz Kala and its neighbours sit on bluffs an hour or two out of Khiva, with no ticket office and usually nobody else there. These 12 differ mainly on how many fortresses you get and whether a yurt night is attached.
Travel from Bukhara to Khiva through Toprakkala, Kizilkala, and Ayazkala, with a private driver, desert views, and hotel drop-off.
“The transport from Bukhara to Khiva was excellent. We had enough stops along the way, the driver was great, and the visits to the fortresses were a wonderful experience. I recommend this service to anyone who wants to see Uzbekistan beyond the usual tourist routes.”
Explore Ayaz Kala, Kyzyl Kala, and Toprak Kala from Khiva with an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned car, desert views, and flexible pickup.
“Sarvar was really nice, he drove us to the fortresses and explained us the history of what we were visiting. He was also very respectful and open to explain the customs and history of his country, which added value to the tour. I highly recommend to do this trip with him!”
Visit Ayaz-Kala, Tuprak-Kala, and Kyzyl-Kala from Khiva in a private six-hour trip with hotel pickup and an optional local meal.
“The trip to the fortresses was fantastic. The driver was very safe throughout the journey and made the experience even more enjoyable and interesting by sharing a lot of fascinating information. He was very kind, had a great sense of humor, and spoke excellent English. One of the highlights of the trip was tasting the homemade bread baked by his wife. I can only recommend it! :)”
Explore Toprakkala, Kizilkala, and Ayazkala from Khiva on a private half-day trip through Karakalpakstan’s ancient desert fortresses.
“Like other reviewers, I didn’t realize the driver would not speak a word of English, but aside from that he was surly, unpleasant, and seemed mildly annoyed to have to be doing this. In addition he drove like a maniac and we got a flat tire that could have easily been avoided if he’d been just a bit slower and taken more care. I tipped him because work is work, and he didn’t even thank me; just grunted. Overall an uncomfortable experience.”
Explore seven Khorezm fortresses from Khiva or Urgench, with private transport, desert ruins, Karakalpak food, and a lakeside stop.
“We booked a private tour to see all of the Kalas. The tour was good. We ended up with another group travelling in a separate car but with the same guide. This wasn't really what we booked and meant we didnt have the amount of time Read more”
Explore Ayaz-Kala, Toprak-Kala, and Kyzyl-Kala from Khiva with guide Sukhrab, desert views, local stories, and air-conditioned transport.
“If you have a day to spend from Khiva, these fortresses are impressive. Sukhrab knows his history and is a great guide. He gave me great insights into general life in Uzbekistan as well so I got a deeper understanding of the culture during my trip. Highly recommend this half-day tour.”
Travel from Khiva to Bukhara through Toprakkala, Kizilkala, and Ayazkala, with a private vehicle, desert scenery, and flexible fortress stops.
“Everything perfect, the driver was the kindest persone we met in Uzbekistan”
Explore five Khorezm fortresses from Khiva in a private 7-hour trip with air-conditioned transport, flexible pickup, and time to wander.
“El conductor conducia muy rapido poniendo en peligro mi vida y la de mi acompañante”
Travel from Khiva to Bukhara through three ancient Khorezm fortresses, with private transport, hotel pickup, and an audio guide.
“A great trip. Good communication with the tour company and everything was as expected. Highly recommend.”
Review of the private Bukhara to Khiva transfer via ancient fortresses, with pricing, driver tips, comfort, timing, and booking advice.
“Driver didn’t speak a single word of English and he was rude. He didn’t stop (or just passed nearby) the Ancient Fortresses which were included in the Tour. He got lost and didn’t have a clue where our destination hotel was. He didn’t Read more”
Visit Toprak Kala, Kyzyl Kala, and Ayaz Kala from Khiva by private air-conditioned car, with desert views and ancient Khorezm ruins.
“Tour and trip didn't happen. Tour operator didn't turn up. Trying to claim refund. Almost impossible.”
Explore Khorezm’s ancient fortresses, a yurt camp, Akcha Lake, and the Kyzylkum Desert on a private half-day tour from Khiva.
“Nous avons passé une super journée avec Sukhrab. En plus des forteresses il nous a emmené manger du Plov dans un restaurant spécialisé apparement apprécié par les locaux et est resté avec nous autant de temps qu'il nous fallait. Encore merci à lui !!”
Pick a city, a desert or a kitchen.
