We will meet you at Nukus Airport and take you to the Igor Savitsky Museum. The museum was founded in 1966 with the support of Sharaf Rashidov, the ruler of the Uzbek SSR, to preserve and display the art of the Karakalpak people. Over the years, it has become a haven for artists of various nationalities. The Savitsky Museum has earned many nicknames, including the "Hermitage in the Desert," "Louvre in the Sands," "Pearl of Nukus," and "Treasure of Priaralie." The reason for such acclaim is its impressive collection of over 90,000 works of art.
A museum tour will introduce you to an extensive collection of paintings by renowned artists, including Nikolai Karakhan, Alexey Morgunov, and Evgeny Lysenko. These works testify to the diversity of artists and styles in the Savitsky Museum over the years. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the history of the Karakalpak people and their art, an integral part of the museum's foundation. After the museum visit, we will take you to a hotel for a well-deserved rest before tomorrow's adventurous jeep trip to the Aral Sea.
Aral Sea Tour: Uzbekistan's Adventure Quest
Aral Sea Tour invites you on a remarkable 5-day journey through Uzbekistan’s unique natural and cultural landscapes. This 5-day Aral adventure begins in Nukus, where travelers can explore the world-famous Savitsky Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of art and artifacts.
The tour continues with a thrilling drive across the Ustyurt Plateau to the shores of the Aral Sea. Visit the abandoned village of Urga, witness the serene beauty of Lake Sudochie, and enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional yurt camp. Perfect for those seeking a memorable Uzbekistan nature tour and an authentic Aral Sea trip.
End your journey with a visit to Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architectural treasures. As professionals in organizing nature travel Central Asia, we ensure a seamless and enriching experience for every guest.
The tour is available for $460 per person, including accommodations, transportation, and select meals. Book now to start your Aral adventure today!
Aral Sea Tour
Day 1: Arrive in Nukus, the capital of the Karakalpak Autonomous Republic
Day 2: Nukus - Sudoche Lake - Urga - Ustyurt - Aral Sea, breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, we will embark on an exciting jeep expedition from Nukus to the Aral Sea. This fascinating journey will take approximately 6-7 hours. Along the way, we will explore the remains of an old lighthouse in the abandoned village of Urga, allowing us to delve into the past and deepen our understanding of the region's history.
Additionally, we will visit Lake Sudochie, where you can observe migratory birds in their natural habitat – a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Continuing our journey, we will head to the charming Ustyurt Plateau, where you will be amazed by the stunning canyons. The beauty of these canyons is truly remarkable and will undoubtedly leave you in awe. The plateau possesses a unique charm that is hard to find anywhere else. You will feel like you are in a completely different world.
The culmination of our trip will be the Aral Sea, where you will spend the night in a traditional yurt on the shore, fully immersing yourself in the local culture. A delightful dinner in the fresh air by the campfire will conclude our day.
Day 3: Aral Sea – Muynak – Mizdakhan – Old Ruins – Khiva, breakfast, lunch
After a delightful breakfast on the shore of the Aral Sea, you will have plenty of free time to immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings and take captivating photos to share with friends and followers on social media.
After that, we will head to Nukus, making brief stops in Moynaq to visit the famous Ship Graveyard and the Mizdahkan Cemetery near the capital, Nukus. The Mizdahkan Cemetery, in particular, holds great significance for followers of Zoroastrianism. According to legend, it is the burial site of Adam, the first human created by God. Mizdahkan Cemetery is a sacred place that has attracted countless pilgrims over the years, and visiting it is truly an impressive experience. Upon arrival in Nukus, we will switch from a jeep to another mode of transportation and continue our journey to Khiva, a city listed by UNESCO.
On the way to Khiva, we will stop at the fortresses of Kyzyl-Kala, Toprak-Kala, and Ayaz-Kala, located in the heart of the harsh desert, far from civilization, along with our driver.
Finally, we will arrive in Khiva and check into a reserved hotel for a well-deserved rest after a day of adventures.
Day 4: Khiva excursion, breakfast and dinner
After breakfast, we will meet with our guide in the hotel lobby and embark on an exciting walking tour of Khiva. With our guide, we will explore the Muhammad Amin-Khan Madrasah, the famous Kalta-Minor Minaret, the Kunya-Ark Fortress, the Muhammad-Rahim-Khan Madrasah, the Islam-Khoja Minaret, and the Juma Mosque.
We will also visit interesting sites such as the Tim Alla Kuli-Khan Caravanserai and the Tash-Hauli Palace.
As the evening approaches, we will have a special farewell dinner with a local family in Khiva. We will be served a delicious traditional dish called "Tukhm-Barak," which, it is said, was a favourite of the Khivan Khans in the past. This will be a wonderful opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of the people of Khiva and to reflect on everything we have seen and learned during our stay here.
Day 5: Transfer to Urgench airport from Khiva, breakfast
In the morning, breakfast awaits us at the hotel, after which we will check out, meet our driver, and transfer from Khiva to the Urgench airport for our flight home. Those who wish can extend their tour of Uzbekistan to include the cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent, from where they can fly home from Tashkent airport.
Included
- shared accommodation (2-8 people in one yurt) in a yurt base on the shore of the Aral Sea;
- accommodation in double rooms in hotels of Nukus and Khiva;
- meals according to the program (breakfast, lunch, dinner);
- all transfers and transportation according to the tour program from days 2 to 3 off-road transport;
- excursions with local guides in English according to the tour program (if required, local guides provided in German, Russian and Turkish);
- entrance tickets to monuments and museums;
- visa support to Uzbekistan (if necessary).
Not Included
- any air tickets to/from Uzbekistan;
- entrance fees to monuments and museums;
- travel insurance;
- visa cost to Uzbekistan.
What else?
Included hotels
