About Khiva
Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uzbekistan, is a beautifully preserved desert city that feels like an open-air museum. Enclosed within ancient walls, its Itchan Kala inner town is filled with stunning madrasahs, minarets, and mosques.
Major Attractions in Khiva
Itchan Kala
The entire old city of Khiva is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just wandering Itchan Kala is the #1 thing to do!
Itchan Kala
Kalta Minor Minaret
The iconic short, fat turquoise minaret you see in every Khiva photo. Covered in beautiful blue-green tiles — a Khiva symbol.
Kalta Minor Minaret
Kunya-Ark Fortress
The original royal fortress of the Khans of Khiva .Climb the watchtower for a great view over the city walls and old town rooftops.
Kunya-Ark Fortress
Islam Khodja Minaret & Madrassa
Climb its narrow spiral staircase for a breathtaking panoramic view of the maze-like streets and minarets below.
Islam Khodja Minaret & Madrassa
Tash Khauli Palace
The “Stone Palace”, built in the 19th century as the lavish residence for Khiva’s khans. Don’t miss the audience hall with its beautiful open iwan.
Tash Khauli Palace
Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum
The most sacred site in Khiva — the richly tiled tomb of Pahlavon Mahmud, a local poet, philosopher, wrestler, and city patron.
Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum
City Gates & Walls
The huge mudbrick walls encircling Itchan Kala are an attraction themselves.
Walk along the base or climb up in spots for sunrise or sunset views.
City Gates & Walls
Craft Workshops & Rooftops
Khiva is full of small artisan shops where you can see woodcarvers, tile makers, carpet weavers at work.
Craft Workshops & Rooftops
Adventure and Activities in Khiva
Climb Ancient Minarets
Islam Khodja Minaret: The tallest in Khiva — climb its narrow staircase for a 360° view over the old city’s minarets and desert skyline.
Climb Ancient Minarets
Walk the Fortress Walls
Khiva’s Itchan Kala walls are some of the best preserved in Central Asia. Great for families or travelers who love hidden corners.
Walk the Fortress Walls
Stargazing
Some guesthouses and rooftop cafes offer nighttime tea or stargazing sessions — the silhouette of minarets under a starry sky is unforgettable.
Stargazing
Camel Rides
Just outside Khiva, local operators arrange short camel rides in the surrounding desert — fun for families or a sunset photo shoot.
Camel Rides
Day Trip to Elliq-Qala Desert Fortresses
“Elliq-Qala” means “50 Fortresses” — an ancient complex of ruined desert citadels in Karakalpakstan, ~1–2 hours from Khiva.
Day Trip to Elliq-Qala Desert Fortresses
Cycling around the Old Town & Oasis
While cycling inside Itchan Kala is tricky due to narrow cobbled lanes, some travelers rent a bike to explore Khiva’s oasis surroundings.
Cycling around the Old Town & Oasis
Cooking Classes
Learn to make Khorezm region specialties like shivit oshi (green noodle dish flavored with dill) or local samsa.
Cooking Classes
Most popular hotels in Khiva
Orient Star Khiva
Orient Star Khiva
Hotel Farovon Khiva
Hotel Farovon Khiva
