A world heritage site and small city inside a fort that has everything within itself- a mosque, minar, mausoleum, market. Urgench is the nearest airport, an hour away from Khiva. Khiva also has a railway station connecting to Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent
Khiva provides a good view of what to expect ahead in grander sizes at Bukhara and Samarkand. It is an hour away from Urgench. We arranged for airport transfer through Islambek Travel since we were to arrive at midnight
It seemed like a festive fair when we first went in- The energy is infectious! There are many statues of travelers, camels near caravanserai that give a special feel to the silk route city. Special efforts have been taken to retain the historic feel of the city
The gorgeous minars were used to punish people during slave trade era by dropping them from the top
Within Itchan Kala (inner fort), it is entirely walkable. Vehicles are not allowed inside, so you can peacefully take a stroll. We highly recommend staying inside Itchan Kala, the fort so that you can walk inside during the night when lights are on
We stayed at Kala Khiva, homestay run by a passionate historian and his family. The terrace had a very good view of the overall city
Places to see in Khiva
- The entry gates across four sides: They are an attraction themselves!
- Juma Mosque: Mosque with hundreds of wooden pillars of different designs
- Pahlavon Masuoleum: Building with blue colored dome
- Toshkhovli Palace: Had good interior patterned design. You might be able to witness local women singing here
- Madrassas: Amin Inaq Madrasa, Alah Kuli Madrasa and many more
- Kalta minar: Half finished colorful minar
- The outer walls: Take a stroll on the outer border at night once the lights are on
