Things to Do in Khiva, Oʻzbekiston

Khiva stands as one of Central Asia's most perfectly preserved medieval cities, a living museum enclosed within ancient walls that transport visitors back to the Silk Road era. This UNESCO World Heritage site in western Uzbekistan showcases stunning Islamic architecture with its towering minarets, ornate madrasas, and intricate tilework that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The inner city, known as Itchan Kala, feels like stepping into a fairy tale with its maze of narrow streets, traditional workshops, and magnificent monuments bathed in golden light. Beyond its architectural wonders, Khiva offers an authentic glimpse into Uzbek culture and craftsmanship. Visitors can watch artisans at work, creating traditional carpets, woodcarvings, and ceramics using techniques passed down through generations. The city's compact size makes it perfect for exploration on foot, while its dramatic desert setting adds to the mystique of this ancient oasis town that once served as a crucial stop for caravans crossing the harsh Kyzylkum Desert.

Top Things to Do in Khiva

Explore Itchan Kala Historic Center

Wander through the walled inner city of Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing over 50 historic monuments within its ancient walls. Marvel at the Kalta Minor minaret with its distinctive turquoise tiles, visit the Kunya-Ark fortress, and climb the Islam Khoja minaret for panoramic views. The entire area feels like an open-air museum where every corner reveals architectural treasures from the Islamic Golden Age.

Booking Tip: Entry to Itchan Kala requires a combined ticket costing around $15-20, valid for 2 days and covering most major monuments. Purchase tickets at the main entrance gates early morning to avoid crowds. Consider hiring a local guide for $20-30 to fully appreciate the historical significance and hidden details.

Visit Traditional Craft Workshops

Experience living heritage by visiting working artisan workshops within Itchan Kala where craftsmen create traditional Uzbek carpets, wood carvings, ceramics, and metalwork. Watch master craftsmen demonstrate ancient techniques and browse authentic handmade souvenirs. Many workshops offer hands-on experiences where visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts under expert guidance.

Booking Tip: Most workshops are free to visit during daytime hours (9am-6pm), though purchasing items supports local artisans. Expect to pay $50-200 for quality carpets and $10-50 for smaller crafts. Bargaining is expected but be respectful of the craftsmanship involved.

Sunset Photography at City Walls

Capture magical golden hour photos from the ancient city walls surrounding Itchan Kala, offering stunning views of minarets and domes silhouetted against the desert sky. The walls provide excellent vantage points for panoramic shots of the entire historic complex. The interplay of light and shadow on the ancient architecture creates some of Central Asia's most photogenic moments.

Booking Tip: Access to the walls is included in the general Itchan Kala ticket. Best photography times are 1 hour before sunset (check local sunset times as they vary seasonally). Bring a tripod for low-light shots and dress warmly in winter as desert temperatures drop quickly after sunset.

Attend Traditional Music Performance

Experience authentic Uzbek culture through traditional music and dance performances held in historic venues within Itchan Kala. These intimate shows feature classical instruments like the dutar and dombra, along with traditional folk dances that tell stories of Silk Road heritage. Performances often take place in atmospheric settings like ancient madrasas or palace courtyards.

Booking Tip: Performances typically cost $10-20 per person and are held several evenings per week, more frequently during peak season (April-October). Book through your hotel or local tour operators. Shows usually last 45-60 minutes and may include traditional refreshments.

Desert Excursion to Kyzylkum

Venture into the surrounding Kyzylkum Desert for a true Silk Road adventure, visiting ancient fortresses, experiencing camel rides, and camping under star-filled skies. Day trips can include visits to desert castles and archaeological sites, while overnight excursions offer the chance to sleep in traditional yurts. The vast desert landscape provides a dramatic contrast to the intimate city environment.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $80-120 per person including transport and guide, while overnight camping trips range from $150-250. Book through reputable local operators and confirm what's included (meals, camping equipment, etc.). Best months are April-May and September-October when temperatures are moderate.

Getting There

Khiva is accessible via Urgench Airport, located about 35 kilometers away, which receives domestic flights from Tashkent (1 hour) and limited international connections. Most international visitors fly into Tashkent and take a connecting domestic flight or travel overland. The drive from Tashkent takes about 8-10 hours through desert highways, while train connections are available but less frequent. Shared taxis and buses run regularly between Urgench and Khiva (45 minutes), costing around $3-5 per person.

Getting Around

Khiva's compact historic center is best explored on foot, as the entire Itchan Kala can be crossed in 15 minutes. The ancient streets are narrow and mostly pedestrian-friendly, though some areas have uneven stone paving. Bicycles can be rented from some hotels for exploring the outer areas of the city. Taxis are available for trips to Urgench or other destinations outside the city walls, while horse-drawn carts occasionally offer tourist rides around the perimeter walls for a traditional experience.

Where to Stay

Itchan Kala Historic Center

Dishan Kala Old Town

Modern Khiva Center

Near Urgench Airport

Desert Camp Accommodations

Boutique Guesthouses

Food & Dining

Khiva's dining scene centers around traditional Uzbek cuisine served in atmospheric restaurants within historic buildings and charming courtyards. Local specialties include plov (pilaf), shashlik (grilled meat), and manti (steamed dumplings), often accompanied by fresh bread and green tea. Many restaurants occupy converted madrasas or traditional houses, creating unique dining experiences surrounded by centuries-old architecture. Street food vendors near the city gates offer quick snacks and fresh fruits, while hotel restaurants provide more international options for those seeking familiar flavors alongside local dishes.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Khiva is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are comfortable for walking and sightseeing, ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F). Summers can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), making daytime exploration challenging, though early mornings and evenings remain pleasant. Winter visits (December-February) offer fewer crowds and dramatic lighting, but temperatures can drop below freezing at night while remaining mild during the day. The shoulder seasons also coincide with the best weather for desert excursions and outdoor photography.

Insider Tips

Purchase the combined ticket for all monuments early in your visit as it's valid for 2 days and saves money compared to individual entries

Stay within Itchan Kala overnight to experience the magical atmosphere after day-trip tourists leave and enjoy the beautifully lit monuments in the evening

Bring cash (Uzbek som) as most attractions, restaurants, and shops don't accept cards, and ATMs can be unreliable in this remote location

Things to Do in Khiva