Khiva’s 15 Top Tours

Khiva is one of Central Asia’s most captivating stops, especially for travelers who love architecture, history, and vibrant street life. Its Itchan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a treasure trove of mosques, madrasahs, minarets, and bustling bazaars—all preserved in a way that invites real exploration. What sets Khiva apart is how accessible its treasures are on foot, making guided tours especially rewarding. Whether it’s walking amid centuries-old walls or climbing minarets for panoramic views, the tours here are tailored to those eager to see authentic, well-preserved Islamic architecture. Plus, many tours include personal storytelling and local encounters, giving you a genuine taste of Khiva’s Silk Road legacy.

We particularly enjoy the Khiva: Historical City Highlights Guided Walking Tour for its blend of history and culture (see here). It covers essential sites like the Allakuli Khan Madrasah and the Islam Khoja Minaret—symbols of Khiva’s grandeur. For a more intimate experience, the Excellent Private Walking Tour in Khiva! offers personalized attention and even opportunities for local interactions, like trying wood carving. Whether you want a quick overview or an in-depth day trip, these options help you get the most out of your visit.

1. Khiva: Historical City Highlights Guided Walking Tour

This half-day tour offers a solid introduction to Khiva’s most iconic sites. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want to see the essentials—like the Allakuli Khan Madrasah and the Islam Khoja Minaret. The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who brings Khiva’s stories alive, making history feel personal. At just $15 per person, it’s excellent value, especially given the 59 reviews rating it 4.5/5. Travelers love how well-paced and informative it is, making it ideal for first-timers. The experience covers the UNESCO-listed Itchan Kala, focusing on its architectural gems and cultural significance.

Bottom Line: If your time is limited but you want a rundown, this tour hits all the highlights at a wallet-friendly price.

2. Excellent Private Walking Tour in Khiva!

For those who prefer a personalized experience, the Excellent Private Walking Tour in Khiva! is hard to beat. At $30 per person, it offers an intimate look at Khiva’s streets, with the chance to meet locals and even try wood carving. The guide customizes the walk based on your interests, making it perfect for history enthusiasts or photographers wanting to capture the city’s best angles. With a perfect 5/5 rating from 9 reviews, travelers rave about the guide’s friendliness and knowledge. This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a flexible schedule and deeper insights, beyond just the main sites.

Bottom Line: For a more tailored visit with personal interactions, this private tour offers a memorable, in-depth experience.

3. Khiva day tour

If you’re looking for a full immersion, the Khiva day tour covers an extensive list of sites in 5 to 6 hours. From the Mukhammad Aminkhan Madrasah to the Kalta-Minor Minaret, this tour dives into Khiva’s architectural masterpieces. The guide’s expertise shines, with reviews lauding the well-paced experience and deep historical context. Notable highlights include the Tash Khovli Palace and Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum. At $60, it offers great value considering the depth and comprehensive itinerary, especially for travelers eager to see the city’s layers of history in one day.

Bottom Line: Best for those who want a thorough understanding of Khiva’s landmarks without missing a key site, all in one organized trip.

4. Khiva Private Day Tour

This private day tour focuses on exploring Ichan Kala, Khiva’s fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site. For $110, your group enjoys a personalized experience, climbing minarets, wandering city walls, and savoring local meals. The guide’s insight makes the history of the fortress and its buildings come alive, perfect if you’re after an authentic, flexible itinerary. Reviewers mention the opportunity to climb minarets and enjoy local cuisine, which truly enhances the experience. Best suited for couples or small groups wanting an exclusive day out.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a private, flexible day with personalized attention and a focus on Khiva’s ancient fortress.

5. Khiva Walking Tour

Spanning roughly 4-5 hours, this Khiva Walking Tour covers major sites like Muhammad Aminkhan Medrese, Kalta Minor Minaret, and Tosh Hovli Palace for just $90 per group up to 2. It’s a detailed exploration with stops at the Kunya Ark and Islamkhudja complex, highlighting Khiva’s Islamic architecture and craftsmanship. The tour emphasizes storytelling, which makes the history more memorable. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the city’s core without rushing, and the small group size encourages a more personal experience.

Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or small groups wanting an in-depth, relaxed tour with lots of local stories.

6. Khiva: Old Town Walking Tour with History and Culture

This 4-hour guided walk offers a comprehensive look at Khiva’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, with stops at Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, and Tash Khauli Palace. The knowledgeable guide walks you through the streets, sharing insights about the Silk Road and local architecture. Highlights include walking through atmospheric streets and visiting iconic landmarks. Reviewers appreciate how the tour balances history and local life, making Khiva’s stories come to life. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a structured, cultural overview with some free time to explore.

Bottom Line: A great choice for those wanting a mix of history, culture, and personal stories in a manageable timeframe.

7. Best of Khiva: Exclusive Private Tour!

This 5 to 6-hour private walking tour takes you into Khiva’s most iconic sites, including Ichan Qal’a, the Kunya-ark fortress, and the Kalta Minaret. The guide provides a detailed narrative and personal insights, making this tour ideal for history lovers and photographers alike. The reviews highlight the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge, with many noting how the tour covers all major sites efficiently. It’s well-suited for those who want a private, in-depth exploration of Khiva’s architecture and history.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a personalized, comprehensive experience with a knowledgeable guide.

8. Guided walking tour in Khiva

Offering insight into Khiva’s more than 50 monuments inside Ichan Kala, this guided walk emphasizes the city’s architectural diversity. At $49 per person, it’s an affordable, detailed exploration. Guests admire the walk along the city walls and the chance to discover unique sites with a local guide. It’s especially good if you want a thorough understanding of the city’s layout and historic sites, without the need for a private tour.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting an in-depth, guided overview of Khiva’s main monuments at a reasonable price.

9. Khiva Guaranteed Tour

This 4-5 hour tour offers a comprehensive visit that includes several madrasahs, mosques, and mausoleums, such as the Muhammad Aminkhan Madrasah and Kalta Minaret. The reviews praise the knowledgeable guide and well-paced itinerary. The tour provides a broad look at Khiva’s Islamic architecture and cultural sites, making it perfect for first-time visitors. At $45 per person, it offers excellent value for a full day’s worth of exploring.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a complete overview of Khiva’s main sites with a reliable guide.

10. Guided tour around Khiva

This group tour costs $90 for up to 10 people and offers a personal, immersive experience. It emphasizes uncovering hidden gems, local stories, and exploring lively bazaars. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate local insights and less structured time. The two reviews mention how the guide’s storytelling brings Khiva’s streets to life and makes the city’s history more engaging.

Bottom Line: Best for small groups wanting a flexible, storytelling-focused experience.

11. Khiva city walking tour

At $120 for a private group, this personalized walking tour emphasizes storytelling and deep dives into Khiva’s architecture and Silk Road stories. Tour guides focus on engaging visitors with history and local legends, making it ideal for those who want a high-touch experience. The reviews highlight the guide’s professionalism and wealth of knowledge.

Bottom Line: Great for history lovers who want detailed stories and individual attention.

12. Khiva: classic Half-Day Tour

This half-day walking tour takes you to the Kunya Ark, Mukhammad Rakhim Khan Madrasah, and the Kalta Minaret for $59. It’s designed for travelers who want to see Khiva’s highlights efficiently, with a focus on architecture and Islamic culture. The reviews commend the knowledgeable guide and good pace.

Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick but thorough overview of Khiva’s main sights.

13. Khiva: Historical City Highlights Guided Walking Tour

With over 30 reviews averaging 5/5, this 4-hour tour is a favorite. It covers Itchan Kala, the Islam Khoja Minaret, and Pakhlavon Makhmud Mausoleum, giving a balanced look at Khiva’s spiritual and architectural highlights. The reviews mention how well the guide explains the history, making complex stories easy to understand.

Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting a compact, engaging tour with detailed stories of Khiva’s landmarks.

14. Day Trip Top 3 Fortresses departure from Khiva Self-Guided Tour

This self-guided day trip covers Kyzyl Qala, Toprak Qala, and Ayaz Qala, some of the oldest forts in Central Asia. At $60, the trip is a good choice for history-focused travelers comfortable with independent planning. The detailed description of ruins over 2,000 years old makes this a fascinating option for those interested in ancient military architecture.

Bottom Line: Best for independently-minded travelers eager to explore iconic forts in the desert landscape.

15. Khiva: Private Guided Tour Through the Ancient Ichan Kala

This private 4.5-hour tour leads you through Khiva’s Kunya-Ark, Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum, and Tash Khowli Palace with a knowledgeable local guide. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a deep, personalized understanding of Khiva’s highlights, with the flexibility to customize stops. The reviews praise the guide’s professionalism and ability to bring Khiva’s stories to life.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those seeking a tailored, intimate experience with expert commentary.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Khiva

When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you have only a few hours, the Khiva: Historical City Highlights Guided Walking Tour offers excellent value. For a fully personalized experience, the Excellent Private Walking Tour or Best of Khiva provide intimacy and tailored insights. If you’re keen on archaeology and ancient forts, the Self-Guided Day Trip is perfect. For those who want a broader culture, the Old Town Walking Tour or Guided tour around Khiva strike a good balance. Book early, especially in high season, to secure your preferred time and guide.

Khiva offers a remarkable range of tours suited to different interests and schedules. From quick highlights to in-depth private explorations, you’ll find options that fit your travel style. For history and architecture lovers, the Khiva: Historical City Highlights Guided Walking Tour or Best of Khiva are standout choices. For a more personal experience, the private tours provide excellent value. If your time is limited but you want a rundown, the half-day tours are perfect. Whatever you choose, Khiva’s timeless streets are waiting—so plan ahead and book early to make the most of your journey.