One more step for you to the history of 2 millenniums old fortresses
We provide pick-up services from the Airport, Train Station, or your hotel in both Khiva and Urgench to start our day trip. You have the flexibility to begin the trip at any time of day, although starting in the morning after breakfast or in the afternoon after lunch is recommended for this half-day excursion.
We can pick you up from Urgench Airport, Urgench / Khiva Train Station or your hotel both from Khiva or Urgench to start the Daytrip. You can start the Daytrip at any time of the day. It is recommended to start the trip in the morning after breakfast or in the afternoon after lunch while it is a half day trip. It takes about 90 minutes to drive from Khiva to the first fortress – Kizil Kala.
1) Kizil Kala was originally constructed in the Late Antique period, 1st to 4th centuries CE, but was abandoned and then rebuilt in the 12th-13th centuries on the eve of the Mongol invasions. There is some debate about how this fortress may have been used in ancient times, with some scholars proposing that it was a garrison barracks for troops, whilst others suggest it was an early example of the many fortified manor houses that were typical of Khorezm in the early medieval periods
Then followed by 2) Toprak Kala which is dated in the Kushan period 2nd and 3rd centuries CE and was the royal residence of the kings of the Khorezm.
After visiting 2 Fortresses our driver will stop at the shore of the Akchakul Lake for Lunch, Minimarket, toilet and etc.
3) After having break in Akchakul Lake it takes about 30 minutes to drive to the last and the best part of the Day – Ayaz Kala. It is the one of the most spectacular fortresses in the area. Being at the edge of the Kyzyl Kum dessert the fortresses served as border posts and lookout towers.
4) Kirkiz Kala is probably one of guest’s favorite castles of the Khorezm fortresses as it make guests feel like an archeologist in action. In the 7th and 8th century this was a pottery production centre and there are still pottery shards everywhere.The inside of the fortress is pretty big and you can have spent hours here looking for pottery shards with beautiful reliefs that are clearly manmade.
5) After all the large Khorezm fortresses, Koi Kirilgan Kala looks small but this is one of the more interesting ruins. Its design is unique in that it is a rounded citadel. The shape actually resembles the sun and archeologists believe this was an ancient Zoroastrian fire temple. Archeologosts found many statues of gods and goddeses, such as Anahita. The temple complex was probably connected with Toprak Kala as it was built in the same time.
6) Janbas Kala impresses guests by its tall and thick mud brick walls that still stand strong as well as its immense size. Construction already started in the 4th century BC making it one of the oldest of the Khorezm fortresses.Archeologists found arrow heads inside the fortress. They believe that a large battle took place at Janbas Kala around the first century after which the fortress was left abandoned.Janbas Kala actually has a rather unique design that made it more vulnerable to invasions. It is the only Khorezm fortress that had no defensive towers.
7) Guldursan Kala, near the town of Tortkul, was relatively new compared to the other Khorezm fortresses. It was only built in the 12th century and only served its purpose for a short time. Soon Guldursun Kala and many of the other Khorezm fortresses were occupied by Genghis Khan and the Mongols.Guldursan Kala is one of the largest Khorezm fortresses. Only the walls remain, but you nevertheless get a good feel of its large size. Archeological findings inside Guldursun Kala include coins and bronze items and indicate that this was also a place for religious ceremonies.