Khiva

Located in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan, Khiva is a living museum and one of Central Asia’s best-preserved Silk Road cities. Its walled town, Itchan Kala, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walking through its gates feels like entering another era.

Khiva is a visual feast of minarets, domed mosques, and intricately carved wooden doors. The Kalta Minor Minaret, with its brilliant turquoise tiles, is an iconic landmark. Although it was never completed, its striking beauty remains unforgettable.

The city’s tranquillity makes it a wonderful place to explore at your own pace. Climb the ancient watchtower of the Kunya-Ark for sweeping views of the desert and the town’s maze-like layout. Visit the ornate Tash Hauli Palace, with its richly decorated harem courtyard, or the Djuma Mosque, famed for its forest of carved wooden columns, some of which date back to the 10th century.

Khiva is not just about history, it’s alive with artisans crafting traditional silk, pottery, and embroidery. You can enjoy the warm friendliness of the locals and try a plate of shivit oshi, a unique green noodle dish that’s a local speciality.

Khoresman Desert Fortresses

Discover the ancient wonders of Uzbekistan's fortresses: Kyzyl Kala, Toprak Kala, and Ayaz Kala. Each site has its own unique history, offering a glimpse into the rich cultures and civilisations that once thrived along the Silk Road.

Ayaz-Kala

Ayaz Kala is an archaeological site dating from the 4th century BC to the 7th century AD. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Kyzylkum Desert, it comprises three ancient Khorezm fortresses. These fortifications, part of a network along the desert's edge, were built to defend against raids by nomads and the Saka from the Syr Darya delta.

One of the fortresses was constructed in the 2nd century AD under the Kushan Empire as part of a chain of border defences. Today, the site includes the eroded remains of defensive walls and several residential structures, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Kyzyl-Kala

Kyzyl-Kala, or Red Fortress, was built between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. Located about 1 km west of Toprak-Kala, it likely served as a defensive outpost for the larger site. The fortress was restored in the 12th century and more recently renovated to illustrate its original appearance.

Part of the "Fifty Fortresses Oasis," Kyzyl-Kala was last occupied by Muhammad II of Khwarazm, ruler of the Khwarazmian Empire (1169–1220) before it fell during the Mongol conquest of Khwarazmia.

Toprak-Kala

Toprak-Kala, was an ancient palace city and the capital of Chorasmia in the 2nd-3rd century AD. The site, part of the "Fifty Fortresses Oasis," dates from the 1st to the 5th century AD and is believed to have been founded by Artav, a Khwarazmian ruler, after the abandonment of Akchakhan-Kala. Excavated in 1938, the city revealed wall paintings, archives, and coins from the Kushan rulers Vima Kadphises and Kanishka, as well as local kings, showing periods of Kushan influence. Toprak-Kala showcases a blend of local and external cultural influences, reflecting its role as a key centre during a dynamic historical period.