Wanderings in Uzbekistan - 2 - The Silk Road - Khiva

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Khiva hidden in the Kyzylkum desert of North West Uzbekistan is one of the remotest of the great silk road cities of Uzbekistan situated a mere 18-day camel caravan ride from Bukhara. The great mud-brick city walls, built to repel marauders, surround the old inner city, the Ichan Kala. Once the hordes of Genghis Khan, but now tourists, can gain entrance through one of the four great gateways. As we walk through the gateway we enter a world of madrassahs, minarets, pale clay-coloured buildings, narrow alleys and great mausoleums adorned with indigo blue and green tiles. The scene is mesmerising with the short somewhat stumpy Kalta Minor minaret being the star of the show! The next building is the Kukhna Ark, the oldest section of the original fortress, some 1500 years old. Within the walls there is a summer mosque, harem and throne room. The high walls are totally covered by innumerable deep blue and white tiles, forming intricate patterns - we stand and stare! Our small simple hotel is situated in the heart of Ichan Kala with a view across a square to the decorative Islam Khoja Minaret and a magnificent madrassah at the side - one of the best hotel-window views we have ever had!! Accommodation - Hotel Malika Kheivak Khiva Weather - Hot, sunny & blue skies with a cooling breeze - 28c Cold clear nights 4c

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Comments

[David Smith]

Fantastic Photos
The sky is amazingly blue! You sound to be having a great time. No mention of the food though