Updated:
Karakalpakstan · Nukus · Savitsky Museum · Lake Sudochye · Urga · Ustyurt Plateau · Aral Sea yurt camp · Muynak ship cemetery · Desert fortresses · Khiva (UNESCO)
Answer in 15 seconds: This 5-day Aral Sea & Khiva expedition starts in Nukus and finishes in Urgench. You get the essential Aral Sea region sites (Ustyurt Plateau, Aral Sea coast + yurt camp, Muynak ship cemetery) and add a full Khiva UNESCO city day plus desert fortresses. Price — from $460 per person (double/twin; from 2 travellers). Entrance tickets to monuments/museums: $15 per person.
In brief: A structured 5-day itinerary that combines the remote Aral Sea landscapes (Karakalpakstan) with Khiva’s UNESCO old town. It’s designed to reduce backtracking: start in Nukus, end in Urgench.
*Timing is approximate. The sequence can change due to road conditions, weather, and operational logistics.
Is the 5-day Aral Sea tour worth it?
Yes, if you want more than a quick Aral Sea visit. This 5-day format covers the core Aral Sea region sites and adds Khiva (UNESCO), plus desert fortresses on the way. It’s a stronger “one trip, two regions” itinerary.
What’s included in this tour package?
Accommodation (Nukus + yurt camp + Khiva), transport per program including 4×4 off-road sections, meals as per program, and guided excursions in English (other languages on request). Entrance tickets to monuments/museums are paid separately: $15 per person.
Who is this expedition best for?
Travellers who want remote landscapes, environmental history context, and strong cultural add-ons (Khiva UNESCO), without planning logistics across Karakalpakstan and Khorezm independently.
This itinerary is built for the region’s reality: long distances, desert roads, and limited services outside key cities.
The Aral Sea region is one of Central Asia’s most distinctive travel areas. This tour focuses on meaningful locations in Karakalpakstan (Nukus, Lake Sudochye, Ustyurt Plateau, Aral Sea coast, Muynak) and then continues to Khiva, one of Uzbekistan’s best-preserved historic cities and a UNESCO destination.
Useful travel references before you go: Nukus guide, Aral Sea guide, Khiva guide, Urgench guide.
This 5-day Aral Sea & Khiva expedition is a practical solution for travellers who want a remote off-road program without building transport + accommodation + guiding across two regions on their own.
Expect long drives, desert conditions, and basic infrastructure outside cities. The tour is organized for comfort and safety, but it is an expedition-style itinerary, not a classic “city-only” tour.
Travel references: Nukus guide · Aral Sea guide · Khiva guide · Urgench guide
*Times below are approximate and depend on season, road conditions, and pace.
Approx. timing: airport meet (based on arrival) · museum visit 11:00–14:00 · check-in 15:00–16:00
Meet at Nukus Airport and transfer to the Igor Savitsky Museum, founded in 1966. The museum holds a major collection of art (often described as one of the most important collections in the region).
After the museum visit, transfer to the hotel in Nukus for rest and preparation for the off-road day.
Approx. timing: breakfast 07:30–08:30 · depart 09:00 · arrival to yurt camp 18:00–20:00
After breakfast, start the 4×4 jeep expedition toward the Aral Sea region. Drive time can be 6–7 hours (longer if roads or conditions require).
Stops include Lake Sudochye (seasonal birdlife; visibility depends on season), the abandoned settlement of Urga (ruins / lighthouse remains), and the Ustyurt Plateau canyon viewpoints.
Arrival to the Aral Sea coast. Overnight in a yurt camp. Dinner at the camp.
Approx. timing: breakfast 07:30–08:30 · depart 09:00 · arrive Khiva 18:00–21:00
After breakfast by the coast, drive toward Muynak to visit the ship cemetery (the former Aral Sea port area). This is one of the main “Aral Sea then and now” locations.
Continue to Mizdakhan, a historic necropolis site near Nukus. Local legend connects the place with ancient narratives; the guide provides context during the visit.
On the way to Khiva, stop at desert fortresses such as Kyzyl‑Kala, Toprak‑Kala, and Ayaz‑Kala (route and access depend on timing and road conditions). Arrive in Khiva and check in to the hotel.
Approx. timing: breakfast 08:00–09:00 · walking tour 10:00–16:00 · dinner 19:00–20:30
After breakfast, meet the local guide and start a guided walking tour in Khiva. Typical sites include: Muhammad Amin‑Khan Madrasah, Kalta Minor, Kunya‑Ark, Muhammad Rahim‑Khan Madrasah, Islam Khoja Minaret, and Juma Mosque.
Additional stops can include caravanserai and Tash-Hauli Palace depending on pace and timing.
In the evening: farewell dinner with a local family in Khiva (traditional dishes; menu may vary).
Approx. timing: breakfast 07:30–08:30 · transfer 09:00–10:00 (depending on flight time)
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out, and transfer to Urgench airport. If you want to extend your Uzbekistan journey, you can continue to Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent.
*Itinerary can be adjusted due to weather, road conditions, and site access while keeping the key highlights.
This route combines Karakalpakstan expedition stops and Khiva UNESCO heritage. Below are the key places included in the program.
Key cultural stop in Karakalpakstan (Day 1).
Seasonal birdlife and steppe landscapes.
Canyon viewpoints accessed by 4×4.
Overnight near the coast; desert night sky.
Former port area with grounded ships.
Historic site visited on the return route.
Stops such as Ayaz‑Kala, Toprak‑Kala, Kyzyl‑Kala.
Guided day in the historic city with key monuments.
Lake Sudochye → Ustyurt Plateau viewpoints → Aral Sea coast overnight → Muynak ship cemetery.
Savitsky Museum (Nukus) + Khiva UNESCO walking tour.
Mizdakhan necropolis and selected desert fortresses (route/time dependent).
Accommodation is selected for route logistics and recovery after long driving days: Nukus hotel, Aral Sea yurt camp, and Khiva hotel.
One night in Nukus (e.g., Zhibek Zholy or similar).
One night by the coast. Facilities are basic by nature.
Accommodation in Khiva for the UNESCO day.
| Accommodation | Room type | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 3★ hotels + yurt camp | Double / Twin | $460 |
| 3★ hotels + yurt camp | Single | $480 |
Valid from: 2 travellers
Additionally payable: entrance tickets to monuments/museums — $15 per person
Optional: escort tour guide — $250 per group
Price validity date can be updated on the page (recommended: 31.12.2026).
We confirm logistics after booking and coordinate the program details with you.
Additionally payable:
For practical info: Uzbekistan travel tips.
Start: Nukus (airport meet). Finish: Urgench airport (transfer from Khiva).
No. The tour does not include flights to/from Uzbekistan. We meet you in Nukus and run the program from there.
Yurt camp is a remote location. Facilities are basic compared to city hotels. This is part of the expedition format.
No. Entrance tickets to monuments/museums are paid separately: $15 per person.
It can be adjusted due to weather, road conditions, and access logistics while keeping the main highlights.
Guided excursions are in English. Other languages (German/Turkish/Russian) can be arranged on request.
Full refund is available if cancelled 24 hours or more before the tour starts.
Yes. You can extend to Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent depending on your schedule.
Book online and receive confirmation after coordinating key logistics and timing.
Cancellation policy
Contact: call +998 90 922 30 73 (WhatsApp) or write us here.
