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Khiva

Originally built as a garrison town to house slaves in transit, Khiva, which is also known as Xiva by Uzbeks, was a prosperous city which fell into decline, was abandoned and then left to the ravages of the desert.

Today, thanks to UNESCO, Khiva has been restored to its former glory and unlike many cities in Central Asia, it has been preserved in its entirety. Although it has the air of a museum, slowly but surely, it is coming back to life. The harem, mosques, bazaar and madrassas are all there and to stay a night in one of the small private guest houses allows travellers to experience Khiva at its best, when the moonlit silhouettes of the tilting columns and madrassas, viewed from twisting alleyways, work their magic.

Itchan Kala, Khiva, Uzbekistan — Khiva, Uzbekistan

Why visit Khiva?

Day trips from the city can be arranged, taking in some of the local sites including a few of the historic buildings in Ichon-Qala; mosques, shrines and museums. Also a trip to Urgench, the capital of the Khorezm province of Uzbekistan, is recommended, providing a good launch point for the ‘Golden Ring’ of ancient fortresses in southern Karakalpakstan.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Discover Bukhara

Stroll through the atmospheric streets of Bukhara, home to bazaars, minarets and madrasas.

Suggested Holiday Idea

UNESCO Khiva

Explore the UNESCO city of Khiva, possibly the best preserved of all the Silk Road cities.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Hike in the Chimgan Mountains

Embark on a day trek or a more challenging multi day hike in the Chimgan Mountains.

Registan Square

Wander around Samarkand exploring the restored madrasas flanking the edges of Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the countries most iconic images.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Kyzylkum Desert

Visit Aydarkul Lake in the Kyzylkum Desert – camp out in yurts and ride a camel.

Fergana Valley

Visit the fertile silk producing region of the Fergana Valley.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Discover more experiences

Idea

Kyrgyzstan

Journey through Central Asia

Travel through five very different countries, crossing desert, mountains and grasslands, seeing the finest architecture in Central Asia and mingling with the many different ethnic groups that inhabit the region.

23 days from £5,980pp

Men, Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia by Paul Craven

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Idea

Uzbekistan

Highlights of Uzbekistan

This comprehensive holiday to Uzbekistan takes in the silk road cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

10 days from £2,675pp

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Idea

Russia

Golden Eagle – The Silk Route by Train

For centuries the domain of adventurers and merchants trading their wares, the ancient Silk Route covers some 4,000 miles. Board the luxurious Golden Eagle train and cross five countries, following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great on a journey across Central…

14 days from £17,395pp

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Need Inspiration?
Browse our Uzbekistan holiday ideas.

Our Uzbekistan experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea

Kyrgyzstan

Journey through Central Asia

23 days from £5,980pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Uzbekistan

Highlights of Uzbekistan

This comprehensive holiday to Uzbekistan takes in the silk road cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

10 days from £2,675pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Russia

Golden Eagle – The Silk Route by Train

14 days from £17,395pp

View Holiday Idea

View all holiday ideas

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz.

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Very efficient, knowledgeable and personal service from Paul. The whole holiday exceeded my expectations and the guides were soviet style superb.

Uzbekistan

Very satisfied with all aspects of Steppes service and especially pleased with our guide whose deep knowledge of the country gave us a far better trip than we had even expected. We were inspired to keep learning more, both during the trip and afterwards.

Uzbekistan

Deborah, our main contact was quick to respond and thoughtful. We requested a guide who was excellent in the history and lore of the region and she secured us the best guide we have ever encountered. Great team, great trip!

Uzbekistan

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

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Khiva

Why visit Khiva?