The Grand Fortress Circuit — Ayaz-Kala Route
Every major Ellik-Qala highlight in one efficient 2-day loop, with a sunset night at Ayaz-Kala's yurt camp at the center of it.
In this guide
Overview
This is our most complete desert fortress circuit, built for travelers who want to see everything — Guldursun-Kala, Kyzyl-Kala, Toprak-Kala, Ayaz-Kala, Janbas-Kala and Koi-Krylgan-Kala — plus the ancient petroglyphs in the Sultan Uvays Dag mountains, in a single efficient two-day loop. The pace is kept dynamic on purpose: shorter, focused stops at each site rather than long lingering visits, so the full circuit fits comfortably into two days with a real night at Ayaz-Kala's yurt camp in the middle.
Day 1: Khiva to Ayaz-Kala
Depart Khiva by private vehicle and head first to Guldursun-Kala, then Kyzyl-Kala and Toprak-Kala — three of Ellik-Qala's core fortresses, each visited efficiently rather than exhaustively. From there we climb into the Sultan Uvays Dag mountains to see ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock, a genuinely different kind of site from the mudbrick fortresses. The day ends at Ayaz-Kala itself, timed for sunset over the fortress walls, before settling in for the night at the yurt camp on site.
Day 2: Ayaz-Kala back to Khiva
After breakfast at camp, the second day covers ground most visitors never reach: Janbas-Kala and Koi-Krylgan-Kala, both well off the standard half-day route. The return to Khiva follows a panoramic drive along the Amu Darya river cliffs — a scenic stretch that doubles as the transition back from desert fortress country to the irrigated Khorezm oasis.
Ready to book? Lunches both days are quick, authentic stops at local roadside chaikhanas — not tourist resorts. Enquire →
Pricing
Private vehicle (fuel, parking included), an English-speaking guide/driver for both days, entrance fees at all 6 ticketed sites, two local chaikhana lunches, and one night at Ayaz-Kala yurt camp with dinner and breakfast — all in the price below.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Solo traveler | $495 |
| 2 travelers | $290 |
| 3 travelers | $235 |
| 4 travelers | $195 |
| 5–6 travelers | $160–175 |
Prices in USD, per person, for the full 2-day/1-night circuit. Larger groups quoted on request.
Practical details
- Pace: Dynamic and efficient — shorter stops at each site to cover the full circuit comfortably in two days.
- Food: Lunches are local roadside chaikhana stops, the kind drivers and locals actually eat at — not resort dining.
- Prefer Chilpik-Kala and the river route instead? See The Grand Fortress Circuit — Chilpik-Kala Route, the same comprehensive circuit with a different overnight and sequencing.
- Season: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the mildest desert temperatures for two full days outdoors.