2025 Khiva Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Meaning “Friday Mosque,” the original Juma Mosque had been in existence since the 10th century. This was one of the structures that was razed down by the Mongols during the Mongolian Invasion of the 13th century. In the late 18th century, the Juma Mosque underwent a reconstruction, and the structure has since stood to this day. A one-story building, the mosque prides 213 supporting pillars in perfect alignment. They are what makes it an amazing experience for tourists to walk through the mosque. In every different angle you see the crisscrossing of wooden pillars. With the natural daylight illuminating the space in between, the view of the internal architecture was at once serene and textured in different shades of glow — as if God’s commanding presence could be felt inside. The central pillars in the Juma Mosque are in fact the very original, and as such they had stood there for more than one thousand years. Those were the only of the original mosque that remained at the time of reconstruction. #jumamosque #fridaymosque #khiva #centralasia #uzbekistan #uzbekhistory #mongols #historicallandmarks

Hey, travel lovers! Want to explore the mysterious Uzbekistan? Here's a super practical 8-day travel guide for you. Save it now! -------- 🛣️Route Suggestions: DAY 1: Independence Square -> Amir Temur Square Start your first day at Independence Square to experience the rich history of Uzbekistan, then head to Amir Temur Square to admire the unique architecture. DAY 2: Kalta Minor Minaret On the second day, visit Kalta Minor Minaret to appreciate the fusion of ancient religious culture and architectural art. DAY 3: Khiva🚌Bukhara Take a 7-hour drive covering 395 km from Khiva to Bukhara, enjoying the magnificent scenery of Uzbekistan along the way. DAY 4: Ark Fortress On the fourth day, arrive at Ark Fortress to explore the mystery and legend of this ancient fortress. DAY 5: Bukhara Exploration Tour - High-Speed Train or Car - Samarkand After an in-depth tour of Bukhara, take a high-speed train or car to Samarkand for the next exciting journey. DAY 6: Ulugh Beg Observatory On the sixth day, visit Ulugh Beg Observatory to experience the charm and wisdom of ancient astronomy. DAY 7: Samarkand🚌Tashkent Depart from Samarkand and take a bus to Tashkent to experience the different urban styles. DAY 8: Tashkent✈️Chengdu On the last day, end your pleasant journey in Tashkent and fly back to Chengdu with lots of memories and gains. -------- Some Tips: 🌟 2-hour time difference with China, adjust easily for a fun trip! 🛍️ Affordable local specialties, get a bag of goodies for around 2,000 som! 💵 1 som is about 0.0006 RMB, great exchange rate! 💡 Be polite and friendly, locals are hospitable, immerse yourself in the local culture! 🚖 Taxis are super cheap, explore the city effortlessly! 🕌 When visiting temples, women should prepare a headscarf! 🌞 Winter sun is strong, sunglasses are a must! 🌡️ Big temperature difference between day and night, remember to bring a thick coat to keep warm! -------- That's it for the Uzbekistan tour! Don't forget to follow me for more exciting journeys to discover🌍✨

#myitinerary I recently went in Uzbekistan with my boyfriend and stayed 8 days. Here following the results of many months of researches, I hope it can be helpful: Day 1 - 2 Samarkand - Amir timur mausoleum - Registan square with its 3 madrasah, i suggest you to visit it after 5-6 PM for the sunset - Bibi khanym mosque - Syoob bazar - Hazrat mosque - Shah-I-zinda mausoleum In my opinion, the most beautiful one it is Shah-I-zinda mausoleum and the Registan is just breathtaking. *The names of the attractions could be a bit different due to differences of translation from the Cyrillic to Roman letters. If you have time you could visit also: - Tomb of Daniel - Ulubek observatory - Paper making factory - Pottery factory Day 3 Tashkent - Subway stations, they were mostly built during the Soviet time and you can feel it. All stops are decorated differently, the oldest ones and the most beautiful ones are on the red and blue lines. My favorite subway stations were: alisher navoi and kosmonatvlar - Eat Plov at Besh Qozon under the Tashkent Television Tower, you won’t regret it! - Chorsu bazar 🚂 🌜night train from Tashkent to Khiva - around 16-17 hours Day 4 Khiva The old city of Khiva is called Ichan Kala and is quite small and walkable. I suggest you to book your stay inside the city or just out of city walls. - Khuna ark - City wall - Tash kauli palace - Pahlavan Mahmoud mausoleum - Islam khodja minaret - Juma mosque FYI there’s one cumulative ticket for almost all museums and palaces/mosques in Ichan Kala. The price is 200k som. We had dinner at Old Terrassa, the food was amazing and the view very good. From the restaurant Terrassa, which is probably 100 meters more central than old Terrassa the view is very great! I recommend to book in advance the table outside. Day 5 - 6 Bukhara - Kalon minaret by night - Chor minor - Ulugh beh & abdulaziz khan madrassa - Ark of Bukhara - Bolo- Hausa mosque I recommend to eat in Old Bukhara restaurant, good food and environment. Day 7 Nurata - desert - swim in the Aydarl lake - stay in a local yurt or guesthouse The last day of activities we decided to go to Nurota and have a tour in desert and see the Ayrdal Lake, because in the whole trip it missed a bit of nature for us. We organized the whole trip with a tour guide, that came to Bukhara to pick us up and drove us in the desert and to lake. The lake is immense and clean. We arrived there in the north part in the afternoon, we swam one hour and head back to Samarkand for our next day flight. #mytravelhacks #localguides #historicallandmarks #trip #uzbekistan #mosquemarvels #samarkand #Tashkent #bukhara #khiva

Khiva feels like stepping into a perfectly preserved time capsule. Enclosed by thick mud-brick walls, its old town—Itchan Kala—is a UNESCO World Heritage site where every minaret, madrasa, and mosaic whispers of ancient Silk Road tales. The entire city looks like a movie set, only it’s real, walkable, and wonderfully quiet. What makes Khiva unique is its sense of calm. Unlike the bustle of Samarkand or Bukhara, here the silence is part of the charm. You can wander for hours through narrow alleys, climb the Kalta Minor minaret (unfinished, yet iconic with its bold turquoise tiles), and explore historic mosques without crowds. The golden hour here is pure magic—terracotta walls catch the sun, and the whole city glows like honey. Highlights I loved: Climbing the Islam Khoja minaret for a 360° view over the rooftops and desert. Visiting Tash Khauli Palace with its royal courtyards and intricate tile work. Enjoying fresh bread and tea in a shaded courtyard surrounded by carved columns. Shopping local crafts—from hand-printed fabrics to wood carvings—directly from artisans. Tips for travelers📝 Stay inside the old city walls—you’ll feel like a traveler from another century. Bring a flashlight for exploring smaller madrasas and hidden alleys after dusk. Prepare for heat in summer—sunhats and water are a must. Cash is king; not all vendors accept cards, so bring Uzbek soms. Try shurpa (meat and vegetable soup) at a local family-run restaurant. Khiva is quiet, golden, and poetic—a city that makes you slow down and savor the silence. It’s not just seen; it’s felt. #KhivaChronicles #CityOfSilence #DesertDreamscape #ItchanKalaVibes #SilkRoadSecrets #GoldenCityWalls #UzbekistanWonders #WalkThroughHistory #TravelOffTheMap #HiddenGemsOfCentralAsia #TripMoments #WanderlustInKhiva

Khiva is located at the western end of Uzbekistan. It has numerous castles and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can feel the traces of the Silk Road's prosperity.

Wandering through the ancient old town of Khiva at night is like walking through a living museum. The centuries-old structures—minarets, madrasahs, and fortress walls—are beautifully lit, their intricate details glowing softly under golden lights. The quiet, narrow streets are almost empty, adding to the peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere. As you stroll beneath the starry sky, the blend of silence and softly illuminated history creates a sense of timeless wonder, as if the city is gently whispering stories from the past. #springwander #khiva #uzbekistan

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 #Khiva #khiva is a historic city in #Uzbekistan. The city is famous for its well-preserved ancient architecture, maze of narrow streets and rich cultural traditions. The ancient city of Khiva is an outstanding example of Islamic architecture and has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The old city is well preserved and is filled with mosques, madrasas and mausoleums. But none of them are used for the same purpose as before, and have basically been converted into high-end hotels or museums. Since it is a little far from the other two famous tourist cities #Samarkand and #Bukhara, many tourists will consider giving up Khiva due to time issues, but I suggest that if you have the conditions, try to come here. It is different from the previous two cities in style. The entire ancient city is very well preserved, small and exquisite. The old town is small, but you should stay there for at least one early morning and one evening, especially the evening. #travelkhiva #freetravel #CentralAsia #FiveCentralAsianCountries #Uzbekistan

#uzbkistan #khiva #samarkand #uzbekculture Missing Uzbekistan so much

| A pearl of the Silk Road, where millennia intertwine. 🌍 Journey through the Silk Road's starting point and touch the soul of Central Asia. Urgench, this ancient Central Asian city nourished by the Amu Darya River, is the heart of Uzbekistan's Khorezm Region and a shining pearl on the western end of the ancient Silk Road. Here, where desert and oasis coexist, and history collides with modernity, every step treads upon the folds of civilization. ✨ 5 Unmissable Experiences 1️⃣ A Day Trip Through Ancient Khiva From Urgench, a half-hour drive takes you to Khiva, an "open-air museum." With its blue-domed mosques, weathered minarets, and medieval caravan stations, it's like stepping into a tale from "One Thousand and One Nights." Don't miss the Ichan Kala, the inner city, where you can stroll along the stone-paved streets at sunset and listen to the echoes of camel bells through time. 2️⃣ The Bustling Atmosphere of the Bazaar Urgench's central bazaar (Urgench Bazaar) is a feast for the senses: spices piled high like rainbow mountains, artisans hammering copperware to the rhythm of ancient melodies, the aroma of bread wafting from the tandoor ovens, and the secrets of generations hidden within the plov cauldrons. Take home a hand-painted ceramic piece or a silk scarf, and wear the Central Asian charm. 3️⃣ A Romantic Encounter Between Desert and Oasis Drive to the banks of the Amu Darya River and witness the embrace of golden sand dunes and turquoise oases. Explore ancient desert fort ruins on camelback, or savor a pot of tea under the shade of palm trees, experiencing the wild tenderness of the Central Asian landscape. 4️⃣ A Cultural Feast Under the Stars At night, Urgench transforms into a palace of art. At traditional Shashmaqam music concerts, harps and voices intertwine; folk dancers twirl like whirlwinds, their skirts tracing the curves of the Silk Road. Raise a glass of wine and dance with the locals until the stars emerge. 5️⃣ A Culinary Journey Along the Silk Road Uzbek cuisine is a Silk Road for the taste buds: Lagman noodles with tomato and mutton soup, char-grilled shashlik skewers, plov (pilaf) rice studded with dried fruits... Finish with a cup of sweet dorana tea, letting the aroma become the most unforgettable memory of your trip. 📅 Best Time to Travel Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November) offer pleasant weather with moderate desert temperatures, ideal for outdoor exploration. If visiting in winter, the steam from the bazaar against the backdrop of snow creates a unique and charming scene. 🚗 Transportation Tips ✈️ Urgench International Airport is a convenient gateway to Central Asia, with direct flights from Beijing, Istanbul, Moscow, and other cities. 🚌 Within the city, explore on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. For surrounding attractions, hiring a car is recommended. Local driver-guides can unlock "hidden maps" for you. 💡 Travel Tips Respect Islamic culture; remove your shoes and dress modestly when entering religious sites. Try greeting people in Russian or simple Uzbek ("Assalomu alaykum") to receive warm smiles from the locals. Urgench has strong sunlight, so sunscreen and moisturizer are essential, but bring a light jacket for the cool evenings. 🌌 Urgench is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a journey through millennia. Here, every brick tells a story of the Silk Road, and every smile embodies Central Asian hospitality. Pack your bags and let the morning breeze and starry nights of Urgench become the most vibrant chapter in your life's story.

Hey everyone 👋, still worried about where to travel? Today, I'm sharing a niche travel destination—Urgench, Uzbekistan. It's like a forgotten pearl, full of surprises. 📅 Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Urgench and visit the Itchan Kala, 🏛 a living history museum filled with a medieval atmosphere. Stroll through the narrow streets and feel the weight of history. Day 2: Visit the Konya-Urgench historical architectural complex, admire the ancient tombs and minarets, and marvel at the beauty sculpted by time. Watch the stunning sunset 🌇 in the surrounding area in the evening. Day 3: Visit the ruins of the Khiva Khanate, delve into the history of Uzbekistan, and then go to the local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere. 🍱 Food Recommendations Plov is a must-try, with carrots, lamb, and rice perfectly blended for a super satisfying bite 😋. There's also Tandoor roasted meat, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with flavor in every bite. 🚗 Transportation Guide You can fly to Tashkent first and then transfer to Urgench. Taxis are cost-effective and convenient for getting around the city 🚖, and you can chat with the friendly drivers to learn about the local area. 🛍 Shopping Recommendations Don't miss the local markets, which offer exquisite embroidery, unique carpets, and handicrafts 🎁, each with its own unique charm, perfect as souvenirs. If you want to avoid the crowds and experience authentic Central Asian culture, Urgench is definitely the perfect choice. Go for it!

Stepping onto Uzbekistan's soil is like opening an ancient history book. In Samarkand, the magnificent architecture of Registan Square bears witness to past glories, leaving visitors awestruck by the passage of time. Stepping into the bustling bazaars, the aroma of spices and the dazzling array of handicrafts create a rich tapestry of local life. And the local cuisine, like fragrant pilaf and tender kebabs, offers satisfaction with every bite. Here's a compiled travel guide: 1. Visa and Season • Visa: Chinese citizens can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 10 days by air, provided they present a return ticket. For land crossings or longer stays, an e-visa can be applied for, allowing a 30-day stay, with processing taking about 3 working days. • Season: The best time to visit is during April–June and September–November, when the temperature is moderate and the climate is comfortable. 2. Transportation • External Transportation: Direct flights to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, are available from Beijing, Xi'an, Urumqi, and other cities. You can also enter by land via Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan. • Internal Transportation: High-speed rail connects major tourist cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. Shared taxis are a convenient way to reach Khiva, the Aral Sea, and other destinations. 3. Recommended Attractions • Tashkent: The Khast Imam Complex houses numerous exquisite religious buildings, while the area around Amir Timur Square features museums, theaters, and more. You can also visit the Chorsu Bazaar to experience local life. • Samarkand: Registan Square is the heart of the city, with three magnificent madrasahs; the Bibi-Khanym Mosque is an architectural marvel; and Shah-i-Zinda is a famous necropolis with a unique architectural style. • Bukhara: The old city of Bukhara boasts over 140 ancient monuments. Starting from Lyabi-Hauz, you'll find the statue of Nasreddin Hodja, the Nadir Divan-Beghi Madrasah, and other attractions nearby. The Kalyan Minaret and the Ark of Bukhara are also worth visiting. • Khiva: The old city of Khiva, after restoration, still retains its medieval grandeur. The Kunya-Ark, the Kalta Minor Minaret, and the Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum are among the highlights. 4. Food Recommendations • Main Courses: Options include pilaf and Laghman. Pilaf is colorful and flavorful, while Laghman is spicy and sour. • Other Dishes: Uzbek steamed dumplings, steamed meat rolls, baked meat pies, and egg dumplings are just a few of the many diverse and unique dishes available. • Snacks: Halva is a combination of roasted wheat flour, sugar, sesame paste, and other ingredients, offering a sweet but not overpowering treat. Tomato and onion salad is colorful and refreshing. • Meat: Kebabs are fragrant and juicy, while lamb soup is flavorful and nutritious. 5. Shopping Recommendations • Handicrafts: Bukhara's embroidery is vibrant and intricate; Fergana's silk is soft and beautifully patterned; and Uzbekistan's miniature paintings feature a rich variety of subjects and exquisite detail. • Specialty Foods: Local bazaars offer a wide variety of dried fruits, such as raisins, almonds, and pistachios, all of excellent quality. Spices like cumin, pepper, and turmeric are fragrant and can be used in cooking.

Meet Urgench and embark on a historical adventure in Central Asia In the vast land of Central Asia, there is a mysterious and charming city - Urgench. It is like a vivid history book, with every corner engraved with the traces of time. As an important city of the ancient Khwarazm, Urgench has witnessed countless ups and downs. The architecture here is unique, blending Persian, Turkic, and other multicultural elements. Entering the Kutlug Timur Minaret, the dome is towering, and the brick structure is simple and heavy, as if whispering stories of the past. The Juma Mosque is even more amazing, with exquisite mosaic decorations and intricate carvings, showcasing the superb craftsmanship of the artisans at that time. In addition to the architecture, the traditional market in Urgench is also full of vitality. The colorful handicrafts and fragrant local delicacies are unforgettable. Here, you can slow down, immerse yourself in the rich historical atmosphere, feel the unique charm of Central Asian culture, and start a unique journey.

• Before you go: • Visa: Chinese citizens can enjoy visa-free entry to Uzbekistan, but please note the visa-free stay period and entry/exit methods. • Equipment: Bring lightweight clothing, a windproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen to cope with the changeable climate of Central Asia. • Language: The official languages of Uzbekistan are Uzbek and Russian. English is not widely spoken, so we recommend downloading a translation app. • Transportation: • Plane: Urgench International Airport has international flights to Tashkent and other places, providing convenient air transportation. • Train: Urgench Railway Station is located on the Turkmenabad-Beyneu Railway Line and is an important hub for land transportation. • Must-see attractions: • Khiva Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Central Asia, with ancient city walls and exquisite buildings. • Turebek-Khanym Mausoleum: Of great historical and cultural value, with a unique architectural style. • Urgench Bazaar: Experience local customs and buy handicrafts. • Food recommendations: • Grilled lamb: One of the most popular local delicacies, with tender and juicy meat. • Lagman: Traditional noodles made of handmade noodles, meat, vegetables, and spices, with a rich taste. • Accommodation suggestions: • Choose a hotel in the city center, which is convenient for transportation and has complete facilities. Prices vary according to the season and conditions.

Khiva blessed us with another gorgeous day with a bright blue sky, echoing the turquoise mosaics that would become the motif of our sightseeing that day. Meaning the “Stone House,” the Tash Khauli Palace was built in 1830-1838, by the order of the Allakuli Khan. It is said that the construction of a new palace was motivated by a shift of the heart of Khiva’s city life from the west (where the Kunya Ark is) to the east (where the Tash Khauli is). As Allakuli Khan was known for his penchant for all things luxurious, the Tash Khauli was indeed designed and built to entertain a lavish lifestyle. Just to give an idea of what that meant, Allakuli Khan had four wives and more than 30 concubines! A project of this scale was going to require resources. Being a demanding man of excesses, Allakuli Khan wanted the palace built in three years. The plan for the palace envisioned three courtyards and more than 160 rooms. The Tash Khauli eventually took eight years to complete, and even this was only possible with the labor of 1,000 slaves. The tour of the Tash Khauli inspired much intrigue. The experience was varied with many turns of pleasant surprises. First of all, I found the courtyards to be incredibly charming. When I arrived, no one was there and I could enjoy quiet moments surrounded by burnt brick walls adorned with blue majolica panels. These blue and white ceramic panels were the work of famous ceramist Abdullah Djinn. The lodges of the harem showed the turquoise blue as its theme but when you look up you will see the ceilings decorated in brown and red. The columned lodges show mosaic patterns in different shades of blue, fully expressing the sweeping grandeur of a glorious Khiva, an elegance enabled only by the dictates of a strongman rule. For it was during Allakuli Khan’s reign that central power was restored in Khiva, with success in foreign relations, especially in strengthening commercial ties with the Russian empire. #uzbekistan #uzbekhistory #tashkauli #khiva #historicpalace #centralasia #历史古迹#世界遗产#博物馆

I’d be willing to offer a bag of gold in exchange for just one look at the ancient city of Khiva. This Central Asian saying speaks amply to Khiva’s historic status as one of the most beautiful and storied cities along the ancient silk road in Uzbekistan. And having spent almost two days there, I would say Khiva lives amply up to its good name. We woke up to brilliant rays of the morning sun. The plan of the day was simply walk around the Ichon Qala (also Itchan Kala), as it is a well-defined, enclosed area with an endless number of heritage mosques, madrassas and defense fortifications. Khiva is, in many ways, distinct from Samarkand and Bukhara. Known as an “open air museum,” Khiva’s Ichon Qala envisions itself as a place for the tourists. Whereas both in Samarkand and in Bukhara there were opportunities for us to take but a glimpse of the local residents’ lives there, in Khiva tourism is the very life itself for Khiva’s people. You do pay for this, as a result – the first thing to note is the (comparatively) costly entrance fee for the Ichon Qala. It costs 100,000 Som (about US$8) to enter and tour the city, and at key sites they will check your ticket. For as long as the existence of the ancient Silk Road Khiva had been the very last stop on the Central Asian segment of the trade route. For the caravan traders Khiva was a water stop for their fleet through the vast aridity of the Kyzylkum Desert, which was wedged between the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya rivers. According to legends, Shem, one of Noah’s sons, found sweet water here (“Khey-vakh”), thus began the name of this city as Khiva. It is believed that Khiva was founded around the 5th or 4th century B.C. Khiva was known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century. It must be noted that, like so many ancient cities in now Uzbekistan, Khiva was not spared from the brutality of the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. The Mongols razed down Khiva and therefore some of the ancient structures had to be rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. #khiva #uzbekistan #unescoworldheritage #itchankala #historicallandmarks #history #silkroad #历史古迹#世界遗产

Khiva Station in Uzbekistan🚉 I took a train for the long-distance travel from Khiva to Bukhara🌟 The station is about a 10-minute drive from the Itchan Kala area. Since the Uzbekistan taxi app is not available in Khiva, it is common to ask the hotel you are staying at to arrange transportation👀 The exterior of the station is in a very open area, and it felt like a theme park🕊️ There is a luggage check before entering the station🧳 The station has free Wi-Fi, which was very convenient✨

#0yentravelJanuary2025 #overseastravel #Uzbekistan Shaherezada Boutique Hotel, the hotel I stayed at in Khiva, Uzbekistan🕊️ In addition to the excellent location, the breakfast buffet included in the room rate was also satisfying🥣 The breakfast venue is at the back of the front desk on the first floor and is basically unmanned. There is no extensive service, but the distance of being left alone to a certain extent was strangely comfortable☺️ There were dishes and salads typical of Uzbekistan, and I was able to warm up the bread myself🥐 The teapots and plates were Uzbek and cute🤍

Uzbekistan・Khiva's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site 🌎✨ Everywhere you look is picturesque, and walking around feels like being on a movie set 😌🤍 Qutlugh Murad Inaq Madrasah is one of the spots where we enjoyed the exterior only 🏛️ I loved the feeling of Khiva with tiles peeling off and a bit of crumbling 😌 Madrassah of Khurdjum and Allakuli-khan, Khiva, Xorazm Region, Uzbekistan 9:00-19:00 【Access to Khiva Old Town】 ☑︎ About 1 hour by car from Urgench (UGC) Airport ☑︎ About 15 minutes by car from Khiva Railway Station

One of the three Extra Tickets, and the one I actually bought and was extremely satisfied with, is the City Walls🏹🎠🪽 You can climb up and walk along the walls surrounding Ichankala😆 The view of Ichankala from above is uniquely beautiful, and the minarets and mosques that appear small in the distance look as cute as if you were peeking into a toy box🥹🫶🏼 The walls are so prominent that you can see them no matter where you walk in Ichankala, but the only place you can buy this Extra Ticket and find stairs to the walls is the somewhat distant North Gate👀 This is a bit inconvenient, but compared to other tickets, it was quite affordable and there were very few people, which was great☺️🤍 Note that the walls have gates in the north, south, east, and west, but the walls are interrupted at the west and east gates, so you can't make a full circle😎✍️

One of the three Extra Tickets, the Islam Khoja Minaret 🛕 By paying an additional fee to purchase a ticket, you can enter the minaret and climb the stairs to the top ☺️🏹 Although we didn't purchase the Extra Ticket here, we were able to climb the stairs outside the minaret in the morning 😝 After 8 AM, this area quickly transformed into a lively and popular spot with many souvenir shops and stalls lining up 😎✨ Islam Khodja Madrasa, Khiva, Khorezm Region, Uzbekistan 8:00-18:00

#0yentravelJanuary2025 #Uzbekistan #overseastravel Khiva's tourist spot, Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasah🫛 "Madrasa" is a facility that teaches law and other academic subjects, also known as "medrese" in Central Asia👀 Simply put, it's a school for Muslims😄 At 8 o'clock, the interior opens and the stalls start to open and it starts to get lively, so if you just want to enjoy the exterior, I recommend going around 7 o'clock✨ It's a building that has a certain melancholy to it amidst the glittering, but the details are full of attention to detail, and it feels like "Khiva"🏛️💘 99H5+CP2, Xiva, Xorazm Viloyati, Uzbekistan 8:00-20:00

Stayed at a hotel in Khiva for 2 nights🫧 Ichan Kala has gates in the east, west, south, and north, and it was located very close to the south gate👀 In Khiva, the Uzbek taxi app Yandex is not available, so it's best to ask the hotel for airport and train station transfers. It's safer to choose a reliable place even if it's a bit more expensive compared to others😌🤍 Staying inside Ichan Kala allows you to explore without an entrance ticket, and you can walk around at your own pace, return to rest, and go out again whenever you like🌿

#0yentravelJanuary2025 #Uzbekistan #overseastravel Kunya-ark, which means "old palace," is surrounded by walls and has a mosque inside, and is one of Khiva's tourist attractions. The Aksheykh Bobo lookout, adjacent to Kunya-ark (and even within the premises), is a popular spot where you can get a panoramic view of Khiva 🕊️🤍 Kunya-ark and Bobo have separate entrances, and we couldn't enter Kunya-ark without an admission ticket 😟 Instead, we bought an extra ticket at the Bobo entrance and climbed the stairs to the top 🌈 When we got to the top, the view was simply amazing ❕❕😆 What's more, it's also great that you can enter and exit freely for two days with one ticket 🥺✨ When we visited during the day, we enjoyed the spectacular view, which was almost completely reserved for us, and although it was overflowing with people at sunset, we really enjoyed the nostalgia of the setting sun and the magic hour 🌅 99H5+P5R, Xiva, Xorazm Viloyati, Uzbekistan

#0yentravelJanuary2025 #overseastravel #uzbekistan Terrassa Cafe&Restaurant, a recommended restaurant in Khiva, Uzbekistan 🍽️ The location is just too amazing🤩 There is a restaurant, a terrace on the second floor, and a rooftop on the third floor, but if it's open, the rooftop is the best🦩🎀 After walking around the city in the strong sunshine and dryness, an Uzbek beer is bliss🫠🍺 I had an Uzbek dish called lagman, which is a tomato-based vegetable soup with udon-like noodles, and the seasoning was suitable for Japanese people, so I ate it all😋 Terrassa Cafe Khiva, 220900, Chiva, Khorezm, Uzbekistan 10:30-23:00

The tiles on the Kalta Minor Minaret are incredibly beautiful. 🕊️ This is an unfinished minaret located just inside the main gate, the West Gate. 🤍 If you visit early in the morning, the sunrise creates a magical atmosphere. During the day, it is bustling with tourists and vendors, and at night, the illuminated minaret is romantic. 🌙 By the way, the large gate next to this minaret is the entrance to a hotel called Orient Star Khiva. 😳 If you are enchanted by the Kalta Minor, you should definitely consider staying there. ☺️ 99H5+85H, Xiva, Xorazm Viloyati, Uzbekistan

The area surrounded by a double wall of outer and inner walls, about 6 km long, is called "Ichan Kala" and contains many palaces, mosques, and minarets (tall towers attached to mosques)😆🙌🏻 You need to pay an entrance fee to enter, and if you purchase a ticket, you can also enter some of the mosques and museums inside👀✨ However, there is actually a secret trick: guests staying at accommodations inside Ichan Kala can explore without paying the entrance fee🫢 (However, if you enter the building, you will need to purchase an entrance fee❕⚠️) We arrived at the accommodation at around 1am from Khiva airport by shuttle bus without going through the ticket office or gate check, and were able to explore freely from the next morning☺️ It seems that no matter what time you arrive, the flow will be the same if you are staying at an accommodation inside Ichan Kala😌💭 #0 yen trip January 2025 #overseas travel #Uzbekistan

Khiva, located in the west of Uzbekistan, is a small city also known as the "jewel in the desert." Once a trading post on the Silk Road, the city offers a landscape that makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time. With many historical buildings remaining, the entire city is like a museum. During my visit, I felt like I was walking through a foreign story. The center of Khiva tourism is Itchan Kala, surrounded by city walls. Built in the 16th and 17th centuries, this old town is densely packed with more than 200 buildings and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. As you pass through the gate of the city walls, the first thing that catches your eye is the unfinished minaret called **Kalta Minor**. The cylindrical structure covered with vivid blue and green tiles leaves an unforgettable impression once you see it. Although it did not reach the planned height of 70 meters, its presence is overwhelming. During my walk around Ichan Kala, I was particularly impressed by **Kuhna Ark**. This fortress was where the successive rulers of Khiva lived, and it is a combination of a palace, a prison, and a mosque. Climbing to the top of the fortress, I could see the city walls and the whole city, and it felt like I was lost in a movie set. The sunset from here was spectacular, and the contrast between the red desert and the blue tiles as the sun went down was etched in my mind. Also, **Juma Mosque** is a must-see in Khiva. Built in the 10th century, this mosque has a unique design with 213 wooden pillars lined up, and it gives you a mysterious feeling as if you are in a forest. Many of the pillars are carved, and each one has a different pattern. The sight of the light shining through the pillars was very mystical. For lunch, I enjoyed local dishes such as plov (pilaf) and shashlik (grilled skewers). At a family-run restaurant in a small alley, I was able to feel warm hospitality along with gentle-tasting food. In addition, at the market selling hand-woven carpets and pottery unique to Khiva, I was able to enjoy bargaining with local people while looking at traditional crafts. At night, the buildings of Ichan Kala are lit up, showing a different look from the daytime. Kalta Minar and Juma Mosque stand out in the darkness, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The number of tourists also decreased, and I was able to slowly enjoy the atmosphere of this historic city in silence. Khiva is by no means a big city, but its small town is packed with history, culture, and architectural beauty. It is a place that is aptly described as a "time capsule in the desert," and it was the perfect place to experience the history and stories of the Silk Road. History is alive wherever you walk, and the warmth of the people further accentuates its charm. I strongly felt that Khiva is a special place that everyone who seeks the romance of the Silk Road should visit. #AsiaTravelRecord

There are many things to see in Khiva, Uzbekistan 😻 You can see a certain number of sights with the common ticket (200,000 UZS) to enter Itchan Kala, but you can also go to even more wonderful places for an additional fee ♪ 《Itchan Kala Walls》 The common ticket cannot be used for the walls, and there is a separate fee of 20,000 UZS (about 230 yen *rate as of November 2024) There are gates to climb the walls on the north and south. The first three photos are the north side, and the ones after that are the south side. The view is a little different~😃 There are not many people who climb the walls, so I didn't meet many people 🚶 It's a hidden gem, so if you go to Khiva, please visit this place as well 🍀 khiva/Itchan Kala #Overseas travel record #Uzbekistan #Khiva #khiva