Karakalpakstan

Why visit

Nukus holds the Savitsky Museum, the second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde art in the world, saved from Soviet destruction in a desert town. Around it lies Karakalpakstan: Mizdakhan necropolis, the Chilpik tower of silence and the road to the vanished Aral Sea.

Tour Highlights

• ✦ Savitsky State Museum (Nukus)
• ✦ Moynaq ship graveyard
• ✦ Aral Sea shoreline
• ✦ Mizdakhan necropolis
• ✦ Karakalpak culture

What you can do

Spend at least three hours in the Savitsky Museum, visit the Karakalpak state museum of local history, walk Mizdakhan necropolis at dusk and climb Chilpik on the Amu Darya road.

Where to stay

Nukus has a small number of modern business hotels and simple guesthouses; standards are practical rather than charming.

Food

Karakalpak cooking centres on fish from the Amu Darya, beshbarmak and turmak. Vegetarian choice is the narrowest in the country, so plan meals with your guide or hotel in advance.

How to get there

Nukus airport has daily flights from Tashkent (about 1h45). Trains from Tashkent take around 20 hours; from Khiva or Urgench the drive is about 3 hours.

When to visit

April to early June and September to October. Winters are harsh and windy, summers dusty and above 40C.

Transport

Flights and long-distance trains serve Nukus; within Karakalpakstan a hired 4x4 with driver is standard for Mizdakhan, Chilpik and the Aral road.

Practical information

The Savitsky Museum closes on Mondays and photography inside requires a permit. Card acceptance is limited outside hotels; bring cash from Tashkent.

Safety

Nukus is calm and safe. Air quality can be poor during salt-dust storms in spring; travellers with respiratory conditions should take that into account.

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Frequently asked questions