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Desert Citadel

Ayazkala Fortress

Perched above the Kyzylkum Desert, Ayazkala’s three fortresses guarded the Khorezm frontier from the 4th century BC to the 7th century AD. Double walls, labyrinthine entrances and two-storied galleries speak of an advanced Zoroastrian society prepared for nomadic raids.

Ayaz-Kala Settlement-1, the “Fortress downwind”, retains 10-metre-high ramparts, archer galleries and a protected southern gate. Settlement-2 later evolved into a palace complex with Afrigid coins, painted halls and a fire temple. Settlement-3 reveals a massive parallelogram fort with double walls and a maze-like entrance.

If you journey into the desert, plan to stay overnight at the nearby yurt camp for a glimpse into nomadic life under the stars.

Daytrip to 7 fortresses Night in the desert
Ayazkala fortress panorama Ayazkala fortress walls at sunset Ayazkala desert view with fortresses
Tuprokkala fortress palace ruins Panoramic view over Tuprokkala walls
Royal Capital

Tuprokkala Fortress

Toprak-Kala, the “Earthen Fortress”, served as Chorasmia’s royal residence in the 2nd–3rd centuries CE. Discovered by archaeologist Sergey Tolstov in 1938, the 120-hectare city held a 150-room palace rising nearly 40 metres with sculptures, Hellenistic murals and royal archives.

Archaeologists uncovered relics from daily life, ornate statues such as the “Priest”, and texts revealing the sophistication of Khorezmian culture. The three-story palace, audience halls and fire temple reflect a civilisation at the cultural crossroads of Central Asia.

Explore the Golden Ring Stay nearby
Guardian of Toprak-Kala

Kyzylkala Fortress

Kyzyl-Kala — the “Red Fortress” — stands a kilometre west of Toprak-Kala, shielding the royal capital. First built in the Kushan-Afgan era and restored in the 12th century, it features double walls, corner watchtowers and a central fire temple for Zoroastrian rites.

Legend says underground tunnels linked Kyzyl-Kala to Toprak-Kala, forming a defensive chain that endured until the Mongol invasion. Today’s partial reconstruction helps visitors imagine its original corrugated buttresses and massive columns.

Ancient Khorezm daytrip Sleep in a yurt
Kyzylkala fortress restored view Original mudbrick walls of Kyzylkala