Aral Sea Tour – biggest ecological disaster in the World - 13 Days

Aral Sea Tour: A Journey through History, Culture, and the Ecological Treasures of Central Asia

The captivating Aral Sea Tour not only takes you on a voyage through the breathtaking landscapes of Central Asia but also provides insights into a tragic ecological history. This unique tour guides us through the capital of Karakalpakstan, Nukus, where the Savitsky Art Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the regional art scene. However, the highlight of this journey lies in exploring the fishing village of Moynaq and the ship graveyard in the desiccated Aral Sea. Overall, this expedition promises an unforgettable blend of cultural experiences and environmental awareness.

The Aral Sea Tour commences in the charming capital of Karakalpakstan, Nukus. Here, travelers can anticipate the Savitsky Art Museum, renowned as a treasure trove of Central Asian art. The museum houses an impressive collection of paintings and artworks reflecting the cultural diversity of the region. This cultural introduction sets the stage for a journey that unveils not only the beauty but also the challenges of this fascinating region.

The focal point of the trip undoubtedly lies in exploring the fishing village of Moynaq and the ship graveyard in the desiccated Aral Sea. Once a thriving fishing village along the shores of the Aral Sea, Moynaq is now a witness to the drastic environmental changes this region has undergone. The tour allows visitors to witness the remnants of ships that once sailed proudly on the waters of the Aral Sea before it dramatically shrank due to human interventions. This poignant experience highlights the impact of human actions on the environment and raises awareness of ecological challenges.

Furthermore, the Aral Sea Tour takes travelers to the globally renowned cities of Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent. These historical cities boast rich cultural treasures and architectural masterpieces. Khiva, with its well-preserved old town, transports visitors to a bygone era of the Silk Road. Bukhara, with its impressive mosques and madrasas, provides insight into Islamic culture. Samarkand, with its majestic Registan Square, captivates with architectural grandeur. Finally, the journey concludes in Tashkent, the modern capital of Uzbekistan, offering an exciting contrast to the historical splendor of the other cities.

This expedition emphasizes not only cultural discoveries but also eco-conscious travel. By addressing the ecological challenges of the desiccated Aral Sea, the tour sensitizes visitors to the importance of sustainable tourism. Every step of the journey becomes an opportunity to learn about the impacts of climate change and the necessity of environmental protection.

The Aral Sea Tour promises an unparalleled adventure, unveiling not only the treasures of Central Asian culture but also emphasizing the urgency of environmental conservation. By intertwining cultural discoveries with ecological awareness, this tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and challenges of this remarkable region.

Day 1: Day of Arrival 

Day 2: Tashkent – where Modern and Old meet

Day 3: Aral Sea – the drying wonder of Central Asia!

Day 4: Aral Sea – the drying wonder of Central Asia!

Day 5: Khiva – Museum under open air

Day 6: Khiva – Museum under open air

Day 7: Through the Red Wonder

Day 8: Bukhara – Pearl of the Orient

Day 9: Bukhara – Pearl of the Orient

Day 10: Shakhrisabz – the Hometown of Amir Temur

Day 11: Samarkand – on the Trail of Temur’s Treasure

Day 12: Samarkand – on the Trail of Temur’s Treasure

Day 13: Early Morning Transfer to the Airport and Departure

Day 1
Day of Arrival 

Arrival in Tashkent. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in a 4-star Hotel.

Day 2
Tashkent - where Modern and Old meet

After breakfast at hotel we start our Tour in Tashkent. Tashkent, the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan where the history of modern and old stands side by side is located in the northeast of Uzbekistan and with circa 3 million inhabitants the biggest city in Central Asia. Along with modern hotels, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, opera, disco, oriental bazaars, the city also offers a thousand years of history. Khazrati Imam Complex consisting of Barak Khan Madrasah (16thc.), Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum (15thC.), Muyi-Mubarak Mosque – storehouse of the well-known Koran of Khalif Osman and gold hair of Prophet Muhammad, Djuma Mosque of Khodja Akhrar Vali. Dinner at local city Restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star Hotel.

Day 3
Aral Sea - the drying wonder of Central Asia!

After breakfast transfer to the Airport and flight Tashkent – Nukus. On arrival visit of Nukus. Karakalpakistan is one of the regions which is strongly affected by the drying up of the Aral Sea. We visit the State Museum “Sawitsky”. In the afternoon we will drive to Moynaq, once a fishing village and ship harbour of the Aral Sea. Dinner and overnight stay with a family.

Day 4
Aral Sea - the drying wonder of Central Asia!

After breakfast visit of Moynaq>/strong>, former fishing village on the shore of Aral Sea>/strong>. From there we can have a look at the drying Aral Sea. Once the Aral Sea was one of the largest lakes on the planet – which was not called “sea” for nothing. It has gone down in history with a number of names like “the Choresmian Sea” and “the Blue Sea”. Today, however, the water level of the Aral Sea has fallen by more than 22 metres. In the middle of the Aral Sea there was the island of “rebirth”, which has become a peninsula in the meantime. The drying up of the Aral Sea is regarded as a catastrophe of mankind, a tragedy on a world scale. In the afternoon we drive to Khiva. Dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 5
Khiva – Museum under open air

After breakfast we visit the historical City Ichan Kala. Dinner with live Music in the Restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star Hotel.

Day 6
Khiva – Museum under open air

After breakfast we visit the historical City Ichan Kala. Dinner at the local Restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star Hotel.

Day 7
Through the Red Wonder

After breakfast drive: Khiva → Buchara (480 km). During the drive through the Desert Kysyl-Kum (Red Sand). The Kysyl-Kum Desert is about 200 000 km² and belongs to the territories of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. There you can find the red Sand, from which the Desert gets its Name. On the way to Bukhara we make a stopover at the teahouse “Bukhoro-i-Sharif”. In Bukhara check-in at the hotel. Dinner at the local Restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star Hotel.

Day 8
Bukhara - Pearl of the Orient

After breakfast we visit Poyi Kalon Ensemble consisting of Kalon Minaret (12th c.), Kalon Mosque (12th C.), Miri Arab Madrasah (16th C.), domed bazaars Toqi Zargaron (15th C.), Toqi Telpak-Furushon (16th C.) and Toqi Zaroffon (16th C.). Continue we visit Lyabi-Khauz Complex (14th-17th C.) and Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah. Dinner at a local restaurant and then live Folklore in the Medresse Nodir Devon Begi. Overnight stay in a 3-star Hotel.

Day 9
Bukhara - Pearl of the Orient

After breakfast we visit Citadel Ark (4th c. BC), Bolo-Khauz Mosque (beginning of the 20th c.), Samanides Mausoleum (9th-10th c.), Chashmai Ayub (14th c.). Lunch at local city restaurant in Bukhara. Afternoon we visit: Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Complex, summer residence of the last Emir (ruler) of Bukhara, Bakhouddin Naqshbandiy Memorial Complex, Chor Bakr (19th c.) and Chor Minor. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star Hotel.

Day 10
Shakhrisabz - the Hometown of Amir Temur

After breakfast we drive to Shakhrisabz, to the City of birth Amir Temur (known in the West as Tamerlan). The city was already known to Alexander the Great as Nautaca. We visit the summer palace “Ak Saray” (White Palace, 1380-1405). “Ak Saray” was added to the list of World Heritage by UNESCO. We also visit Kok Gumbaz Mosque, Darus Soadat Complex and the Jahongir Mausoleum. Afternoon we will drive to Samarkand. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 11
Samarkand - on the Trail of Temur's Treasure

After breakfast we visit in Samarkand the three Medressen of the Registanthe Ulugbek-Medresse (built 1417-1420), the Sher-Dor-Medresse (1619 – 1636) and the Tillo-Kori-Medresse (1646 – 1660). The legendary Timurid mausoleum Guri Amir (XIV-XV century) enchants the viewer with its golden interior decoration. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 12
Samarkand - on the Trail of Temur's Treasure

Breakfast at hotel. You will enjoy hearing some legends while visiting the Bibi-Chanum Mosque and the Medresse (XIV century). We visit the traditional oriental Siyab Bazaar. Near the Siyab bazaar there is an ensemble of Shohi-Zinda (the living king, “IX.-XIV century), one of the world’s most famous group of mausoleums, which fasinate you with its beautiful architecture. Next we will visit the famous Ulugbek Observatory (1428-1429 which was built on one of the hills of Chupanata). The observatory was a unique design in his time. Afternoon Transfer to the train station. We will drive by Train to Tashkent (dep. 17.00 – arr. 19.20). Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Day 13
Early Morning Transfer to the Airport and Departure

Services included in Price:

  • 3 Nights in 4 star hotels in double rooms with Shower/WC
  • 9 Nights in 2-3 star hotels in double rooms with Shower/WC
  • 11x Breakfast, 1x Lunch, 13x Dinner
  • Mineral water (1,5 l per person and per day)
  • Folklore show program in Khiva and Bukhara
  • Services of A/C comfortable transport with professional driver pas per the program
  • Professional English-speaking guides from group arrival to departure
  • Domestic air tickets Tashkent - Urgench
  • High-speed train economy-class (Y class) tickets for Samarkand → Tashkent
  • Entrance fees to all the mentioned sights as per the program (except photo and video charges)

Do not include:

  • Visa costs and processing
  • Photo and video charges
  • International air tickets
  • Beverages
  • Meals not indicated in the program
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any personal expenses
  • Any services not included in the above itinerary

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Aral Sea Tour – biggest ecological disaster in the World
Price From
$ 1,535 Per Person
Number of passengers Total price
1 Adult USD 1,535
2 Adults USD 3,070
3 Adults USD 4,200
4 Adults USD 5,400
5 Adults USD 6,625
6 Adults USD 7,500
7 Adults USD 8,400
8 Adults USD 9,200
9 Adults USD 10,350
10 Adults USD 11,000
11 Adults USD 12,100
12 Adults USD 13,200
13 Adults USD 13,650
14 Adults USD 14,700
15 Adults USD 15,750
16 Adults USD 16,800
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Trip Facts

  • $ 205,-
  • TT0013
  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • 2 - 16
  • Easy
  • Uzbekistan
  • Tashkent
  • Tashkent