Why is this one of the most unusual trips of your life?
Have you ever stood at the bottom of the sea... in the middle of the desert? This is real in Uzbekistan. Just imagine: white salty land, dry wind, and beyond the horizon - the rusty silhouettes of ships that once ploughed the waves. Welcome to Karakalpakstan, on the shores of the Aral Sea, or rather, what is left of it.
The largest environmental drama of the 20th century
Until the 1960s, the Aral Sea was the fourth largest lake in the world, with an area of 66 thousand square kilometers, which is more than the entire country of Latvia. But now, it has decreased by almost 90% in just 60 years, according to the World Meteorological Organization, making it the largest human-made environmental crisis of the past century.
The reason for this is simple and tragic: the water from two major rivers, Amudarya and Syrdarya, which flow into the sea, was diverted for irrigation purposes, resulting in the sea becoming shallow and salty. Eventually, it split into two separate bodies of water: the Northern Sea and the Southern Sea.
In 2014, the southern part of the sea completely dried up, leaving behind a new desert called Aralkum, or Akkum, covering an area of 38,000 square kilometers and filled with millions of tons of salt. This salt, mixed with pesticides, is now carried by winds all over the world, even reaching the bloodstream of penguins in Antarctica and the snow of Greenland.
The cemetery of ships in Muynak – a major attraction for tourists
Muynak used to be a bustling port city, with dozens of vessels arriving every day and fishing activities in full swing. Today, however, the sea has receded for hundreds of kilometers and the ships lie abandoned on the sand, forming a “graveyard of ships” with their rusty skeletons resembling those of sea monsters. This place is one of the most atmospheric and unique on the planet, providing breathtaking photos and at the same time making the heart shrink at the realization of what humans can do to nature in a few decades.
What else to see in Karakalpakstan?
In addition to Muynak, there are several pearls in this harsh region:
• Kurgancha-kala (Davletgirey) is a fortress of the X–XIII centuries near a yurt camp on the shore of the Aral Sea. The tower and fragments of the walls have been preserved. It's very atmospheric.
• Kungrad is a small town where you can see the real life of the Karakalpaks, taste the local cuisine and experience life in the Aral Sea region.
• Nukus is the capital of Karakalpakstan. There are two interesting museums here: the Berdakh Karakalpak State Museum and the famous Savitsky Museum of Art. By the way, he is recognized as the second in the world in the collection of the Russian avant-garde (suprematism, constructivism, abstractionism). Yes, yes, in the desert!
What to try? The Karakalpak cuisine is sure to surprise you
Forget about pilaf for now, as camel and horse meat are highly regarded here. Be sure to try:
• Camel meat beshbarmak - satisfying, unique, and very authentic.
• Zhueri gurtik - round dumplings made from sugar dough with meat, onion, or potato.
• Durama (or turama) - finely chopped boiled meat served with dumplings and broth, accompanied by spicy fat.
• And don't forget to wash it all down with tea and milk - a local favorite.
Souvenirs: from magnets to... the air of the Aral Sea
Yes, you heard me right. In Muynak, you can buy a can of air from the Aral Sea. It may sound crazy, but it is the most popular souvenir there. If you are looking for something more traditional, look for embroidered Karakalpak skullcaps. Of course, there are also regular magnets available.
How to get there (important: it won't work without an SUV)
The most convenient place to start is Nukus. Here you can:
• Fly in from Tashkent or Moscow (regular flights).
• Arrive by train from Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara or Urgench.
• Drive from Urgench (165 km).
But it's better not to take risks from other cities — the distances are huge.
The road from Nukus to the Aral Sea will take more than 3 hours, and almost half of the way is off—road, on a dry bottom. An ordinary passenger car will not pass. Only the SUV. Of course, we provide reliable cars with experienced drivers.
When to go and how not to hurt yourself
The climate here is sharply continental: winters are cold and long, summers are infernally hot. Ideal months: April–May and September–October. There is almost no rain, but dust often rises.
What you should definitely take:
• Sunscreen and a hat (even in spring).
• Clothes with long sleeves — so as not to burn.
• Respirator and bandana — against salt dust.
• Bring drinking water with you.
Is it safe?
In general, yes. There are almost no people outside the cities, but you should not walk alone in the desert: you can meet wild animals or birds of prey. It is better to travel as part of an organized group. And, of course, listen to the guide.
Why go there? Our sincere invitation
The Aral Sea is not a beach holiday. This journey is a revelation. It changes the way we look at the world, at the resources, and at the fragility of our planet. You will see:
• What an ecological disaster looks like on the scale of an entire sea.
• The amazing resilience of people who continue to live in these conditions.
• Landscapes that can't be found anywhere else on Earth.
We invite you to the tour “Karakalpakstan: the sadness and greatness of the Aral Sea”.
Duration: 2-3 days from Nukus or individually from Tashkent.
Meals: tasting of authentic Karakalpak cuisine.
Don't miss the chance to see a place that simultaneously scares, delights and makes you think. The Aral Sea is waiting for those who are ready to face the truth.
Write to us and we will arrange your trip to the edge of the world, where the earth was once the bottom of the ocean.
