2-Day Aral Sea Trip

2-Day Aral Sea Trip. Rated 4.9 across 61 reviews. Runs 2 days. From $380.

Overview

This two-day private trip leaves from Khiva and drives toward the Aral Sea, crossing rocky desert and passing through medieval towns on the way to the Ustyurt Plateau. The journey ends at a sea that has largely disappeared.

The night is spent in traditional Karakalpak yurts, with tent equipment and all other camp amenities provided. Guests wake early for the sunrise over the water. Along the way the tour visits Mizdakhan Necropolis and the local museum in Muynak, with entry fees covered, and stops at camel herders to sample camel milk. The ruins of an ancient Russian settlement also feature on the route.

Meals are handled generously, with four meals included plus snacks, fruit, vegetables and non-alcoholic drinks. A guide is not included. The listing notes that most travellers can participate, and that only your own group takes part since this is a private tour. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers and it is not wheelchair accessible.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup in KhivaThe tour begins with pickup from your hotel, arranged as detailed at booking.
2. Desert driveTravel by air-conditioned vehicle through rocky desert terrain and past dried seabed, with stops at medieval towns along the route.
3. Sightseeing stops en routeThe route takes in Mizdakhan Necropolis, the local museum in Muynak, the ruins of an ancient Russian settlement, and a visit to camel herders to sample camel milk.
4. Ustyurt Plateau and yurt campArrive at the Ustyurt Plateau and settle into traditional Karakalpak yurts, with all camp amenities and tent equipment provided.
5. Sunrise over the Aral SeaWake early for the morning views as the sun rises over the water.
6. Tour concludesThe two-day trip ends after the return journey, with meals and snacks provided along the way.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points are worth knowing before booking this overnight desert trip.

• Long drive days. This is a two-day tour with travel by air-conditioned vehicle through desert and plateau terrain. The vehicle is air-conditioned.
• Yurt overnight. The night is spent in traditional Karakalpak yurts, which the listing describes as comfortable. Tent equipment and other camp amenities are provided, but this is still desert accommodation rather than a hotel. Hotel stays are not included in the price.
• Meals covered. Four meals are included, along with snacks, fruit, vegetables and non-alcoholic drinks.
• No guide. The guide's services are not included in the tour price. Travellers wanting historical commentary should read up beforehand or arrange a guide separately.
• Private group. This is a private tour, so only your group participates.
• Weather dependent. The tour requires good weather and can be cancelled if conditions are poor, with a different date or a full refund offered.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travellers, and there is no guide included. The experience can be cancelled if poor weather hits or if a minimum number of travellers is not met, though in both cases a different date, a different experience or a full refund is offered. Changes and cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time receive no refund, so late decisions cost money. Hotel accommodation before and after the tour, plus travel insurance, are excluded.

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