Barsa Kelmes and Aral Sea Tour

Tour details

  • Duration: 3 days, 2 nights.
  • Total distance:  About 1000 - 1100 km.
  • Transport: Off-road vehicle Toyota Land Cruiser / Toyota Prado with an experienced and fully licensed driver.
  • Type of tour: 4WD Eco-tour, extreme tour. Please be ready for any road circumstances that might occur due to the weather conditions and etc. 
  • Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, kitchen items and etc. included in the tour price and yurt stay at the yurt camp.
  • Recommendations what to bring:  Safe and protective hiking or sports shoes, trousers, long sleeve shirts, a hat/cap, warm jacket, sunblock, sunglasses, repellents. Warm clothes are needed for the autumn, winter, and spring seasons.
  • Meals: 7 meals during the trip, including some snacks and water/tea. Meals can be coordinated according to the wishes of the guests, including vegetarian or halal dishes. Alcoholic beverages and cigarettes are not included. Travelers can purchase beverages and cigarettes before the tour or when the driver will stop at the shop in Kungrad.
  • Notes: You can bring swimming suits to swim in during mid/late spring, summer, and early autumn. The water in the sea is very salty and the bottom is very muddy. There is a portable shower at the yurt camp to wash off salt and mud.

This route was designed and been updated taking into account the recommendations of local scientists/tour guides and some tourists, however, we are always ready to make some changes to the tour program according to the wishes of our guests.

This tour is long, full of wonderful sights and scenery.

* The route order may change according to climate conditions. 

Day 1

08:00

(please note: the latest start time is 10:00 a.m. depending on the situation and season). Breakfast at the hotel (if you stayed in our hotel) and departure from Nukus. Drive towards Khodjeyli town. [1]

08:30

Right behind Khodjeyli, there is Mizdakhan Necropolis and Gyaur qala. Sightseeing both sites.. [2]

11:00

Drive towards Kungrad district. A short stop at the bazaar or a little shop: to have an opportunity to buy some beverages for the trip and for other personal needs. [3]

13:30

Lunch on the way. A short rest. Arrive at Barsa-Kelmes salt field. Explore the salt lake. [4]

15:00

Stop at fishermen’s village at the lake Sudochye, near the deserted village Urga. Lunch, a short rest and explore the area. [5]

18:00

Stop at Kubla-Ustyurt village, an abandoned airfield in the middle of the plateau. Here you can visit a shepherd’s house and try camel’s milk. [6]

20:00

Arrival at the yurt camp, descent to the sea. Rest, supper. [7]

Please note: You can stay in the tent at the Sudochie lake (not close to the fishermen's village, but a different place) the first night and woke up to a beautiful sunrise and incredible view the next morning and take beautiful photos. We implemented this option last year and it was successful. It is only possible if the weather is good.

Day 2

06:00

Wake up and enjoy the sunrise. Breakfast. Going for a walk.

09:30

Excursion to Kurgancha-kala (Davletgirey). Walking, seeing the monument. [7]

10:00

Trip to an abandoned port at the Aral seashore. The port once was used by Soviet military forces for supplies of chemical and bio-laboratory. Sightseeing of archaeological monuments and canyons of Ustyurt chink. Descent to the bottom of the former sea. During the hot season, you can swim in the sea. Walking and exploring the area. Lunch. [8]

16:30

Arrival at the yurt camp. Rest. Free time. Supper. [7]

Day 3

06:00

Wake up and enjoy the sunrise. Breakfast. Getting ready to go back.

08:30

Stop at archaeological monuments and Canyons of Ustyurt. Descent to the bottom of the former sea and drive through it towards Muynak. [9]

12:00

Arrival in Muynak. Visiting the monument devoted to the Aral tragedy and the cemetery of ships. Lunch in the guest house of the Muynak family. Visit the State Museum of history and culture of Muynak (if open during your visit). [10]

17:00 or 18:00

Arrival in Nukus. [1]

Please note that the time shown above is the estimated time of arrival (ETA).

Route map
Number of tourists Cost per person Cost Description:
1 $810

                                            Includes:

  • Transport fees (the price includes an emergency rescue car in case the first car gets stuck)
  • Yurt or tent stay
  • Meals - 7 times, including snacks and non-alcoholic drinks

                                           Cost breakdown per person:

  • Transport - $700 (with a professional driver)
  • Meals - $70 per person (7 times)
  • Yurt stay (or tent) - $40 ($20 per night)

                                           Does not include:

  • Additional meals, alcoholic beverages
  • Professional guide’s service fees ($200)
  • Entry fees for visiting Mizdakhan and Muynak museum
  • Tips to the driver (optional)
2 $460
3 $343
4 $285