How to Plan Your Khiva: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour

Are you ready to explore the ancient land of Khorezm and its rich history and traditions? Look no further than the Khiva: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour. This tour is led by a professional licensed guide and will introduce you to some of the main historical monuments of Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here’s how to plan your perfect tour experience:

Experience

With this tour, you can experience the magic of ancient Khiva with a licensed guide. You’ll explore the exquisite architecture of Juma Mosque, marvel at the ornate designs of Tash-Khauli palace, learn about the rich history and traditions of Khorezm, and even savor the flavors of authentic Khorezm cuisine.

Highlights

The highlights of this tour include exploring the ancient Ichan-Kala fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also visit the amazing Juma Mosque, one of the most spectacular mosques in Uzbekistan, with its roof resting on two hundred wooden columns with elegant ornamental carvings. You’ll also marvel at the ornate designs of Tash-Khauli palace, which was once the residence of the khans.

Full Description

The tour starts with a stroll past the colorful markets and walls of the ancient Ichan-Kala fortress. Your licensed guide will introduce you to the history and culture of the region, which has almost 3000 years of history. From there, you’ll visit Juma Mosque, with its unique wooden roof resting on two hundred columns with ornamental carvings.

Next, you’ll visit Tash-Khauli palace, where you’ll marvel at the palace’s ornate designs, including intricate tile work and carved woodwork. Your guide will also explain the history and importance of the palace, which was once the residence of the khans.

You’ll also have the opportunity to savor the flavors of authentic Khorezm cuisine, which is known for its flavorful spices and unique ingredients. Your guide will take you to some of the best local restaurants, where you’ll have the chance to try traditional dishes like plov and shashlik.

How to Book

To book your Khiva: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour, simply visit this link: book the tour here. Make sure to book in advance to secure your spot. The tour lasts approximately three hours and includes all entrance fees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a guided walking tour of Khiva is the perfect way to explore the rich history and culture of Khorezm. With an experienced guide and plenty of opportunities to learn, taste, and see, this tour is sure to be a memorable experience. Book your tour today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

An Insider’s Guide to Khiva, Uzbekistan

Khiva is a historically rich city in Uzbekistan, and it is one of the three cities on the famous Silk Road in Central Asia. It is a city where the past meets the present. While visiting Khiva, you will feel as if you are walking through history. The cobblestone streets, the intricate architecture, and the bustling markets make it an excellent destination for travelers who want to experience the best of Central Asia. In this insider guide, we will take you through the highlights of Khiva and offer some off-the-beaten-path suggestions too.

Exploring the City’s Highlights

Khiva is home to some of the most well-preserved historical sites in Central Asia. The city is divided into two sections: Itchan Kala (the walled city) and Dishan Kala (the outer city). Itchan Kala is where most of the attractions are, making it a must-visit place for tourists. You can start your tour of Itchan Kala from the West Gate, which opens to Ata-Darvaza, and then head to Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum, where the famous wrestler turned poet Pahlavan Mahmud is buried.

The next stop is the Kunya-Ark Fortress, which was the residence of the Khiva khans until the end of the 19th century. From there, visit the madrasahs (schools) and mosques dedicated to Islam Khoja and Muhammad Rakhim Khan II. Don’t miss the Juma Mosque with its stunning wooden pillars, and the Toshkhovli Palace, which was the harem for the Khan.

Experiencing the Local Culture

Aside from its historical significance, Khiva also offers an opportunity to experience local culture. You can sample traditional Uzbek dishes, attend a local music performance, or take a cooking class. Fit out your taste buds with the traditional Uzbek Plov, which is a well-seasoned mixture of rice and meat.

Additionally, you should consider signing up for a dance or music workshop. Many organizations offer classes in Uzbek dance and classical music, and you can learn something unique and take home a fantastic experience. You can also visit the bazaars, including the Juma Bazaar and the Kunya Ark Bazaar, to purchase locally made souvenirs.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to escape the tourist crowd, we recommend visiting some lesser-known attractions in Khiva. One such place is Tash Havli, a residential area outside the city walls that is well-kept and frequented by locals. Here, you can see some of the beautiful traditional Uzbek homes.

You can also visit the Caravanserai, an old building that was used as an ancient hotel for travelers. While it is not as elaborate as some of the other attractions in Khiva, it is still a fascinating experience to imagine staying there hundreds of years ago.

Lastly, take a trip to the Kyzyl-Kum Desert, which offers a great change of scenery and a chance to experience an entirely different side of Uzbekistan. You can go camel riding or quad biking while enjoying the vast sand dunes and endless horizon.

Where to Eat

No visit to Khiva would be complete without trying the traditional Uzbek food. One of the best places to eat is Bakhor, which is located in the heart of Itchan Kala. This restaurant has a rooftop terrace that offers an amazing view of the city, and the food is delicious.

Another highly recommended restaurant is Islam Khodja Restaurant, where you can sample traditional Uzbek cuisine while enjoying the beautiful architecture.

Conclusion

Khiva is a truly unique and remarkable city that combines stunning architecture, fascinating history, and rich culture. If you’re planning a guided walking tour of Khiva, this insider’s guide will give you a good start. From exploring the city’s highlights to experiencing the local culture and venturing off the beaten path, Khiva has something to offer every traveler.