Khiva offers more than just its well-preserved old city walls — it’s a gateway to incredible journeys into Uzbekistan’s and Turkmenistan’s most striking landscapes and ancient sites. For travelers craving a deep dive into desert scenery, archaeological wonders, and cultural treasures, 2-day tours provide a fantastic way to maximize your time. Among these options, we especially enjoy exploring the Aral Sea, with its haunting ship graveyards and surreal beauty, as well as the ancient ruins of Kunya Urgench and the natural spectacle of the Darwaza Gas Crater. These trips combine history, breathtaking scenery, and authentic local experiences — all within a manageable schedule.
If you’re considering a quick but enriching escape from Khiva, our list of the best 2-Day Tours will help you find the perfect fit. Whether your focus is on stunning natural phenomena, archaeological sites, or cross-border adventures, there’s something here for every explorer.
Quick Overview
Our list features four top-rated 2-day tours from Khiva, each offering unique appeals:
- The Aral Sea Adventures focus on the desolate but mesmerizing Aral Sea and its surrounding sights like the Muynak ship cemetery, with an option for a flexible start/end point.
- The From Uzbekistan: Darwaza Crater & Kunya Urgench takes you into Turkmenistan to see the famous Darwaza Gas Crater and ancient Kunya Urgench.
- The From Khiva To Aral Sea offers a memorable overnight yurt stay amid desert landscapes, with visits to ship graveyards and the Mizdakhan necropolis.
- The Kunya Urgench-Darvaz-Ashgabat Tour combines architectural marvels and natural wonders like the Darvas Gas Crater and Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat.
Read on for a detailed look at each tour to see which one suits your interests and travel style best.
1. Aral Sea Adventures (2 day)
This 2-day trip is perfect if you’re drawn to the strange beauty of the Aral Sea, once the fourth-largest lake in the world, now a stark reminder of environmental change. Starting from Khiva, you’ll travel in two capable vehicles (one sedan, one 4×4) across nearly 1,000 km of desert landscapes. The itinerary includes six key destinations: the Aral Sea shore, Ustyurt Canyons, the Muynak ship cemetery, the Muynak museum, the Savitsky Museum, and the Chilpik Kala fortress.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive coverage of the region’s most iconic sites plus flexible start/end points, including Khiva, Urgench, or Nukus. The Chilpik Kala fortress is over 2,200 years old, a Zoroastrian burial site with circular, stone-built structures that provide a fascinating glimpse into ancient beliefs. The Muynak ship cemetery offers a haunting sight of rusted ships stranded in the desert, a stark testament to the sea’s decline.
Tour guide expertise and smooth desert-driving make this a reliable choice. The Savitsky Museum in Nukus hosts the second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde art, making the cultural stop worth the detour. Priced at $699 for a group of up to three, this tour provides a deep, multi-dimensional experience for those eager to see environmental collapse, history, and art in one trip.
Bottom Line: If you’re intrigued by environmental stories and want a full immersion into the Aral Sea’s haunting landscape, this tour delivers a memorable, well-rounded experience.
2. From Uzbekistan: Darwaza Crater & Kunya Urgench 2-Day Trip
At number 2, this 2-day tour takes you into Turkmenistan to witness one of its most famous natural sights — the Darwaza Gas Crater, often called the “Door to Hell.” For $680 per person, travelers get to explore pre-Mongolian architecture and the archaeological site of Kunya Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The trip highlights include two of Turkmenistan’s most extraordinary sights: the Darvaza Gas Crater, a continuously burning firepit in the desert, and Kunya Urgench, an ancient city with impressive mausoleums and minarets. You’ll also cross into Turkmenistan at Dashoguz, experiencing border formalities and local life in this remote region.
What makes this tour distinctly appealing is the chance to see one of the most remarkable natural phenomena in Central Asia and walk through a city that predates the Mongol invasions. The Darvaza Crater is an otherworldly spectacle — a fiery pit burning 24/7, visible for miles. Meanwhile, Kunya Urgench offers a rare look at pre-Mongolian architecture.
This trip suits history buffs, natural wonder lovers, and those eager to experience Turkmenistan’s unusual landscapes. Reviewers note the authenticity of the experience and the chance to see a fire in the desert that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting an off-the-beaten-path adventure into Turkmenistan with stunning natural and architectural sights, this tour hits the mark.
$680 per person
3. From Khiva To Aral Sea 2-Days One Night In Yurt Stay
This 2-day tour, costing around $690 per group up to 3, offers a more immersive experience with a night in a traditional yurt amid the desert. The itinerary features visits to the Ship Cemetery in Muynak, the Kurgancha-Kala fortress from the 13th century, and the Mizdakhan necropolis.
What sets this trip apart is the overnight yurt stay, allowing you to listen to the sounds of nature and stargaze in a way that a day trip cannot match. The ship cemetery is a powerful sight — rusted ships stranded in the desert, illustrating the environmental disaster of the shrinking Aral Sea. History lovers will enjoy exploring the Mizdakhan necropolis, a sacred Islamic site dating back centuries.
Feedback indicates that visitors love the authentic yurt experience and the chance to connect with the remote landscape. The price includes transportation, accommodation, and some guided visits, making it a good value for those seeking an overnight adventure.
Bottom Line: If sleeping under the stars and exploring the ghostly ship graveyard appeals, this tour offers a memorable mix of history, environment, and authentic desert life.
4. Kunya Urgench-Darvaz-Ashgabat Tour from Uzb 2 Days/ 2 Nights
Rounding out our list, this 2-night tour covers some of the most striking architecture and landscapes of Turkmenistan, with a focus on Kunya Urgench, the Darvas Gas Crater, and the capital, Ashgabat. Priced at $740 per person, it offers a comprehensive look into the region’s pre-Mongolian monuments and modern spectacle.
Highlights include Kunya Urgench, which features stunning mausoleums and minarets from the 12th century, and the Darvas Gas Crater, a fiery natural vent that’s quite a sight. The trip also visits Ashgabat’s large white marble government buildings and the Largest Handmade Carpet. This tour is well-suited for those interested in both ancient architecture and contemporary Turkmenistan.
The itinerary balances historical exploration with natural wonders, providing a thorough introduction to the region’s diverse sights. Reviewers mention this tour’s large-scale sights and ability to combine cultural and natural highlights effectively.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a well-rounded introduction to Turkmenistan’s ancient and modern marvels, this tour offers great value and variety.
$740 per person
How to Choose the Right 2-Day Tour in Khiva
When selecting between these options, consider what excites you most. For environmental intrigue and art, the Aral Sea Adventures (see details) is ideal. If you’re more into natural phenomena and archaeological sites, the Darwaza Crater and Kunya Urgench trip (more info) fits perfectly. For a cultural and authentic desert experience, the Yurt Stay in Aral Sea (details here) is unbeatable, especially if you like camping out under the stars. Finally, if a comprehensive tour of Turkmenistan’s iconic sights appeals, the Kunya Urgench-Darvaz-Ashgabat trip (see it here) offers a good mix.
Think about your budget, time constraints, and interest in natural versus historical sites. Booking early is wise, especially for popular trips like the Darwaza Crater or the Yurt overnight, as spaces fill quickly.
Final thoughts
Each of these tours offers something special — from haunting ship graveyards to fiery craters and ancient city walls. If you’re seeking adventure, the Aral Sea tour provides a compelling mix of environmental storytelling and cultural exploration. For those interested in architecture and natural wonders, the Turkmenistan trip is hard to beat. If authentic overnight camping is your thing, the Yurt Stay combines the best of nature and culture.
No matter your choice, these 2-day trips from Khiva help you see more of Central Asia’s fascinating landscapes and history. To ensure a smooth trip, consider booking in advance and aligning your tour with your specific interests and fitness level. Happy exploring!