Khiva: Private Guided Tour Through the Ancient Ichan Kala

5.0 (2 reviews) 4 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

2 reviews

5.0

Khiva: Private Guided Tour Through the Ancient Ichan Kala — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Khiva: Private Guided Tour Through the Ancient Ichan Kala, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience an authentic and personalized Khiva tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. Explore the ancient streets, uncover the hidden layers of Khiva’s history and culture, and capture its timeless beauty. Perfect for travelers, photographers, and history lovers seeking an in-depth and unforgettable journey.

Tour type: Private

Tour mode: Walking

Duration: 4-5 hours ( customizable )

Pickup: Hotel pickup included (on foot)

Places will be visited and shown:

1. Kunya-Urgench

2. Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum

3. Toshhovli Palace

4. Kalta Minor Minaret

5. Islam Khodja Complex

6. Friday Mosque

7. Allakuli Khan Tim

8. Allakuli Khan Madrassah

9. Tomb of Sayid Allauddin

10. Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrassah

11. Nurullaboy Palace

Aditionally: By request there can be arranged stops for Tea and coffee.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Walking Tours City Tours New Product Short term availability Weather Dependent - Weather-Proof

At a glance

Duration: 4 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: Russian, English
Operated by: UzLocalGuide

Ages: Adults (11–90 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Taxes
Included: Private Tour
Included: Online Support
Included: Professional Guide

Not included

Not included: Admission fees: Museum tickets cost around 15 USD for per person
Not included: Meals & Drinks

Itinerary

Kunya-Urgench

30 min

Kunya-Ark Fortress – Located in the western part of Itchan Kala, Khiva's old city, Kunya-Ark (meaning "Old Fortress") was the residence of Khiva's khans. Built in the 17th century, it includes a throne room, harem, mosque, mint, and observation tower. The fortress offers insight into royal life and provides panoramic views of the city from its watchtower.
Stop 2

20 min Admission not included

Pahlavan Mahmud Complex – This revered mausoleum in Khiva honors Pahlavan Mahmud (1247–1326), a celebrated poet, philosopher, healer, and undefeated wrestler who became the city's patron saint. Originally a modest tomb, it was transformed in the 19th century into a grand complex featuring Khiva's largest turquoise dome, intricate majolica tilework, and finely carved wood and brass elements. The site also serves as the dynastic burial place for Khiva's Qungrat khans, including Muhammad Rahim Khan I and Allah Quli Khan. Located within Itchan Kala, the complex remains a significant spiritual and architectural landmark.
Stop 3

30 min Admission not included

Tash-Khawli Palace (Harem) – Built in the 1830s by Allakuli Khan, Tash-Khawli (meaning "Stone House") was the royal palace of Khiva's rulers. It features over 150 rooms, including a richly decorated harem, reception halls, and courtyards. The palace is renowned for its intricate tilework, carved wooden columns, and painted ceilings. It served as both a residence and a center for state affairs, showcasing the grandeur and artistry of Khivan architecture.
Kalta Minor Minaret

30 min Admission not included

Kalta-Minor Minaret – This iconic, unfinished minaret stands near the west gate of Itchan Kala in Khiva. Commissioned by Muhammad Amin Khan in 1851, it was intended to be the tallest minaret in Central Asia but construction stopped after the Khan’s death in 1855. Despite its short height (around 29 meters), it is strikingly wide and beautifully decorated with glazed tiles in shades of blue and green, making it one of Khiva’s most photographed landmarks.
Islam Khodja Complex

30 min Admission not included

Islam Khoja Complex – Built in 1910, this complex includes Khiva’s tallest minaret (56.6 m) and an elegant madrasah. Commissioned by reformer Islam Khoja, it blends traditional Khivan architecture with modern influences. The minaret, decorated with blue and green tiles, served as a landmark, while the madrasah now houses the Museum of Applied Arts. The complex symbolizes Khiva’s late architectural and cultural revival.
Juma Mosque

20 min Admission not included

Juma Mosque and Minaret – Located in the heart of Itchan Kala, the Juma Mosque dates back to the 10th century and was rebuilt in the 18th century. It is unique for its 213 wooden columns, many of which are centuries old and intricately carved. The mosque’s design reflects ancient pre-Islamic architecture. Adjacent to it stands the 33-meter minaret, offering views over the old city. It remains a peaceful and spiritual centerpiece of Khiva.
Allakuli Khan Tim Market

20 min

Tim of Allakuli Khan – Built in the 1830s, this covered bazaar was a key part of Khiva’s trade network. Located near the eastern gate of Itchan Kala, the Tim served as a bustling marketplace for silk, spices, and other valuable goods. Its high domed roof and small shops lining the interior created a cool, shaded space for merchants and buyers. It reflects Khiva’s importance as a Silk Road trading hub.
Allakuli Khan Madrassah

20 min Admission not included

Allakuli Khan Madrasah – Built in 1835 by Allakuli Khan, this large madrasah is located opposite the Tim and was one of the most prominent educational institutions in Khiva. It features a grand façade with intricate tilework, an arched entrance, and over 100 student cells (hujras). The madrasah reflects the architectural style of late Khivan design and highlights the khan’s efforts to promote learning and culture in the city.
Tomb of Sayid Allauddin

20 min

Seyyid Allauddin Mausoleum – This small but beautifully decorated mausoleum in Khiva honors Seyyid Allauddin, a revered religious figure and scholar. Dating back to the 14th century, it features traditional Central Asian tilework and intricate brick patterns. The mausoleum is a peaceful spiritual site and an important example of early Islamic architecture in the region.
Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrassah

20 min Admission not included

Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasah – Built in 1876, this large madrasah in Khiva was commissioned by Muhammad Rahim Khan II. It combined religious and secular education, including subjects like math and astronomy. Architecturally, it features a grand portal, four towers, and beautiful blue-and-white tilework. The madrasah has classrooms, mosques, and a library, reflecting Khiva’s cultural and educational growth in the 19th century.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Naqqosh
Hotel Shodlik Guest House
Yulduz Hotel
Kamil Palace
Abdulloh
Khiva Palace Hotel
Mir Xoja Guest House
Hotel Carving House
Guest House Sharofat Ona
Hotel Malika Kheivak
Mahdiy Hotel
Xiva Azim Ota

and 80 more pickup points

Our Guides will pick up all travelers from their hotels in Khiva.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.