Aral Sea Yurt Camping Tour from Nukus

Yurt Camping Tour to Aral Sea: The Aral Sea was once the fourth-largest lake in the world and has been a vital part of the region for centuries, serving as an oasis along the Silk Road, the historic trade route connecting China and Europe. Unfortunately, since the 1960s, the Aral Sea has been steadily shrinking due to human-driven environmental changes. Embark on a 2-day adventure tour to the Aral Sea!

While no special physical preparation is required, be ready for an exciting journey as the distances can be quite long. Join us to explore this fascinating and once-thriving region!

Tour itinerary

Day 1: Nukus → Mizdahkan complex in Khodjeili → Kungrad → Muynak → Uchsay village → Ustyurt Plateau → Aral Sea → Yurt camp (~450 km, 8 hours of drive)

08:00 Start your adventure tour (If you are arriving by morning flight, the tour can be started from the Airport. Airport pick up is free of charge).

Drive to Khodjeyli town. Visit Ancient Complex Mizdakhan. The ancient complex keeps a lot of secrets and even mystical legends and beliefs. There is a small madrasah called sometimes “World Clock”, which served as the burial place of one of the saints. According to the legend every year, this building loses one brick from the masonry, and when the building collapses, the world will come to the end.

Drive to Kungrad district. A short stop at the bazaar. Drive to Muynak. Lunch. Visit Muynak Museum and the "Cemetery of ships" - former Sea port of Muynak. Today tourists arrive in Muynak in great numbers to see the cemetery of ships - corroded iron bulks amid the Aralkum desert, a new desert that has formed on the bottom of the former Aral Sea.

Driver to Ustyurt Plateau through Uchsay village. Ustyurt Plateau is the most mysterious and least researched destination in Uzbekistan. Enjoy the wonderful view of cliffs in the canyon of the Ustyurt plateau. Visit Kubla-Ustyurt village and camel breeder's family.

In the evening, arrive at the Yurt Camp in the Aral Sea. While dinner is cooked on open fire, enjoy swimming and hiking, relax at the camp fire. In the nighttime explore the milky way in the clear sky. Overnight in the Yurt Camp.

Day 2: Yurt camp → Ustyurt Plateau → Sudochie Lake → Kungrad → Nukus (~450 km, 8 hours of drive)

Early breakfast in the Yurt Camp.
08:00 Drive to Sudochie Lake. The recession of the Aral Sea has left several lakes behind its new shores. Soduchie lake is one of the largest. Many scientists and fans of fishing and hunting come to this place from all over the world. The lake is a key stop on the long way of migrating birds: pink flamingo, white swans, duck and others. Lunch in Kungrad.

Drive to Nukus. 18:00 Arrive in Nukus. Drop off at the hotel.

*The route order may change according to climate conditions.

Transport

Tour price updated on June 21, 2025

*The most of the travelers take this tour without a guide with non-English speaking drivers.