Private Tour
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Visit some of the top attractions outside of Khiva on this day trip to Kyzyl Qala (“Red fortress” in Uzbek), Toprak Qala (“Sand” in Uzbek) and “must see” fort in the desert Ayaz Qala. After breakfast transfer to the Qala trip (“Fortress” in Uzbek) total drive 210 km. The ruins of over a dozen walled towns, palaces and forts, some well over 2000 years old, stand half-forgotten in the semi-desert east and north of Urgench in southern Karakalpakstan. The area’s traditionally name, Ellik Qala (the 50 fortresses) gives a stark indication of what lies beneath the desert sands. There are about 20 forts and you will visit three of the most impressive forts: Toprak Qala and Ayaz Qala.
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Total duration of the tour is 7 hours which includes driving from Khiva till Kyzyl Qala (less than an hour), from Kyzyl Qala till Toprak Qala (around 10 minutes), from Toprak Qala till Ayaz Qala (around 45 minutes), lunch break if needed and drive back to Khiva (1 hour 40 minutes).
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Entrance tickets to the monuments
Air-conditioned vehicle
English speaking tour guide with you for the day trip
Lunch
Gratuities
Select a pickup point
Kyzyl Kala
Kyzyl Qala (“Red fortress” in Uzbek)— located in modern Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan and it was an ancient fortress in Khorazm built in the 1st -4th centuries AD. Kyzyl Qala fortress buried in the desert for centuries before being discovered by Professor Tolstov in 1938.
Fortress Toprak Kala
Toprak Qala (“Sand” in Uzbek)— used to be the region’s biggest city (350 meters by 500 meters) until the destruction canals left it marooned in the desert sands. The Russian archaeologist Tolstov excavated the palace friezes in 1938 dating from the 2nd and 3rd century AD.
Pickup included
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
jamshidk2024,
Feb 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had a fantastic day visiting 8 or more fortresses. Just like being on another world. Went in January, so cold but was almost the only tourist at them all












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