Visit: Nukus – Aral Sea – Moynaq – Nukus
May to September
Tailor Made Trip – 5 Days / 4 Nights
Accommodation: hotel and yurt camp
Note that this extension to Lake Aral is tailor made and can be adapted to suit your needs. It is based on finishing a tour in Kiva, but you can also visit from Tashkent.
Overview
Once one of the largest inland lakes in the world, the Aral Sea, located in western Uzbekistan, is now a striking symbol of environmental change and human impact. Decades of water diversion for irrigation led to its dramatic shrinkage, transforming much of the sea into a surreal desert landscape known as the Aralkum Desert.
Today, the region offers a unique travel experience. Visitors can explore the rusting ship graveyard in the former port town of Moynaq, where vessels now sit on dry land—eerie reminders of the sea’s past. The area also features local museums, stunning desert scenery, and yurt camps, offering a chance to connect with Karakalpak culture and nomadic traditions.
Despite its tragic history, the Aral Sea region is becoming an important destination for eco-tourism, adventure travel, and cultural exploration—a place where travelers witness nature’s resilience and the stories of communities adapting to change.
Highlights
- Explore the haunting ship graveyard in Moynaq, where fishing vessels lie stranded in the desert, a powerful visual of the sea’s retreat.
- Travel across the surreal Aralkum Desert, which was once the seabed. The vast, wind-sculpted terrain makes for unforgettable photography and off-road adventure.
- Experience authentic Uzbek hospitality in traditional yurt camps. Enjoy local meals, folklore, and clear desert skies perfect for stargazing.
- The Aral Sea region is remote and uncrowded—perfect for intrepid travelers seeking an immersive, off-the-grid journey into one of Central Asia’s most fascinating landscapes.
- Learn about one of the world’s most dramatic ecological disasters and the efforts being made toward regeneration. Guided tours often include stories from locals who lived through the sea's decline.
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