About Khiva

Khiva (Uzbek: Xiva, Хива; Russian: Хива) is a city of 93,000 people (2020) in the western province of Khorezm in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Along with Samarkand and Bukhara, Khiva is an important and often overlooked historical site on what was once the Great Silk Road.

Source: Wikipedia

Essential Information

Currency

Uzbekistani soʻm (UZS)

Symbol: so'm

Language

Russian

Also: Uzbek

Phone Code

+998

International dialing code for Uzbekistan

Driving

Drive on the right

Standard for Uzbekistan

Region

Asia

Central Asia

Connectivity

Khiva and the highway from Urgench have 4G from all Uzbek carriers. As of Sep 2024, 5G has not reached town.

How to Get to Khiva

Transportation options and arrival information

Khiva is about 1390 km fromAndizhan, 470 km fromBukhara, 1370 km fromFergana, 630 km fromKarshi, 740 km fromSamarkand, 1270 km fromKokand, 200 km fromNukus, 750 km fromShakhrisabz, 1020 km fromTashkentand 850 km fromTermez.

Getting Around Khiva

Local transportation and navigation tips

There are no taxis in the Ichon Qala, however it is so compact it's easy to take a leisurely stroll.

Safety in Khiva

Moderate Safety (Global Peace Index: 2.001)

About the Global Peace Index: Global Peace Index measures peacefulness on a scale of 1 (most peaceful) to 5 (least peaceful)

Because of Khiva's importance as a tourist town, most of the staff and locals will go out of their way to keep you safe. In and around the Ichon-Qala the biggest risk is being asked by local children for gifts like pens, in which they will probably be shooed away by a stern adult. Take the usual precautions of watching your valuables and you'll be fine.

Source: Institute for Economics & Peace (2022)

Where to Stay in Khiva

Accommodation tips and recommendations

Most of the hotels lie within the Ichon-Qala, with a few exceptions. Homestays are a good idea if you happen to be on a budget and it's a great way to meet locals and experience the almost overwhelming hospitality that is unique to Uzbekistan and Central Asia. If you're coming with a tour group, you're guaranteed a spot in one of the more "upscale" tourist hotels.