The Vanishing Sea

Arrival in Tashkent – the capital of Uzbekistan.

At the airport our guide and driver will meet you and bring to the hotel (the previous half-night is included to be able to check you in from 08:00 to 14:00).

Excursion around Tashkent:

• Madrasah Kukeldash,

• Khast Imam Complex,

• local bazaar Chorsu.

• Modern Tashkent - you will see the Independence Square,

• Amir Timur Square,

• famous Tashkent chimes,

• Forum Palace and local "Broadway".

Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Nukus.

On arrival visit the "Louvre in the Desert" - Museum of Arts named after I. Savitsky.

The museum collection is recognized as the second in the world in terms of importance and size among the collections of the Russian avant-garde works, as well as the best art collection in the Asian region.

Accommodation in the hotel after 14:00*.

Trip to Mizdakhan and excursion:

• Khalif Erezhep
• Dzhumart Cassab Hill
• Mazlumkhan mausoleum
• Shamun Nabi

Return to Nukus.

*early check-in is possible for an additional fee

Departure in the early morning in the direction of the Ustyurt Plateau on jeeps (4 people per jeep).

On the way you will pass Kungrad areas, that used to be shopping centers during the Great Silk Road.

After that you will travel through Kungrad (110 km) towards Plateau Ustyurt.

Then, you will head to Lake Sudochye (120 km), which to this day has a rich flora and fauna. A picnic will be organized here.

Then you’ll go to the Aral Sea through the village of Urga (45 km).

On the way you will stop at the former airport of the village of Komsomolsk in Ustyurt (70 km).

On the way you can take pictures of beautiful canyons and steep banks of the Aral Sea.

Upon arrival to the destination, you will walk to the nearest ancient caravan-shed of Kurgancha-Kala, partially hidden under the hills of Ustyurt.

Also you will have the opportunity to enjoy a stroll along the seashore, swimming in the sea (depends on weather).

The campground will be installed on the beach.

Cooking dinner on the open fire. Overnight in tents.

This morning you will wake up early to photograph the enchanting sunrise over the Aral Sea. Breakfast in the camp.

By the bottom of the dried sea you will travel in the direction of the village of Uchsai (about 150 km), and on the way make a stop at the abandoned wells. Further you will go to Muynak - once a prosperous coastal city (25 km).

Then we will go to the legendary ship graveyard, visit the local museum, and stroll around the city. In one of the local guest houses of Muynak you will have a hot lunch. Further you will go back to Nukus (200 km).

On the way you will visit Mizdakhan - the architectural complex of the XIV century and the ruins of the Gyurkala fortress. Upon arrival in Nukus - accommodation and rest.

Transfer to Khiva (350 km).

On the way you will visit the ruins of the ancient fortresses Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala.

Arrival in Khiva in the early evening.

Accommodation at the hotel and rest.

Today you will see a unique city - monument of Ichan Kala with its ancient palaces, mosques and madrassas, mausoleums, minarets and caravanserais, as well as a local bazaar and workshops of local artisans.

Moving from Khiva to Bukhara through Kyzyl-Kum desert (450 km).

Since ancient times nomadic people live here and on the way you can see them riding their camels.

You will also see the Amu Darya River, which was once known as Oks.

This long journey is the ideal opportunity to read your favorite book or simply imagine that you are a merchant who is safely crossing the desert!

On the way you will stop for lunch at a roadside cafe.

Upon arrival in Bukhara accommodation and rest.

Optional: departure from Urgench airport to Bukhara (the flight schedule depends on the day of the week).

Bukhara is a real Eastern fairy tale. Almost all the monuments of Bukhara are within walking distance, and this will allow you to walk around the city during the excursion.

You will visit Ark Citadel

and Lyabi-Khauz ensemble,

mausoleum of Ismail Samani, Poi-Kalyan complex,

Sitorai-Mohi Khosa Palace,

Trade domes

and much more.

Moving to Samarkand through Gijduvan - city of artisans and potters (270 km).

Gijduvan is known all over the world as a center of ceramics. Here you will visit the ceramic workshop of the hereditary master Alisher Narzullaev. He will acquaint you with the ancient technique of making ceramics. Here you can find the master at work, ask about the technique of execution, see the different types of ceramics produced and even make your own figure.

During the tour you will be invited to tea.

In the master's house you will have a culinary master class and dinner - this time cooking Gijduvan kebab and samsa.

Then the road to Samarkand, accommodation at the hotel and rest.

Samarkand, also known as the "Rome of the East" - it is a city of fairy tales of 1001 Nights. In the Middle Ages it was one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

In the heart of Samarkand you will see one of the most famous places in Uzbekistan - Registan Square.

You will also visit the mausoleum of Amir Timur - Gur Emir,

Bibi Khanum Mosque,

Shakhi Zinda Necropolis,

Ulugbek's Observatory

and colorful local bazaar Siab.

Flight back to Moscow.