Things to Do in Aral Sea

The Aral Sea once ranked as the world's fourth-largest lake—now it's mostly desert scattered with rusted ships. What remains creates one of Earth's most haunting landscapes, where fishing boats sit stranded in sand that was underwater just decades ago. Total ecological disaster. The Uzbek side, reached through Moynaq, offers the best view of this environmental catastrophe turned unlikely destination. You'll stand on what was once seafloor, staring across a desert that boats sailed through in the 1960s—the kind of place that makes climate change viscerally real in ways no documentary can match.

Food options are sparse. Most visitors eat in Nukus beforehand or pack meals since Moynaq has just a few basic cafes serving plov and lagman—don't expect variety. The local fish now comes from other regions since the industry collapsed decades ago. Guesthouses can prepare simple meals if you're staying overnight, and you'll find regional variations of Central Asian dishes that reflect Karakalpak culture worth trying.

Spring and fall work best. Summer temperatures hit 40°C with zero shade, making extended time outdoors genuinely dangerous—the heat will knock you flat if you're unprepared. Winter brings harsh winds and freezing temperatures that make the landscape feel even more apocalyptic. Weather extremes enhance the desolate atmosphere if you come prepared with proper gear and plenty of water.