• Fortress Toprak Kala - The ancient settlement of Toprak-Kala stands as a remarkable cultural monument of Khorezm from the 1st to the 6th centuries A.D. It served as the capital of Khorezm in the 3rd century A.D. The site was uncovered by the Khorezm expedition led by S.P. Tolstov in 1938. The city was designed as a perfect rectangle. The governor’s palace, a massive castle with three towers, was situated in the northwest corner. The fire temple was located southeast of the castle. A long street, dividing the city into two parts, extended southward from the fire temple. Lanes branching off from this street separated large residential blocks, forming the capital of late slave-owning Khorezm.
• Ayaz-Kala - Ayaz Kala is a fortress dating back to the end of the 4th or the beginning of the 3rd century BCE. During this period, Khorezm gained independence from Persia. Ayaz Kala 1 was part of a network of fortresses protecting agricultural settlements from nomadic attacks. The fortress is perched atop a hill, approximately 100 meters (330 feet) high, offering expansive views of the surrounding plains. It has a rectangular layout with sides measuring 182 and 152 meters (597 and 499 feet) in length. The main axis runs from south to north.

At the southern end of the axis is a square gateway, a common feature of Khorezm’s frontier fortresses. The approach of enemies runs parallel to the southeast walls, making invaders vulnerable to attacks from above. A large gateway, defended by two rectangular towers, leads into a small rectangular chamber. This chamber is overlooked by high walls on all sides, allowing archers to shoot at the enemy if the first gate is breached.

• Kyzyl Kala - The Kyzyl-Kala fortress is situated in the territory of Ancient Khorezm (modern Karakalpakstan), near the ancient town of Toprak-Kala. Kyzyl-Kala represents the final stage of antique Khorezm architectural history and can be seen as a prototype of Afrigid period castles, characterized by massive columns. This site was discovered during a Khorezm expedition led by S.P. Tolstov in 1938. The primary study of the fortress was conducted by the expedition team. The fortress is relatively small and almost square in shape. Research on the foundation and structural ruins revealed that the fortress was surrounded by a double vallum, with watchtowers at each corner. A main street in the center of the settlement led to a fire-worshippers’ temple where Zoroastrian priests performed their sacred rites. The residential area of the city was divided by a street into several sections, each containing multiple rooms.

• Private transportation
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Audio-Guide provided
• Driver takes you to locations
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Personal Expenses
• Fortress Toprak Kala Entrance Fee - around 2 USD/person

The journey links Khiva and Bukhara, passing by the fascinating ancient fortresses of Khorezm - Ayazkala, Toprak kala, and Kyzylkala. These fortresses served as royal residences during the Khorezm Khanate in the 4th-3rd centuries BC. The total travel time from Khiva to Bukhara is approximately 8 hours. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore the local lifestyle, culture, and way of life in the Kyzylkum desert of Central Asia.

• The total duration includes the travel time.
• The youngest age we can accommodate is 10 years old.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.