Uzbekistan · DESERT FORTRESS TOURS
Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala and the rest sit in open desert between Bukhara and Khiva, which is why the best version of this is a transfer that stops. The 14 below cover both shapes — day trip and moving day — with prices, driving hours and how many fortresses each actually enters.
Private Bukhara to Khiva transfer through Toprakkala, Kizilkala and Ayazkala fortresses, plus desert views, hotel pickup, 9 hours.
“We had such a wonderful tour! All the places we visited were still beautifully preserved and allowed us to imagine what life was like in the past. Our driver was very friendly and kind, and thanks to him, we were able to enjoy the tour safely and comfortably.”
Half-day desert fortresses from Khiva in an AC car with an English guide: Ayaz Kala, Kyzyl Kala, Toprak Kala, and Akchakol Lake.
“Sarvar was excellent. Friendly, professional, knowledgeable and engaging. The trip to Ayazkala, Toproqkala and Kyzlkala was memorable. Sarvar gave us insightful historical backgrounds and we learnt about the general culture. The journey was comfortable and Sarvar drove very well. I highly recommend Sarvar. 100% 10 out of 10”
Private 6-hour daytrip from Khiva to Ayaz-Kala, Tuprak-Kala, and Kyzyl-Kala in Karakalpakstan, with hotel pickup and A/C transport.
“The trip was so much fun! Our guide Islam was very friendly and speaks good English! He explained a lot of things for us and was flexible for specific wishes :) we can only recommend this tour as you see a lot of the uzbek culture and history! Thank you a lot”
Small-group fortress tour from Khiva to Toprakkala, Kizilkala, and Ayazkala, with A/C transport and a driver for a deep oasis feel.
“It was fun but we have no clue on the history behind each fortress and we're only provided with a driver and no guide”
Guided trip from Khiva to three desert fortresses, with English guide, hilltop views, and photo stops, plus a somsa snack on the way back.
“Sukhrab speaks excellent English with very little accent and is a Khiva native so was able to explain living in Khiva and its customs as well as the history of the fortresses. The car trip (about 2 hrs each way) to the fortresses was comfortable, with airconditioning. The outside temperature was 34 degrees but felt like 28 because there was a brisk wind. Activity is moderate exertion rather than low exertion, but we managed it quite easily despite one of us having a normal fitness level of only 5 km walk on flat ground. Sukhrab took it at our pace, and if a short rest was needed, he would tell…”
Private 9-hour road trip from Khiva or Urgench to 7 Khorezm fortresses, with hotel pickup, audio materials, and a river-food stop.
“We booked a private tour to see all of the Kalas. The tour was good. We ended up with another group travelling in a separate car but with the same guide. This wasn't really what we booked and meant we didnt have the amount of time Read more”
Private Khiva to Bukhara transfer via Toprakkala, Kizilkala, Ayazkala fortresses, with A/C, lunch stop, and desert road scenery.
“Local melon we ate at a local fruit market we stopped by was the best in our life.”
Five ancient Khorezm fortresses from Khiva in 7 hours, with private A/C transport, multiple photo stops, and a chance to see Karakalpakstan’s scale.
“It was great. The personal driver was very friendly, funny and accommodating. He stopped where we wanted. He got us from point a to b very quickly. He did his best to communicate in English which was great. The forts were beautiful and cool. Its remarkable they have survived for this long.”
Private transfer from Khiva to Bukhara with fortress stops across ancient Khorezm, guided by an audio system and hotel pickup.
“A great trip. Good communication with the tour company and everything was as expected. Highly recommend.”
Private, air-conditioned Bukhara to Khiva transfer with hotel pickup, bottled water, and planned stops at ancient fortresses.
“We visit uzbekistan from China.The driver is very nice , he got some cotton from the farmland for us, and shared naan with us. Our car is new and cool . He drove fast and smooth.”
Two days from Samarkand to the Kyzylkum Desert, a yurt night, camel ride, and Aydarkul Lake time, ending in Bukhara.
“L’attività si è svolta come da programma, con l’aggiunta di due soste al ritorno per vedere un antico caravanserraglio e cisterna e un laboratorio di ceramica. Molto suggestiva l’esperienza in yurta e i paesaggi del lago Aydar e del deserto del Kyzulkum. Il campo è molto semplice, ma come ce lo aspettavamo e con tutti i servizi. Abbiamo anche avuto la yurta tutta per noi. Unica pecca, il nostro autista, se pur molto gentile, non parlava inglese e comunicare anche solo per capire tempistiche e orari è stato un po’ complesso.”
A private, half-day style fortress loop from Khiva to Toprak Kala, Kyzyl Kala, and Ayaz Kala, with desert river views.
“Tour and trip didn't happen. Tour operator didn't turn up. Trying to claim refund. Almost impossible.”
Small-group private tour from Khiva to Kyzyl Kala, Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala, then yurt camp, Akcha Lake, camel milk.
“Nous avons passé une super journée avec Sukhrab. En plus des forteresses il nous a emmené manger du Plov dans un restaurant spécialisé apparement apprécié par les locaux et est resté avec nous autant de temps qu'il nous fallait. Encore merci à lui !!”
![A Night In The Kyzylkum Desert [2] From Khiva - Overnight by Ayaz-Kala: stars, desert routines, and that wide quiet](https://i.uzbekistanadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/a-night-in-the-kyzylkum-desert-2-from-khiva.jpg)
2-day private tour from Khiva to Chilpiq Qala, Nukus Savitsky Museum, Muynak Aral Sea sites, and a Kyzylkum desert yurt night.
“This experience is such an adventure. I always wanted to see the Aral Sea, which is a modern tragedy but also reminder of our action, and also the Yurt’s lifestyle of the real nomadic people of Central Asia. This tour had given me both and so Read more”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
