Ayaz-Kala

Ayaz-Kala is a group of three fortresses on a ridge above the Kyzylkum desert, the oldest from around the fourth century BC and the others later, built of mud brick with double walls, arrow slits and gate barbicans, and abandoned as the irrigation that supported the region failed. They are among the better preserved of the dozens of desert castles across ancient Khorezm. A yurt camp below the ridge takes visitors overnight.

What you actually see

• The three fortresses - structures of different periods along the same ridge.
• The mud-brick walls - double walls with arrow slits and gate defences.
• The desert view - the Kyzylkum running out from the ridge in every direction.
• The yurt camp - the overnight accommodation below the fortress hill.

When to go

April to May and September to October are the workable months. Summer heat is extreme and dangerous. Nights are cold in spring and autumn.

Honest expectations

There is no shade anywhere and summer heat here can be life-threatening. The walls are eroding and climbing on them accelerates it. The yurt camp is basic with shared facilities.

Nearby

Toprak-Kala is southwest, and Khiva is south.