Khorezm Fortresses

The “Elliq Kala” — fifty fortresses — are ancient mud-brick citadels scattered across the desert, including Toprak Kala, Kyzyl Kala and Ayaz Kala.

Related trips

A private day in the desert visiting five ancient Khorezm fortresses with your own local driver, returning to Khiva in the evening.

A round trip from Khiva to the hilltop fortress of Ayaz Kala with time to explore, then back to Khiva. Different from the one-way Ayaz Kala transfer.

A shorter fortress trip from Khiva covering three desert citadels — ideal if you have limited time.

Travel from Nukus to Khiva with stops at four desert fortresses — a transfer and sightseeing day in one.

The most complete fortress route between Nukus and Khiva, with six ancient citadels along the way.