Daytrip Duration: 3-4 hours
Sightseeing time: 1 hours
Driving time: 3 hours
Driving Distance: 180 km.
Included: Hands-Free Brochures, a good drivers with new Cars with AC, pick up and drop off at your location and Mineral water (0.5l. per person)
Not Included: Entrance tickets, meals, camel riding, Yurt Camp stay & etc
Maximize your journey across Karakalpakstan with this efficient, private point-to-point day trip from Khiva to the regional capital of Nukus, featuring a captivating stop at the ancient Chilpik Kala along the way. Designed for travelers seeking a seamless blend of historical discovery and comfortable transit, this direct route saves you time while unlocking the mysterious desert landscapes of northern Uzbekistan.
Your private driver picks you up directly from your accommodation in Khiva (or in Urgench) in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle. Leave the oasis city behind as you cross the Amu Darya River and journey north into the rugged Kyzylkum Desert.
Chilpik Kala (The Tower of Silence): Break up the drive after roughly 1.5 hours by stopping at Chilpik Kala. Perched dramatically on a solitary, conical hill overlooking the Amu Darya river oasis, this open-air mud ring is a 2,000-year-old Zoroastrian Dakhma. Take a brief hike up the modern stairs to the crest to enjoy sweeping, panoramic views of the desert horizon and reflect on ancient burial rituals.
Return Journey: Hop back into your private vehicle for the final 45-minute drive north. Your driver will drop you off safely at your destination in Nukus, or directly at the Nukus airport/train station for your onward travel connections.
Pickup details
Your adventure begins with complete convenience. We offer flexible pickup services from any hotel, airport, or railway station in Khiva or Urgench. To ensure a stress-free start, your driver will arrive at the designated location 15 minutes prior to departure. For your peace of mind, we will send a reminder via email or WhatsApp one day before the trip. This message will contain all essential details, including photos of both your driver and the vehicle, making them incredibly easy to identify upon arrival.
Included
Comfort & Transport
- Modern, air-conditioned Chevrolet vehicles.
- Door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off (including luggage handling).
- Professional local drivers with basic English & Russian language skills.
Authentic Experiences
- Warm, traditional hospitality at an authentic local restaurant & desert yurt camp.
- Hands-on cotton picking experience in local fields (seasonal)
Sightseeing & Relaxation
- Flexible photo stops at any scenic point along the route.
- Breathtaking desert vistas, ancient fortresses, and a “time-travel” atmosphere.
Refreshments & Materials
- Complimentary chilled mineral water (1L per person).
- Fresh, local melon and watermelon tastings along the way (seasonal).
- Informative printed materials and brochures about the historic sites.
Please note (Exclusions)
To give you maximum flexibility, lunch and a personal tour guide are optional and not included in the base price.
🎟️ Admission & Entry Fees
- Chilpik Kala Fortress cost 20,000 UZS per person (must be paid on site).
🍽️ Food & Beverage
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are not covered
- Any extra refreshments beyond the single complimentary bottle of Mineral water usually provided by the driver.
🗣️ Professional Guiding Services
- Unless explicitly added as a premium upgrade, your driver only handles transportation. English or Russian speaking guide cost $80 to accompany and guide you during the daytrip and it must be booked in advance.
Recommendations for visitors
- Starting time: We recommend to start the daytrip at around 08:00 am. You will arrive to Nukus around the noon time is you start is in Khiva around 8 am.
- Bring Cash: Credit cards are often not accepted at local restaurants and minimarkets. Please carry enough cash for lunch and personal expenses.
- Sun Protection: The fortresses and necropolis offer no shade. Please bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Proper Footwear: Wear sneakers or sturdy, closed-toe shoes. The terrain is uneven, and the desert has sharp, dried vegetation. Sandals and slip-on shoes are not recommended.
