Elliq-Qala Fortresses

Elliq-Qala translates as Fifty Fortresses in the Uzbek republic of Karakalpakstan, which translates as the Black Hat State. There are around 20 ruins that can be visited today; we visited only three on the six hour tour from Khiva (USD50 per car from Tourist Info Office). The fortresses were lined up and strategically positioned so no one could sneak along the Silk Road without being unnoticed.

Many hotels can organise the short tour like ours for USD40-50 or the full day version for USD60-70 per car. Tourist Info Office organises these and many other tours.