Aral Sea Escape is a 1-day tour from Aralsk created for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty of the Aral Sea region in one memorable journey. The route includes Akespe village, the dramatic Chink Cliffs, Butakov Bay, and a natural thermal spring. This tour is ideal for visitors who enjoy remote landscapes, authentic places, and the atmosphere of the former Aral coastline.
If you are looking for a longer adventure, you may also enjoy [Aral Sea Discovery], a deeper journey through the Aral Sea region.
Learn more about the Aral Sea region on Wikipedia.
Aralsk city (Google Map)
At 09:00 AM
Expect wide-open desert scenery, peaceful remote landscapes, and several impressive photo stops along the route. Aral Sea Escape combines nature, silence, and exploration, giving travelers a chance to see some of the most remarkable places near Aralsk in a single day. Off-road driving and changing weather conditions are part of the adventure, so the tour feels authentic and immersive.
09:00 – Meeting in Aralsk. Introduction to the guide, departure for the tour.
11:00 – Arrival at the «Qus Tumsik» (Bird’s Beak) and «Qara Sandyk» (Black Chest) rock formations. Climbing the cliff, enjoying panoramic views, photography, and videography.
12:30 – Drive along the shore of Butakov Bay, stopping at scenic spots for a walk and photos.
13:30 – Lunch at a guest house in Akespe. Tasting shubat (fermented camel milk) and fried fish from the Aral Sea.
15:00 – Bathing in a thermal spring with mineral water at 62°C. Relaxation and rejuvenation.
16:00 – Exploring the old Akespe settlement – an abandoned village buried in the sands. Mysterious atmosphere, deserted houses, and breathtaking landscapes.
17:00 – Return trip to Aralsk.
18:30 – Arrival in Aralsk, end of the tour.
Aral
In October 2018, I went to Aralsk for work. But we were also able to set aside one day to explore the surrounding area. I started looking for a local guide for us — myself and a foreign colleague who, just like me, was interested in the sea that had disappeared but is now gradually returning.
That is how we met Yedige. We arranged a meeting by phone to discuss the details of the trip. He immediately inspired trust — it was clear that he knew what he was talking about, was very familiar with the area and its history, and had reliable transport.
So, we set off early in the morning, and when we arrived, we saw magnificent, almost cosmic landscapes and unusual mountains that looked as if they had been carved by hand. Everything felt unreal. When you stand there on the shores of the vanished Aral Sea, it feels as though you have landed on another planet. The silence is so profound that you begin to feel as if you are alone in the universe.
Then we went to see the ships, now forever “moored” to the shore. It is a strange sight — both mesmerizing and unsettling. From a distance, they look like giant whales lying on the sand, but as we got closer, we saw their rusty remains. Personally, throughout the whole trip to the Aral, I felt a deep ache in my heart because of the immense loss and the emptiness it had left behind, yet at the same time I was filled with admiration for the nature that surrounds it.
For an experienced traveler, it is a whole range of emotions, often contrasting ones. After that, we also walked through the village of Akespe, a fishing settlement much of which has been swallowed by sand. Nature is an immense force.
I almost forgot 🙂 Yedige also took us to a hot spring. I no longer remember the exact temperature of the water, but it was very hot. I only put my feet in, farther away from the source, and even there it was still hot. My colleague even had a full swim and was very pleased.
Later, we had dinner at the home of a family who were friends of Yedige. The food was delicious and simple, truly home-style. If I ever go again, I already have the right contact! If anyone is wondering whom to turn to, I recommend Yedige 100%. You will be in safe hands!
For those who are considering it, I should clarify: our trip lasted just one day. We left in the morning and returned at night. And, by the way, Yedige also helped us find a good, clean hotel, where they also served delicious home-style food.
The tour was made with a new and good car, my driver guide was very kind and friendly and has had a very good knowledge about the history of that area. The landscape is beautifull, especially the mountain area. We saw a lot of horses and camels, as well as one fox. The offered Lunch in a guesthouse was very tasteful.
I can highly recommend that daytrip.
While on an interesting and informative tour around Kazakhstan, before visiting Baikonur, we stopped in the city of Aralsk. The gloomy impressions of the disappearing sea and the environmental disaster were brightened by a wonderful person — our guide, Yedige! In addition to his remarkable personal qualities, attentiveness, and kindness, he demonstrated a serious depth of knowledge about the region and its scientific background.
Passing through the sand-buried village of AkeSpe, we reached a healing hot mineral spring, drove across the eerie former seabed, and visited the stunning Kara-Sandyk canyon. The photographs taken there will preserve unforgettable memories for a lifetime. The trip turned out to be both fascinating and highly informative!