2024 Khiva Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

7 days itinerary in Uzbekistan

#myitinerary I recently went in Uzbekistan with my boyfriend and stayed 8 days. Here following the results of many months of researches, I hope it can be helpful: Day 1 - 2 Samarkand - Amir timur mausoleum - Registan square with its 3 madrasah, i suggest you to visit it after 5-6 PM for the sunset - Bibi khanym mosque - Syoob bazar - Hazrat mosque - Shah-I-zinda mausoleum In my opinion, the most beautiful one it is Shah-I-zinda mausoleum and the Registan is just breathtaking. *The names of the attractions could be a bit different due to differences of translation from the Cyrillic to Roman letters. If you have time you could visit also: - Tomb of Daniel - Ulubek observatory - Paper making factory - Pottery factory Day 3 Tashkent - Subway stations, they were mostly built during the Soviet time and you can feel it. All stops are decorated differently, the oldest ones and the most beautiful ones are on the red and blue lines. My favorite subway stations were: alisher navoi and kosmonatvlar - Eat Plov at Besh Qozon under the Tashkent Television Tower, you won’t regret it! - Chorsu bazar 🚂 🌜night train from Tashkent to Khiva - around 16-17 hours Day 4 Khiva The old city of Khiva is called Ichan Kala and is quite small and walkable. I suggest you to book your stay inside the city or just out of city walls. - Khuna ark - City wall - Tash kauli palace - Pahlavan Mahmoud mausoleum - Islam khodja minaret - Juma mosque FYI there’s one cumulative ticket for almost all museums and palaces/mosques in Ichan Kala. The price is 200k som. We had dinner at Old Terrassa, the food was amazing and the view very good. From the restaurant Terrassa, which is probably 100 meters more central than old Terrassa the view is very great! I recommend to book in advance the table outside. Day 5 - 6 Bukhara - Kalon minaret by night - Chor minor - Ulugh beh & abdulaziz khan madrassa - Ark of Bukhara - Bolo- Hausa mosque I recommend to eat in Old Bukhara restaurant, good food and environment. Day 7 Nurata - desert - swim in the Aydarl lake - stay in a local yurt or guesthouse The last day of activities we decided to go to Nurota and have a tour in desert and see the Ayrdal Lake, because in the whole trip it missed a bit of nature for us. We organized the whole trip with a tour guide, that came to Bukhara to pick us up and drove us in the desert and to lake. The lake is immense and clean. We arrived there in the north part in the afternoon, we swam one hour and head back to Samarkand for our next day flight. #mytravelhacks #localguides #historicallandmarks #trip #uzbekistan #mosquemarvels #samarkand #Tashkent #bukhara #khiva

Khiva: The Enchanting Oasis of Uzbekistan

Khiva, nestled in the heart of Uzbekistan's Khorezm region, is a mesmerizing city that offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Silk Road. Known for its stunning architecture and well-preserved monuments, Khiva is often referred to as a living museum. This ancient oasis captivates visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance. Getting There: Khiva is easily accessible by train or bus from major cities like Tashkent and Samarkand. The journey offers scenic views of the surrounding desert landscape, making it a pleasant trip for travelers. 📍Address:Khiva, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 💰Average Price per Person: Traveling in Khiva is budget-friendly. Accommodation options range from affordable guesthouses starting at around $15 per night to mid-range hotels costing between $30 to $70. Local restaurants serve delicious Uzbek cuisine, with meals typically costing between $3 to $10. Entry fees for major attractions are generally low, with many sites in the historic Ichan Kala area free to explore or charging nominal fees (around $2 to $5). 💞Reasons to Recommend: 1. Ichan Kala: The historic inner city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with stunning mosques, madrasas, and palaces. 2. Architectural Marvels: Key landmarks include the Kalta Minor Minaret, famous for its vibrant turquoise tiles, and the Islam Khoja Minaret, which offers breathtaking views of the city. 3. Cultural Experience: Khiva's rich history as a Silk Road trading post provides visitors with unique cultural insights and experiences. 4. Local Handicrafts: Explore local bazaars where artisans sell traditional crafts, textiles, and ceramics. 😏 Curiosities About Khiva - Khiva is over 2,500 years old and has a wealth of legends associated with its founding. - The city is renowned for its unique clay architecture and intricate tile work that adorns many buildings. - Khiva was declared the Tourism Capital of the Islamic World for 2024 by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. 💡 Tips or Advices: - Visit during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. - Take your time exploring Ichan Kala; wandering through its narrow streets reveals hidden gems and stunning architecture. - Engage with local residents; their hospitality and stories enhance the experience of visiting this historic city. Conclusion Khiva stands as a testament to Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage and historical significance along the Silk Road. As you explore this enchanting oasis, take time to appreciate its unique charm and contribute to preserving its legacy for future generations. With its affordable travel options and captivating sights, Khiva is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in Central Asia's history. #internationaltravel #khiva #uzbekistan #travel #trip

8-Day Uzbekistan Tour: A Must-Visit in Fall!

Hey, travel lovers! Want to explore the mysterious Uzbekistan? Here's a super practical 8-day travel guide for you. Save it now! -------- 🛣️Route Suggestions: DAY 1: Independence Square -> Amir Temur Square Start your first day at Independence Square to experience the rich history of Uzbekistan, then head to Amir Temur Square to admire the unique architecture. DAY 2: Kalta Minor Minaret On the second day, visit Kalta Minor Minaret to appreciate the fusion of ancient religious culture and architectural art. DAY 3: Khiva🚌Bukhara Take a 7-hour drive covering 395 km from Khiva to Bukhara, enjoying the magnificent scenery of Uzbekistan along the way. DAY 4: Ark Fortress On the fourth day, arrive at Ark Fortress to explore the mystery and legend of this ancient fortress. DAY 5: Bukhara Exploration Tour - High-Speed Train or Car - Samarkand After an in-depth tour of Bukhara, take a high-speed train or car to Samarkand for the next exciting journey. DAY 6: Ulugh Beg Observatory On the sixth day, visit Ulugh Beg Observatory to experience the charm and wisdom of ancient astronomy. DAY 7: Samarkand🚌Tashkent Depart from Samarkand and take a bus to Tashkent to experience the different urban styles. DAY 8: Tashkent✈️Chengdu On the last day, end your pleasant journey in Tashkent and fly back to Chengdu with lots of memories and gains. -------- Some Tips: 🌟 2-hour time difference with China, adjust easily for a fun trip! 🛍️ Affordable local specialties, get a bag of goodies for around 2,000 som! 💵 1 som is about 0.0006 RMB, great exchange rate! 💡 Be polite and friendly, locals are hospitable, immerse yourself in the local culture! 🚖 Taxis are super cheap, explore the city effortlessly! 🕌 When visiting temples, women should prepare a headscarf! 🌞 Winter sun is strong, sunglasses are a must! 🌡️ Big temperature difference between day and night, remember to bring a thick coat to keep warm! -------- That's it for the Uzbekistan tour! Don't forget to follow me for more exciting journeys to discover🌍✨

The entrance to our hotel

Uzbekistan | Khiva, the ancient city of Khwarazm.

Take a 13:37-hour green train from Tashkent, cross the desolate desert, and you will arrive at the ancient city of Khiva. As one of the world heritage sites in Uzbekistan, the ancient city of Khiva has 51 ancient monuments and 250 residences, including palaces, mosques, temples, minarets, seminaries, tombs, markets, and baths. It is difficult to distinguish these buildings without a map. At the entrance of the Amir Tula Seminary, I saw a stone tablet with the words "China Government Aid Uzbekistan Khwarazm State Historical and Cultural Heritage Restoration Project". "I am willing to give a belt of gold, just to see Khiva", this ancient proverb is still working its magic today.

Central Asia 6 countries - Khiva, Uzbekistan.

Khiva Ancient City Kniva Fortress 👉Khiva: Listed as a World Cultural Heritage in 1999, it was once the capital of the Khwarazm Empire and produced famous horses. At that time, Genghis Khan wanted to buy horses, so he sent envoys from the Central Plains to Khiva to buy horses, but they were killed by the Khwarazm people. Later, Genghis Khan was furious and directly led his troops to destroy the city, and cut off the king's head and inserted it into the ground. The ruins of Khiva have been preserved since the 13th century. "Kniva" originally meant "sweet water". 2500 years ago, nomads came here to find water, and they found sweet water and shouted Khiva, hence the name. The world's first globe was drawn here, three meters long, and "Sophia" developed here. 👉Theological Seminary: 17-year-old Islamic students come here to study natural science and religious knowledge. This building has 100 rooms. After four years of study, students will graduate after passing the exam. If they fail to answer the principal's questions, they will have to study for another four years! This building has a ventilation design, which can be 12 degrees cooler than the outside world. In Islam, blue represents peace, and the architectural patterns are mainly based on flowers and plants.

kalta Monor #khiva #Uzbekistan

Discovering Khiva, the old town of Itchan Khala

#myhiddengems Khiva is a lovely city in a valley on the edge of the deserts Karakum and Kyzylkum not far from the border with Turkmenistan. The old city of Itchan Khala is a lively little town enclosed by walls, walking around the old town and discovering the main attractions is entertaining and interesting, they sell 1 ticket to visit all the attractions. If possible book a hotel inside the old town to better experience it and to move smoothly around as many taxis don’t easily enter the old town. The colors of this town are bright and vibrant. The city is full of little bazars and markets where you can buy cheap ceramics, silk fabrics or carpets. Don’t forget to try their traditional bread and to have a romantic dinner on the top of one of the many terraces in this town. #historicallandmarks #khiva #goodfoods #instatravel #trip

Khiva: A Scene Straight Out of a Movie

Most travelers to Uzbekistan visit four main cities, but Khiva is the only one without a high-speed rail connection. To get there, you either have to fly or take a regular train. My trip to Uzbekistan was a spur-of-the-moment decision, and by then, all the plane tickets were sold out, so I took an overnight sleeper train to Khiva. The train station is a 20-minute walk from the old city. Since there are no taxi apps available in this city, you have to hail a cab, and like in all tourist cities, the drivers tend to charge higher fares. I arrived in Khiva's old city early in the morning before most tourists had arrived, so I was lucky to capture photos of the nearly empty ancient city. Although I knew it had been renovated, the restoration was beautifully done. Walking through the old city felt like being in a movie scene, with myself as one of the characters. The city's predominant earthy tones and its remote location made it feel like an ancient city in the middle of a desert. While you can explore the entire old city in half a day, there are so many unique items for sale that taking your time to stroll and browse is very enjoyable. Initially, I suspected that some of the souvenirs were mass-produced, but I saw artisans painting and embroidering items on the spot to prove they were handmade. Many tourists buy clothes to take photos because the designs perfectly match the scenery. By the afternoon, I noticed that almost the entire old city was filled with souvenir vendors, but the unique items they sold were not annoying at all. The food in Uzbekistan is quite similar across the country. My favorite is grilled lamb, which is delicious and affordable at any restaurant. It's worth mentioning that I visited during Ramadan. Initially, I was worried, but after reading online that Uzbekistan is a relatively secular country, I felt reassured. Since I mostly dined at tourist spots, Ramadan had no impact on my trip. Khiva is divided into the inner and outer old city. Most tour groups stay outside the old city, but I stayed at a guesthouse inside. From the guesthouse's rooftop, you can see the city walls, the entire old city, and the sunrise and sunset. You can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the view. Uzbekistan is very safe, so there's no need to worry. Most places are very clean, with restrooms and handwashing facilities readily available. The overall experience was excellent. Most people in the tourism industry speak basic English, and if not, you can use Google Translate or hand gestures to communicate.

Ancient Splendor: Ichan Kala, a Khiva Masterpiece

#grouptravel Exploring Ichan Kala, the Old City of Khiva, Uzbekistan, was like entering a medieval time capsule. The ancient walls and fortifications transported me to a bygone era, filled with vibrant history and culture. The intricate architecture, majestic madrasahs, and bustling bazaars showcased the city's rich heritage. Every corner revealed a new story, every monument a testament to the city's enduring spirit. Ichan Kala is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the authentic essence of Central Asia's storied past.

Khiva,Bukhara -Uzbekistan

It’s was an amazing experience and trip for us. These two cities full of beautiful sights and old history plus great food. The people there are so friendly and welcoming to the foreigners, although they are an Islamic country but they are so open and they serve alcohol in all the restaurants. We definitely recommend our friends to visit Uzbekistan.

Kalta Minor Minaret

Visiting the Kalta Minor Minaret in Khiva, Uzbekistan, was a magical historical experience. The tower, characterized by its unique design and beautiful decorations adorned with blue and green tiles, is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Although incomplete, it offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient architectural traditions. Wandering around the minaret provided me with the opportunity to discover more about the rich history and culture of Khiva. Enjoy the old atmosphere of the city with its traditional shops and bazaars surrounding the minaret, as well as its narrow streets. Visiting the Kalta Minor tower was a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient Uzbek heritage, leaving a deep impression of the region's beauty and history.

Khiva, the city that money can't buy, almost fulfills all your imaginations about a Silk Road caravanserai

📆 Itinerary: You can basically finish touring the ancient city in 4️⃣ hours without entering indoor attractions, and no ticket is required. A ticket for 150000 allows you to enter all the attractions except for the 57-meter Minaret and the Mausoleum of Mahmud (including the museum) within 48 hours. There are about 15 spots on the ticket, and if you visit each one, it would take a whole day. 🚗 Transportation Tips: 1. Train🚄: Take the overnight train from Tashkent to Khiva station, arriving around 7 am. The station is just 1.8 kilometers from the ancient city of Khiva, a 20-30 minute walk or a 5-dollar taxi ride. 2. Plane✈️: Fly from Tashkent to Urgench, Uzbekistan Airways allows one piece of checked luggage, with 1-2 flights per day, and the flight time is 1 hour and 10 minutes. The airport is about 36 kilometers from Khiva, and the price for a car is 15-20 dollars. 🌟 Highlights of the Trip: As an important stop on the Silk Road, the entire city is a UNESCO🇺🇳 World Cultural Heritage site. It's not overly commercialized yet, and there are fewer tourists, so it's best to visit sooner rather than later. ❤ Recommended Reason: It's suggested to stay for one night, as the ancient city is too beautiful at sunset and night! The feeling with the lights on is really different, and some say it's like Kashgar, but it's incomparable. You can understand the proverb 'Willing to give a bag of gold just for a glimpse of Khiva'. Moreover, this year Khiva is also the capital of the MSL world (as said by locals, MSL countries select a city to be the capital in turns each year). 💰 Average Cost: Now in the off-season of winter, accommodation inside and outside the ancient city is about 25—45💲 a night, including breakfast. Locals say the price is 3-5 times higher during the peak season from March to November. Many restaurants are closed in the off-season, with only 2-3 open inside the ancient city, and the average meal costs about 100 per person. It's slightly cheaper outside the ancient city. 📌 Little Tips: 1️⃣ During the off-season, attractions are open from 9 am to 5 pm, with the last entry at 4:30 pm. Now in winter, the sunset is around 6:30 pm, so it's not possible to watch from the city walls, but you can enjoy it from the terraces of restaurants and hotels in the ancient city. 2️⃣ UnionPay is not accepted, so prepare cash and chip cards like Visa and Mastercard. There are ATMs at the airport and inside and outside the ancient city. 3️⃣ There is a significant temperature difference between day and night throughout the year, so bring short sleeves, down jackets, and large scarves (women must cover their heads when entering mosques). 4️⃣ The weather is dry, so bring the most moisturizing lip balm, hand cream, and face cream. The rooms have underfloor heating, and it can get so warm at night that you might sweat.

🇺🇿Uzbekistan | The most perfect ancient city in Central Asia - Khiva

On this trip to Uzbekistan, I visited the capital Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva in the order of travel. Among them, Khiva is the best-preserved ancient city. It not only preserves various exotic dwellings, mosques, scripture schools, minarets, military facilities, and beautiful palaces and other historical buildings, but also Ukrainian It is the only complete city wall among several ancient cities. 📷 Khiva, with a history of more than 2,000 years, is the first Central Asian ancient city in Uzbekistan to be listed as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO. ancient city of Central Asia. 🚶🏻 The ancient city of Khiva is relatively small, and you can walk around every corner of the city wall. There are a total of 16 historical buildings in the ancient city that can be visited by buying tickets. After buying a 24-hour pass at the ticket office at the main entrance of the scenic spot, use the pass to enter 15 of the buildings to watch the exhibition. 🎫 Among them, Mausaleum Paxlavan Makhmud, the mausoleum of Iranian poet Palevan Mahmud, requires an additional fee. In addition to being a place of pilgrimage for locals, the mausoleum can even see many newlyweds taking wedding photos and wedding celebration videos in the mausoleum. 🕌️ The ancient city is more like a large open-air museum full of life, and each historical building has different themed exhibitions. Including nature, history, geography, architecture, humanities, medicine and other aspects. It is therefore highly recommended to spend a full day exploring. In addition, Khiva Khan's palace, Nurullaboy Palace, is located outside the ancient city and can be reached on foot. This wonderful palace combines Asian and European decorative art styles, and it is also worth visiting. 📷 The most important thing is not to miss the beautiful scenery of Khiva at sunset. In the evening, after the bustling crowds have dispersed, the small vendors on the roadside have withdrawn their stalls, put on headphones and listen to the music of the Western Regions, and walk on the deserted path. It seems to have traveled back to the ancient Silk Road ancient city with prosperous commerce and trade. 🐫 Traffic strategy ✈️ Fly to Urgench Airport You can take the train to either Urgench or Khiva station Khiva cannot use yandex to take a taxi. It is recommended to contact the hotel in advance to charter a car or pick up the airport. Scenic spot opening hours⏱️ The ancient city gate is open all day Opening hours of museums and palaces: 9:00-18:00 Restaurant recommendation 🍴 There are many restaurants and cafes in the ancient city of Khiva. Among them, the terrace of Terrassa Cafe & Restaurant can see Kalta Minor, the symbol of Khiva. It is the restaurant with the best view in the ancient city. It is recommended to watch the sunset on the terrace in the evening. Day meal. Accommodation recommendation 🏨 Arkanchi Hotel in the ancient city New Star Khiva Hotel outside the ancient city Both of these hotels were converted from academies hundreds of years ago, and staying in them is a memorable experience. Among them, the minaret in the New Star courtyard can be climbed for free, which is a good place to overlook the panoramic view of Khiva.

Historical Khiva

It was amazing I felt in history #Khiva #TravelKhiva #uzbekistan #samarkand #2023TravelWish

Uzbek Shiva has a high point overlooking the city, just on the terrace of Citadel Kunya-ark, where the sunset is perfect. How many empires have been here for you to fight for, and ultimately everything is due to silence, and the old city has experienced the vicissitudes of the years, just like the travellers who travel through time and space, used to watch the sunset

Passing through the archway, as the crowd enters an alley on the left side of the wall, it is placed in a lively market. Watching the locals travel to and from the middle of the booth, there is a sense of passing through: Is the small city of Shiva before the millennium such a scene? With a crisp scream, the reverie of the old time came to an abrupt end. Looking up, an exotic cylindrical tower stands in front of you. The tower is covered with glazed tiles of blue, green and green. In the sun, it shines brightly, just like telling its past glory.