Three Desert Fortresses near Khiva: Ayaz Kala Tour

Three separate fortresses from different eras, each built for a different purpose: one defensive, one royal, one residential.

A day trip from Khiva to three ancient fortresses: Ayaz Kala (a defensive complex from the 4th–7th century), Toprak Kala (a 1st–2nd century royal residence), and Kyzyl Kala (a 1st–4th century fortified dwelling), with stops at Aqcha Lake, a cotton field, and Shabbaz melon market for fresh produce tasting. The tour runs 6 to 7 hours with an English-speaking driver, entrance fees to all three fortresses, bottled water, and pickup from your location included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Fortresses and Local Agriculture

• Visit Ayaz Kala fortresses
• Tour Toprak Kala fortress
• See Kyzyl Kala fortress
• Stop at Aqcha Lake
• Pause at cotton fields
• Enjoy melon tasting at Shabbaz Market

The experience

The three fortresses sit scattered across the desert landscape outside Khiva, each one a different chapter of Khorezm's ancient history. Ayaz Kala is actually a group of three separate structures built between the 4th century BCE and the 7th century CE as part of the early Silk Road defense network. Toprak Kala, meaning "Earthen Fortress," served as a royal residence and administrative center around the 1st–2nd century, not just a military outpost. Kyzyl Kala, the "Red Fortress," takes its name from the reddish mud-brick walls and dates to the 1st–4th century, functioning as a fortified residence connected to Toprak Kala's complex.

The day breaks with a melon and watermelon tasting at Shabbaz market, where you'll sample the region's legendary produce: Khorezm melons are globally known for their sweetness and juiciness. On the drive out, the route passes through local cotton fields, and your driver will explain how cotton farming has shaped the economy and daily life of the oasis across generations. Aqcha Lake, one of Karakalpakstan's oldest bodies of water at 40 metres deep, sits on the itinerary as well. It once had three sections before the Amu Darya stopped feeding it, leaving two parts dried out.

An air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking driver handle the logistics throughout. Entrance fees to all three fortresses are included, as is bottled water. The driver speaks English at a communicative level and will assist with questions about the sites and the landscape. Pickup and drop-off happen directly from your location in Khiva.

What’s included

• Entrance fees to Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala, and Kyzyl Kala.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver.
• melon and watermelon tasting at Shabbaz market.
• cotton field stop with agricultural commentary.
• visit to Aqcha Lake.
• pickup and drop-off from your Khiva location.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 15:30

Book up to1h before

GroupUp to 3

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Old Street Travel Khiva

Is this one for you?The driver speaks English at a communicative level, so you'll follow the commentary about the fortresses and the region's agricultural history without a language barrier. The 6- to 7-hour timeframe fits a full morning and afternoon without eating into evening plans in Khiva.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What exactly is Ayaz Kala, and why are there three of them?

Ayaz Kala is a group of three separate ancient desert fortresses built between the 4th century BCE and the 7th century CE as part of the Khorezm civilization's defense network along early Silk Road routes. Each fortress sits as its own structure within the larger Ayaz Kala complex.

How deep is Aqcha Lake, and why is it smaller now than it used to be?

Aqcha Lake reaches 40 metres deep and is one of the oldest lakes in Karakalpakstan. It originally consisted of three parts, but when the Amu Darya river stopped supplying water to the region, two of those sections dried out completely.

What's the difference between Toprak Kala and Kyzyl Kala?

Toprak Kala, built around the 1st–2nd century CE, served as a royal residence and administrative center for Khorezmian rulers, whereas Kyzyl Kala (dating to the 1st–4th century) functioned as a fortified residence or defensive structure. Kyzyl Kala's mud-brick walls have a distinctive reddish color, which is where it gets its name.

How long does the whole day trip take?

The tour runs 6 to 7 hours total, including travel time between sites, time spent at each fortress, the melon tasting at Shabbaz market, and stops at the cotton fields and Aqcha Lake.

What's included in the price?

Entrance fees to all three fortresses, bottled water, air-conditioned transport, and pickup and drop-off from your location are all included. Your English-speaking driver is with you throughout.