Uzbekistan travelogue – Khiva, Karakalpakstan and the Aral Sea

A travelogue by Travel Centar Sarajevo | April 2026

From lively Tashkent and ancient Khiva to mysterious desert fortresses and the almost unreal scenery of the Aral Sea – our journey through Uzbekistan in April 2026 was an experience we will remember for a long time.

In April 2026, the Travel Centar Sarajevo team travelled to Uzbekistan, where we had the honour of taking part in the first Destination Forum of Karakalpakstan, an international event promoting the tourism potential of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan.

Together with travel agents from different parts of the world, we set off on a journey that revealed the rich history, remarkable cultural heritage, fascinating landscapes and hospitality of this Central Asian country.

Tashkent – our first encounter with Uzbekistan

Our adventure began in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, which blends a rich tradition with modern city life in its own special way.

It was our first taste of Central Asia and an excellent introduction to everything that awaited us in the days that followed.

Tashkent welcomed us with its distinctive mix of history and modern spirit, and right from the start it was clear that Uzbekistan has a great deal to offer.

Khiva – 2,500 years of history on the Silk Road

We continued with a flight from Tashkent to Urgench, from where we set off to explore one of the most impressive historic cities in Uzbekistan – Khiva.

With a history of around 2,500 years, this ancient city is one of the finest examples of the preserved architecture of the old Silk Road.

A highlight was a walk through Itchan Kala, the walled old town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wandering its narrow streets, past monumental madrasas, minarets covered in turquoise tiles and traditional buildings, we felt as if we had stepped several centuries back in time.

Khiva is rightly called an open-air museum – almost every corner here tells a story of its own.

The Juma Mosque and the Nurullaboy Palace

One of the places that impressed us most was the Juma Mosque, known for its unusual interior with more than 200 wooden columns.

Unlike grand mosques with large domes, this space leaves a strong impression through its simplicity, unique architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

We also visited the Nurullaboy Palace, an interesting blend of traditional Uzbek and European architectural influences that reflects the splendour and lifestyle of the former rulers.

We ended the day at the Arda Khiva City complex, a contemporary space inspired by the architecture of the old town, which gave us a completely different view of Khiva.

From Khiva to Nukus – ancient fortresses in the middle of the desert

The next stage of the journey took us by coach from Khiva to Nukus, the capital of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

Along the way we discovered landscapes entirely unlike the ones we know – a vast desert, ancient strongholds and traces of civilisations that lived here more than two thousand years ago.

Ayaz Kala – fortresses that keep the secrets of ancient Khorezm

One of the most striking stops was Ayaz Kala, a complex of ancient desert fortresses linked to the history of Khorezm, once an important cultural and trading centre of Central Asia.

The sight of the remains of monumental walls surrounded by endless desert is truly breathtaking.

A special part of the experience was lunch at a traditional yurt camp, where we enjoyed local specialities and got to know something of the region’s nomadic culture.

Chilpik – the mysterious Tower of Silence

The road then took us to Chilpik, also known as the Tower of Silence.

This unusual historic site is linked to Zoroastrianism, an ancient religion that left a significant cultural mark on Central Asia.

Chilpik was once used for special funeral rites, in which the bodies of the dead were exposed to the elements, in keeping with the belief that earth and fire must remain pure.

Besides its historic importance, the site offers an impressive view of the surrounding landscape and leaves a strong impression on visitors.

The Savitsky Museum – the Louvre of the desert

On arriving in Nukus, we visited the famous Savitsky Museum, one of the most important cultural institutions in Central Asia.

The museum is known for its outstanding collection of Russian avant-garde art, as well as rich collections of local art, ethnographic objects and archaeological artefacts.

Because of the importance and unusual nature of its collection, it is often called “the Louvre of the desert”.

It was the perfect end to a day full of history, culture and lesser-known corners of Uzbekistan.

The Aral Sea – an adventure you never forget

The fourth and fifth days of our trip were set aside for one of its most special experiences – an expedition to the Aral Sea.

After breakfast in Nukus, we set off in off-road vehicles across the vast desert landscapes of Karakalpakstan.

The Aral Sea was once one of the largest lakes in the world. However, decades of diverting its rivers for irrigation have caused most of its water to disappear.

Today the area is a symbol of one of the greatest environmental disasters of modern times, but also a place of incredible landscapes that fascinate and remind you of how fragile nature is.

Lake Sudochye – an oasis of life in the desert

Our first stop was Lake Sudochye, once connected to the Aral Sea area.

Today the lake is an important habitat for many species of birds, including flamingos.

Surrounded by harsh desert landscapes, the water and wildlife create a striking contrast, reminding us how varied nature can be, even in the most unexpected places.

We continued through dramatic scenery, stopping at fascinating rocks in shades of red and yellow that looked almost unreal.

A night in yurts by the Aral Sea

Just before sunset, we reached a camp on the remaining shore of the Aral Sea.

Staying in traditional yurts was a special experience – a chance to feel, if only briefly, the simplicity and authenticity of the nomadic way of life.

An evening in the desert, far from the bustle of the city, with local specialities and a view across the expanse of the Aral Sea, was one of those moments that make a journey unforgettable.

Muynak – the town whose ships were left without a sea

The next morning we headed back towards Nukus, but the adventure was not over yet.

On the way we explored impressive canyons and then continued to Muynak (Moynaq), once a lively fishing port on the shore of the Aral Sea.

Today Muynak lies many kilometres from the water.

Its best-known sight is the ship graveyard – rusting fishing boats standing on dry desert ground.

This unusual place is one of the most photographed in Central Asia, but its value goes far beyond a photograph.

It is a powerful reminder of the consequences of human activity on nature, and of changes that can shape the lives of entire communities for good.

In the evening we returned to Nukus, full of impressions and stories that are hard to put fully into words.

The Aral Sea is not just a destination you visit – it is an experience that makes you think, and one you carry with you for a long time.

Destination Forum of Karakalpakstan – new contacts and future opportunities

The last day of our stay in Uzbekistan was devoted to the main reason for the trip – the first Destination Forum of Karakalpakstan.

The forum brought together representatives of the tourism industry and was a chance to meet local organisations, new business partners and the tourism opportunities of this still little-discovered region.

For Travel Centar Sarajevo it was a particularly valuable experience: we got to know the destination first-hand and made contacts that can help us develop new, authentic and carefully designed trips to Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region.

We believe the best travel programmes are created in exactly this way – by getting to know a destination in person, understanding the local culture and working with reliable partners.

Uzbekistan – a destination that surprises at every step

From the busy streets of Tashkent and the turquoise minarets of Khiva, past ancient desert fortresses and traditional yurts, to the unusual landscapes of the Aral Sea – Uzbekistan showed us how varied and inspiring a single journey can be.

This is a country of rich history, a strong cultural identity, hospitable people and natural contrasts rarely found in one place.

We came back from Uzbekistan with unforgettable memories, new friendships and business contacts, and an even greater wish to bring this fascinating destination closer to our travellers.

Would you like to discover Uzbekistan, follow the Silk Road or take a desert adventure to the Aral Sea?

Get in touch with Travel Centar Sarajevo and we will explore the options for your next journey together.