Experience the magic of the Aral Sea with our exclusive 2-day, 1-night eco-tour, offering a perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty. This unique journey takes you through over 800 kilometers of breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and cultural landmarks—all in the comfort of a rugged 4×4 vehicle.
Begin your tour in Nukus and head to Muynak, where you’ll explore the iconic Ship Graveyard, a haunting reminder of the Aral Sea’s transformation. Dive into history at the local museums before enjoying a delicious meal featuring authentic regional flavors. Venture across the Ustyurt Plateau, capturing stunning canyon views, and relax at a yurt camp on the shores of the Aral Sea. Let the serene environment and starry desert skies transport you to another world.
On the second day, wake up to a magical sunrise over the sea before journeying to Lake Sudochye, home to vibrant flamingos and other migratory birds. Discover ancient fortresses and sacred sites like Mizdakhkan and Gyaur Kala, uncovering the rich history of the Silk Road.
With warm hospitality, hearty meals, and well-equipped accommodations, this tour offers an eco-friendly and culturally enriching escape. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or a deeper connection to history, this tour is your gateway to the wonders of the Aral Sea.
Book your journey now and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Begin your unforgettable adventure into the heart of the Aral Sea region, immersing yourself in its rich history, awe-inspiring natural beauty, and unique cultural heritage. This eco-tour offers an incredible blend of exploration and relaxation, including cozy overnight stays in yurts by the sea.
08:30
Your journey starts with an exciting departure from Nukus in a 4×4 vehicle, heading towards Muynak.
11:30
Arrive at the iconic Ship Graveyard in Muynak, a hauntingly beautiful site where remnants of once-mighty vessels now rest, telling the story of the Aral Sea’s dramatic transformation. Dive deeper into this history at the Muynak State Museum of History and Local Lore and the Aral Memorial Museum. A documentary film about the history of the Aral Sea and the life of Muynak will offer further insight.
13:00
Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring traditional local cuisine at a welcoming guesthouse, giving you a taste of the region’s culinary heritage.
14:00
Continue your expedition across the dry bed of the vanished Aral Sea, heading towards the stunning Ustyurt Plateau. Along the way, capture photos of breathtaking landscapes, including the plateau’s dramatic canyons. A brief stop at an ancient nomadic cemetery will give you a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
17:00
Reach the shores of the Aral Sea, where you can stroll along the coastline, collect unique shells, and, during the right season, take a refreshing dip in the sea’s waters.
18:00
End your day at a traditional yurt camp on the sea’s edge. Unwind with a hearty dinner served in a traditional setting before settling in for the night in a comfortable yurt. The camp provides modern amenities, including fresh-water showers and clean restrooms, ensuring a pleasant stay. Don’t forget to secure your shoes inside the yurt, as curious desert foxes may visit at night.
05:00 – 07:00
Begin the day with a mesmerizing sunrise over the Aral Sea. The tranquil ambiance and vibrant hues of dawn will leave you spellbound. Following this magical experience, enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel the day’s adventures.
07:00 – 08:00
Pack up and prepare for the next leg of the journey.
08:00
Travel towards Kungrad, stopping at ancient landmarks along the way. One highlight is the Kurgancha-Kala fortress (12th–14th centuries), a vital trade hub along the historic Silk Road.
10:30
Pause at the Soviet-era settlement of Kubla-Ustyurt, a small village that showcases the area’s recent history. Explore remnants of this era, including an abandoned airstrip, and take photos of the unique structures against the rural landscape.
12:00
Visit the old lighthouse that once guided fishermen to the settlement of Urga. Descend to the abandoned fishing village near Lake Sudochye, a vital stopover for migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans, geese, and swans.
14:30
Enjoy a satisfying lunch at a local café in Kungrad, savoring more regional dishes.
16:00
Head to the historic and sacred site of Mizdakhkan Necropolis, which dates back to the 4th–2nd centuries BCE and the 13th–16th centuries CE. Marvel at its mausoleums, including Mazlumkhan Sulu, Khalifa Erejep, and Shamun Nabi. End your exploration with a visit to the ruins of Gyaur Kala, a Zoroastrian fortress from the 4th–3rd centuries BCE.
17:30
Return to Nukus, bringing an end to an extraordinary tour packed with history, culture, and stunning natural vistas.
Meals and Accommodation
Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals twice daily, tailored to dietary needs upon request. The yurt camp offers comfortable accommodations amidst nature, providing an authentic yet modern experience.
Prepare to explore the extraordinary—this journey will leave you with lasting memories of one of the world’s most unique landscapes.
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per tourist | $450 | $250 | $200 | $180 | $160 |
All transportation throughout the tour (4x4 off-road vehicles) Sightseeing tour program with English speaking guide Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Accommodation in yurts (shared double/twin room) Full board
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa Shubat (camel milk)
This tour was truly an eye-opener for me! From the very morning, we were picked up from Nukus, and our journey began through places that literally breathe history. The Ship Graveyard in Muynak left an unforgettable impression – once there was a sea here, and now, on the dry bed, stand forgotten ships, which makes you reflect on the scale of natural changes. The museums in Muynak immerse you in the region’s history and the tragedy of the Aral Sea. The drive across the Ustyurt Plateau was particularly memorable – the views are difficult to describe in words. The local canyons, the nomad cemetery – all of this makes the route truly unique. The nature here is stunning, and every moment begged to be captured on camera. The day ended on the shores of the Aral Sea, where we had the opportunity to swim and collect shells. The yurt camp by the sea is a magic of its own. Dinner in a traditional setting, followed by a night in a cozy yurt under the stars – the perfect way to end such an eventful day. A big thank you to the team for this incredible experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to touch the unique history and nature of this area!
What an unforgettable journey! This tour was an eye-opening experience, combining adventure with profound historical exploration. From the moment we left Nukus, we were immersed in the stories of the region – the Ship Graveyard in Muynak was a striking reminder of the Aral Sea’s tragic past. The museums provided a deeper understanding of the environmental devastation that has occurred here, which left me reflecting long after. The Ustyurt Plateau with its vast, majestic canyons and nomadic burial sites was breathtaking. And ending the day at the shore of the Aral Sea was a dream! The yurt camp by the sea offered a unique cultural experience, complete with a delicious traditional dinner. A huge thank you to Shahina Travel for organizing such a well-thought-out tour. It truly gave me a deep connection to the history and beauty of the region. Highly recommended!
This tour exceeded all my expectations. It was a fascinating exploration of the history and natural beauty of the Aral Sea and its surrounding areas. The Ship Graveyard in Muynak is a hauntingly beautiful sight that really struck me, as I could feel the past and the sea’s tragic disappearance. The drive through the Ustyurt Plateau, with its spectacular canyons and nomadic burial sites, was like stepping into another world. Every stop along the way was filled with awe-inspiring views and rich history. I particularly enjoyed the traditional dinner and the yurt camp on the shores of the Aral Sea, which offered the perfect setting to relax after a full day of adventure. Shahina Travel did a wonderful job organizing this journey, and I am incredibly grateful for their attention to detail. This tour is a must-do for anyone interested in Central Asia’s unique history and landscapes.