The Beauty and Tragedy of the Aral Sea
Описание
Immerse yourself in an exciting journey combining rafting on Uzbekistan's mountain rivers and a visit to the historic Aral Sea. This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience adrenaline-pumping rafting and learn about the ecological situation of the region.
План тура
Day 1: Tashkent - Chimgan / Khumsan - Charvak - Tashkent - 90 km
Arrival in Tashkent: Upon arrival at the airport you will be greeted with traditional Uzbek greetings and assisted with your luggage.
Transfer to the hotel: Transfer to the hotel for accommodation and rest after the road.
Meeting with the guides and technical team: After resting in the hotel lobby there will be an introduction to the tour organizers, where you will be told about the upcoming route and provided with the necessary equipment for rafting.
Transfer to Chimgan Mountains, Khumsan village: Departure towards Chimgan mountain range, famous for its picturesque scenery, with a stop at Charvak reservoir for photography.
Rafting on the river: Rafting on the river starts from Khumsan village and ends at Khojikent bridge. Duration of rafting is 30-40 minutes, length of the route is about 9 km. The river has a difficulty of 2-3 points on the international scale, combining calm sections with turbulent rapids and fast current.
Picnic: At the end of the rafting we organize a picnic in the nature with traditional Uzbek treats.
Return to Tashkent: Transfer back to the capital, on the way you can make a stop for rest and photography.
Evening walk and tour of Tashkent: Short sightseeing tour of the city, visiting the main sights such as Independence Square, Hast Imam complex and Chorsu Bazaar.
Festive dinner with dance show: In one of the best restaurants of the city you will have a dinner of national dishes and a colorful dance performance introducing the traditions and culture of Uzbekistan.
Overnight: Return to the hotel and rest after a busy day.
Day 2: Tashkent - Nukus - Muynak - Ustyurt Plateau - Yurt Camp
Early transfer to the airport: Departure to the airport for morning flight to Nukus (HY 11, 07:15-08:55).
Arrival in Nukus: Meet at the airport and board the SUVs for onward journey.
Journey to the Aral Sea via the Ustyurt Plateau: On the way we pass the districts of Khojeyli and Kanlyg, historically significant as trading centers of the Great Silk Road.
Arrival in Muynak: Visit the ship cemetery, local museum and watch a documentary about the city's past.
Lunch: Treat in the guest house of a local family with traditional dishes.
Continuation to the Aral Sea: Traveling along the dried up sea bottom where fishing boats used to be.
Arrival to Beskala yurt camp: Accommodation in yurts, rest and opportunity to swim in the Aral Sea.
Dinner: Traditional dinner in the camp.
Free time: Star gazing and night photo session in the unique landscape.
Overnight: Accommodation in a yurt, immersion in the atmosphere of nomadic life.
Day 3: Aral Sea - Kurgancha-Kala - Cemetery of nomads - Ustyurt Canyons
Early rise: It is recommended to get up early to capture the sunrise over the Aral Sea.
Breakfast: Traditional meal at the yurt camp.
Visit Kurgancha-Kala: Departure to the ancient caravanserai of XIII century, hidden among the hills of Ustyurt plateau. On the way stop at the cemetery of nomads of XIII century for taking photos and exploring the historical heritage.
Exploring Ustyurt Canyons: Descend along the trail to the canyons, where among the various hills you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Magnificent Canyons. Many photos are recommended.
Return to the camp: Lunch in the yurt camp with traditional dishes.
Visit to Aktiemsik Canyons: After lunch drive to Aktiemsik Canyons, known for its unique landscapes. This place is often associated with the filming of sci-fi movies such as Star Wars.
Search for fossilized shark teeth: In the vicinity of the canyons there is an opportunity to find fossilized teeth of sharks that existed from 2 to 35 million years ago in the ancient Tethys Ocean.
Return to camp: Return to the yurt camp, rest after a busy day.
Dinner: Traditional dinner in the camp with an opportunity to discuss the impressions of the day.
Free time: Star gazing and night photography in a unique setting.
Overnight: Accommodation in a yurt, immersion in the atmosphere of nomadic life.
Day 4: Aral Sea - Lake Bara-Sakilmes - Kubla-Ustyurt village - Lake Sudochie - Nukus
Early rise: It is recommended to get up early to enjoy the sunrise over the Aral Sea.
Breakfast: Traditional meal at the yurt camp.
Journey to Kubla-Ustyurt village: Departure to one of the most remote villages in the region, located 50 km from the camp. Here locals breed camels and you will have a chance to taste fresh camel sour milk drink - shubat, known for its beneficial properties for immune system, digestion and general body condition.
Visit to Sudochie Lake: Stop on a hill with an ancient lighthouse, where they once built a fire to guide ships and caravans. Here you will also see the abandoned settlement of Russians and Poles deported during the Stalinist period, including a cemetery, the ruins of a hospital and an old fish factory. A modern viewing platform allows you to observe some 250 species of birds that inhabit this drying lake.
Arrival at Bara Sakilmes Lake: The lake, known for its vast salt flats, is the source of raw materials for the soda factory. A walk along the lake's whitewashed surface provides unique photo opportunities against the backdrop of the vast salt flats.
Lunch: Refreshment in a local cafe in the area of Kanlykul town.
Visit to Mizdahkan Complex: Tour of the 14th century architectural complex, including mausoleums of Khalifa Erezep (XII century), Nazlumkhansula (XII-XIV centuries), Shamun Nabi (XIX century) and ruins of the fortress of Gyaur-Kala (VI century BC - IX century AD). Mizdahkan is one of the most ancient Muslim sanctuaries of Central Asia and represents the most valuable archeological complex located on three hills and occupying an area of more than 200 hectares.
Return to Nukus: Transfer to the airport for the evening flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival in Tashkent transfer to the hotel for accommodation and overnight stay
Day 5: Tashkent - International Airport - Departure
Airport Transfer: After breakfast transfer to Tashkent International Airport for departure check-in.
Departure: Check-in and departure to your destination.