Ancient Fortresses Tour With A Local Guide
Overview
Available languages
6 hours 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
This tour is led by a local expert who is both your driver and English-speaking guide, making the trip smooth and personal. This creates a seamless and personal journey from start to finish.
Throughout the tour, we go beyond history: we talk about UZBEK CULTURE, TRADITIONS, EVERY DAY LIFE, and PERSONAL STORIES that bring the region to life. If you enjoy conversation, this tour offers rich and engaging discussions—customized to your interests.
The ancient fortresses we visit are located around 100 km away, making this a full-day trip of around 7 hours. But with an experienced local who truly loves sharing the history and spirit of Khorezm, the time flies by.
I will show you the best views and help you find great photo stops to make your trip unforgettable
If you’re looking for a friendly, knowledgeable, and fully immersive experience, this is the tour for you.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The tour lasts about 7 hours in total (driving hours included)
Wearing sneakers is recommended
What To Expect
Ayaz-Kala
Ayaz Kala is very old place with two big fortresses in the Khorezm region. On this tour, you will visit these ancient fortresses, built over 2000 years ago. The main fortress is on top of a hill, where you can see beautiful views of the desert and the land around. You will walk through old the walls, see the ruins of buildings, and learn how this place was important in history. You will do on the tour: Walk around the ancient fortresses and look at the big walls. Learn about the history. Enjoy amazing views of the desert and the land. Take pictures of the beautiful place and hear interesting stories from a local guide. This is a peacful and special place, perfect for exploring and learning about the past.
Fortress Toprak Kala
Toprak Kala is an ancient city and fortress in the Khorezm region. It was built many centuries ago and was once an important place for the Khorezmshahs. On this tour, you will explore the remains of the fortress, which includes large walls and old buildings. You will get to walk around the ruins, imagine what life was like here long ago, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the area. What you will do on the tour: Walk through the ancient walls of the fortress. See the old ruins and learn about the history of Toprak Kala. Hear about how it was once a city in the Khorezm Kingdom. Take pictures of the beautiful, peaceful surroundings. This site offers a glimpse into the past and a chance to enjoy the peaceful desert landscape.
Options
Ancient Fortresses Tour With A Local Guide
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private transportation
English speaking Guide
Entrance fee
Pick up / Drop off (Khiva/Urgench cities)
Optional
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
47 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic Day Out in the Desert with the Castles
richardnetherwood,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic. Shurap arrived on time and we drove safely to the first castle. I will not go into details. But Shurap presented in a calm, very clear and non-confusing manner. He is great guy. Very nice, very polite, and very knowledgeable but never overloaded us with information. He also recommended intercity travel options, a great evening restaurant, and we stopped a great cafe in Urgench on the return. What a great, relaxed, interesting day out in the desert.
Simple and straightforward
Noah K,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable, as well as a safe driver. He was also very easy to talk to during our drive to and from the fortresses.
The guide was a lovely man.
YASUKI Y,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00People who love ancient ruins can be taken to places that are very exciting. The ruins are of course stunning, but more importantly, you get a 360-degree view of the landscape, which will be no different from what it was more than 2,000 years ago. The time you get the illusion of seeing the same scenery as people back then is priceless. I also liked the fact that it was similar to the Masada Fortress in Israel, which is close to the times. Finally, our guide Sukhhrab was kind and very kind. I was really thrilled that they delivered my belongings to the hotel. I recommend it.
Visit of the forteresses around khiva
Ines J,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We spend a great day visiting the forteresses with Sukhrab, We learned a lot about the forteresses and also about the Uzbek culture and the story of khoersm and Khiva It was a great experience and we really recommend it
Very nice tour
Olivia M,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Alles super. Sukhrab was a weii informed and perfect guest. Take plenty of water, Sunscreen and a hat with you.
Fantastic Daytrip from Khiva
Nathan J,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sukhrab was a phenomenal guide! He was extremely knowledgeable and patient with all my questions. The tour was very well-paced, and I really enjoyed getting to chat with Sukhrab during the longer drives from Khiva to the fortresses and back.
Great trip
Sophie Y,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time with Sukhrab who was responsive on WhatsApp in advance and arrived at our hotel on time. His car was clean and comfortable with good AC. Great English, easy to understand and he was happy to chat about all things Uzbekistan in addition to the fortresses. We highly recommend this!
Sukhrab was very...
Erwin M,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sukhrab was very knowledgeable on country region and history. Very pleasant trip with good vehicle and great driver. Even though very bad weather I enjoyed the sites a lot Thanks Sukhrab!
5 star Fortress Trip
Anna K,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing trip to 3 desert fortresses - excellent guide spoke very good English - great local knowledge and really engaging - 6 hour round trip in total - pick up from outside hotel in Khiva - could t fault at all
Excellent day! We recommend!
lesliedU4195GH,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most wonderful time exploring 3 old fortresses. Sukhrab was absolutely amazing. His english is super, he explains well and takes his time. He gave us amazing insight to the historia of the fortresses but also the history and current situation of his country in the super interesting conversations we had with him during the day. Private service. We highly recommend him if you want to go and check out some of the fortresses. He is also a very good and safe driver. 😊
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Operated by Khiva Fortress Adventures