8 Places to visit in Khiva Uzbekistan

Khiva What to see 

Planning a perfect vacation can be an exciting and rewarding experience. In this guide, you will find a Khiva travel guide that meets all the must-see attractions that this city has to offer (updated to 2023).  

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Practical Information:

Location: Khiva is a characteristic small town, with a unique city center. I read some confusing information regarding the access to the city, so I want to clarify that you can enter and exit from the center freely, without needing a ticket. If you want access to all the historic sites, mosques and buildings, you have to purchase a ticket that costs 150000 SUMs. Tickets are sold at the west gate (location on Google Maps) and are valid for two days. Please note that some mosques are free, and to visit the minaret costs an extra 100000 SUMs. Khiva is small but there are a lot of buildings, I would give it two days to visit properly.

Transportation & Exploration: the most common way to explore Khiva is on foot, as the city is relatively compact and many of its main attractions are within walking distance of each other. I also think is useful to hire a local guide to better understand the place, as the city center is a bit of a maze. Khiva is not so well-connected to other major cities in Uzbekistan, you can reach it by train, it takes a 6-hour train ride to reach this city from Bukhara. You can find all the details in my article Ultimate Travel Guide: Uzbekistan.

Weather: Uzbekistan has a continental climate characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and mild, pleasant springs and autumns. Here’s a detailed overview of the weather:

Summer (June to August): summers in Uzbekistan are hot and dry, especially in the desert regions. Temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), particularly in July and August. If visiting during summer, plan your activities for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat.

Autumn (September to November): autumn is another excellent time to visit Uzbekistan. The weather is mild and comfortable, with temperatures gradually cooling down. The countryside is vibrant with autumn colors (temperature from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)

Winter (December to February): winters can be quite cold, especially in the northern and mountainous regions, where temperatures can drop below freezing. Temperatures are from -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F).

Spring (March to May): spring is one of the best times to visit Uzbekistan. The weather is mild and pleasant, with blooming flowers and green landscapes. Rainfall is moderate, but not too frequent. Temperatures are from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).

Accommodation: Khiva offers a variety of accommodations, I stayed at Khiva Karim Sulton, a sort of B&B managed by a family that lives here. I loved this place, as they were so kind to us and helped us to find taxis to reach the train station. Their breakfast was also amazing. 

Khiva sightseeing

Kalta Minor Minaret 

The Kalta Minor Minaret, located in Khiva, Uzbekistan, is a striking and unfinished architectural marvel. Commissioned by Mohammed Amin Khan in 1851, it stands approximately 26 meters (85 feet) tall with a diameter of 14.2 meters (47 feet) at the base. The minaret, made primarily of baked brick and adorned with intricate blue-green ceramic tiles, was intended to reach 70 meters but construction halted in 1855 following the Khan's death.

The cylindrical structure, with its vibrant color scheme and decorative bands featuring geometric patterns and Kufic inscriptions, remains a prominent symbol of Khiva. Originally meant to be a monumental landmark for Silk Road caravans, its unfinished state adds to its historical intrigue. Despite its incomplete status, the Kalta Minor Minaret captivates visitors with its unique beauty and remains a significant cultural and historical monument.

Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah 

The Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa was built between 1851 and 1854, commissioned by Mohammed Amin Khan, the ruler of Khiva. The madrasa was established as an educational institution for Islamic studies, playing a crucial role in the cultural and religious life of Khiva. Despite the passage of time, the madrasa remains well-preserved and continues to be a significant landmark in Khiva.

Juma mosque

The site has been used for worship since the 10th century, but the current structure dates primarily from the 18th century, with major reconstructions in 1788-1789. The interior is renowned for its forest of wooden columns, with a total of 213 supporting the roof. Some columns date back to the 10th century, while others are from the 18th century. The columns are made of elm and other local woods, reflecting the craftsmanship of Khivan artisans. The roof contains multiple skylights, known as "zoroq," which provide natural light and ventilation. These openings are strategically placed to illuminate the prayer hall and create a serene atmosphere. The design of the Juma Mosque, with its numerous wooden columns and flat roof, is unique among Islamic religious buildings, making it an architectural landmark.

The Juma Mosque remains an active place of worship, hosting regular Friday prayers and religious events.

Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum

The Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum in Khiva, Uzbekistan, is a revered and architecturally significant structure dedicated to the memory of Khiva's patron saint, Pahlavan Mahmoud. Pahlavan Mahmoud (1247–1326), a legendary poet, philosopher, and wrestler. He is considered the patron saint of Khiva.

The original mausoleum dates back to the 14th century, but the current complex largely reflects renovations and expansions from the 19th century. The mausoleum complex includes a central domed chamber, a series of smaller rooms, courtyards, and a minaret. The main chamber is crowned with a large blue-tiled dome, which is a distinctive feature of Khivan architecture. The central tomb chamber houses the sarcophagus of Pahlavan Mahmoud. The interior walls are adorned with rich tilework and inscriptions from the Quran. In fact the internal rooms are very beautiful and peculiar, decorated with the typical Muslim detailing.

The mausoleum is a major pilgrimage site for Muslims, who come to pay their respects to Pahlavan Mahmoud and seek his blessings.

Kuhna Ark

The Kuhna Ark, also known as the Old Citadel, is a historic fortress located in Khiva, Uzbekistan. It serves as a vivid testament to the city's architectural and political history. The original fortress dates back to the 12th century, but the majority of the current structures were built in the 17th century and later. It served as the residence and the administrative center of the Khivan khans, functioning as a fortress, palace, and government complex.

A prominent feature is the watchtower, offering panoramic views of Khiva and the surrounding area. It served both as a lookout point and a symbol of the khan's authority. I suggest coming here during the sunset, to catch a beautiful view of Khiva.

City Walls

The city walls of Khiva, encompassing the Ichan Kala (inner walled city), are a defining feature of this historic Uzbek city and a significant part of its cultural heritage. The original walls date back to the 10th century, with significant reconstructions and enhancements during the 17th and 19th centuries. The walls are constructed primarily from adobe bricks and mud, a traditional building material in the region.

Visitors can walk along sections of the walls to enjoy panoramic views of the Ichan Kala and the surrounding area, a highlight of my visit. However, since the site is far from the city center, it might not be ideal to come at sunset.

Islam Khoja Minaret

The Islam Khoja Minaret in Khiva, Uzbekistan, is one of the most striking and prominent landmarks in the city. It was built in 1908-1910. The minaret was constructed as part of a mosque and madrasa complex intended to serve both religious and educational purposes. The Islam Khoja Minaret symbolizes a period of modernization in Khiva under Islam Khoja's influence, blending traditional Islamic architecture with newer styles. Due to its height and distinctive design, the minaret is one of the most recognizable structures in Khiva.

Khojamberdibai Madrassah

The madrassah, like many in the region, is an educational institution for Islamic studies. Its architecture reflects the traditional Islamic and Central Asian styles, featuring intricate tile work, majestic arches, and a well-structured courtyard. As a madrassah, Khojamberdibai served as a center for learning. Students studied various Islamic sciences, including theology, law (Sharia), philosophy, mathematics, and astronomy. The madrassah's curriculum was designed to produce well-rounded scholars proficient in religious and secular knowledge.

Planning a perfect day trip doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these steps and considering your preferences, you can create an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, choose your destination, and get ready for an adventure!