bigtravelbuzzBehind the adobe walls of an abandoned city in Uzbekistan lies a labyrinth of narrow streets with colorful mosaics covering numerous mosques. Khiva is a stunning open-air museum in western Uzbekistan that will take you back in time. All the activities in Khiva are packed within the walkable walls of the Old Town and can be seen in a day or two.
Things to do in Khiva
Khiva is the last stop on a regular itinerary to Uzbekistan. No stranger to tourists, Bukhara and Samarkand feel busier. In Khiva, it’s easy to step off the main streets for a glimpse of the charming Old Town, also known as Itchan Kala.
Tash Hauli
Tash Hauli is a palace with well-decorated rooms and courtyards, it’s breathtaking decoration of wood and ceiling is his one of the finest works to be found in Uzbekistan.
Useful information: Admission fees are covered later in this guide.
Kuhna Ark – Watchtower Sunset
Watching the sunset from the 10-meter-high outer wall is probably one of the most spectacular things to do in Khiva. The watchtower offers a panoramic view of the entire Old Town and allows you to appreciate the tile work from a different angle.
You can access the West Gate Watchtower one hour before sunset. It can be included in your VIP ticket or purchased in its entirety.
Bazaar
More than just a museum, Khiva is home to over 300 families who make a living from handicrafts, work in the field or sell their handicrafts. The bazaar stretches east and west along the entire main street. A vibrant market perfect for people-watching and a glimpse into local life. If you’re looking for souvenirs, bargain for at least 30% off the original price.
Dietary tips: Try Khiva’s famous green noodles with dill.
Khiva has several animal attractions. This way of making money is wrong and I strongly advise you not to spend your money or time on it.
Juma Mosque
The Juma Mosque is a unique building. Beautifully carved wooden pillars (218!) support the interior of the mosque and give it a unique look. The only natural light inside twinkles in the gardens, a tranquil haven of tranquility and peace.
Did you know? The Old Town of Khiva became the first in Uzbekistan to be listed on the UNESCO list in 1991.
Wander via the slim alleyways
Khiva is happily now no longer handiest museums and history. Step off the principle road and get a flavor of the nearby life. Best to exit for a quiet morning stroll. Uzbek human beings are a number of the warmest and friendliest human beings obtainable so smile, be open for a chat.
If you get the chance, byskip via way of means of the wooden carving shop (location) of Sulaiman and Uzman and feature a examine their craft. One of them speaks thoroughly English, please say Hi to him from us. (If possible, display him those pictures as he turned into very pleased with his paintings and us taking pictures of it.)
Kalta Minor Minaret
Kalta Minor turned into alleged to be the tallest minaret of Uzbekistan, because of the demise of the builder production stopped at 29 meters. Nowadays, the deep blue-tiled, 14-meter extensive Kalta Minor may be noticed from everywhere withinside the town and has grow to be an iconic vacationer enchantment.
Islam Khoja Minaret
A 56-meter excessive layout masterpiece towering above Khiva town:
Islam Khoja Minaret, is simply over a hundred years antique and has been construct withinside the equal designs with distinct styles of blue tiles. For an extraordinary view, climb to the pinnacle of the minaret however be organized for a company stroll up.
Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum
The small Pahlavon Mahmud mausoleum with its shining turquoise dome is a sacred location and an lively location to hope for nearby human beings. The serene courtyard is one of the first-rate locations to peer in Khiva.
Please word that this front isn’t covered withinside the Khiva price price tag. (Explained withinside the subsequent chapter)
Khiva Entrance Ticket
Khiva is a museum town that calls for a price price tag to get get right of entry to to all of the museums and mosques. The price price tag is available in 3 types:
- Economy: 50k Som (handiest to go into the historical town)
- Standard: 100k Som (all museums however except for watchtower, minarets, and the town walls)
- VIP: 150k (all entrances – first-rate deal in case you cross up the watchtower and minaret)
Tickets are offered on the west gate and are legitimate for 2 days. A QR code in your tickets wishes to be scanned at the doorway of every enchantment to get via the gates. All points of interest in Khiva open at eight AM and near at 6 PM.
How to get to Khiva?
Although Khiva is far from its tourist attractions, it is completely covered by desert. Fortunately, infrastructure changes have made it relatively easy to get to Khiva by train or plane.
Train from Bukhara to Khiva
The most convenient option is to follow the 10-day Uzbekistan route and take the 5-hour express train from Bukhara, which leaves at 12:00 pm.
Every Monday, Thursday, or Saturday at 12:00 am. Save money by walking with others, as the train arrives a 15-minute walk from Old Town Khiva.
Tips: Bring food and fill up your reusable water bottles for long train journeys.
Khiva train ticket
Express train tickets sell out quickly, so buy them in advance. Uzbekistan Railways website is very difficult (2019), so booking with Advantour is recommended. Tickets are a bit pricey, but they take care of all the paperwork and waiting in line for you.
A ticket from Bukhara to Khiva costs between $35 and $50 depending on which class you choose.
Taxi to Khiva
Another popular mode of transport from Bukhara is a taxi, which has the advantage of door-to-door service. You can also stop at Khorezm fortresses such as Toprak He Kara on the way. A taxi takes 6-7 hours and costs around 100,000 SOM ($11).
Flights to Khiva
If you have limited time, flying is the best option. There are daily direct flights between Tashkent and Urgench, taking about 1.5 hours. It takes 30 minutes by taxi from Urgench Airport to Khiva.
Getting around in Khiva
Khiva is a walkable city as almost all of Khiva’s activities are within its walls (Ichan Kala). Most websites can be viewed in one day. However, please allow him an extra day to explore in the early morning and late afternoon to avoid the strong sun and group tours.
Good to know! Technically, there are no taxis in the Old Town of Khiva, only outside the gates. If you need to go through the gate without a ticket, just mention your hotel name and the staff will let you through.
Best Hotels in Khiva, Uzbekistan
Khiva offers affordable accommodation for all budgets. Luxury hotels are within the city walls, and hotels just outside these walls are much cheaper.
Khiva Restaurants
Food in Khiva is a little different from other cities in Uzbekistan. These were our favorites:
- Tea House Bir Gumbaz – Good coffee and good food. (vegetarian option)
- Terrassa Cafe – the best in town! (vegetarian option)
- Cafe Zarafshon – delicious local cuisine