Aral Sea Wonders and Karakalpak Nature Expedition

Day 1: Nukus – Barsa Kelmes – Sudochie Lake – Aral Sea

Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or Nukus airport at 09:00 AM. Your driver will meet you and guide and begin the exciting road trip to Barsa Kelmes, a mysterious place known as "The Land of the Lost." Once the bottom of an ancient lake, this vast salt marsh is now one of the most fascinating landscapes on earth. The region was once part of the Tethys Ocean, and you will have the opportunity to explore its unique salt flats and look for ancient shark teeth, which have been preserved in the salt deposits. Along the way, stop for numerous photo opportunities as the landscape changes dramatically. This day promises to be full of surprises, and the stark beauty of this remote land will entrance you. A picnic lunch will be served in this surreal environment.

Afterward, continue on to Sudochie Lake, a lush wetland that provides a vital habitat for a variety of birds. The area is renowned for its birdlife, and if you are lucky, you may spot species that are otherwise hard to find. From here, visit the Urga ruins, the remains of an abandoned settlement that once housed a community of Russians and Poles exiled during the Stalin era. You will also see the ruins of a lighthouse and a fish factory, remnants of a bygone industrial era. Later, reach the shores of the Aral Sea, where you will stay at a traditional Karakalpak Yurt Camp. Here, you will have the chance to experience life as it was for the nomads of the region. Enjoy a traditional dinner prepared in the camp style and relax under the starry sky.

Day 2: Aral Sea – Ustyurt Plateau – Aral Sea

Wake up early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the Aral Sea, an unforgettable moment in this unique environment. After breakfast, you will embark on an exciting day of exploration. The first stop will be the Kurgancha Kala fortress, a 14th-century structure that offers a glimpse into the region’s medieval past. Wander through the ancient ruins and take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Next, we will continue along the edge of the Ustyurt Plateau, a vast, barren region known for its rugged beauty and dramatic geological formations. Here, you will visit the ancient Nomad cemetery, a site that speaks to the long history of pastoralism in the region.

As you continue your journey, take in the remarkable views of the surrounding canyons and collapsed land formations that create a surreal landscape. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic spot along the plateau, and take some time for relaxation. If you are up for it, enjoy a refreshing swim in the Aral Sea or take a light hike around its shores, soaking in the tranquil beauty of the area. Return to your yurt camp in the evening for a hearty dinner, followed by an overnight stay in the desert under a sky filled with millions of stars.

Day 3: Aral Sea Yurt Camp – Muynak – Mizdakhan and Gyaur Kala – Nukus

After breakfast at the camp, we begin the return leg of our journey to Muynak, a town that was once a thriving port on the Aral Sea. Today, it stands as a symbol of the environmental disaster caused by the shrinking of the sea. Along the way, you will pass the ruins of Massagetean stone cemeteries, providing insight into the ancient cultures that once thrived in this region.

The route will then take you through the Aralkum Desert, the desolate remnants of the Aral Sea, which has now become a vast, arid desert. Stop to visit Kubla Ustyurt on the plateau, a fascinating site offering stunning views and a chance to interact with the local population. Here, you may have the opportunity to taste traditional camel’s milk, a local delicacy. Afterward, continue through the dried remnants of the Aral Sea, where you can reflect on the environmental changes that have drastically altered the landscape.

Once in Muynak, visit the “Cemetery of Ships”, where you will see abandoned vessels now stranded far from the water’s edge, left to decay in the desert sands. These haunting relics serve as a poignant reminder of the once-thriving maritime trade that took place here. You will also have a chance to visit the Muynak Local History Museum, which houses curious artifacts relating to the history of the Aral Sea. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local guesthouse in Muynak before continuing your journey.

On your way back to Nukus, make a stop at the Mizdakhan Memorial Complex and the ancient Gyaur Kala Fortress, which dates back to the 4th century BC. Stand in awe before the towering walls of the fortress, which continue to protect the ruins of two citadels believed by archaeologists to have once served as a palace and a Zoroastrian fire temple. These ancient structures offer a glimpse into the deep history of this fascinating region.

Arrive back in Nukus by the evening, where your tour will conclude. You will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport for your onward journey.

Note: This tour is available from April 15 to October 15.

End of the Aral Sea Wonders and Karakalpak Nature Expedition Tour.