Book Now
Exploring Uzbekistan

Aral Sea & Nukus Extension

This three day extension takes you up to the north-western part of Uzbekistan to the Aral sea.  This once huge inland lake has shrunk massively leaving deserted fishing villages and rusting hulks of ships now stranded in the desert.  This trip traces the route of the Great Silk Road, along the beautiful Ustyurt Plateau and past Sudochie Lake on the way to the Aral Sea.  Once there, bathe in its salty waters and camp in a comfortable yurt where you will enjoy a  meal cooked on a campfire beneath a starry sky.  This remote region has a haunting beauty to it that will remain with you long after you have left.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1 - FLY TO NUKUS

Take an early morning flight to Nukus and after checking into your hotel visit the famous Savitsky Art Museum of Nukus. The Museum is well known for its huge collection of Russian avant-garde paintings and Karakalpak folk art. Savitskiy’s collection of avant-garde paintings were banned by the Soviet regime and only escaped destruction due to its remote location. In the same building you will also have a chance to see the museum’s famous Karakalpak folk art. Having finished visiting Savitskiy Museum, drive around Nukus to see the local sites such as the statue of the famous Karakalpak poet Berdakh, Nukus City Hall and the Theatre.

Accommodation

DAY 2 - EXPLORE THE ARAL SEA

After breakfast, leave Nukus and head towards the Soviet city of Kungrad, once a thriving staging post on the Silk Road. On the way visit the the historical and sacred Mizdakhkan complex and  necropolis which has several interesting mausoleums: Nazlumlhan Sulu, Khalifa Yerejep and Shamun Nabi and also Gyaur Kala fortress which dates back to the Zoroastrian period. From Kkungrad head into the Ustyurt Plateau and visit an abandoned Urga settlement at Sudochie Lake, its clean fresh water a home for a great variety of fish, wild animals and many different birds. In the late afternoon arrive at Kubla Ustyurt settlement – a small town built in Soviet times in the middle of Ustyurt Plateau. Dinner and overnight in Yurts.

DAY 3 - DRIVE TO MUYNAK & FLY TO TASHKENT

It is well worth getting up really early this morning to experience sunrise over the Aral Sea. After breakfast leave for an excursion to Kurgancha Kala a fortified trading center on the Great Silk Road from the early medieval period. Next visit the abandoned nomadic cemeteries and the canyons of Ustyurt Plateau. Your journey today will be along the dried up bed of the Aral Sea to Muynak. On arrival in this once bustling port city which now lies far from the water, visit the Cemetery of Ships and the local Museum of Regional Studies. Have lunch at the local family’s house before driving to Nukus and transfering to the airport for an evening flight to Tashkent.

-

DETAILS:

This itinerary costs from £790 per person B&B based on 2 sharing and including all private transfers.

You can get flights from £750 per person return and do ask us for advice. Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.

What's included?

INCLUDED:
  • Prices start from £790 per person
  • 2 nights accommodation on B&B basis
  • Accompanied by an English speaking guide.
  • Private vehicle and transfers (saloon car A/C & 4WD vehicle)
  • Internal flights (two)
  • All entrance fees for excursions
  • Lunch on Days 2 & 3
  • Dinner on Day 2
  • Sleeping mat & sleeping bag is included on Day 2
  • Local taxes
  • Meals for guides and drivers
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are financially protected
 Make a booking
Tashkent
Tashkent is one of the oldest cities on the Great Silk Road between China and Europe and the capital of Uzbekistan. You will be able to explore the Old Quarter of Tashkent with its impressive Khast Imam Complex, wander around Chorsu Bazaar and take the metro to the city centre.
Nukus
The remote town of Nukus is only a short flight away from Tashkent and is surrounded by three deserts - the Kara Kum, Kyzyl Kum and Ustyurt. It is home to the famous Savitsky Art Museum, boasting a huge collection of Russian avant-garde paintings.
Khiva
Khiva, a delightful, small, walled city, is often overlooked on tours through the region but its labyrinth of side streets and small squares have a very particular charm that evokes the centuries of history the city has witnessed.
Nurata
The Nurata Mountains, home to the Nurata Nature Reserve with lush green river valleys, is becoming the main eco-tourism destination in Uzbekistan, and you can stay in homestays and immerse yourself with the local culture. Our handpicked guesthouses are situated in Khayot and Yahshigul villages.
Bukhara
One of the great trading cities along the Silk Road, Bukhara’s layout and architecture bring its past to life and make for a truly fascinating visit. During your visit you can stay in stunning boutique hotels that are perfectly located in the old town of medieval Bukhara.
Samarkand
The historic town of Samarkand lies at an ancient caravan crossroads and is a melting pot of world cultures. It was Tamerlaine’s capital and contains some of Asia’s most stunning architecture. There are plenty of traditional hotels to choose from, featuring classic Uzbek décor, that are close to Registan Square.
Shakhrisabz
Shakhrisabz, Tamerlaine’s birthplace, is a pleasant provincial town located in a small valley surrounded by the Pamir Mountains. You can enjoy fantastic views from the portal of Tamerlaine’s Arksarai Palace and visit his mausoleum, a unique architectural structure.
Fergana Valley
Lying a day’s drive south-east of Tashkent and encircled by the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan range, the Ferghana Valley is a lush, fertile area where many generations of artisans have continued to make silk, ceramics and wood carvings in the traditional way.


Termez
Termez, a remote city in the south of Uzbekistan, is an ancient centre of Buddhism and a fascinating, little-visited destination - in fact during the Soviet era travel to this area was forbidden for foreigners. Highlights include the Fortress Kyrk-Kyz and the Mausoleum of Al-Hakim at-Termezi.

Your adventure starts here!

Do you fancy having a chat about Aral Sea & Nukus Extension? Personally, it's one of our favourite things to talk about.

Email us now to start planning your holiday
Award-winning and fully-protected holidays
Itineraries & Destinations