Expedition to Aral Sea
Itinerary name: Expedition to Aral Sea
Day-by-day program:
Day 1: Tashkent – Nukus
After arrival to Tashkent, embark to a city tour. It will include Independent Square, which is central square of the country. Independent Square symbolize the victory over fascism during the World War II. Then continue walking to Amir Timur Square via main Broadway. You will have chance to take Tashkent metro, which was established in 1977. Its beautiful construction considered as one of the amazing subways in the world. The most interesting part of city tour is old city. Explore Chorsu bazar, old Kukaldash Madrasah and complex of Hast Imam which represents many madrasah, mausoleum and mosque. The significant artefact of Hast Imam is Othman Quran, the world’s oldest copy of Quran. It is dating to 8th century. According to historical sources, it was a possession of the Third Caliph Othman Ibn Affan. He was assassinated by his non-muslim enemy. Even now, you can see blood stains on the pages of holy book of Quran. After city tour, take evening flight to Nukus. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 2: Nukus – Kungrat – Sudochye – Aral Sea
Start you tour to Aral Sea through Nukus - Kungrad - Plato Ustyurt - Sudochye Lake. It will take about nine hours drive to the sea. Nevertheless the way will be enjoyable with some stops at historical places like Gaur-Kala Fortress. It was founded during the 4th century BC, from local language it means "fortress of the infidels". The construction of fortress was very strong, walls reaching ten meters still can be seen nowadays. But some places it is hard to guess what kind of buildings were in this area. At dusk, arrive to Aral Sea and camp in nice landscape. Before dinner, explore the area and night in tents.
Day 3: Aral Sea – Muinak – Nukus - Tashkent
You can capture the amazing photos of surrounding in early in the morning. You will continue adventure to beautiful canyons of Ustyurt. Later in the direction of Muinak, within the dried part of the sea. The sea drought and other ecological problems hardly influence on the life local settlements nearby. One of the obvious examples is Muinak town. Before it was the biggest port and fishery center of Karakalpakstan. In Muinak, you will see the remains of the ships at the old shore of the Sea and you will also visit town museum. Further, drive back to Nukus and take evening flight to Tashkent. Night in hotel.
Day 4: Nukus – Ayaz Qala – Tuprak Qala – Khiva
Your tour will continue to the oldest Uzbek city Khiva. The city offers amazing sites of the history. The history of Khiva closely related with the Khorezmshah’s State, whose capital was Urgench near Khiva. Compare to other cities in Uzbekistan, Khiva was the most developed town along the Great Silk Road. According to the 10th century resources, almost all traders from East to West stopped over Khiva. Ancient time city opened its doors to the long string of caravans and host them in his warm and safe environment. On the way, you will visit remains of old civilization: Ayaz Qala and Turpak Qala. Ayaz Qala served as a fortress during Khorezm State, was built in II century AD. According to old folklore, it was named for the honor of brave slave warrior Ayaz. Another fortress Tuprak Qala was established in I or II century AD and was kept until 6th century. The name Tuprak means clay fort, in ancient time Khorezmian leader Artav used it as a palace. Long-lasting conquering and wars over centuries destroyed the forts. Arrive to Khiva and stay in a hotel.
Day 5: Khiva – Tashkent
Today’s city tour will take you to ancient times of the history. You will start from inner part of the city-Ichan-Qala. Thick walls protect this most remarkable part of the city in the middle of the town. Ichan –Qala boasts with more than 400 traditional houses and over 60 masterpieces of architecture. Ancient sound buildings, palaces, mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums, minarets, caravanserais, bathhouses make Ichan –Qala unusual city museum. The most wonderful monuments of Ichan –Qala is Kunya –Ark fort, Muhammad Arang Khan constructed it in 17th century. Others are minaret Kalta Minor and palace Tash Khouvli, glorious examples of old Khorezm architectural art of 1830s. Night in a hotel.
Day 6: Tashkent – Flight
After breakfast, drive to airport according to flight schedule.