Location: Khiva
Top Things to do in Khiva
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What to do and see in Khiva, Uzbekistan: The Best Places and Tips
Khiva (Uzbek: Xiva/Хива, خىۋا; Persian: خیوه, Xīveh; alternative or historical names include Khorasam, Khoresm, Khwarezm, Khwarizm, Khwarazm, Chorezm, and Persian: خوارزم) is a city of approximately 50,000 people located in Xorazm Region, Uzbekistan. According to archaeological data, the city was established in the beginning of the Christian era. It is the former capital of Khwarezmia and the Khanate of Khiva. Itchan Kala in Khiva was the first site in Uzbekistan to be inscribed in the World Heritage List (1991). The world renowned astronomer, historian and polymath, Al-Biruni (973-1048CE) was among several Muslim scholars born here.
Restaurants in Khiva
1. Itchan Kala
Overall Ratings
5 based on 376 reviews
The ancient town has many undamaged monuments such as the Djuma Mosque.
Reviewed By Elyssebeth - Sydney, Australia
Khiva is by no means the oldest city in the Khorazim region of Uzbekistan, but chance has made it the best preserved 'old' city in the country. About 3,000 people live in the city a athlete are many small boutique hotels to service the growing number of tourist s. We spent 3 nights in the city - and it was not enough to see all the buildings, tile work, small museums and - of course - (we are on the new version of the Silk Road) all the goods for sale.
These range from old silk scarves to new fur hats, to beautiful hand carved 'laugh' book stands.
This is a fabulous place - in every sense of the word.
2. Citadel Kunya-ark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Arang-khan began the construction of this Citadel complex in 1686, which contains a house for khan, the members of his family and dignitaries.
Reviewed By Brogan J
Located within the walls of Khiva's old city, the entrance to this Citadel is cheap and surely worth it. If you can, try to visit near to sunset - the views across the old city are incredible as the sun blankets the city in an orange glow. There is a brilliant viewpoint at the top of the Ark.
3. Friday Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
Reviewed By Geminican - San Jose
This is one of largest mosque in Khiva with many columns. Better to take a guided tour so you know the history and what to look. In Khiva, everywhere you go, there are always souvenir shops, this one is no exception. 30 minutes inside maximum is all you need. If you want to go up to get a panoramic view of the city, there is a staircase going up, where you can get the ticket on first floor.
4. Mohammed Amin Madrassah
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By Emil-Nistor - Bucharest, Romania
All Khiva is wonderful and Kalta minor is one of its peaks. It was intended to be the tallest minaret in the world (about 80 meters high) but the legend says that when they reached 26 meters the vizir on a routine inspection visit could look from the top into the harem of the amir, he immediately informed him about that and the amir stopped the works. Even in this state it is a wonder - can you imagine how would have looked like if finished?
5. Stone Palace (Tash Khauli)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
This 19th-century palace was the residence of the ruler of Khiva, Allah Kuli Khan.
Reviewed By Mamed A - Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Been to this place many times but I suggest you take a guide to tell you more of the historical details. The palace is comparatively huge and consists of many different beautiful parts, including the harem. Definitely recommend this place even if you don't have too much time in Khiva.
6. Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
This mausoleum is of the 14th-century poet and sage Pakhlavan Makhmud, who was proclaimed a Muslim saint since he belonged to the Kungrad Dynasty.
Reviewed By navyfenton - Melbourne, Australia
Built in the Persian style this mausoleum is well worth paying the extra to enter.
It is dedicated to 3 famous men built From the 14c to the 16th c refurbished in later centuries. Beautiful tile work . a little difficult to get good photos as so small.
I do get somewhat annoyed when entering these buildings you have to pay extra to use the toilet and take photos.
7. Islam Khodja Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By midway42 - Minnesota
Found just adjacent to the Pahlovan Mahmud mausoleum, the Islam Khoda complex was commissioned by the progressive public official of the same name; it consists of a madrassah and a minaret. The former contains a smallish Museum of Applied Arts and the latter is climable (if that’s a word) with both being visited at the end of my walking tour of the city. The museum was probably the best I saw in Khiva with several notable examples of local handiwork including embroidered chevtan robes and wood carvings. At 146 feet the minaret is Khiva’s highest vantage point by far albeit with a separate admission fee and fairly strenuous climb.
Although the museum was a bit below the standards of its Tashkent counterpart and the climb of the minaret was exhausting the area as a whole was worth my time spent here. There are subtle regional differences with crafts that I was exposed to and the views from the top of the minaret are the best you’ll get in town. Overall a visit is recommended with the aforementioned slight caveats.
8. Pahlovon Mahmud Mausoleum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By midway42 - Minnesota
Who would have thought that the town’s adopted patron saint was equally well known and revered as a poet, philosopher, and wrestler! The Hercules of the East (one of many monikers for Pahlavon Mahmud) died in 1325 and was promptly buried here under much less glamorous circumstances; the Kungrad Khans transformed the shrine into its present form in the 19th Century.
After paying a reasonable admission of 4000 som, the main hall is straight ahead with student prayer cells on the left and a well on the right. Shoes are left at the door and the large room with the high dome beyond contains the tombs of several other rulers. Mahmud’s tomb is in a recess off to the left, behind an ornate screen inlaid with ivory. There was a formal prayer ceremony in the main hall and the lights were off in the alcove on our first visit; a repeat trip later in the day alleviated the latter issue. We spent a total of maybe 40 minutes on site.
This was the highlight of my time in Khiva for two reasons. First, the decorations far surpassed anything I had seen in the city. I’m not even an “art expert” but could appreciate the tile patterns/colors and word carving on an almost visceral level and easily saw why my guide made a point to bring me back to the alcove when the lights were functional. Second, the mausoleum also gave me one of my first glimpses into the behavior of Muslim pilgrims who were engaged in a formal prayer ceremony on both visits. Put simply, I found it intriguing to see how non-tourists interfaced with the building as well.
A trip here should be included on anyone’s visit to the city. Highly recommended.
9. Tomb of Sayid Allauddin
Overall Ratings
4 based on 41 reviews
The 14th-century tomb of the Sufi master Sayid Allauddin is considered one of the oldest buildings in Khiva.
Reviewed By arrahman74 - Pakistan
the interior is not very remarkable, but u should visit it as this is one of the oldest buildings in Khiva (14th century AD). If u r interested in muslim spirituality (tasavv-wuf), this is an important place for praying and zikr.
10. Tura Murad-Tura Minaret
Overall Ratings
4 based on 35 reviews
Tura Murad-Tura Minaret is located opposite the northwestern corner of Muhammad Rahim-khan Madrasah. It was built next to a Makhallya's mosque bearing the same name by Tura Murad-Tura, brother of Muhammad Rakhimkhan II.
Reviewed By Tinde_K - Moscow, Russia
Wonderful view that is really worth to climb. A recommendation, though, make sure you're wearing the right shoes as the stairs are tall, narrow and very slippery. Your Khiva ticket won't get you there, you have to pay extra, about 2000 soms.
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