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Moynaq was once a busy fishing port on the Aral Sea. Today, the water is 150 kilometers away, leaving behind stranded ships in the sand.
Visitors travel to Moynaq to see the physical evidence of the 1960s Soviet irrigation disaster. The main draw is the Ship Cemetery, where 11 rusted fishing vessels sit directly below the former harbor.
You can walk among the ships, learn the region's history at the local museum, and look out over the vast Aralkum Desert.
1 hourFree entry
A line of 11 rusting Soviet fishing boats sits stranded on the sand. Walking around the ships is free and offers a stark look at the ecological disaster. Wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from sharp metal.
45 minutes~15,000 UZS
This small museum displays historical photos, local art, and artifacts from the abandoned fish cannery. It provides crucial context for how large the local fishing industry used to be. Make sure to watch the 10-minute documentary video detailing the sea's history.
20 minutesPanoramic views
This is the former lighthouse point, which now functions as an overlook across the vast dried seabed. It provides a clear vantage point to grasp the massive scale of the receding water. You look down directly onto the ship cemetery from here.
