Aral Sea Ship Graveyard & Khorezm Fortresses
Take an off-road vehicle to spend the night in a yurt on the shores of the Aral Sea, then head south to Khiva via desert fortresses.
Head north from Nukus to visit the Savitsky Museum, then take a 4WD vehicle across the dry seabed to spend the night on the edge of the Ustyurt Plateau. Return via Lake Sudochye and travel through the ancient desert fortresses to Khiva. This route involves long drives and basic accommodations, making it best suited for active travelers who do not mind a bumpy ride. For an easier option, you can do a 1-day round trip to Muynak, though you won't see the actual sea water.
Yurt camps are mostly closed in winter, and the desert is extremely hot in mid-summer; April–May and September–October are the best months.
Day by day
Day 1 · Nukus Forbidden Art & Ancient Necropolis
Nukus & Aral Sea（Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum、Mizdakhan Necropolis、Gyaur Kala (Khodjeyli)）
Take an early morning flight from Tashkent to Nukus (about 1.5 hours). In the afternoon, hire a car to Mizdakhhan (about 40 minutes).
The Savitsky Museum is closed on Mondays, and some exhibition areas may be undergoing renovation.
Stay: Nukus City Center
Day 2 · Ship Graveyard to the Aral Sea Shore
Nukus & Aral Sea（Moynaq Ship Cemetery、Aral Sea Museum (Moynaq)、Aral Sea Shore & Yurt Camp）
Drive a 4WD vehicle to Muynak (about 3.5 hours), then drive another 3 hours across the unpaved seabed to the yurt camp.
You must join a 4WD tour or hire a private vehicle. Facilities at the camp are basic; bring your own snacks and a warm jacket.
Stay: Aral Sea Yurt Camp
Day 3 · Ustyurt Plateau Back to Nukus
Eastern Edge of the Ustyurt Plateau → Nukus & Aral Sea（Sudochye Lakes）
After watching the sunrise, head south along the plateau, passing Lake Sudochye and Kungrad back to Nukus (about 8 hours drive).
Road conditions are poor throughout the day with long driving hours; not recommended for those prone to motion sickness or back pain.
Stay: Nukus City Center
Day 4 · Desert Fortresses South to Khiva
Nukus & Aral Sea（Chilpik Dakhma） → Khiva（Ayaz-Kala、Toprak-Kala、Kyzyl-Kala）
Hire a car to Khiva via Chilpyk Dakhma and the desert fortresses (about 280 km, taking 7 to 9 hours including sightseeing).
Stay: Ichan Kala Inner Town
Day 5 · Khiva Itchan Kala & Fly Out
Khiva（Itchan Kala & City Walls、Kunya-Ark Citadel、Juma Mosque、Kalta Minor Minaret、Islam Khoja Minaret & Madrasa、Tash Hauli Palace）
Spend the day exploring Itchan Kala on foot. In the evening, take a taxi to Urgench Airport (about 40 minutes) for your flight to Tashkent.