Aral Sea Tour (Basic): 2 Days
This short 2-day Aral Sea tour is ideal for travelers starting from Nukus who want to see the legendary Muynaq Ship Cemetery, drive across the Ustyurt Plateau and spend a night in a traditional yurt camp near the former shore of the Aral Sea. The program combines stark desert nature, powerful industrial history and a simple, authentic camp experience.
During two days you will visit the Muynaq Ship Cemetery, drive along the bottom of the former Aral Sea, cross sections of the Ustyurt Plateau and stay overnight in a tented or yurt camp close to the shoreline. The route is suitable for those who want a compact but emotional introduction to the Aral Sea story without extending the tour to Khiva or other regions.
- Start and finish in Nukus – convenient for flights from Tashkent or other cities.
- Visit Muynaq Ship Cemetery and local museum.
- Drive across the Ustyurt Plateau with photo stops.
- Overnight in a yurt / tent camp at the Aral Sea.
- Stop at Lake Sudochie area and Kungrad on the way back.
- 08:30 – Departure from Nukus by SUV towards Mizdakhan and Muynaq (approx. 400 km in total).
- Stop at Mizdakhan Complex – ancient necropolis with mausoleums and panoramic views.
- Continue to Muynaq – former fishing town on the shores of the Aral Sea.
- Visit the famous Muynaq Ships Cemetery at the edge of the former sea.
- Visit the local museum dedicated to the history of the Aral Sea and the town.
- Drive across sections of the Ustyurt Plateau and along the dried sea bottom.
- Arrival at the yurt / tent camp near the Aral Sea shore.
- Dinner (BBQ / camp-style meal) and overnight in shared yurts (3–4 pax) or tents.
- 08:30 – Breakfast at the camp, time for last walk and photos near the shore.
- Drive towards Davlet Gerey (Kurgancha-Kala) area with possible short stops.
- Continue through different sections of the Ustyurt Plateau with viewpoints.
- Stop near Lake Sudochie area – seasonal birdlife (including flamingos in spring, not guaranteed).
- Lunch stop in Kungrad (simple local café).
- Evening arrival in Nukus, transfer to hotel or city center.
- End of the 2-day tour.
- Accommodation in 3–4 pax shared yurts (standard) at Aral Sea camp – 1 night.
- Camp-style meals: breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner (fixed menu, no alcohol).
- English-speaking escort guide for the full 2-day program.
- All transfers by suitable SUV / off-road vehicle according to itinerary.
- Entry tickets to sites listed in the program (Muynaq museum and designated viewpoints).
- 1L bottled water per person per day.
- Tourist tax where applicable.
- International flights to / from Uzbekistan.
- Accommodation and transfers in Nukus before / after the tour (can be arranged on request).
- Personal travel insurance.
- Soft drinks, snacks and meals not mentioned as included.
- Personal expenses and tips for guides / drivers.
| Location | Type | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Aral Sea | Yurt camp (3–4 pax shared yurts, basic facilities) | 1 |
Yurt camps provide simple but atmospheric accommodation with shared facilities and camp-style meals. Exact camp name will be confirmed at the time of booking depending on dates and availability.