Visit the Khorezm Fortresses

Located close to Nukus and Khiva in the underdeveloped northwest of the country, the Khorezm region is the location of some of the earliest settlements in Central Asia. Out in the Karakalpak Desert lies the Elliq-Qala, the ruins of dozens of walled cities, palaces, and forts, which once made up a chain of fortifications to protect the area from outside invaders. The most famous of the forts which can explored today are the Toprak-Kala and the hilltop Ayaz-Kala.