Just four kilometres outside the historic city of Khiva, a new tourist complex has emerged, opening its doors at the end of 2024. Arda Khiva, as this new hotspot is called, is being referred to as Khiva’s “satellite city”, offering a unique blend of accommodation, entertainment, and craftsmanship.
The ancient Uzbek city of Khiva has long been a favourite among tourists. With its impressive walls and distinctive beige-and-blue colour palette, its Itchan Kala fortress became the first site in Uzbekistan to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991. Since then, it has remained one of the country’s top tourist attractions.
To accommodate the growing number of visitors more comfortably in the future, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev initiated the construction of the Arda Khiva complex, which was completed in October 2024. The name translates to “Port City”, as some historians believe that the Amu Darya riverbed once flowed near Khiva and may have even led to the Caspian Sea. Although the river has since changed its course, Govik Kuli Lake, spanning 150 hectares, remains.
An all-in-one stop or starting point for other explorations
The entire Arda Khiva tourist complex has been designed as an “Eastern Venice”, with small canals weaving throughout, allowing tourists to explore the area by gondola. Within the complex, visitors will find replicas of the Calta Minor Tower and several other architectural landmarks.
However, Arda Khiva is more than just waterways and historical replicas. The complex includes five hotels and 13 guesthouses, accommodating over 1,000 travellers
It offers a diverse range of entertainment areas, both indoors and outdoors, ensuring an engaging experience for all visitors. A 3,000-seat amphitheatre serves as a venue for international festivals, concerts, and cultural performances, bringing a dynamic artistic atmosphere to the site. Families and children can enjoy multiple playgrounds along the embankment, while four water parks provide refreshing activities for visitors of all ages.
The craftsmen’s district within the complex features 11 artisan workshops, where visitors can observe or participate in traditional crafts such as ganch, wood carving, pottery, and gold embroidery. Additionally, travellers can explore the Kuhna Urgench History Museum, located within the complex.
A shopping area with 100 retail outlets, nine restaurants, a food court, and five cinemas and concert halls further enhance the visitor experience, making Arda Khiva a must-visit destination in Uzbekistan.
