From May 6 to May 11, 2024, an information tour was held for tour operators and guides from Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan as part of the “Resurrection Island: Industry, Nature Conservation, and Development of the Aral Sea Region” project. This event brought together representatives from leading tour companies, GIZ, the Ministry of Ecology, and the Tourism Committee of Karakalpakstan. The goal was to introduce participants to a new tourist route and showcase its unique features.
This informative tour not only showcased the new tourist route but also highlighted the region’s unique attractions, promoting further development and conservation efforts in the Aral Sea area.
Participants included experienced tour operators like “Advantour” and “Central Asia Adventure,” as well as newer companies such as “Explorer,” “Pana Tour,” and “Ayimtour.” The tour began in Nukus, leading to the salt lake Barsakelmes and Lake Sudochye, where participants enjoyed birdwatching, including flocks of flamingos, and boating on the Ravshan.
This information tour was crucial in promoting the new route, collecting feedback, and showcasing the region’s tourism potential. Supported by GIZ, the tour emphasized the need to enhance tourism infrastructure and preserve the Aral Sea’s natural and cultural heritage. The event highlighted the region’s unique attractions and inspired future conservation and tourism development efforts.
This most recent field trip is a follow on fro the initial scouting expedition held in May 2023 (Read the previous blog here). The initial expedition outlined an itinerary and route follow by this most recent tour.
We follow the tour each day.
Day 1: Nukus to Barsakelmes and Sudochye
The tour commenced in Nukus, with participants visiting the salt lake Barsakelmes and then Lake Sudochye. Birdwatching, especially flocks of flamingos, and a boat ride on the Ravshan collector were highlights, leaving a lasting impression on the attendees.
Day 2: Aral Sea and Ustyurt Canyons
The second day featured excursions along the shore of the drying Aral Sea and the Ustyurt canyons, including light trekking around Cape Aktumsyk. The group visited Kunti Bobo fortress, Kurgancha fortress, and the Grand Canyon with its striking rock formations and seabed fossils. The day concluded with dinner at Aral Plaza tourist camp and an overnight stay at the “Bes Kala” yurt camp.
Day 3: Vozrozhdeniya Island
On the third day, participants explored Vozrozhdeniya Island, encountering unique ecosystems such as salt marshes, saxaul fields, and sand dunes. They visited notable sites including the Presidential Headquarters and the Helipad, reviewed forest plantations and landscapes of the drained bottom, and photographed the distinctive sand dunes. The evening was spent camping on the island.
Day 4: Vozrozhdenie Island and Sulama Recreation Area
The fourth day included an excursion around Vozrozhdenie Island, visiting the former port and the geological site “Dinosaur Eggs.” After lunch, the group explored the Sulama recreation area in the Aralkum desert, then traveled to Muynak for dinner and an overnight stay at the “Kulesh Apa” guest house.
Day 5: Muynak and Takhiatash
The final day featured tours of Muynak’s tourist sites, including the “Museum of the History of the Aral Sea” and the open-air ship museum, as well as the “Mayak” tourist complex. The tour concluded with a visit to a local farm in Naiman village, Takhiatash district, where participants learned about silk cocoon production and enjoyed traditional local dishes. The group then returned to Nukus for their flight back to Tashkent.
This informative tour not only showcased the new tourist route but also highlighted the region’s unique attractions, promoting further development and conservation efforts in the Aral Sea area.