Human intervention in nature has caused a lot of environmental problems, however, no disaster is greater than the Aral Sea crisis. The Aral Sea was once the fourth largest lake in the world but it has now shrunk by 97%. Nowadays, the landscape of the Aral Sea looks lifeless, deserted, and alien-like. Schools of fish that once swam here have disappeared forever, and plants don't grow on salty soil.
What caused the disaster?
In the 1960s, the cotton industry and agriculture were actively developing in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The expanding arable lands needed more and more irrigation so the water was taken from the Amudarya and Syrdarya rivers that fed the Aral Sea. As a result, the sea level has dropped dramatically.
By the end of the 1980s, the water level dropped so much that the sea was divided into separate bodies of water: the so-called Greater and Lesser Aral Seas. By 2014, only 10% of the water remained, while the water salinity increased from 14 to 100 grams per liter.
As a result of the disaster, people started to abandon their homes and move elsewhere. At the moment, the population of the Aral Region is about 78,000 people, while 3.5 million people lived there before the disaster.
Why is the Aral Sea worth visiting?
The sea has shrunk leaving behind a desert and decrepit infrastructure. Earlier, you could even see abandoned ships and boats in the middle of the desert. However, many of them were disassembled and taken away. Fun fact: abandoned ships of the Aral Sea are featured in Pink Floyd's «Louder than Words» music video.
The Aral Sea has become an object of dark tourism. This place is picturesque in its own way yet frightening and depressing. Popular destinations include the Aralkum Desert and the Araltuz Industrial Zone, where a large salt mining plant once stood.
The most mysterious object near the Aral Sea is the Vozrozhdeniye Island, where the USSR once conducted biological weapon testing. This once top-secret area is shrouded in rumors and legends.
If you're not into dark tourism, the Aral Sea still has something to offer you. There is the Barsa-Kelmes Nature Reserve, several ancient mausoleums, and even hot springs.
Local offers:
View all offers_420x650_4ab.jpg "Charyn Canyon One-Day Group Tour")
If you need a refreshing day away from the city, join us on this tour of Charyn Canyon. Marvel at its stunning beauty and immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the nearby rural area and market.
![Групповая экскурсия "Знакомство с Нур-Султаном. Маршрут I" (2,5-3 часа) [ожидает перевода]](/assets/cache_image/products/0_gallery/tours/astana-excursions/astana1_420x650_c98.jpeg "Групповая экскурсия \"Знакомство с Нур-Султаном. Маршрут I\" (2,5-3 часа) [ожидает перевода]")
Идеальный вариант для первого знакомства со столицей Казахстана! Город во всех проявлениях менее чем за 3 часа: от административного сердца страны до экономического, молодежного и событийного хаба
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Don't miss the chance to ski at Shymbulak Ski Resort, renowned for its mild climate, abundant sunshine, reliable snow, and breathtaking mountain views!
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Spend a day skiing at Kazakhstan’s premier ski resort, Shymbulak! This tour is perfect for both beginners and seasoned skiers, including freeriders. Enjoy skiing on groomed slopes and arranging a backcountry adventure near the resort.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Butakov Waterfalls Trekking Tour")
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Butakov Waterfalls can be found in the Ile Alatau Mountains near Almaty. The breathtaking scenery, pristine air, and refreshing coolness have been drawing tourists to this location for quite some time.
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Trekking to the Gorelnik Gorge is a highly favored adventure for tourists and trekking enthusiasts alike. The gorge boasts stunning scenery with abundant trees, mushrooms, and berries. If lucky, one might even encounter the wild inhabitants of the area, including mountain deer.
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Kim-Asar Gorge is very popular among Almaty townspeople. The main reason is that it can be easily reached by bus or by car, and a slight steep ascent allows even unprepared tourists to pass it. In addition, the route is available for walking almost any time of year.
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Standing at 3680 meters, the Big Almaty Peak might give the false impression of being a formidable and challenging climb. However, ascending to the summit doesn't necessitate specialized mountaineering skills.
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Situated at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level, this frigid and desolate lake boasts a depth of 30 meters. The lake is encompassed by stunning mountain peaks, creating an exceptionally beautiful panorama from all directions.