Eco Tour to the Aral Sea

At the Ships Cemetery in Muynak, travelers will walk among the rusting hulls of fishing boats that once sailed the Aral Sea. This open-air memorial vividly shows the dramatic retreat of the sea and the impact it had on local life. You’ll have time to take photos, explore the site, and reflect on the history of this vanished shore.

At the Aral Sea Museum in Muynak, travelers will explore exhibits dedicated to the history and tragedy of the Aral Sea. The museum displays photographs, documents, and personal belongings of local fishermen, showing how the once-thriving port city turned into a desert town. Visitors can watch a short documentary about the environmental disaster and learn about life before and after the sea’s retreat.

Lunch

On the Ustyurt Plateau, travelers will cross one of Central Asia’s most striking landscapes — a vast desert of canyons, cliffs, and the newly formed Aralkum Desert. Once the seabed of the Aral Sea, this area now reveals salt flats, ancient seabed layers, and dramatic viewpoints overlooking the endless steppe. Guests can stop for photos, admire the panoramic scenery, and experience the silence of this unique geological world.

Travelers will visit the ancient Nomads’ Cemetery located on the Ustyurt Plateau — a mysterious site where stone tombs and weathered markers stand alone in the desert. This remote necropolis reflects the nomadic traditions and spiritual beliefs of the steppe people who once roamed the region. Visitors can walk among the graves, observe the unique stone carvings, and feel the timeless atmosphere of this sacred landscape.

At Besqala Yurt Camp, travelers will experience authentic Karakalpak hospitality in the heart of the desert. The camp overlooks the Aral Sea and offers traditional yurts, local cuisine, and unforgettable sunsets. Guests can relax by the campfire, enjoy home-cooked meals, stargaze under the clear desert sky, and learn about nomadic culture. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploration.

At the shores of the Aral Sea, travelers will witness one of the most dramatic landscapes in Central Asia — the remains of a sea that once ranked among the largest in the world. Today, visitors can stand on the edge of the dried seabed, see the cracked salt flats, and touch the water that still remains. Depending on the season, guests may swim in the highly saline lake, where floating is effortless due to the dense salt concentration. The stop offers a powerful view of nature’s resilience and the human story behind the world’s most famous environmental disaster.

Dinner in the Yurt Camp

Breakfast in Besqala Yurt Camp

Travelers will visit Sudochye Lake, one of the last natural water bodies connected to the Aral Sea basin. Surrounded by reeds and salt marshes, it serves as a habitat for many bird species — including pelicans, herons, and flamingos (seasonally). Near the lake lies the abandoned fishing village of Urga, where travelers can walk among the remains of old houses and see how local fishermen once lived. This peaceful and scenic stop offers a glimpse of the region’s past life and rich wildlife.

Travelers will visit the ancient Mizdakhan Necropolis, one of the most sacred and historic sites in Karakalpakstan. This vast complex combines ancient mausoleums, Islamic tombs, and archaeological ruins dating back over a thousand years. Visitors can explore the remains of the Gyaur-Kala fortress, the tomb of Saint Nazlymhan Sulu, and other landmarks that reflect the region’s spiritual and architectural heritage. From the hilltop, guests enjoy panoramic views of the steppe and the city of Khodjeyli.

Lunch