Khiva
Khiva is a walled oasis town in northwestern Uzbekistan whose old monuments sit inside one compact fortress wall. You can see most of them in one or two days.
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Khiva is a walled oasis city in the Khorezm region of northwestern Uzbekistan, close to the Amu Darya river and the edge of the Kyzylkum desert. Its old quarter, Itchan Kala, sits inside a fortress wall and holds minarets, madrasas, mosques and palaces built when Khiva was the capital of the Khorezm khanate. Itchan Kala is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many families still live in the old town, so you walk past homes and workshops as well as monuments.
Khiva suits travelers who want a compact historic town. Most of the sights are a short walk apart inside the walls, so one or two days covers the main monuments. The best seasons are spring and autumn, when days are warm enough for walking. Summer is very hot, and winters are cold. Pair Khiva with the other Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan if you want a longer route through the country.
Khiva in five
- Carry som cash inside the wallsSmall shops and bazaar stalls inside Itchan Kala often take cash only, so withdraw Uzbek som before you walk through the gates.Money and costs
- Use Urgench airport for KhivaKhiva has no airport of its own. Fly into Urgench, about 30 km away, or take a train from Tashkent to Urgench, then a taxi or shared minibus to the old town.Getting around
- Set up an eSIM before you reach UrgenchTaxi apps and maps need mobile data from the moment you land, so set up an eSIM or buy a local SIM before the ride from Urgench.Phones and eSIM
- Cover shoulders and hair at mosquesActive mosques and mausoleums expect covered shoulders and knees. Women often carry a light scarf for their hair. Take shoes off where the floor is carpeted.
- Walk the walls before midday in summerSummer days in Khiva are very hot and the old streets have little shade, so see the monuments early and rest in the afternoon.
Things to do in Khiva
See all attractions in Khiva
Need to know
- Currency
- Uzbekistani som (UZS)
- Entry
- Visa-free for many passports; e-visa for others, check yours Read more
- Emergency
- 102 police, 103 ambulance, 101 fire
- Tipping
- Not required; rounding up or a small tip is appreciated
- Time
- UTC+5, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, quiet
- MarchSpring, cool
- AprilMild, pleasant
- MayWarm, easy
- JuneVery hot
- JulyPeak heat
- AugustVery hot
- SeptemberWarm, quieter
- OctoberMild, clear
- NovemberCool, quiet
- DecemberCold, quiet
Right now in Khiva
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
9
- Feels like
- 4°
- Humidity
- 32%
- Wind
- 8 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 3%
Khiva
01:41 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today19°4°3%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Wed20°6°3%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Thu21°7°0%Thursday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri21°8°15%Friday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 15%.
- Sat18°4°14%Saturday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 14%.
- Sun21°9°43%Sunday: Rain. High 21°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 43%.
- Mon9°5°43%Monday: Rain. High 9°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 43%.
Updated 09:24 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 11,902 UZS
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Konye-Urgenchby car or tourThe ruined old capital of Khwarazm, with a tall brick minaret on the flat plain.
- Nukus and the Savitsky Museuma long day by carA large collection of Russian avant-garde art in Nukus, a long drive from Khiva.
- Urgenchabout 30 to 45 min by carThe regional city and airport, useful for a flight out of the region.
Before you go to Khiva
Rules for Khiva, checked
- Check whether you can enter visa-free or need an e-visa on the official portal before you book flights.Source
- Declare foreign cash above the customs limit on arrival; check the current amount with Uzbekistan customs before you travel.
- Dress modestly at active mosques and mausoleums; guards may refuse entry to visitors in shorts or sleeveless tops.
Plan around Khiva
Lodging inside the walls and in the outer town
Read the guideGetting around UzbekistanTrains, flights and taxis from Tashkent and Urgench
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and what things cost
Read the guideVisas and entryPassport rules and the e-visa check
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData for taxis, maps and bookings
Read the guideUzbekistan travel guideCities, routes and entry for the whole country
Read the guideKhiva FAQ
Is Khiva worth visiting?
Yes, for a day or two, if you want a walled old town of monuments and guesthouses. It is a poor choice if you want nightlife or a city with many restaurants.
How many days do you need in Khiva?
Two nights is enough to walk the walls, see the main monuments and take one day trip. Stay three nights if you want an early morning and an evening in the old town.
Is Khiva safe for tourists?
Most visits pass without trouble, but check your government's current travel advice before you go. Keep copies of your passport and carry only the cash you need in the bazaars.
What is the best time to visit Khiva?
April, May, September and October, when days are warm without the summer heat. Summer is very hot, and winter is cold.
Is Khiva walkable?
Yes. The walled Itchan Kala is small enough to cover on foot, and the outer town is a short walk or taxi ride from the gates.
Do you need a visa for Uzbekistan?
It depends on your passport. Many nationalities enter visa-free for short stays, and others apply for an e-visa online. Check the official portal before you book.