Travel to Khiva: Step into an Open-Air Museum of the Silk Road

Ever dreamed of walking through a fairytale city with turquoise domes and ancient walls?
That’s 希瓦 — a magical time capsule where every cobbled street, mudbrick wall, and mosaic-covered minaret tells a story.

If you’re looking for a destination that’s beautiful, walkable, photogenic, and full of history, Khiva is calling.

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📍 Where is Khiva?

Khiva sits in western Uzbekistan, right on the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert, near the Turkmenistan border. It’s part of the Khorezm region, one of the oldest cultural centers in Central Asia.

You can reach it via:

• ✈️ Domestic flights to nearby Urgench Airport (30 minutes away)

• 🚄 Train connections from Bukhara, Tashkent, or Samarkand

• 🚐 Private car with a scenic drive through the desert landscapes

Good to know: In 2024, new high-speed train routes to Urgench have improved access to Khiva — making it easier than ever to include in your Uzbek adventure.

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🕌 Why visit Khiva?

Because Khiva is like nowhere else on Earth.
Unlike other Silk Road cities that blend the old with the new, Khiva’s old town (Itchan Kala) is a fully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site — completely enclosed by thick adobe walls.

Everything inside the walls is walkable and packed with:

• 🏛️ Palaces, mosques, madrassas, and watchtowers

• 🧺 Lively bazaars with handcrafted souvenirs

• 🌙 A romantic glow at night when the streets light up under the stars

Local secret: Wake up early and stroll the city at sunrise. You’ll have it almost entirely to yourself — and the light on the domes? Unreal.

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🏆 Top things to see in Khiva

Here’s a hit list of the must-see attractions inside Itchan Kala:

Want a view you’ll never forget? Climb the Islam Khoja Minaret, the tallest in Khiva.

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🧵 What to do in Khiva besides sightseeing

Khiva isn’t just about admiring old buildings — it’s a living culture. Try:

• 🎨 Craft workshops – Watch masters weave carpets, carve wood, or paint ceramics

• 📸 Photo walks – Golden hour here is a photographer’s dream

• 🎭 Traditional dance shows in restored madrassas

• 🍽️ Cooking classes to learn the secrets of Khorezmian cuisine

• 🐪 Camel rides outside the city walls for desert vibes

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🍽️ What to eat in Khiva

Khiva has its own unique culinary identity, shaped by the desert climate and nomadic traditions.

Try these local specialties:

• Shivit Oshi – Green dill-infused noodles served with spicy meat and yogurt (only in Khiva!)

• Tukhum Barak – Thin dumplings filled with raw egg yolk, steamed to perfection

• Gumma – A cross between a dumpling and a pie, stuffed with meat or herbs

• Khorezm-style plov – Slightly different from Bukhara’s, often with local rice and more oil

Wash it down with a strong cup of black tea, served in colorful ceramic bowls.

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🏨 Where to stay in Khiva

Inside the old city walls, many heritage hotels offer an immersive experience. Here are some favorites:

Most hotels offer airport transfers and guided tours on request.

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📅 Best time to visit Khiva

Desert cities are best when the weather’s just right. Here’s your seasonal cheat sheet:

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🧭 Practical travel tips

• ✅ Visa-free entry for travelers from most of Europe, Asia, and the Americas

• 💳 Cash is king in local markets, though most hotels accept cards

• 📶 SIM cards: Ucell or Beeline have good coverage

• 👟 Pack good walking shoes – the cobbled streets are charming but uneven

• 🤝 Tipping is appreciated, especially for guides and hotel staff

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✈️ Book your Khiva adventure with Xuroson-Tour

We know Khiva like locals — because we are locals.
Let Xuroson-Tour help you step into a legend:

✅ Expert-guided walking tours
✅ Custom-made itineraries: history, culture, food
✅ Transport, accommodation, and excursions all organized
✅ Add-ons: desert extensions, overnight yurts, and more

👉 Ready to feel like royalty in Khiva? Contact us today and let’s plan your journey!