8-Hour Day Trip to Kalajik Kala Fortress and Salty Lake in Khorezm

Kunya Ark

Khujand Fortress

Salt Water Lake

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Highlights

Explore the ancient 9th-10th century Kalajik Kala desert fortress

Discover the mystical Salty Lake and learn about traditional salt harvesting

Enjoy panoramic views and capture stunning drone or landscape photography

Experience local culture with an optional village tea stop in Bagat

Khiva, Urgench

nature, photography, historical

Group Tour

8 Hours

Easy

English, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish

Description

Discover the rich history of the Kalajik Kala fortress and the unique beauty of Salty Lake (Tuzko'l) on this immersive 8-hour day trip in Khorezm. Explore the ancient mud-brick fortress, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding plains, and witness the fascinating process of traditional salt harvesting. With a scenic stop at Bagat village, you will also experience authentic local culture.

Itinerary

Day Trip to Kalajik Kala & Salty Lake – Bagat, Khorezm

08:00 – Pickup from Hotel in Khiva or Urgench
- Depart with your private guide and driver toward Bagat district (approximately 70 km from the hotel).
09:30 – Arrival at Kalajik Kala
- Explore Kalajik Kala, a mud-brick fortress dating back to the 9th–10th century during the Khorezmshah dynasty.
- Learn about its historical defensive purpose.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding agricultural plains.
- Perfect opportunity for drone shots or landscape photography.
11:00 – Drive to Salty Lake (Tuzko'l)
- Take a short scenic ride of approximately 15–20 minutes to reach Salty Lake (Tuzko'l).
- Located amidst steppe and farmland, this seasonal saline lake offers surreal and photogenic scenes.
11:30 – 13:00 | Salty Lake Exploration & Optional Picnic
- Walk around the salt flats and explore the shallow water zone of the lake.
- Learn about traditional salt harvesting methods, depending on the season.
- Optional foot soaking: Locals believe in the natural healing properties of the salt.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch with local snacks and tea.
13:30 – Optional Stop at Bagat Village
- Experience a quick cultural immersion in Bagat village.
- Visit a traditional Uzbek house and enjoy a tea stop with a local family (on request).
14:30 – Return Drive to Urgench or Khiva
- Begin the return drive to Urgench or Khiva.
17:00 – Drop-Off at Your Hotel
- Arrive back at your hotel in Khiva or Urgench.

What's Included

Private air-conditioned transport from Khiva/Urgench to Bagat

English-speaking guide for the entire tour

Entrance permissions (if required)

Picnic lunch near the lake

Bottled water for the journey

Optional tea break in the village (if pre-arranged)

What's Excluded

Flights/trains to/from Urgench

Optional salt spa treatment (if available locally)

Tips for guide/driver

Drone photography permit (if needed – recommend checking in advance)

Know Before You Go

The tour lasts around 8–9 hours, including driving time (2–2.5 hours round trip).

Start time is flexible, but morning departures (8:00–9:00 AM) are best to avoid afternoon heat.

The journey includes some unpaved roads and bumpy tracks near the sites.

A 4WD vehicle or comfortable car with a skilled driver is used.

There are no toilets or shops at Kalajik Kala or the lake — prepare accordingly.

Bring your own wet wipes and tissues, especially if you plan to explore more actively.

Your guide will carry extra water and basic first aid, but personal medications should be brought with you.

Summers (June–August) can be very hot and dry (35–40°C).

Spring and autumn are ideal seasons — mild weather and good light for photography.

The Salty Lake may look very different depending on the season: reflective water in spring, dry salt flats in late summer.

The lake is known locally for its healing properties — some people walk barefoot or apply salt mud to their skin.

You can try it casually, but no official spa infrastructure is available. A small towel or wipes is useful for cleanup.

This tour is a dream for landscape and ruin photography — early morning and late afternoon offer the best light.

A wide-angle lens and drone (if permitted) will help capture the scale of the landscape and fortress.

Don’t forget to ask for local permission before flying a drone or photographing villagers.

The region is rural and conservative — dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered, especially for women).

Locals are friendly, and you may be invited for tea or a chat — it's perfectly fine to accept or politely decline.

What To Bring

Comfortable walking shoes – for uneven terrain at Kalajik Kala and the salty ground near the lake

Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (the area is exposed with little shade)

Camera/phone – for epic shots of the ruins, salt flats, and rural scenery

Wet wipes or tissues – especially useful after exploring the salt lake

Daypack – to carry your water, snacks, and essentials comfortably

Personal medications – especially if you have sensitivities to sun, salt, or dust

Optional: Flip-flops or sandals – if you’d like to dip your feet in the salty water

Scarf or dust mask – useful in dry, windy conditions

Meeting Point

Itchan Kala, Болтаева-41, Khiva, Uzbekistan

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 4	/person
5 to 9	/person
10 to 20	/person
21 to 30	/person
Child
1 to 30	/person
This is a group tour

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8-Hour Day Trip to Kalajik Kala Fortress and Salty Lake in Khorezm

Highlights

Languages

Description

Itinerary

Day Trip to Kalajik Kala & Salty Lake – Bagat, Khorezm

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

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8-Hour Day Trip to Kalajik Kala Fortress and Salty Lake in Khorezm

Highlights

Languages

Description

Itinerary

Day Trip to Kalajik Kala & Salty Lake – Bagat, Khorezm

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

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