Global recognition for Uzbekistan's first UNESCO site
National Geographic selected Khiva among its 25 'Best of the World 2026' destinations — a prestigious recognition for this open-air museum city on the Silk Road. Uzbekistan's first UNESCO World Heritage Site (1990), Itchan Kala contains 94 mosques and 63 madrasas behind its ancient brick walls.
New infrastructure transforms access
This nomination coincides with the arrival of the new Jaloliddin Manguberdi high-speed train on the Tashkent–Urgench–Khiva route, cutting travel time from 14 hours to 7 hours 40 minutes. Urgench Airport is expanding to 3 million passenger capacity, and a five-star Mercure hotel is under construction. The Arda Khiva entertainment complex — with an aqua park, gondola canal, and 3,000-seat amphitheater — will transform tourism in the region.
Why visit Khiva now?
Despite rising visitor numbers (+47% in 2025 for Uzbekistan), Khiva remains far less visited than Samarkand or Bukhara. This is the ideal moment to discover this magical city before it becomes as popular as its neighbors. The unfinished Kalta-Minor minaret, Juma Mosque with 213 columns, and Tosh-Hovli Palace await you in an intimate, authentic atmosphere.
