Daytrip from Khiva to Nukus Museum, Mizdakhan and Chilpik Kala

5.0 (10 reviews) 10–12 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

10 reviews

5.0

Daytrip from Khiva to Nukus Museum, Mizdakhan and Chilpik Kala — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Daytrip from Khiva to Nukus Museum, Mizdakhan and Chilpik Kala, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Journey from the oasis of Khiva into the rugged heart of the Karakalpakstan desert for an extraordinary, full-day expedition that spans thousands of years of human history. This unique itinerary seamlessly blends the eerie mysteries of ancient religions with a jaw-dropping look at forbidden Soviet art. Traverse the shifting sands to stand on a 2,200-year-old Zoroastrian "Tower of Silence", decode centuries of myth at one of Central Asia’s most sacred necropolises, and step into the "Louvre in the Desert"—home to a legendary, multi-million dollar collection of banned avant-garde masterpieces. Perfect for history buffs, art lovers, and adventurous spirits looking to uncover a completely different side of Uzbekistan.

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Art Tours

At a glance

Duration: 10–12 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Written guide: English
Operated by: Islambek Travel & Hotels, Khiva

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Bottled water: 1L per person
Included: Fresh, local melon and watermelon tastings along the way (seasonal).
Included: Informative printed materials and brochures about the historic sites.
Included: Hands-on cotton picking experience in local fields (seasonal)
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Professional local drivers with basic English & Russian language skills.
Included: Surcharges on fuel: Fuel surcharge
Included: Parking Fees
Included: Flexible photo stops at any scenic point along the route.

Not included

Not included: Entrance fees: Entrance fee - For the Nukus Museums (must be paid on site)
Not included: A personal tour guide, English & Russian only, $100 (optional and must be paid on site)
Not included: Lunch (optional). May cost around $5-10

Itinerary

Stop 1

30 min

Make your first major stop at the dramatic Chilpik Dakhma, a striking circular fortress rising sharply above the desert plains. Walk up to this 2,000-year-old ritual site—once used by ancient Zoroastrians for sky burials—and take in panoramic views of the sweeping Amu Darya river basin.
State Museum of Art named after I.V. Savitsky

2 hours Admission not included

Next, arrive in the capital of Karakalpakstan to visit the Nukus Museum of Art. Known globally as the "Louvre of the Desert," it houses the world's second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde art—saved and hidden away from the Soviet regime by Igor Savitsky—alongside unique regional archaeological treasures.
Mizdakhan Necropolis

one hour

At the end, explore the Mizdakhan Necropolis, one of the most sacred, ancient, and atmospheric burial grounds in Central Asia. Wander through this massive "city of the dead," home to the shifting "World Clock" tomb, underground mausoleums, and ancient ruins steeped in deep local myths and spiritual energy.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Our Travel Agency located inside the Ichan Kala Touristic Complex next to the Caravan Sarai and Toshhovli Palace.

End point

Our Travel Agency located inside the Ichan Kala Touristic Complex next to the Caravan Sarai and Toshhovli Palace.

Pickup points

Naqqosh
Hotel Shodlik Guest House
Yulduz Hotel
Abdulloh
Khiva Palace Hotel
Urgench Airport
Mir Xoja Guest House
Hotel Carving House
Guest House Sharofat Ona
Hotel Malika Kheivak
Xiva Azim Ota
Khiva Angarik Darvoza

and 128 more pickup points

We can start the day trip in your hotel, airport or railway stations in Khiva or Urgench. Driver arrives at the agreed location 5 minutes in advance and wait for you there with his cars. One day before the day trip, we will send you a reminder Email or WhatsApp message with all the details and pictures of your driver and car. So, you can find and recognize him easily.