Things to do in Muynak

Muynak Aral Sea - Cemetery of Ships Witness the haunting yet fascinating remnants of the Aral Sea disaster. Explore the Cemetery of Ships, where abandoned vessels from the 1980s stand as silent monuments to the region’s history. Mizdakhan Necropolis Immerse yourself in ancient legends and history at the Mizdakhan Necropolis, a sacred site with mausoleums and relics spanning centuries. Chilpik Dakhma Kala Visit the Chilpik Dakhma, an ancient Zoroastrian “Tower of Silence” offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding desert. This unique 3-in-1 package combines natural and historical significance, and cultural depth. Perfect for adventurers, history lovers, and those seeking an unforgettable experience in Uzbekistan

Route: Nukus - Mizdakhan complex – Kungrad – Muynak (lunch) - Ship Cemetery - Nukus Departure from Nukus (hotel / airport / railway station). It takes ±2.30 hours drive with stops to Muynak (200 km). Description: - Mizdakhan complex: City of deaths, one of the places where formed a huge number of mausoleums, in addition many traditions of the pre Islamic period can still be seen here. - Muynak: National cuisine lunch in Karakalpak family/restaurant along the way (not included). In this city you can see for few time feel local social life and everywhere meet ex fishermen. - Ships Cemetery Once one of the most popular and important cities in Uzbekistan it is now known by a sadder name as the "Cemetery of Ships", a striking example of the consequences of human influence on nature. - Aral Sea Museum: Place where you can get a full imagine about the fauna and flora of ex Sea. Departure from Muynak to Nukus Arrival Nukus (hotel / airport / railway station)

The "Great Sea" and its catastrophe. You will witness places that are not without reason was named as "Cemetery of Ships". Route: Khiva - Nukus - Mizdakhan complex – Kungrad – Muynak (lunch) - Ship Cemetery - Nukus – Khiva Departure from Khiva (Main Gates - Ata Darwaza). Duration: ±8.30 h drive with stops to Muynak (370 km). Description: - Chilpik Fortress: One of the rare monuments of Central Asia that has been preserved from the pre-Arab period. One of the only monuments where Zoroastrians performed their funeral rites leaving the bodies of the dead here. - Mizdakhan complex: City of deaths, one of the places where formed a huge number of mausoleums, in addition many traditions of the pre Islamic period can still be seen here. - Muynak: National cuisine lunch in Karakalpak family. In this city you can see for few time feel local social life and everywhere meet ex fishermen. - Ships Cemetery Once one of the most popular and important cities in Uzbekistan it is now known by a sadder name as the "Cemetery of Ships", a striking example of the consequences of human influence on nature. - Aral Sea Museum: Place where you can get a full imagine about the fauna and flora of ex Sea. Departure from Muynak to Khiva (or to Nukus, or to Urgench hotel / airport / railway station)

Day 1: Departure from Nukus city (from your hotel/airport/railway station). Start: As you indicated when booking (summer recommended start earlier). Time can be changed by request of traveller. It takes 7 hours drive with stops to the Yurt Camp at the Aral Sea (±400 km). Route: Nukus - Mizdakhan complex – Kungrad – Muynak (lunch) – Uchsay village – Aral Sea (dried part - up seabed) – Ustyurt Plateau – Aral Sea (Yurt camp, dinner, night in Yurt) Description: - Mizdakhan complex: City of deaths, one of the places where formed a huge number of mausoleums, in addition many traditions of the pre Islamic period can still be seen here. - Muynak: National cuisine lunch in Karakalpak family. Visiting Cemetery of ships and Ecological museum of Muynak. - Aral Sea (up seabed): we will pass along the up seabed of the Aral Sea itself, You can see, touch, walk and feel the disaster of Aral Sea, because there's no water here. - Aral Sea: while dinner is cooked on open fire, travelers may enjoy swimming and hiking, relax in a company at the camp fire, and after dinner explore the milky way in the clearsky. Night in Yurt Camp -------------------------------------------------------- Day 2: Breakfast and departure (the departure point is not displayed on the map) It takes 8 hours drive towards Nukus (±400 km). Approximate time of arrival 17:00 Route: Aral Sea – Davlatgirey caravanserai (Kurgancha kala) – Ustyurt Plateau – Sudochie lake – Kungrad (lunch) – Nukus Description: - Davlatgirey caravanserai (Kurgancha kala): an abandoned trading caravanserai - Ustyurt Plateau: mysterious and inscrutable Ustyurt Plateau a place where you can see the "Grand Canyons" of Uzbekistan but with white shades. Furthemore, along the way, you can see several cemeteries of local Nomads. - Sudochie Lake: The lake is a key stop on the long way of migrating birds: pink flamingo, white swans, duck and others. For this reason it's a favorite place for hunters. - Kungrad: On the way, in Kungrad area we will make a picnic lunch. - Nukus: Arrival to Hotel / Airport / Railway Station

FULL DESCRIPTION AND ITINERARY DAY-1 Morning Pick-Up & Transfer to Muynak Early in the morning, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Muynak City. The distance from Khiva is 380 km, and the journey takes approximately 6 hours, with some parts of the road being bumpy. There will be a 1-hour lunch break along the way. 1) Cemetery of Ships in Muynak Explore the Cemetery of Ships, where a small group of abandoned vessels from the 1980s now stand as rusting relics of the vanished Aral Sea. Today, 11 ships and boats remain, serving as a stark reminder of the environmental disaster. 2) Aral Sea Museum & Regional History Visit the Aral Sea Museum, where you will learn about the region’s history and environmental impact. A short documentary about Muynak and the Aral Sea crisis will be shown. Off-Road Journey to the Aral Sea After visiting the Cemetery of Ships and the Aral Sea Museum, your driver will pick you up in a 4x4 Toyota Prado or Land Cruiser for an off-road adventure through the desert. The distance to the Aral Sea is 150 km, taking approximately 3 hours. Along the way, you will visit: 3) Ustyurt Plateau & Canyons This tour provides the best introduction to the Aral Sea and its surroundings, with stops at the dramatic Ustyurt Plateau and its breathtaking canyons. 4) Kurgancha-Kala Fortress Built in the 13th century, Kurgancha-Kala served as a refuge and outpost for Silk Road caravans. Located 100 km northwest of Muynak, this ancient fortress now sits near a yurt camp, offering a glimpse into the region’s past. 5) Arrival at the Aral Sea Yurt Camp Your adventure concludes with an overnight stay at a yurt camp on the shores of the Aral Sea. Enjoy dinner in a traditional Karakalpak yurt and relax under a sky full of stars. DAY-2 Morning Transfer from the Aral Sea to Muynak After breakfast, depart from the Aral Sea yurt camp and transfer back to Muynak. From there, continue your journey to explore the region’s historical and cultural landmarks. 6) Visit to Mizdakhan Necropolis & Giaur-Kala Discover the sacred complex of Mizdakhan (IV-II BC, XIII-XVI AD), an ancient necropolis featuring several remarkable mausoleums, including: Nazlumkhan Sulu , Khalifa Yerejep , Shamun Nabi 7) Next, visit Giaur-Kala, a fortified city from the Zoroastrian era (IV-III BC), once an important settlement along the Silk Road. End of the Tour & Departure Transfer to your hotel / Nukus Airport / Khiva / Urgench you can choose your drop-off location

Day 1: Departure from Nukus city (from your hotel/airport/railway station). Start: It takes 7 hours drive with stops to the Yurt Camp at the Aral Sea (±400 km). Route: Nukus - Mizdakhan complex – Kungrad (recommended lunch) – Muynak (recommended lunch) – Uchsay village – Aral Sea (dried part - up seabed) – Ustyurt Plateau – Aral Sea (Yurt camp) Description: - Mizdakhan complex: City of deaths, one of the places where formed a huge number of mausoleums, in addition many traditions of the pre Islamic period can still be seen here. Then we will continue to next destination. - Muynak: Visiting Cemetery of ships and Aral Sea Ecological museum of Muynak. - Aral Sea (up seabed): we will pass along the up seabed of the Aral Sea itself, You can see, touch, walk and feel the disaster of Aral Sea, because there's no water here. - Aral Sea: travelers may enjoy swimming and hiking, relax in a company at the camp fire, and in the night explore the milky way in the clearsky. Night in Yurt Camp (extra) -------------------------------------------------------- Day 2: Breakfast (extra) and departure. It takes 8 hours drive towards Nukus (±400 km). Approximate time of arrival 17:00 Route: Aral Sea – Davlatgirey caravanserai (Kurgancha kala) – Ustyurt Plateau – Sudochie lake – Kungrad – Nukus Description: - Davlatgirey caravanserai (Kurgancha kala): an abandoned trading caravanserai - Ustyurt Plateau: mysterious and inscrutable Ustyurt Plateau a place where you can see the "Grand Canyons" of Uzbekistan but with white shades. Furthemore, along the way, you can see several cemeteries of local Nomads. - Sudochie Lake: The lake is a key stop on the long way of migrating birds: pink flamingo, white swans, duck and others. For this reason it's a favorite place for hunters. - Kungrad: On the way, in Kungrad area we will recommend make a picnic lunch. - Nukus: Arrival to Hotel / Airport / Railway Station

Agenda for Aral Sea trip Day 1 06.00 – departure from Khiva (or Urgench or Nukus) 08.00 - Visit to [1] Chilpik fortress; 10.00 - visit to [2] Savitsky museum in Nukus; 11.00 – departure from Nukus to Muynak 15.00 - arrival to Muynak and departure to Aral Sea shore (with 4x4 off-road car) 17.00 - visit to Great Ustyurt Canyons [3] 22.00 – overnight stay at yurt camp by Aral Sea shore Day 2 06.00 – breakfast at yurt camp 07.00 – departure from Aral sea shore [4] 11.00 - visit to Muynak Ship cemetery [5] and Muynak museum [6] 13.00 – departure from Muynak to Khiva (or Nukus/Urgench) 18.00 – arrival to the hotel in Khiva (or in Nukus/Urgench). End of the tour.

Total Route: Nukus - Muynak - Yurt camp on the Aral Sea - Komsomolsk - Sudochye Lake - Nukus Description: Departure from Nukus and travel along the Usturt plateau to explore the life of the Aral Sea. - Arrival in Muynak, breakfast. Visit the ship cemetery, the local museum and watch a short documentary about the life of the Muynaks in the past. - Ustyurt Plateau: mysterious and inscrutable Ustyurt Plateau a place where you can see the "Grand Canyons" of Uzbekistan but with white shades. Furthemore, along the way, you can see several cemeteries of local Nomads. - Arrival on the shore of the Aral Sea, lunch at the yurt camp. The opportunity for swimming (in favorable weather) and photography. Departure from Yurt Camp and drive towards Nukus, with stops along the way. - Visit Sudochie Lake (if time permits), stop at Lighthouse Hill. Visit an abandoned settlement of Russian and Polish repressed during the Stalinist regime with the ruins of a hospital, reed houses and an ancient fish factory. An opportunity to chat with fishermen and observe local bird species. - Dinner at a local restaurant in Kungrad district - Arrival in Nukus and drop-off in your accomodation. (by request we can make transfer to Khiva for extra payment).

06.00 – departure from Khiva (or Urgench or Nukus) 08.00 - Visit to [1] Chilpik fortress which is Zoroastrian ancient monument located, an hour drive from Nukus. The Zoroastrians used it for burial of the dead. 10.00 - visit to [2] Savitsky museum in Nukus; 11.00 – departure from Nukus to Muynak 15.00 - visit to Muynak Ship cemetery [3] and Muynak museum [4]. This place was Aral Sea shore in 1960`s as a port city. 16.00 – departure from Muynak 22.00 – arrival to the hotel in Khiva (or in Nukus/Urgench). End of the tour.

Embark on a thrilling 2-day adventure to the disappearing Aral Sea, where history, nature, and mystery collide. This journey takes you deep into the heart of Karakalpakstan’s most hauntingly beautiful landscapes—from abandoned ships to lost villages, ancient necropolises, and breathtaking deserts. Day 1: Nukus → Muynak → Aral Sea Drive to Muynak, once a bustling fishing town, now home to the eerie Ship Graveyard, where rusting vessels stand on dry land. Visit the Muynak Museum to learn the tragic yet fascinating story of the Aral Sea’s disappearance. Journey through the Ustyurt Plateau, stopping at scenic viewpoints before reaching the Aral Sea’s former shoreline. Watch the sun set over the vast emptiness—a surreal experience like no other. Enjoy a campfire dinner under a star-lit sky and spend the night in a traditional yurt or tent, surrounded by the silence of the desert. Day 2: Aral Sea → Sudoche Lake → Mizdakhan → Nukus Wake up to a stunning desert sunrise and explore the remnants of abandoned fishing villages. On the way back, stop at Sudoche Lake, a hidden oasis teeming with birdlife—a stark contrast to the barren landscapes of the Aral Sea. Finally, explore the Mizdakhan Necropolis, a sacred burial site with legends dating back over 2,000 years. This spiritual and historical complex offers a glimpse into Uzbekistan’s deep-rooted past.