The Fortress Kingdom

2700 years, the age of Uzbekistan’s finest morning viewpoint

For over 2000 years, blistering summers and plummeting winters have fractured this arid kingdom, these piercing climates have battered against this fascinating set of illustrious Khorezm fortresses, whilst they’ve stood valiantly tall amid nomadic onslaughts and fearsome highwaymen. The constructions were once so substantial the likes of Genghis Khan could only ever crumble the communities within them, a true test of time. This fascinating and almost unheard of territory of Karakalpakstan to westerners, is a collection of more than 50 sculpted fortresses, erected as early as the 7th century BC.  

The 12th century saw mass bloodshed across the complexes by the infamous leader of the Mongols, Genghis Khan. Genghis was mostly to blame for the destruction within the forts during this disturbing period when he swept across the region uniting nomadic tribes. The locals had a simple and terrifying choice, join the radical slaughter or be massacred, the fortresses spectated this brutal act of history and have laid to rest with an etched memory ever since.

Today, the forts are seen as a staunch friend to the region in this obsolete skeletal land. The fortresses sit to the west of the region away from any local or visitor. The original walls crumble in ruin, with a handful of weary travellers visiting in search of the footprints of Genghis Khan’s gruesome tales. Visiting these wise desert palaces is destined for the few, and a truly ‘nomadic’ experience is the way to go. We suggest at least a one night stop in a local yurt for a sunrise like no other across the fortress kingdom.