Step into a world where time stands still and nature’s resilience meets the stark consequences of human activity. The Aral Sea, once the fourth-largest inland body of water on Earth, has nearly disappeared, leaving behind haunting remnants of its past glory. Join us for an unforgettable 6-day tour to the Aral Sea region, a place where abandoned towns, drying shorelines, and the silent memories of a once-thriving fishing industry create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Your journey begins in Almaty, where you’ll fly to Kyzylorda, before heading towards the Aral Sea. On Day 1, you’ll visit the historic Korkyt Ata complex, dedicated to the legendary thinker and storyteller, before arriving at the Aral Sea, where you will check into your hotel and rest for the evening.
On Day 2, your exploration begins in the heart of the Aral Sea’s surrounding region. Visit the Aral Museum and the monument to the four ships stranded by the receding waters. You’ll also explore the Kambash Lake, whose moods reflect the changing skies, before heading to the ghostly village of Bogen, where life continues amidst the sands.
Day 3 brings you to the Kokaral Dike, a vital dam aimed at rescuing what remains of the Northern Aral Sea, followed by visits to Akbasty and Aqespe villages. These once-thriving communities now lie amid sand dunes, their pasts forever altered by the disappearing waters.
On Day 4, you will venture further into the eerie landscape of Akespe, once a bustling fishing village, now swallowed by the desert. Enjoy the panoramic views and visit the Butakova Bay, a reminder of the vast sea that once stretched across the region.
On Days 5 and 6, we return to Kyzylorda, stopping at picturesque Kazalinsk and Baikonur en route before your return flight to Almaty, completing this unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most poignant environmental tragedies.
Book today and witness the remnants of the Aral Sea before they vanish forever!
Your journey begins with a morning flight from Almaty to Kyzylorda, where you’ll meet your guide and driver. From here, the drive to Aral is approximately five hours, with an enlightening stop at the Korkyt Ata complex. This memorial celebrates Korkyt Ata, an esteemed philosopher, poet, and musician of the Syr Darya River region. At the complex, marvel at the “Singing Trumpets,” a tribute to his kobyz music, and walk through the “Pyramid of Wishes,” an evocative structure dedicated to personal aspirations. After lunch at the complex, continue to Aral, where you’ll check into the “Aral” hotel for your first overnight stay.
After breakfast, the day begins with a tour of Aral, a town once bustling with life as a fishing port. Visit the Aral Museum, the local market, the town square, and a memorial to the abandoned fishing industry, with its statue honoring the four ships left stranded by the sea’s retreat. In the afternoon, travel to Kambash Lake, an area of striking natural beauty where the lake’s glassy surface mirrors the surrounding landscape. Continue to Bogen village, surrounded by sand dunes, for a photo stop before heading to Karashalan village. Here, you’ll stay overnight in a cozy guesthouse.
Begin your day with a scenic drive to the 13-kilometer-long Kokaral Dike, an engineering marvel designed to save the Northern Aral Sea. This dam separates the northern and southern sections of the Aral, allowing water levels in the north to recover slightly. Witness the sluice gates and view the small northern section of the sea, which has returned to within 25 kilometers of Aral. Continuing to Akbasty, a village surrounded by dunes and sparse fishing communities, you’ll observe how life has adapted to the shifting sands. Return to Aqespe village for a restful evening and overnight in a guesthouse.
In Aqespe, explore the village landscape, which seems to float on a sea of sand. Though the sea has receded by kilometers, the town was once a bustling coastal village. Take time for photos and a local lunch, where you’ll try shubat, the traditional fermented camel milk. In the afternoon, head to the scenic Butakova Bay, which lies between two peninsulas. Once a prominent bay of the Aral Sea, it now offers rugged, canyon-lined shores ideal for panoramic views and photography. Return to Aral for an overnight stay.
Following breakfast, depart Aral and travel back to Kyzylorda, making stops at significant towns along the route, including the historic Kazalinsk, Baikonur town, and the quiet village of Shagan. Visit the Korkyt-Ata complex again for a farewell lunch, reflecting on your journey. Arrive in Kyzylorda and check into your hotel for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.
After breakfast, transfer to Kyzylorda Airport for a flight back to Almaty. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel or private residence, where this unforgettable journey to the Aral Sea comes to an end.
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy* (per tourist) | $3290 | $1850 | $1950 | $1580 | $1400 |
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour program with English speaking guide Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Accommodation (shared double/twin room) Meals as per program (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners)
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa Domestic air tickets Almaty – Kyzylorda – Almaty (around $200 USD)
