golden ring travel

Ayaz kala trip

Daytrip Details: We can pick you up from Urgench Airport, Urgench/Khiva Train Station or your hotel either from Khiva or Urgench to begin the Daytrip. You can start the Daytrip anytime during the day. It’s advisable to commence the tour in the morning after breakfast or in the afternoon after lunch since it's a half-day excursion. Driving from Khiva to the first fortress - Kizil Kala - takes approximately 90 minutes. Kizil Kala was initially built in the late antique era between the 1st and 4th centuries AD, but was later abandoned before being reconstructed again in the 12th–13th centuries just prior to the Mongol invasions. Some controversy exists regarding its use in antiquity; certain historians propose that it functioned as military quarters for soldiers, whereas other experts believe it represented one of several manorial fortresses characteristic of Khwarezmian architecture throughout much of the Early Medieval Period. From Kizil Kala, driving to the next fortification site, Toprak Kala, requires merely fifteen minutes by car. Dating back to the Kushan Empire circa the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, Toprak Kala once housed royalty serving as the official palace complex where rulers resided when they visited their capital region within Khwarezm. Initially functioning as a sacred space dedicated exclusively to religious purposes, the structure fell out of favor temporarily towards the beginning of the fourth century until restoration efforts brought new life to the building which subsequently became utilized primarily as an administration center managing local affairs under governmental oversight. Following visits to these two fortifications, we shall make a brief stopover along the shores of lake Aqchaköl (Akchakul) for those who wish to enjoy refreshments, visit nearby market stalls, utilize restroom facilities, among other activities. Traveling distance here amounts roughly twenty minutes starting point onward from Toprak Kala itself. Here there are...