Panorama view to Aral sea from the rim of Plateau Ustyurt near Aktumsuk cape at Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan
Interior decoration of the yurt. Wooden circular frame covered with fabric and felt
Aral sea catastrophe. Sandy salt desert on the place of former bottom of Aral sea. Aktumsuk cape in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan
Aral Sea view
Beautiful cliffs in the canyon of the Ustyurt plateau at sunset, Uzbekistan

3-Days Jeep Adventure Tour to Usturt Plateau & Aral Sea from Nukus

The drying up of the Aral Sea has transformed Karakalpakstan into one of Uzbekistan’s most unique and hauntingly beautiful regions. On this unforgettable tour, you’ll discover the hidden treasures beyond Nukus, including the breathtaking Aral Sea shore, the dramatic Usturt Plateau, the legendary Muynak Ship Graveyard, the serene Sudochye Lake Nature Reserve, and the historic Mizdakhan Necropolis.

For those who appreciate the beauty of untouched landscapes and seek authentic experiences, Karakalpakstan offers an adventure like no other.

By joining this tour, you’re not just exploring—you’re giving back. We proudly support the local community by partnering exclusively with local guides, drivers, and cooks to ensure your journey is both meaningful and impactful.

Tour Highlights

Learn about the cultural and social traditions of the Karakalpak people;

See remote landscapes and disappearing Aral Sea waters, as well as enjoy the dark sky with the Milky Way;

Stay in an authentic Karakalpak yurt close to the Aral Sea shore;

Explore forgotten Soviet military bases and factories, visit the Ships Graveyard in Muynak.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Nukus – Usturt Plateau – Barsa Kelmes – Sudochye Lake – Aral Sea Shore

09:00 – After breakfast in your hotel in Nukus, you will meet by our guide in the hotel lobby and will start your journey to the actual shoreline of the drying Aral Sea (~450 km, 7H00M).

En route, you will pass by Khojeli and Kungrad districts, which were the trading centers during the Silk Road period. Will pass Soda Plant and Gas Chemical Plant.

The first stop at your jeep journey will be the Barsakelmes, the huge natural salt pit, where the soda plant takes its main resource.

After, you will head up to Sudochye Lake and visit abandoned Light House hill. The rich fauna of this lake and its shores is famous far beyond Karakalpakstan. Many scientists, fishermen, and hunters come to this place from all over the world. This lake is a key stop on the long way of various migrating birds, some of them are pink flamingoes, white swans, geese, and ducks.

Then, you will visit the abandoned settlement of Russian and Polish victims of Stalin’s repression regime. Here you could see ruins of the hospital, cane houses, and old Fish Factory.

Later, you will continue to drive to the Aral Seashore. Upon arrival check-in to the yurt camp and rest.

Here, far away from the civilization and big cities light pollution you could freely observe the dark sky with myriads of stars, end even Milky Way could be visible sometimes. The wind and sea waves will sing for you all night and you will discover what it’s like to be a nomad at the edge of the world.

Breakfast: hotel (not included)

Lunch: local café on route (included)

Dinner: picnic/camp style meals in Yurt Camp (included)

Overnight in the Yurts (up to 5 pax per yurt).

Day 2 : Aral Sea Shore – Keinchiyak Mis (Soviet Military Camp) – Kurgancha Kala – Aral Sea Shore

On this day you will have an early wake-up option for taking pictures of sunrise above the disappearing sea.

After breakfast, you will drive to Keinchak Mis, where located abandoned Soviet Military Camp. On the way, we will have a photo-stop at the nomad’s cemetery. Here you could take stunning shots of Great Canyons. Upon arrival at Military Camp, you will have visiting tour. Also, here is the best place for swimming, if the weather will allow, you could freely spend some time free-swimming here.

After the visit, back to the Yurt Camp for lunch and rest.

After rest, you could visit Kurgancha Kala, an old Caravanserai and Fortress of the 12~13th century, hidden among the hills of the Usturt Plateau.

Back to Yurt Camp for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast, lunch & dinner: picnic/camp style meals in Yurt Camp (included)

Overnight in the Yurts (up to 5 pax per yurt).

Day 3 : Aral Sea Shore – Komsomolsk – Moinak – Mizdakhan Necropolis – Nukus

Early breakfast in yurt camp.

After breakfast, you will continue your Aral Sea journey with the end at Nukus city (~450 km, 7H00M).

Today your back road to Nukus will lay across Usturt Plateau via the Komsomolsk settlement, where you will see wonderful natural landscapes and survived local flora and fauna. The mysterious and inscrutable Usturt Plateau remains not only huge deposits of gas and oil but also many canyons and cliffs, with extraterrestrial designs.

Here you will also have a stop at Kubla Usturt village to try camel milk from a local camel breeder’s family.

Drive by the dried bottom of the Aral Sea, nowadays Aralkum Desert, we will arrive at the infamous ship graveyard of Moynak (Muynaq) city. Here you will visit the Moynak Museum of City History and the Ship Graveyard itself. Once Aral Sea shores were close to the city and it was famous for its fisherman and canned fish products. Later, the water was gone and left all ships on its sea bottom. Lying on salty sand ships became a rusting attraction that reminds ones who visit it about the huge tragedy of the disappeared sea.

Then, you will have your next stop for Mizdakhan Complex. Mizdakhan is a necropolis of the city of ancient Khoresmians (4-2 century B.C.). Here gathered one of the most important mausoleums and archeological monuments of that time.

Later, arrive in Nukus (around 19:00). 

End of the tour.

Breakfast: picnic/camp style meals in Yurt Camp (included)

Lunch: local café in Muynak (included)

Dinner: local café in Nukus (not included)

Note: we do not include hotels in Nukus but we could offer booking of the hotels as per your request, please contact us during the booking.

Price includes:

Price does not include:

  1. Air-conditioned vehicle, 4×4 Jeeps Toyota Prado (4 seats + luggage);
  2. Accommodation in Yurt Camp with tourist registration;
  3. Food: 2x Breakfasts, 3x Lunches, 2x Dinners (as per itinerary);
  4. Guide: English Speaking Guide;
  5. All Fees and Taxes.
  1. Accommodation in Nukus;
  2. Tips for guides and drivers (not mandatory but very welcomed).

Price includes:

  1. Air-conditioned vehicle, 4×4 Jeeps Toyota Prado (4 seats + luggage);
  2. Accommodation in Yurt Camp with tourist registration;
  3. Food: 2x Breakfasts, 3x Lunches, 2x Dinners (as per itinerary);
  4. Guide: English Speaking Guide;
  5. All Fees and Taxes.

Price does not include:

  1. Accommodation in Nukus;
  2. Tips for guides and drivers (not mandatory but very welcomed).

Notes:

The guide will meet you in the hotel lobby, holding a sign with your name for easy identification.

This tour involves extensive off-road travel, accommodation in a yurt camp, and outdoor walking tours. Please dress in comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the season and weather conditions.

Important Notes:

  • We do not provide rental or sale services for hiking or trekking clothing and equipment.
  • Depending on the weather, consider bringing sunscreen, hats, or umbrellas.
  • Ensure you have all necessary personal medical and care items for the tour duration, as there are no pharmacies or additional medical facilities available along the route.

 

Additional Information:

  • Medical insurance is not included.
  • Summer temperatures can be quite hot during the day, while autumn and winter weather may be cold and windy.

 

Special Requests:

  • If you have food restrictions or allergies, please inform us in advance so we can arrange appropriate lunchboxes and meals.
  • Small pets are welcome; however, let us know in advance to prepare our vehicles accordingly.

 

Accommodation:
Hotels in Nukus are not included in the tour package. If needed, we can assist with hotel bookings upon request. Please contact us during the booking process for arrangements.

Restrictions:

  • Not wheelchair accessible;
  • Not stroller accessible;
  • Not recommended for people with back problems;
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers;
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions.

Cancellation:

  • We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if the booking is canceled 3 days or less before the event.
  • Please contact us immediately if cancellation was caused by International flight delay/cancellation, Force Majeure situation in any transit countries you follow through, and/or COVID or other pandemic restrictions. We will try to refund your amount with the minimal cancellation fees possible.

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