Private Daytrip to 3 Ancient Fortresses of Khorezm

Toprak Kala is dated in the Kushan period, around the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE and was the royal residence of the kings of the Khorezm. The place, having first served as a Royal sanctuary, was briefly abandoned in the early 4th century and then after some restorations, was used as an administrative citadel for the city.

Ayaz Kala is the one of the most spectacular fortresses in the area. There are in fact, not one but three fortresses clustered together on and around a prominent hill at the Eastern end of the Sultan-Uiz-dahg range. The fortress provided defense against nomad raids. A gravel road leads up to a small cluster of Yurts, a tourist rest center overlooking a shallow but picturesque lake. It was probable founded in the Afrighid period, sometime around the 7th to 8th Centuries CE… There is a lake – Akchakul Lake between Toprak and Ayaz Kala. There are also Yurt camps and restaurants next to the lake where you can enjoy local meals and drinks. In summer time it is possible to enjoy swimming and sand bath in Akchakul Lake.

turies 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 After visiting all seven fortresses, it is about 90 minutes to drive back to Khiva. Your driver may drop you off in Urgench Airport, Urgench or Khiva Train Station or in your hotel both in Khiva or Urgench at the end of the trip