Uzbekistan · Region
Khiva
Khiva's Itchan Kala is a walled inner city of sand-colored madrasahs, minarets, and mausoleums so complete that the whole enclosure — not just a scattering of monuments — earned it recognition as the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uzbekistan. Once the last oasis stop for caravans before the desert crossing toward Iran, its narrow lanes still feel like a self-contained medieval city rather than a modern town with old buildings in it.
Top attractions
attraction Islam Khoja Minaret: Khiva Travel Guide (4.6★)
The Islam Khoja Minaret is the tallest and most photogenic landmark inside Khiva's walled old town, Itchan Kala, rising in bold bands of turquoise, dark blue, and cream tile. 4.6★ (471 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Juma Mosque: Khiva Travel Guide (4.7★)
The Juma Mosque sits in the heart of Itchan Kala, Khiva's walled inner city, open daily 9am–6pm. 4.7★ (995 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Itchan Kala: Khiva Travel Guide (4.7★)
Itchan Kala, Khiva's walled inner city, is open daily 9am–7pm and is best explored early — between 9am and 11am is the calmest window, even on weekends, before tour groups fill the lanes from noon onward. 4.7★ (3,939 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Kuhna Ark: Khiva Travel Guide (4.6★)
Kuhna Ark sits at the western end of Khiva's Ichan Qala, right by the West Gate, and is open daily 9am–5pm. 4.6★ (336 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Nurullaboy Palace: Khiva Travel Guide (4.3★)
Nurullaboy Palace sits just outside Khiva's walled old town, Itchan Kala, a short walk north of the Palvan Darvoza gate. 4.3★ (310 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Toshhovli Palace: Khiva Travel Guide (4.7★)
Toshhovli Palace sits inside Khiva's walled old city, Ichan-Qala, a five-minute walk from the Kunya-Ark citadel. 4.7★ (525 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Khiva Ichan Kala: Travel Guide
Ichan Kala is the walled inner city of Khiva, a compact open-air museum of mud-brick madrasas, minarets and khan's palaces you can walk end to end in under 20 minutes.
Top-rated things to do in Khiva
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Where to stay in Khiva
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Frequently asked questions about Khiva
How do I get to Khiva?
Khiva is reached via Urgench International Airport (UGC), roughly 30–35 km away, from where travellers continue by taxi, private transfer, or the Urgench–Khiva rail link; a direct overnight train from Tashkent is also an option for those not flying. Most visitors combine flying into Urgench with a short onward taxi or train ride rather than attempting the long overland journey from the capital.
How many days should I spend in Khiva?
Plan on ~2 days to comfortably explore Itchan Kala's mosques, minarets, and palaces, with an extra day if adding a side trip toward the wider Khorezm region or a slower pace for photography and workshops.
What is Khiva known for?
Khiva's Itchan Kala is a walled inner city of sand-colored madrasahs, minarets, and mausoleums so complete that the whole enclosure — not just a scattering of monuments — earned it recognition as the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uzbekistan. Once the last oasis stop for caravans before the desert crossing toward Iran, its narrow lanes still feel like a self-contained medieval city rather than a modern town with old buildings in it.