Nukus & Karakalpakstan Travel Guide
The autonomous republic in Uzbekistan’s far west. In Nukus, the Savitsky Museum holds one of the world’s largest collections of Russian avant-garde art; in the desert stand the fortresses of ancient Khorezm, such as Toprak-Kala and Ayaz-Kala, and in Moynaq rusting ships lie on the former bed of the Aral Sea.
- Regional centre
- Nukus
- Area
- 160,000 km²
- Population
- 1,900,000
Top places to visit in Nukus and Karakalpakstan
- Aral Sea Ecological Safari — Muynak
- South Aral Sea Shore Expedition — Muynak
- Savitsky Museum — Nukus
- Kyzylkum Desert Yurt Safari — Nukus
- Ustyurt Plateau Eco Tour — Nukus
- Fifty Fortresses Route — Beruni
- Ayaz Kala and Toprak Kala — Ellikkala
- Kyuzeli-Gyr Fortress — Beruni
- Muynak Fishing Museum — Muynak
- Karakalpak Folk Music — Nukus
- Sultan Uvays Mountains — Beruni
- Karakalpak Carpet Weaving Workshop — Nukus
- Nukus Bazaar and Karakalpak Cuisine — Nukus
- Amu Darya Boat Trip — Nukus
- Karakalpak National Costume and Embroidery Exhibition — Nukus
- Amu Darya Delta Nature Reserve — Beruni
- Chumkultepa Archaeological Site — Beruni
Plan your trip to Nukus and Karakalpakstan
When is the best time to visit Nukus & Karakalpakstan?
April–May and September–October. Summers are very hot and winters harsh in the open desert, so plan trips to the fortresses and the Aral Sea for spring or autumn.
How do I get to Nukus and Karakalpakstan?
Nukus has an airport with flights from Tashkent, and trains run from Tashkent and from Urgench. The desert fortresses lie between Nukus and Khiva, and Moynaq is about 200 km north of Nukus.
How many days do I need in Nukus and Karakalpakstan?
Allow a day for Nukus and the Savitsky Museum, a day for the desert fortresses and two more for Moynaq and the Aral Sea with a night in a yurt camp.
Where to stay in Nukus and Karakalpakstan
- Muynak Hotel — Moynaq
- Jipek Joli Inn — Nukus
- Guest House Nika — Nukus
- Karakalpak Travel Guest House — Nukus
- Citizen Hotel Nukus — Nukus
- Jipek Joli Hotel — Nukus
- Jipek Joli Art Hotel — Nukus
Where to eat in Nukus and Karakalpakstan
- Neo Restaurant Nukus — Nukus
- Qaraqalpag'im — Nukus
- Premier Lounge Nukus — Nukus
- Fish House Nukus — Nukus
- Aurora Restaurant Nukus — Nukus
- Sofram Restoran — Nukus
Plan your trip to Uzbekistan
- Uzbekistan Itinerary: 7, 10 and 14 Days
- Uzbekistan Visa and Entry Requirements
- Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan, Month by Month