Khiva, Uzbekistan, is set to rise in prominence in 2026. The Itchan Kala fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990, is known for its blue-and-turquoise tiled monuments, wooden-pillared mosque, and grand palaces that have been carefully restored. With a new high-speed rail from Tashkent—Uzbekistan's capital—set to cut down on travel time, this once remote city is about to become far easier to reach. Nat Geo’s annual #BestOfTheWorld guide contains the most exciting, meaningful, and one-of-

Discover the historic wonders of the open-air museum city of Khiva, Uzbekistan, with its meticulously restored monuments, palaces, and mosque. Soon to be connected to Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent via a high-speed train service, it's a city that lives and breathes its history. Discover the beauty of Khiva, Uzbekistan and see our full #BestOfTheWorld 2026 picks: https://on.natgeo.com/476q9WL | National Geographic History