The city Khiva contains a labyrinth of mosques, palaces

Once an oasis popular with travelers before they crossed the barren desert into Iran, the city of Itchan Kala was a key outpost on the Silk Road trading route. This Uzbek city contains a labyrinth of mosques, palaces and wealthy merchant houses – all crammed within its 10m high walls. The city offers some of the finest preserved Muslim architecture in Central Asia and is a fascinating destination for adventurous travelers looking to get off the beaten track.