Discover Khiva
Khiva (Uzbek Xiva) is located at the western edge of Uzbekistan, on the edge of the Karakum Desert and near the Turkmen border. The city was once the capital of the Khanate of Khiva and a notorious stop on the Silk Road—known for its slave market and the dangers that awaited travelers on their journey through the desert.
Today, Khiva with approximately 90,000 inhabitants is the smallest of the three major Silk Road cities—and that is precisely what makes it so appealing. The Ichan Kala (inner city) is surrounded by an almost completely preserved city wall (2.2 km long, up to 10 m high) and was inscribed as Uzbekistan's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
What sets Khiva apart from Samarkand and Bukhara: Here, it's not about individual monumental buildings, but about a complete city ensemble. Within the walls, over 50 historical buildings stand closely together—minarets, palaces, mosques, and madrasas, connected by a labyrinth of clay alleys. Plan for 1–2 days.
Orientation
Khiva is manageable and easy to navigate:
- Ichan Kala (inner city): The walled old town—all attractions are located here. Two main gates: West Gate (Ota Darvoza, main entrance) and East Gate. Completely car-free.
- Dishan Kala (outer city): Outside the walls. Hotels, restaurants, bus station. Less worth seeing, but you sleep and eat cheaper here.
- Urgench: The nearest major city (35 km, 30 min.), where the airport and train station are located.
