Desert Fortress Tour from Khiva – Toprak Qala, Ayaz Qala & More

Your driver (and optional guide) will meet you at your hotel in Khiva. From there, you’ll head northeast into the Karakum Desert, where the ancient Khorezmian civilization once thrived.

Distance from Khiva: ~100 km
Your first stop is the impressive Toprak Qala, which means “Clay Fort” — an awe-inspiring citadel that once towered over the oasis of Khorezm.

• Built during the Kushan period (2nd–3rd century AD), it was likely a royal summer or winter residence, not a permanent capital.

• The ruins, still standing over 20 meters tall, offer a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient life.

• Used until the 6th century AD, the fort was briefly abandoned before squatters moved in — a fact confirmed by scattered pottery and wall remnants.

• It remained inhabited until the Mongol invasion in the 13th century.

Walk among the crumbling mud-brick halls and imagine what life was like nearly 2,000 years ago.

En route to Ayaz Qala, you’ll make a short stop at Qizil Qala, meaning “Red Fort.”

• Originally believed to be a military barracks, later excavations revealed lavishly decorated interiors, suggesting it housed a high-ranking Khorezmian noble.

• Though less massive than Toprak or Ayaz Qala, its structure and mystery make it an unforgettable stop.

Historians still debate its true function — was it a residence, fortress, or ceremonial site?

Located deep in the desert, Ayaz Qala is a group of three fortresses, dramatically positioned above the ancient irrigation networks of the Akcha Darya.

• Ayaz Qala 1: The largest and oldest, built in the 4th century BC, served as a defensive stronghold.

• Ayaz Qala 2: Located southwest of Qala 1, this feudal-era fort was constructed between the 6th–8th centuries AD, atop a conical hill.

• Ayaz Qala 3: A smaller enclosure possibly used for domestic or military purposes.

Climb the sandy slopes for panoramic desert views, and explore the sun-baked walls that have stood for over 2,000 years.

On your return to Khiva, visit the enigmatic Janbas Qala.

• The name means “side fortress”, referring to its puzzling location on a slope rather than a strategic high point.

• Built in the 4th century BC, it measures 200 x 170 meters with walls still reaching up to 20 meters high.

• Archaeologists continue to debate why such a large and well-fortified site was placed where it was.

It’s a must-see for those intrigued by ancient engineering and archaeological riddles.

After a full day of desert exploration, you’ll be driven back to Khiva, arriving in the late afternoon. Drop-off at your hotel or guesthouse.