Head out to the far edges of Uzbekistan with a trip to the Aral Sea. Travel along the cliffs of the Ustyurt Plateau, through the ship graveyards where the shoreline used to be, and out across the former sea floor to the remnants of the very salty sea. Learn about the past and the present of this region, with excursions to ecological and cultural sites. This two-day tour takes you from the broad desert and last waters of the Aral Sea to the Mizdakhan Necropolis and the Gyaur-Kala Fortress, telling the modern history of this region of Uzbekistan.
Tour itinerary:
Meet your guide and driver to start a full day trip to Aral Sea through Ustyurt Plateau. The distance till the water line of Aral Sea is 450 km and it takes approximately 8-9 hours to cover it. Pass via Kungrad district, which used to be one of the trading centers on the Silk Road. On the way, see remains of a lighthouse; pass by the ruins of abandoned settlement Urga. Photo stop at the Lake Sudochie. Have a picnic lunch on the way. Continue driving on the immense Usturt Plateau. Arrive at the Aral Sea late in the afternoon. Set up the tent. Camp-style dinner. Overnight in tent.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Early wake up to take pictures of sun rise. After breakfast head back to Nukus. Stop to take pictures of beautiful canyons and the collapsed land. Drive on the dried bottom of the sea. Stop in Muynak to have a look at the former port with abandoned ships in the sand – “Cemetery of ships”. In Muynak, visit Local History Museum (might be closed without prior notice). Picnic lunch. On the way to Nukus*, stop at Mizdakhan memorial complex Gyaur-Kala Fortress. Arrive in Nukus. Transfer to local airport/hotel. End of services.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Note:
Due to weather condition, the overnight in tents usually starts from 15 April till 15 October.
Other days the overnight takes place in a guest house at Moynak.
- All transfers on 4WD type of vehicle (max. 3 persons + 1 guide in one car);
- English-speaking escort guide;
- Full board;
- Accommodation in the yurt camp;
- Entrance fees to the local History Museum and Mizdakhan memorial complex.
- Travel insurance;
- Round-trip tickets for flight Tashkent-Nukus-Tashkent.
Accommodation:
| Aral Sea - 1 night | |
| Tent | Tent |
