Things to Do in Khiva: From Itchan Kala to a Night in a Yurt
Wondering what to do in Khiva, Uzbekistan, beyond sightseeing? Start with a walk through Itchan Kala, visit a woodcarver’s workshop, cook a local dish and save an evening for the illuminated streets. With another day to spare, you can take a trip from Khiva to the ancient desert fortresses or stay overnight in a yurt.
Khiva rewards a closer look: a pattern on a carved doorway, the aroma of lunch, music around a fire. At OKS Tours, we are based in Khorezm and have gathered seven ideas for exploring the city and its surroundings. Some fit into a relaxed evening; others deserve a separate excursion. Choose the experiences that make you want to stay a little longer.
What to See in Khiva on Your First Day
Begin with Itchan Kala, Khiva’s old city, also spelled Ichan Kala. Wander through narrow lanes, take in the minarets and domes, and look closely at the carved doorways. A guided walk can reveal the stories behind the buildings; free time afterwards lets you discover your own favourite corners.
If you have just one day, keep it focused on the city. Choose one extra experience: a workshop, local food or a walk after sunset. Save the desert fortresses and an overnight yurt stay for a longer visit.
7 Things to Do in and Around Khiva
1. Take a Day Trip from Khiva to Ayaz-Kala and Toprak-Kala
At the ancient Ellikkala fortresses, the setting is part of the story. Mud-brick walls rise above the landscape, traces of old buildings lie under an open sky, and the horizon seems to stretch on forever. Ayaz-Kala, Toprak-Kala and Kyzyl-Kala each have their own outline and history. Look beyond the ruins, too, and imagine the people who once lived here, built their homes and defended their towns.
Allow yourself time to stop and take it in. Light changes the colour of the walls, the wind becomes more noticeable, and a guide’s stories help bring the remains to life. A night in a yurt near Ayaz-Kala makes a natural continuation: your time in the landscape need not end when the fortress visit does.
2. Stay in a Yurt near Ayaz-Kala or at the City of Magi
Sometimes the best moment of a trip is a morning with no alarm. Step outside your yurt, look around and enjoy having no reason to hurry. Staying overnight gives you time for small pleasures: watching the sunset, talking over tea and looking up at the sky away from your everyday routine.
Yurts near Ayaz-Kala suit travelers who want more time among the ancient fortresses and desert landscapes. After exploring during the day, stay nearby and see the surroundings in a different light — in the evening and again the following morning.
Yurts at the City of Magi are on the grounds of the tourist complex itself. Here you can combine your stay with a visit to the complex and evening activities. This is a separate location from the camp near Ayaz-Kala. We will help you choose between them and explain accommodation and meal arrangements before you book.
3. Spend an Evening at the City of Magi
The City of Magi offers a change of pace after a day of sightseeing. Eastern-style buildings, paths through the grounds and the surrounding desert setting invite you to slow down. Take a walk and give yourself time to look around, without turning every hour into another stop on a schedule.
The City of Magi: Eastern-style architecture at the edge of the desert.
A visit takes on a different mood towards sunset. Come for the evening and return to Khiva, or stay in a yurt within the complex. Choose the experience you want: a short escape from the city or an overnight stay with time to settle in.
An evening program can include a campfire and traditional music. Live instruments, the warm glow of the fire and sand underfoot make the experience feel immediate and personal. We agree on the program in advance so that the evening fits your interests.
Traditional music around a fire brings a different side of Khorezm to life.
4. Join a Cooking Class in Khiva
Some souvenirs take up no room in your suitcase. A recipe learned from a local cook in Khiva is one of them. Green noodles, tandoor samsa, dumplings and plov offer another way to discover Khorezm — especially when you learn how they are made.
A cooking class lets you take part: taste, ask questions, follow the cook’s lead and discover the details that make a recipe work. Then comes the best part — sitting down to enjoy what you have prepared. The dish is chosen in advance, and the shared meal can become one of the warmest memories of your visit.
5. Explore the Canals at Arda Khiva
After ancient walls and desert landscapes, a change of scene feels welcome. At Arda Khiva, there are canals to stroll beside and gondolas waiting at the quay. This is a modern side of the city, suited to a few relaxed hours between busy sightseeing days.
Walk by the water, choose somewhere for dinner or plan a gondola ride. Leave time to talk, take photographs and enjoy being together. We recommend checking ride availability and visiting times when planning your trip.
6. Visit a Woodcarving Workshop in Khiva
First you notice Khiva’s carved doors and columns. Then you begin to wonder how those patterns are made. In a workshop, you can watch the process up close as a tool moves across the wood and the design takes shape. Follow the movement of the craftsman’s hands, ask about the pattern and examine the finished pieces. If you would like to try the craft yourself, a hands-on session can be arranged in advance. A souvenir chosen after that encounter already has a story.
7. Explore Khiva at Night and Walk through Dishan Kala
Familiar streets are worth walking again when the lights come on. The walls take on different colours, domes stand out against the darkening sky, and each view gives you a reason to linger. Walk along the city walls, explore the streets of Dishan Kala and find a quiet place for tea.
Keep this evening simple. Comfortable shoes, a camera and a couple of unhurried hours may be all you need for your favourite moment of the trip.
Khiva Itinerary: What to Do in 1, 2 or 3 Days
With one day in Khiva, focus on Itchan Kala and an evening walk. With two days, add either a desert fortress trip or time for crafts and local food in the city. Three days give you room for a yurt stay. Here is one way to plan your visit:
Day 1. Itchan Kala and Khiva at night. Start in the old city, allowing time for lunch and unhurried exploring. If you would like a hands-on experience, use part of your free time for a cooking class. Return to the illuminated streets after sunset.
Day 2. Fortresses and a yurt night. Visit the Ellikkala fortresses, then stay overnight in a yurt near Ayaz-Kala.
Day 3. Return to Khiva at your own pace. After a morning near Ayaz-Kala, travel back to the city. Depending on your schedule, choose a workshop visit or a walk at Arda Khiva. There is no need to fit every experience into one day.
You can choose a yurt at the City of Magi instead of the camp near Ayaz-Kala; we will adjust the transfers and evening program accordingly. This is a suggested itinerary, not a fixed schedule. Travel time, the season and your interests shape the final plan.
Start planning with our tours in Uzbekistan, or send us a message on WhatsApp. Tell us how much time you have and what you would most like to experience.
💬 Planning Your Visit to Khiva: Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What can I do in Khiva besides visiting Itchan Kala?
Join a cooking class, visit a woodcarving workshop or stroll beside the canals at Arda Khiva. If you would like to leave the city, consider the desert fortresses, the City of Magi or an overnight yurt stay.
❓ What is there to do in Khiva at night?
Walk through the illuminated streets and along the city walls, stop for tea or plan dinner at Arda Khiva. A campfire and traditional music evening at the City of Magi is a separate excursion that should be arranged in advance.
❓ Can I visit Ayaz-Kala on a day trip from Khiva?
A fortress excursion can be planned with a return to Khiva the same day. The route depends on transfer times and how long you want at each stop. Staying in a yurt near Ayaz-Kala is an optional extension.
❓ Where can I stay in a yurt near Khiva?
There are two separate options: yurts near Ayaz-Kala and yurts within the City of Magi complex. Choose according to your route and preferred evening activities. Confirm accommodation, meals and availability before booking.
❓ How many days do I need for Khiva and its surroundings?
One day gives you an introduction to Itchan Kala. With two days, combine the old city with either a fortress trip or workshops in town. Three days are more comfortable if you want to include a yurt stay. Allow longer if you would like to enjoy all seven experiences without rushing.
❓ When is the best time to visit the fortresses and the desert?
Spring and autumn are usually preferred for desert trips. In hot weather, mornings and later afternoons are more pleasant for exploring. We will suggest departure times to suit the season and your route.
❓ Do I need to book the cooking class in advance?
Yes. Booking ahead gives us time to arrange the cook, choose a dish and prepare the ingredients. Tell us about your food preferences when you book.
❓ Can the trip start from Urgench or from Khiva?
Yes, your trip can start in either Khiva or Urgench. We can arrange transport and a guide, agree on a meeting point and plan a convenient route.
Give Khiva another day. Tell OKS Tours what draws you here — ancient fortresses, local food, traditional crafts or evenings around a fire — and we will help build a trip around the experiences you love.
