An inland sea straddling Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the Aral Sea has now almost dried out, exposing a landscape of desolate desert.
My suggestion:
Moynoq is perhaps the best starting point for exploring the nearby Aral Sea, a town at the edge of the country, in the middle of nowhere.
Summary:
Formerly one of the four largest lakes in the world,
the Aral Sea has shrunk by more than 90% due to large Russian irrigation projects which pumped out almost all of its water. A desolate landscape remains: sand dunes with sparse plant growth topped with a number of rusty freighters left in the disappearing water, whilst wild camels move around between them. A beautiful landscape in some ways, yet depressing in others as it symbolises the terrible impact humans have on the environment. In any case, a visit to the Aral Sea (or Aral Lakes as it is said today) is required during a
trip to Uzbekistan, whether it is to observe the scenery or simply for a wake up call.