Adventures in Uzbekistan: Aral Sea, Nurata & Yurts, 10 Days
This itinerary combines the ancient cities of Uzbekistan, desert landscapes, and an introduction to the history of the Aral Sea region. In Muynak, you will see ships on the former seabed of the Aral Sea; in Nukus, you will visit the Savitsky Museum; and among the sands of Khorezm, you will explore the ruins of the Ayaz-Kala and Toprak-Kala fortresses. The journey continues through the streets of Khiva and Bukhara, then leads to Nurata and Lake Aydarkul. You will spend one night in a yurt camp and conclude the excursion program among the madrasahs and mausoleums of Samarkand. The tour is designed for travelers prepared for early departures, long car journeys, and basic camp conditions. The visit to Muynak is dedicated to the history of the Aral; a trip to the current seashore is not included in this program.
Trip Highlights
- Ship cemetery and the history of the Aral Sea in Muynak
- Savitsky Museum collections in Nukus
- Desert fortresses of Ayaz-Kala and Toprak-Kala
- Khiva Old City — Itchan-Kala
- Poi-Kalyan and the trading quarters of Bukhara
- Chashma spring and fortress ruins in Nurata
- Aydarkul Lake and a night in a yurt
Day-by-Day Itinerary
What's Included
- Professional guides for excursions according to the program
- Accommodation per program — 9 nights, including a night in a yurt
- Breakfasts on days 2–10, Lunches or lunch boxes on days 2, 3, 5, and 7
- Dinner at the yurt camp on day 7
- Transport and all transfers according to the program
- Domestic flight Tashkent — Nukus
- Train ticket Samarkand — Tashkent
- Entrance fees for program sites
Not Included
- International airfare
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Camel riding (~15 USD, optional)
- Meals not specified in the program
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel insurance
Accommodation
9 nights: Tashkent — 2 nights, Nukus — 1 night, Khiva — 2 nights, Bukhara — 2 nights, Samarkand — 1 night, yurt camp in the Aydarkul area — 1 night. In cities — 3–4* hotels and boutique hotels. In the camp — traditional yurts and shared sanitary facilities. The name of the camp, number of guests per yurt, and accommodation conditions are agreed upon during booking.
Transport
Tashkent — Nukus flight, road transfers along the route, and Samarkand — Tashkent train. Transport according to the group size is provided for excursions and transfers. SUVs are used if necessary for access to fortresses and the camp. The program includes long driving sections.
Good to Know
Bring closed comfortable shoes, a hat, sun protection, a windbreaker, and warm clothing for the evening at the camp. A flashlight and power bank will be useful for the overnight stay in the yurt. The camp is located in the Aydarkul area and not necessarily directly on the shore. A visit to the lake is organized as a separate excursion. Swimming depends on the weather and local conditions; a camel ride is available by prior arrangement and is paid for separately. Breakfasts on days 2–10, lunches or lunch boxes on days 2, 3, 5, and 7, and dinner at the camp on day 7 are included. Other meals are paid for independently.