35 Hidden Gem Destinations to Visit in 2025 Before Everyone Else

30. The Ancient Sands of Khiva, Uzbekistan

Step into a living museum in Khiva, Uzbekistan, a meticulously preserved Silk Road city that feels plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. Enclosed within formidable mud-brick walls, the Itchan Kala (inner city) is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with stunning mosques, madrassas, minarets, and caravanserai, all adorned with intricate turquoise tiles. Wandering its narrow alleys transports you back centuries to a time when merchants and travelers crisscrossed Central Asia. Unlike bustling Samarkand or Bukhara, Khiva offers a quieter, more intimate glimpse into the region’s rich history, allowing visitors to truly absorb its timeless beauty and mystical aura.