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Khiva

Khiva’s name, redolent of caravans of enslaved people, barbaric cruelty, terrible desert journeys and steppes infested with raiding Turkmen tribesmen, struck fear into all but the boldest 19th-century hearts. Nowadays it’s a friendly and welcoming Silk Road old town that's well set up for tourism.

The historic heart of Khiva (Xiva) has been so well preserved that it’s sometimes criticised as lifeless – a ‘museum city’. But walk through the city gates and wander the fabled Ichon-Qala (inner walled city) in all its monotone, mud-walled glory and it's hard not to feel like you are stepping into another era.

Try to spend at least one night in Khiva. The old town is at its best at dawn, sunset and by night, when the moonlit silhouettes of the tilting minarets and medressas, viewed from twisting alleyways, work their real magic.

Explore Khiva

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Khiva.

  • Palace

    Tosh-Hovli Palace

    This palace, which means ‘Stone House’, contains Khiva’s most sumptuous interior decoration, dense with blue ceramic tiles, carved wooden pillars and…

  • Mausoleum

    Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum

    This revered mausoleum, with its sublime courtyard and stately tilework, is one of the town’s most beautiful spots. Pahlavon Mahmud was a poet,…

  • Islamic Site

    Kalta Minor Minaret

    This fat, turquoise-tiled minaret was begun in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, who according to legend wanted to build a minaret so high he could see all the…

  • Historic Site

    Ichon-Qala

    Khiva's Ichon-Qala is one of the great highlights of Uzbekistan. The perfectly preserved medieval walled town is home to dozens of mosques, medressas and…

  • Fort

    Kuhna Ark

    To your left after you enter the West Gate stands the Kuhna Ark – the Khiva rulers’ own fortress and residence, first built in the 12th century by one Ok…

  • Tower

    Watchtower

    At the back right corner of the throne room in the Kuhna Ark, a door in the wall leads to a flight of steps up to the watchtower, the original part of the…

  • Historic Building

    City Walls

    One highlight for which no ticket is needed is the walk along the northwestern section of the Ichon-Qala wall. The stairs can be accessed at the North…

  • Islamic Site

    Islom Hoja Minaret

    It's possible to climb this 57m tall minaret, Uzbekistan's highest, for fine views over the old city. Morning light offers the best views. With bands of…

  • Islamic Site

    Islom Hoja Medressa

    Walk south from the Abdulla Khan Medressa to the Islom Hoja Medressa and minaret – Khiva’s newest Islamic monuments, both built in 1910. You can climb the…

  • Mosque

    Juma Mosque

    Almost in the centre of the Ichon-Qala, the large and atmospheric Juma Mosque is interesting for the 218 wooden columns supporting its roof – a concept…

  • Palace

    Isfandiyar Palace

    The Isfandiyar Palace (also called the Palace of Nurullabay) was built between 1906 and 1912, and like the emir’s summer palace in Bukhara displays some…

  • Islamic Site

    Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa

    East of the Kuhna Ark, across an open space that was once a busy palace square (and place of execution), the 19th-century Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa is…

  • Gate

    East Gate

    The Old Town's East Gate, a long, vaulted 19th-century passage with several sets of immense carved doors, bridges the Anusha Khan baths and the bazaar…

  • Tower

    Juma Minaret

    From inside the Juma Mosque, you can sometimes climb the 82 very dark steps up to the pigeon-poop-splattered gallery of this 47m minaret, for fine views…

  • Islamic Site

    Allakuli Khan Medressa

    The tall Allakuli Khan Medressa is one of several buildings in the eastern section of the Ichan Qala built by Allakuli Khan in the 1830s and '40s. It…

  • Bazaar

    Allakuli Khan Bazaar & Caravanserai

    North of the Allakuli Khan Medressa is the Allakuli Khan Bazaar & Caravanserai. The entrance to both is through tall wooden gates beside the medressa. The…

  • Mausoleum

    Sayid Alauddin Mausoleum

    This small mausoleum dates to 1310 when Khiva was under the Golden Horde of the Mongol empire. You might find people praying in front of the 19th-century…

  • Museum

    Zindon

    The small, low-slung building to the left of the entrance outside the main Kuhna Ark fortress is the Zindon (Khans’ Jail), with a simple display of chains…

  • Gate

    West Gate

    The twin-turreted West Gate (Ota-Darvoza, literally ‘Father Gate') is the main entrance to the Ichon-Qala and the place to buy your admission ticket. The…

  • Islamic Site

    Kutlug Murod Inoq Medressa

    This medressa (1804–12) faces the Allakuli Khan Medressa and has a nearly matching facade. It houses an art museum.