Aral Sea Eco-Tour

(2 Reviews)
Send Us An Enquiry
Send Us An Enquiry
Full Name*
Email Address*
Travel Date*
Number of Tourists*
Your Enquiry*
* I agree with Terms of Service and Privacy Statement.
Please agree to all the terms and conditions before proceeding to the next step
Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

14
3 Days / 2 Nights
Availability : All year round
Nukus
Muynaq, Aral Sea
Min Age : 10+
Max People : 10
Tour Details

Route in brief:

Nukus – Muynak – Ustyurt Plateau – Aral Sea – Kurgancha Fortress – Nomads’ Cemetery – Aktumsyk Canyons – Aral Sea – Kubla Ustyurt Village – Sudoche Lake – Barsakelmes Salt Flats – Kungrad – Khojeli – Nukus

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the legendary Aral Sea, a place of mesmerizing landscapes, rich history, and profound natural beauty. This 3-day, 2-night eco-tour promises adventure, cultural immersion, and breathtaking scenery, all while traveling in the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle. This all-season tour takes you across more than 900 kilometers of fascinating terrain, including ancient ruins, vast plateaus, and pristine salt flats.

Day 1 begins in Nukus, whisking you away to the town of Muynak, where the haunting Cemetery of Ships tells the poignant story of the Aral Sea’s transformation. Visit the Aral Sea Museum and experience the artistry that captures the beauty of this region’s past. As you ascend to the Ustyurt Plateau, marvel at its dramatic canyons and snap unforgettable photos of this otherworldly landscape. Conclude your day with a peaceful evening at a traditional yurt camp by the sea, enjoying local cuisine and stargazing under the endless sky.

Day 2 is a blend of history and adventure. Witness the ancient Kurgancha Fortress, explore the sculptural beauty of the Aktumsyk Canyons, and walk along the shores of the Aral Sea. Don’t miss the chance to spot unique wildlife or relax by the water. After dinner, peer into the universe through a telescope, immersing yourself in the magic of the starlit desert.

On Day 3, discover the charm of local life in the remote village of Kubla Ustyurt. Visit Sudoche Lake, home to vibrant birdlife, and marvel at the sparkling salt flats of Barsakelmes, reminiscent of Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni. End your tour with a visit to the ancient necropolis of Mizdakhan, a site steeped in Silk Road history, before returning to Nukus.

This eco-tour combines unparalleled natural beauty with cultural depth, offering memories that will last a lifetime. Book your Aral Sea adventure today!

Itinerary

Day 1Nukus – Muynak – Ustyurt Plateau – Aral Sea

Embark on an unforgettable journey blending history, nature, and adventure, with cozy nights in traditional yurts under the stars. This day promises breathtaking views and an immersive experience in the mystical surroundings of the Aral Sea.

Morning:

  • 09:00 Meet your driver and set off from Nukus to the town of Muynak, once a bustling fishing hub.
  • 12:00 Arrive in Muynak. Visit the haunting Ship Graveyard, a somber reminder of the Aral Sea’s desiccation, and explore the Museum of the Aral Sea. This museum features the works of artists F. Madgazina and R. Matevosyan, who captured the grandeur of the Aral Sea and the Amu Darya River on their canvases.

Afternoon:

  • 13:30 Enjoy a delicious lunch at a cozy guesthouse in Muynak.
  • 14:30 Continue your journey across the dried seabed of the Aral. Capture the surreal landscapes and ascend to the majestic Ustyurt Plateau, a dramatic shift in scenery. Stop at the picturesque canyons for a photoshoot and marvel at the otherworldly beauty.

Evening:

  • 18:00 Arrive at the shoreline of the Aral Sea. Take a tranquil walk along the coast, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
  • 19:00 End your day with a traditional dinner in a yurt camp. Share stories around a campfire in a friendly circle and spend the night in yurts, immersing yourself in the mysticism of the location.

Meals: Two high-quality meals are provided. If you have any dietary preferences, let us know, and we’ll accommodate your needs.

Accommodation:
Stay in traditional yurts, equipped with all essentials for a comfortable night. Wildlife surrounds the camp—don’t forget to keep your shoes inside your tent to avoid attracting curious local foxes!


Day 2Aral Sea – Kurgancha Fortress – Nomads’ Cemetery – Aktumsyk Canyons – Aral Sea

Start your day with breathtaking views of the sunrise over the vast expanse of the Aral Sea, setting the tone for another exciting day.

Morning:

  • 06:00 Witness the magical sunrise and enjoy a refreshing morning by the sea.
  • 07:30 After breakfast, begin your tour of the ancient Kurgancha Fortress. Let the historical echoes of this caravanserai on the Silk Road transport you to the past.
  • 09:30 Stop at the Nomads’ Cemetery. Follow a trail descending from the Ustyurt Plateau, leading to stunning natural sculptures and breathtaking canyon views.

Afternoon:

  • 13:00 Relish a delightful lunch in the Besqala yurt camp.
  • 14:00 Continue to the Aktumsyk Peninsula, approximately 15 km away. Stroll through the stunning landscapes of Ustyurt, with towering canyons, Martian-like scenery, and mysterious caves. Explore rocky slabs resembling pages of history and relax on the beach. You can even take a dip in the sea before heading back to the Besqala camp.

Evening:

  • 19:00 Savor a traditional dinner. Afterward, enjoy stargazing through a telescope under the vast night sky, embracing the authenticity and romance of this extraordinary place.

Meals: High-quality meals tailored to your preferences.

Day 3Aral Sea – Kubla Ustyurt Village – Sudoche Lake – Barsakelmes Salt Flats – Kungrad – Khojeli – Nukus

The final day of the tour takes you through unique landscapes and historical landmarks, leaving you with unforgettable memories.

Morning:

  • 06:00 Greet the sunrise as it paints the sea in delicate hues.
  • 08:00 After breakfast, travel to the village of Kubla Ustyurt (formerly Komsolomsk).
  • 09:30 Explore the rural scenery, photograph camels and horses, stroll along an abandoned airstrip, and experience the hospitality of locals by sampling camel milk.

Midday:

  • 11:00 Visit Sudoche Lake, once part of the Aral Sea. This birdwatcher’s paradise is home to migratory species, including pink flamingos.
  • 12:30 Head to the Barsakelmes Salt Flats, a massive salt lake reminiscent of Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni. Capture incredible photographs in this surreal landscape, a remnant of the ancient Tethys Ocean.

Afternoon:

  • 14:30 Lunch at the roadside café, Naiman.
  • 16:30 Continue through the historic regions of Kungrad and Khojeli, crucial stops along the Silk Road. Visit the Mizdahkan Necropolis, an ancient burial site with ruins that tell the story of the Mausoleum of Mazlumkhan Sulu (12th–14th century), Shamun Nabi (12th century), Halifa Erejep, and the Gaur Fortress (6th century BCE–9th century CE).

Evening:

  • 18:30 Arrive back in Nukus, concluding the tour.

Meals: Two high-quality meals included.

Tour Cost

 

Number of Tourists 1 2 3 4 5
Price per tourist $600 $350 $250 $230 $210

 

Price Includes
Price Excludes
  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)
Map

Photos
2 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Hiroshi Tanaka

Group Traveller

The Aral Sea Eco-Tour was an extraordinary adventure! Shahina Travel did an excellent job organizing the trip, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Exploring ancient ruins like Kurgancha Fortress and hiking through the stunning Aqtumsuk Canyons were highlights. The visit to Lake Sudochye, where I saw flamingos in their natural habitat, was mesmerizing. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing the rich history of the Silk Road and local nomadic traditions. Even the food and accommodation in the yurt camp were well-planned—everything felt authentic and comfortable. This tour offered the perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and culture. Thank you, Shahina Travel, for making this journey so memorable!

26.09.2024

Emma Larsson

Group Traveller

I recently joined the Aral Sea Eco-Tour with Shahina Travel, and it was a truly unforgettable experience. The journey to the Ustyurt Plateau and the breathtaking views of the Aral Sea were beyond my expectations. The highlight for me was walking through the Ship Graveyard in Muynak—it was a sobering yet fascinating glimpse into the region’s history. The hospitality at the yurt camp was exceptional, with delicious meals and cozy accommodations. Stargazing under the vast desert sky was magical! Shahina Travel’s organization was impeccable, with a friendly driver and guide who made every moment special. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for adventure combined with cultural insight.

24.05.2023
From$250
Book Now