Three Fortresses Trip, Meal

Three Fortresses Trip, Meal runs through Khiva Advanture. Rated 4.7 across 151 reviews. Runs 6 hours. From $84.

Overview

This day trip leaves from Khiva and heads out into the desert to visit three of the old Khorezm fortress sites: Ayaz-Kala, Toprak-Kala and Kyzyl-Kala. An experienced driver collects you from your hotel, or from the airport or train station, and the first stretch of driving takes about an hour and a half. The tour runs around six hours in total, with air-conditioned transport and a half-litre of mineral water included.

The sites themselves span a wide stretch of history. Ayaz Kala is actually a cluster of three fortresses thought to date from between the 4th century BCE and the 7th century CE, and it was mainly defensive in purpose. Toprak-Kala, the "Earthen Fortress," was a fortified city and royal residence built around the 1st to 2nd century CE, while Kyzyl-Kala, the "Red Fortress," takes its name from the reddish mud brick of its walls and dates to between the 1st and 4th centuries CE.

One thing to understand before booking: the price covers the driver and vehicle, not a dedicated guide, and travellers report mixed experiences on this front. Several reviewers praised drivers who shared plenty of history and context, while others said they were not told in advance that no English-speaking guide would be present. There is an optional lunch stop at Akchakul Lake, and camel riding is possible at Ayaz Kala.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup in KhivaThe driver collects you from your hotel in Khiva, or from the airport or train station.
2. Drive to Ayaz-KalaA drive of about 1.5 hours out into the desert toward the first site.
3. Ayaz Kala sightseeingAround 1 hour at the fortress group. This stop is optional. Camel rides are possible here.
4. Toprak Kala sightseeingAbout 40 minutes at the earthen fortress city. This stop is optional.
5. Kyzyl-Kala sightseeingAround 30 minutes at the Red Fortress. This stop is optional.
6. Tour ends in Xorazm RegionThe tour finishes in the Xorazm Region, with drop-off included.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what past travellers and the listing say you should know before booking this desert trip.

• Guide or driver. The booking covers a driver, and several travellers were caught out expecting a guide. Some drivers speak good English and share a lot of history, while others speak mostly Russian. If having a guide matters to you, check what the live booking page says or ask the operator before you go.
• Terrain and footwear. The listing warns the ground is sandy and uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. One reviewer noted the third fortress requires a small uphill hike. Take it at your own pace, since the itinerary allows roughly an hour at Ayaz Kala and less at the other two.
• Sun protection. There is very little shade at these archaeological sites, and the listing specifically flags the Kyzylkum Desert sun. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and dress in comfortable clothes.
• No site signage. One reviewer pointed out there are no signs or explanations at the fortresses themselves. Whatever context you get comes from your driver, which is another reason the guide question matters so much here.
• Camera. The listing recommends bringing a camera for the landscapes and ruins. One reviewer described the views as a high point of the day.
• Food and drink. An optional lunch stop at Akchakul Lake is offered on the trip. The listing includes mineral water of 0.5 L, but in desert heat you may want more of your own.

Common issues. The main complaint in reviews is uncertainty about whether a guide is included; several travellers said the price covers only a driver and wished this had been clearer in advance. Entrance tickets to the sites are not included, nor are tips. The terrain is sandy and uneven with limited shade and infrastructure, and one reviewer mentioned a short uphill walk to reach one of the fortresses.

Choosing Well