Khiva-Bukhara Transfer, 5 Fortresses

Khiva-Bukhara Transfer, 5 Fortresses. Rated 5.0 across 111 reviews. Runs 10 to 12 hours. From $220.

Overview

This tour turns what is normally a long drive between Khiva and Bukhara into a full day of fortress visits. Run by Islambek Travel & Hotels out of Khiva, it is a private transfer with stops at five ancient fortress sites plus the Akchakul oasis, taking between 10 and 12 hours door to door.

The day starts with pickup at your hotel in Khiva, luggage handled, and heads out to the fortresses, among them Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala and Kizil Kala. At the oasis there are camels to see, a chance to swim, melon and watermelon tastings, and, in season, hands-on cotton picking in local fields. Photo stops can be made at any scenic point along the route. The vehicles are air-conditioned Chevrolets with seat belts and Wi-Fi, and each traveller gets a litre of chilled mineral water. Drivers speak basic English and Russian, and printed materials about the sites fill in the history.

This suits travellers who need to get from Khiva to Bukhara anyway and would rather see the desert fortresses than sit in a car all day. It is a private booking, so only your group takes part. Note that fortress entry fees are paid onsite and lunch is not included.

What's Included

Included

Modern, air-conditioned Chevrolet vehicles with 100% functional seat belts.
Free Wi-Fi internet access is available in the car during the day trip.
Professional local drivers with basic English & Russian language skills.
Door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off (including luggage handling).
Informative printed materials and brochures about the historical sites.
Complimentary chilled mineral water (1L per person).
Fresh, local melon and watermelon tastings along the way.
Hands-on cotton picking experience in local cotton fields.
Opportunities to view desert camels in their natural habitat.
Flexible photo stops at any scenic point along the route.

Not Included

Admission Fee - Ayaz Kala Fortress (must be paid onsite) (US$1.60 per person)
Admission Fee - Toprak Kala Fortress (must be paid onsite) (US$1.60 per person)
Admission Fee - Kizil Kala Fortress (must be paid onsite) (US$1.60 per person)
Lunch (Optional)
Personal Guide (optional) (US$100.00 per booking)

Itinerary

Hotel pickup in KhivaDoor-to-door pickup from your Khiva hotel, including luggage handling, at the start of the day trip.
Drive through the desertTravel in a modern air-conditioned Chevrolet with Wi-Fi, with flexible photo stops at scenic points along the route.
Fortress visitsStop at the top five ancient fortresses, including Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala and Kizil Kala. Entry fees for these three are paid onsite and are not included in the tour price.
Akchakul oasisTime at the oasis with camel viewing, a chance to swim, and fresh melon and watermelon tastings.
Cotton fieldsA hands-on cotton picking experience in local fields, offered seasonally.
Drop-off in BukharaThe day ends anywhere in Bukhara you choose, including your hotel, the train station or the city centre.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to know before booking this transfer-and-fortresses day.

Long day out. Plan for 10 to 12 hours from pickup to drop-off. That is a big chunk of the day in a vehicle between stops, so bring something to pass the time, though Wi-Fi is available in the car.
Bring cash. Entry fees for Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala and Kizil Kala are paid onsite and are not in the tour price. Lunch is also optional and at your own cost, so carry enough cash for both.
Private group. Only your group participates, and photo stops are flexible at any scenic point along the route. A personal guide is available as an optional extra if you want deeper commentary at the sites.
Moderate fitness. The listing recommends a moderate level of physical fitness. Activities include optional swimming and seasonal cotton picking, so a reasonable level of mobility helps.
Desert conditions. Chilled mineral water is provided at a litre per person. For a day this length you may want to bring more of your own.
Language limits. Drivers speak basic English and Russian rather than fluent guiding-level English. Printed brochures about the historical sites are provided to fill the gap.

Common issues. The main extra costs are the onsite fortress entry fees for Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala and Kizil Kala, plus lunch and the optional personal guide, none of which are included. The listing advises against the tour for pregnant travellers and those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Language is limited to basic English and Russian with the driver, so travellers wanting detailed historical commentary should consider the optional guide. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Choosing Well

How long does the tour take?

The full experience runs 10 to 12 hours, from hotel pickup in Khiva to drop-off in Bukhara. It is a private tour, so only your group takes part.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Door-to-door hotel pickup in Khiva is included, with luggage handling. The day ends anywhere in Bukhara you choose, including your hotel, the train station or the city centre.

Are entry fees and lunch included?

No. Entry fees for Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala and Kizil Kala must be paid onsite and are not included, and lunch is optional and at your own cost. A personal guide is also an optional extra per booking. Melon and watermelon tastings and a litre of mineral water per person are included.

What happens at the fortresses and the lake?

You visit the top five ancient fortresses, including Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala and Kizil Kala, then stop at the Akchakul oasis. At the oasis there are desert camels to view, a chance to swim, and melon tasting, and the day also includes seasonal cotton picking in local cotton fields along the route.

Is the tour suitable for children or wheelchair users?

The transportation is wheelchair accessible and the tour is wheelchair accessible overall, with infant seats and pushchair access available. Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level, and the tour is not recommended for pregnant travellers or those with serious medical conditions. Service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted. Cut-off times are based on the experience's local time.