Nukus

Welcome to take the Uzbekistan private tours starting from Tashkent! This morning, the driver in Tashkent will pick you up at the hotel you booked in the city and transfer you to the airport. After about 1.5 hours, you’ll arrive at Nukus.

State Museum of Art named after I.V. Savitsky

As soon as you land, our local driver will escort you to the Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum. Follow the English-speaking museum guide to explore preserved Soviet avant-garde artworks and vibrant Karakalpak folk artifacts.

After a 30-minute drive, we’ll arrive at the Mizdakhan Necropolis, one of the oldest and largest cemeteries of Karakalpakstan. The tomb of the princess on the eastern hill is one of the well-preserved buildings. Finally, you’ll be transferred to the hotel in Nukus.

The Aral Sea

Departing from Nukus, our guide will lead you to visit the Usturt Plateau and the Aral Sea, once the world’s fourth-largest lake. It is 400 km (250 mi) away, about a 6-hour drive. We’ll pass through the Kungrad district and navigate through dramatic canyons carved by the wind on the Usturt Plateau. Before noon, we will arrive at Lake Sudochie, the largest artificial reservoir in the Amu Darya Delta. Continue to the north, and lighthouses and old gas factories built by the former sea will pass by outside the window. If we can arrive at the Aral Sea before sunset, you might witness the water and sands blazing in hues of amber and violet.

Ships Cemetery

Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise. Then we’ll cross the desiccated seabed and return to Nukus. En route, pause at the Cemetery of Ships in Muynak, which was once an oasis with lush reeds and rich fish resources on the shore of the Aral Sea.

The Regional History and Aral Sea Museum

Accompanied by the guide to enter the Regional History and Aral Sea Museum nearby, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the evolution of the Aral Sea and the Cemetery of Ships by watching the video.

Then, continue driving past the Uchsai-Gas Plant with many gas storage towers, and we will stop at the Gyaur-Kala Fortress, the ruler’s palace built in the 4th century.

Chilpyk

Today the driver will transfer you to Khiva, 200 km (124 mi) away from Nukus, taking about 4-5 hours. On the way, pass through the ruins of the Khorezm Kingdom. When approaching the ruins, the Chilpik Dakhma, also known as the Tower of Silence, rises from the horizon.

Nearby, you’ll find a wooden frame on which colorful straps are tied for blessing. Then, continue to Toprak-Kala, a mud-brick citadel that served as a royal palace and military bastion during the 1st-5th centuries. After the visit, we will continue to Khiva and check into the handpicked hotel.

Citadel Kunya-ark

After breakfast, the guide will lead you to explore Ichan Kala, the inner city of Khiva. Passing through the gate of Ichan Kala, we will directly head to the Kunya Ark, which served as a residence and fortress of rulers in the past. Ascending the watchtower, you can get a 360° view of the fortress and the Kalta Minor Minaret we will head to next.

Near the minaret stand two grand Islamic schools, Muhammad Aminkhan Madrasah and Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasah.

Juma Mosque

Following the path, you’ll be led to a small wooden gate, the entrance of the Juma Mosque.

Afterward, continue to the Tosh-Hovli Palace to have a brief understanding of the life of the Khan, and the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum.

Finally, stop at the Islam Khodja Minaret, the highest tower in Khiva.

After that, you’ll be transferred via private vehicle to Urgench Airport for your return flight to Tashkent. Our driver in Tashkent will pick you up at the airport and send you to your booked hotel. Then, your Uzbekistan private tours end here.