Tashkent → Khiva → Nukus → Moynaq → Khiva → Tashkent
Khiva & Aral Sea Expedition
Journey overview
For travelers who want more than architecture, this route pairs Khiva's UNESCO old town with a journey to Moynaq and the former Aral seabed — a chance to see Uzbekistan's modern environmental history firsthand, with context from local guides.
- Duration
- 6 days
- Format
- Small group
- Group size
- 4–10 travelers
- Route
- Tashkent → Khiva → Nukus → Moynaq → Khiva → Tashkent
Highlights
- A full day inside Khiva's walled Itchan Kala
- The ship graveyard at Moynaq, with local commentary
- A stop at Nukus's Savitsky art collection
- The wide-open horizon of the Ustyurt Plateau
The route
Day by day
Sample itinerary — final details are confirmed with our team before booking.
Day 1Arrival in Tashkent
Airport transfer and check-in, with the evening free before an early flight the next day.
- Overnight:
- Tashkent
Day 2Fly to Khiva
Morning flight to Urgench and transfer to Khiva, with an afternoon first walk through Itchan Kala.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Overnight:
- Khiva
Day 3Khiva in full
A full day inside the walled old town, from the Kalta Minor minaret to the western gate at sunset.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Overnight:
- Khiva
Day 4To Moynaq via Nukus
A drive north to Nukus, stopping at the Savitsky Museum, then on to the ship graveyard at Moynaq.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Overnight:
- Nukus
Day 5The Ustyurt Plateau and return to Khiva
A morning at the edge of the Ustyurt Plateau before the drive back to Khiva for a final evening.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Overnight:
- Khiva
Day 6Fly to Tashkent and departure
Morning flight back to Tashkent, with time for a last errand before your onward flight.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
A closer look
The route on the map
Included
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- Daily breakfast
- Private, air-conditioned transport with driver
- English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary
- Airport and train-station transfers
Not included
- International flights
- Uzbekistan visa fees, if applicable
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners unless noted
- Personal expenses and tips
Accommodation
3★ hotels and guesthouses in Khiva and Nukus, confirmed at booking.
Transport
Domestic flights Tashkent–Urgench–Tashkent, plus shared group vehicle for all ground transport.
Meals
Daily breakfast; lunches and dinners at your own choice, with recommendations from your guide.
Practical information
- Most nationalities can obtain an e-visa or enter visa-free — check current rules for your passport before booking.
- Local currency is the Uzbek som (UZS); cards are accepted in cities, cash is useful in bazaars and smaller towns.
- Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) have the most comfortable travel temperatures.
- Modest dress is appreciated at religious sites — shoulders and knees covered.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms depend on how far ahead of departure you cancel. Full terms are set out in our Cancellation Policy; nothing is charged until you confirm a booking.
Questions
Is the Moynaq excursion difficult or uncomfortable?
It involves long driving distances but no physical difficulty. Your guide will give context on what you're seeing throughout.
