Aral Sea – Ayaz Kala – Khiva Tour (4 Days)

Overview

This 4-day journey combines the dramatic landscapes of the Aral Sea and Ustyurt Plateau with the ancient fortresses of Khorezm and the fairytale old town of Khiva. You will visit the Muynak Ship Cemetery, stay in a traditional yurt camp on the Aral shore, explore Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala, and finish in the UNESCO-listed Ichan-Kala of Khiva.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 – Tashkent → Nukus → Aral Sea

• 06:00 – Transfer from hotel in Tashkent to domestic airport.
• 07:25 – Flight Tashkent → Nukus (HY 11).
• 09:05 – Arrival in Nukus, meet your local guide and driver.
• Drive towards the Aral Sea with photo stops on the Ustyurt Plateau.
• Short stops for panoramic views and pictures en route.
• Arrival at the yurt camp near the Aral Sea shore.
• Time to walk around and enjoy sunset over the former seabed.
• BBQ dinner and overnight in the yurt camp.

Day 2 – Aral Sea → Muynak → Nukus

• Camp-style breakfast at the yurt camp.
• Drive via Red Canyons and former seabed landscapes towards Muynak.
• Visit Muynak Ship Cemetery and local museum dedicated to the Aral Sea tragedy.
• Lunch in Muynak café or guesthouse.
• On the way back to Nukus, stop at Mizdakhan Necropolis and Gyaur-Kala fortress.
• Arrival in Nukus, check-in to the hotel and overnight.

Day 3 – Nukus → Ayaz Kala & Toprak Kala → Khiva

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit the world-famous Savitsky Museum (Karakalpakstan State Museum of Art) in Nukus.
• Depart towards ancient Khorezm fortresses in the Kyzylkum desert.
• Excursion to Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala fortresses (walking up to the ruins, photo time).
• After the visit, drive to Khiva.
• Arrival in Khiva, hotel check-in and free evening.
• Overnight at the hotel in Khiva.

Day 4 – Khiva Old Town → Tashkent

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• 09:00 – Walking tour inside the walled old town of Ichan-Kala:
• Ata-Darvaza main gate and overview of Ichan-Kala
• Kunya Ark Fortress
• Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrassa
• Kalta Minor Minaret
• Tash Hauli Palace
• Allakuli Khan Caravanserai (from outside)
• Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum
• Islam-Khoja Minaret and Madrassa (panorama spot)
• Juma Mosque and Minaret
• Free time for exploring Khiva on your own (souvenirs, rooftop cafés).
• 21:00 – Transfer to Urgench airport.
• 23:00 – Flight Urgench → Tashkent.
• 00:20 – Arrival in Tashkent and transfer to hotel (end of the program).

Tour Price per Person – 4 Days / 3 Nights

* Prices are in USD per person in a double/twin room. Single accommodation in hotels and yurt camp is available on request with a supplement.

What’s Included

• Accommodation in 2–4 pax shared yurt near Aral Sea (1 night).
• Standard or comfort double/twin hotel rooms in Nukus and Khiva (2 nights total).
• All transfers by SUV/off-road and tourist class vehicles according to the itinerary.
• Local English-speaking guides, including museum guide in Savitsky Museum.
• Meals:
  • Breakfasts at hotels.
  • Camp-style breakfast and BBQ dinner at the yurt camp by Aral Sea.
  • Lunch in Muynak on Day 2.
• All entrance tickets to mentioned sites and museums.
• Internal flights: Tashkent → Nukus and Urgench → Tashkent (economy class).
• Tourist tax per person.

Not Included

• International flights to/from Tashkent.
• Uzbekistan visa / e-visa (if required for your nationality).
• Accommodation in Tashkent before/after the tour.
• Photo/video fees for professional cameras where charged.
• Transport/guide for free days or extra activities not listed.
• Single accommodation in the yurt camp (on request, subject to availability and surcharge).
• Meals not mentioned in “Included”.
• VAT (if applicable), personal travel insurance, tips, portage and other personal expenses.

Important Notes

• Tour published on 18 December 2024; rates are valid for 180 days from publication date.
• Prices may change after 180 days due to seasonal updates, tariffs or currency fluctuations.
• Early check-in and late check-out are not included in the basic price.
• Drivers may speak only basic English; guiding is done by licensed local guides.
• Yurt camps and some guesthouses provide simple/shared toilet and shower facilities.
• The program may be slightly adjusted depending on internal flight schedules and local conditions.
• If the listed hotels are not available, similar category hotels will be provided.
• Road closures and delays are possible during national holidays or official events.

Accommodation Planned

*Exact hotels will be reconfirmed at the time of booking, depending on availability.