The one-day Helicopter Tour to the Aral Sea from Nukus is one of the most unusual ways to explore Karakalpakstan. Of the helicopter tours in Uzbekistan, this one stands out because it allows you to reach the remote shore of the Aral Sea in just a few hours, see the vast former seabed from above, and visit an area that normally requires a multi-day journey by road.
As recently as the mid-20th century, the Aral Sea was the fourth-largest lake in the world. Today, the landscape looks very different: much of the former sea has become the Aralkum Desert, while the remaining waters lie amid an immense desert landscape. For travellers considering tours from Nukus, this flight offers a rare chance to see the scale of the Aral Sea from the air, land on its shore and spend a few hours there. It is an unusual journey and one that is likely to stay with you for a long time.
Please note: This tour is operated using an Airbus H125 (capacity: 4 passengers) or Airbus H130 (capacity: 5 passengers).
Tour itinerary:
Nukus – Aral Sea – Muynak – Nukus
Meet your driver at your hotel in Nukus. Transfer to Nukus Airport (10–15 minutes).
Helicopter flight to the Aral Sea. The flight to the shore takes approximately 1 hour 50 minutes. From the air, you will see the Aral Sea, which was the world's fourth-largest lake in the mid-20th century, as well as vast areas of its former seabed.
Land at the designated landing site at the Aral Plaza tourist complex on the shore of the Aral Sea. Time for a walk around the area and a picnic.
After the break, depart for Nukus with a stop in Muynak. The flight to Muynak takes approximately 45 minutes. A technical stop of about 45 minutes is scheduled here for refueling. Then continue by helicopter to Nukus.
Upon arrival at Nukus Airport, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
End of the Helicopter Tour to the Aral Sea from Nukus.
Tour duration: approximately 6 hours
Please note: The confirmed flight route cannot be changed on the day of departure.
Weather conditions
If weather conditions are deemed unsuitable for flying the day before departure and the tour cannot be rescheduled for another date, the amount paid will be refunded in full, less any bank charges associated with processing the refund.
If weather conditions deteriorate suddenly during the flight or while you are on the shore of the Aral Sea, the pilot may decide to return to Nukus early. In this case, no compensation will be provided. Such situations are unlikely, as weather conditions along the entire route are monitored in advance.
Price includes:
- Helicopter flight Nukus – Aral Sea – Muynak – Nukus and up to 2 hours of waiting time at no extra charge;
- Hotel – airport – hotel transfers (1–3 passengers by sedan; 4–5 passengers by minivan);
- Picnic lunch;
- Guide services.
Price doesn't include:
- Additional services;
- Additional waiting time at the Aral Sea – US$ 130 per hour;
- Tashkent – Nukus – Tashkent flights;
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
Prices, per person
Tour Enquiry
The tour is private with your personal guide. There will be no other people joining the tour.
Our guides will follow your own pace.
The starting time of the tour is up to you and may vary from 09.00 am to 16.00 pm.
We are happy to offer this tour for air/train passengers too. Our guide will meet you at the arrival station.
