Khiva is one of the most remote of Central Asia's Silk Road cities, a fascinating desert town, preserved in its entirety since medieval times.

It came to prominence in the 16th century as the capital of the Khans of Khiva whose territory stretched from the Caspian Sea to India and was famous for its religious fervour and slave markets.

Khiva's inner walled city or "Ichan Kala" has been described as an open-air museum (or perhaps an abandoned film set). It consists of a maze of narrow medieval streets lined with madrassahs, mosques, caravanserais and palaces.

Do not miss the "Kunya Ark" or old citadel which was the Khans
residence with its magnificent summer mosque and harem. Also the Juma Mosque with its 200 individually carved wooden pillars and the Tash Khauli palace.