Views of old Khiva
Tours and sights of Khiva, Uzbekistan
Khiva
Khiva is located in the west of the Khorezm Region, near the border with the Kyzylkum Desert. The city stands at roughly 100 meters above sea level and historically developed along the region's irrigation channels; local water is supplied, among other sources, by the Palvan Canal. The nearest major transport hub - Urgench - is usually reached by car in about half an hour from the walls of the old centre.
Khiva is known as a historic city: its medieval core preserves a dense street layout, defensive walls and architectural monuments connected with the history of Khorezm. The settlement has existed since ancient times on the banks of irrigation canals and at various points in its history was an important political and cultural centre.
For visitors Khiva mainly attracts those interested in cultural and historical tourism - walking through the old town, viewing architecture and museum exhibits. The city also caters to family and educational trips, photography tours and themed craft excursions. From Khiva it is convenient to organise active outings into the surroundings, including short jeep tours into the Kyzylkum and visits to nearby rural settlements.
Tourist infrastructure is concentrated in the historic core and the suburban area: the main monuments and museum displays are located inside Itchan Kala, while hotels, transport services and vehicle rental points are found outside its walls. Arrival via Urgench Airport makes Khiva accessible both as a standalone destination and as part of a route through Khorezm.
The climate around Khiva is continental and dry - summers are often hot, winters cool and dry. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when temperatures are more comfortable for walking tours and sightseeing.
Khiva - a historic city with Itchan Kala, a preserved urban fortress and an ensemble of traditional Khorezm architecture inscribed on the World Heritage list.
Khiva - Itchan Kala
Itchan Kala is the fortified historic core of Khiva and the city's main tourist zone, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Within its walls stand minarets, madrasahs, palaces and mausoleums, forming a compact ensemble of traditional architecture built from fired and sun-dried brick. Narrow streets in Itchan Kala retain a layout that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Key monuments inside Itchan Kala include tall minarets and madrasahs with distinctive ornamental plasterwork and ceramic tile cladding. Prominent are the large architectural complexes from the khanate period, as well as many smaller historic buildings that today house exhibition displays and museum halls dedicated to daily life, crafts and the history of Khorezm.
Craft workshops operate in Itchan Kala where woodcarving, weaving, ceramics and lacquer miniature painting are demonstrated; many workshops are open to visitors and offer hands-on master classes. Typical activities in the city include walking tours along the walls and towers, climbing a minaret for panoramic views, photo sessions at sunset and excursions into the Kyzylkum Desert on half-day or full-day routes.
The local cuisine is based on Khorezm traditions: plov, shurpa, manti and fresh flatbread are widely available, often accompanied by lamb dishes and dairy products. Markets and small eateries in the historic centre are convenient places to sample regional food.
The optimal time to visit Itchan Kala is spring and autumn, when conditions are most favourable for walks and guided tours; in summer plan visits for morning and evening hours due to high daytime temperatures.
City overview – facts & data for travelers
Popular Tours
Best tours and travel experiences across the continent
Guided tours, popular attractions, and top-rated hotels across the continent
