Aydarkul was not on any map before 1969. That spring the Syr Darya's Chardara reservoir in Kazakhstan overflowed, sending excess water into the low Arnasay depression south of the river. The resulting lake spread across the Kyzylkum steppe and — because the Kyzylkum has effectively zero surface drainage — never fully evaporated.
Today the lake covers about 3,000 km², making it the second-largest body of water in Uzbekistan (after the shrinking Aral). It has become a stable, if idiosyncratic, freshwater ecosystem: - Introduced fish species — pike, carp, catfish, zander. - Migratory bird populations — flamingos in spring, pelicans in autumn. - Surrounding pastures support Karakalpak and Kyzylkum shepherds' seasonal camps.
Yurt-camp tourism is the main visitor draw. Half a dozen camps between Nurata and the southern shore of Aydarkul offer: - Overnight stays in traditional felt yurts sleeping 4–6. - Camel rides across the surrounding dunes at sunset. - Campfire dinners with plov and shashlik. - Optional swim in the (chilly) lake water.
Standard tour is 1 night, arriving late afternoon, departing after breakfast. Longer stays include a full day at the lake and camel treks up to 2 hours.
About 3.5 hours by road from Samarkand or Bukhara. Best April–May and September–October; midsummer temperatures hit 45°C, midwinter drop below freezing.
Nurata & Aydarkul in photos
A short visual companion to this entry — photographs of Nurata & Aydarkul from our travel archive.
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