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Two Days from Nukus to the Remaining Aral Sea

Allow two days for the journey from Nukus across Karakalpakstan to the remaining Aral Sea. The route began with a flight from Tashkent to Nukus after a late-night arrival in Tashkent. The remote drive beyond Moynaq requ…

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We Swam in the Aral Sea! 2 Days in Uzbekistan's Disappearing Lake | Karakalpakstan Watch on YouTube

Plan notes

Useful context before you go

Allow two days for the journey from Nukus across Karakalpakstan to the remaining Aral Sea. The route began with a flight from Tashkent to Nukus after a late-night arrival in Tashkent. The remote drive beyond Moynaq requires a 4x4; confirm the vehicle, route, fuel, water and communications with your transport provider before setting out. Conditions can be challenging, and a vehicle breakdown occurred along the way. July temperatures can reach 40°C in the dry climate, so prepare for intense heat and sun. Check current transport arrangements and local conditions before travel.

Itinerary highlights

What is in this plan

Days 1–2: Nukus to the Aral Sea

Start in Nukus with the central market and Savitsky Museum, then head toward Mizdakhan and Moynaq. At Moynaq, change to a 4x4 for the remote crossing of the former seabed. The route continues across the Aralkum Desert and toward the Ustyurt Plateau, with hours of windblown, salt-crusted terrain, white cliffs and open horizons. The remaining water is reached before dawn; the sunrise swim was a memorable end to the journey.

  1. Nukus Central MarketNukus Central Market, Nukus, Uzbekistan

    Browse for dried fruit and traditional bread, and look out for dimlama, a traditional dish mentioned during the visit. July heat can reach 40°C in this dry region, so plan for sun and hydration.

  2. Savitsky MuseumSavitsky Museum, Nukus, Uzbekistan

    The museum is known for its Russian avant-garde collection, described as the “Louvre of the Desert.” Igor Savitsky collected works during the Soviet era, when this art was forbidden.

  3. Mizdakhan NecropolisMizdakhan Necropolis, Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan

    This ancient necropolis remains in use. Look for the world clock and graves where Muslims and Christians are buried side by side. Local legends include stories about bricks falling from the site.

  4. MoynaqMoynaq, Uzbekistan

    Moynaq is where the travelers changed vehicles because ordinary cars could go no farther. Arrange a suitable 4x4 for the remote onward drive across the former seabed.

  5. Moynaq Ship GraveyardMoynaq Ship Cemetery, Moynaq, Uzbekistan

    See the abandoned fishing vessels left stranded as the Aral Sea receded and local fishing jobs disappeared. The travelers were told that about 20 ships remain and that the vessels are roughly 80 years old.

  6. Aral SeaAral Sea southwestern shore, Uzbekistan

    The remaining water is reached by a remote 4x4 crossing. The travelers arrived before dawn and swam at sunrise, describing the water as so salty that it was difficult to sink. The sea’s decline followed the diversion of the rivers that fed it.