Tag: khiva

72 Hours in Khiva: The Pearl of Uzbekistan

Around the world Asia Uzbekistan

72 Hours in Khiva: The Pearl of Uzbekistan

Of all the cities we discovered during our trip to Uzbekistan, Khiva was our true favorite. In our minds, Samarkand and Bukhara stood out as the must-see stops on any trip to Uzbekistan, while Khiva remained far less talked about. Yet the moment we passed through the walls of Itchan Kala, the fortified old city, we realized that this place was something special, different from anywhere else we had visited.

We spent three days wandering through its ochre-colored streets, admiring its turquoise-tiled minarets, and enjoying its unique atmosphere. More than a museum city, Khiva truly feels like traveling several centuries back in time. For us, it is simply the most authentic (and least touristy) of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities. 

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Uzbekistan in 15 Days: Itinerary and Practical Tips

Around the world Asia Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan in 15 Days: Itinerary and Practical Tips

Getting lost in a maze of blue domes, hearing the echo of caravans on sun-warmed stones, sipping hot tea in a shaded courtyard, and letting the golden dust of the desert cling to your shoes. Uzbekistan has that rare gift: it slows you down and reignites your curiosity. There, history is written on façades, light turns ceramics into jewels, and every public square becomes a stage where centuries pass by.

For fifteen days, we moved between brick citadels, Timurid splendor, and trains swallowing the landscape. Like any well-prepared traveler, my friend and I balanced moments of awe with practical considerations, such as tickets secured, cash on hand, insurance checked, so the magic could unfold without unpleasant surprises.

As the destination becomes increasingly popular, tourism is growing fast. Yet guidebooks are still scarce, which is precisely why this article exists.

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