Kyzylkum is one of the
world’s largest deserts, and visitors can trek its red sand on foot or on
their very own Silk Road camel.
Kyzylkum (from Turkic means «red sand») – is a sandy desert between the rivers of
Amudarya and Syrdarya in Central Asia. Its area is 300 000 sq. km. On the
north-west the desert is limited by hollow of Aral Sea, on the north-east by
Syrdarya and on the south-west is limited by Amudarya. The desert has row of
hollows and separated mountains. Mountains of Kyzylkum are unique, there were
found rich deposits of gold. The most territory of Kyzylkum is sand massifs.
Maximum height of sand mountains is 75 metre.
Climate in the desert is continental. It is hot in summer, average temperature
of June is 28 degree, in winter it ranges from 0 to -9 degree. Precipitation is
mainly in winter and spring. The most suitable time for travelling is from
April to June and September-October. Here at this time you can see local
animals: gazelles, black lizards, foxes, jerboas, hares, gophers, eagles, owls
etc. Animals of this desert receive water from the food as they adapt to such
kind of climate.
In ancient time, Great Silk Road passed through the Kyzylkum desert. Thanks to
it, such famous cities as Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva prospered. People of
different professions worked here: sellers, interpreters, guarder of caravans,
tax collectors. It is very strange but there was hectic life in the desert.
From March to May and September to October, you can trek on foot or by camel
from the village of Dungalak, just north of Lake Aydarkul, and camel treks of
two days or more include accommodation in the camel hair yurts belonging to local
Kazakh nomads. Expect to enjoy the best of local hospitality, from homemade
bread dipped in still steaming camel milk to hunks of camel meat. Beds are made
up on the floor from piles of rainbow-colored blankets and rugs. You’ll never
forget the experience, and certainly won’t get cold at night. You can arrange
camel trekking with us or alternatively approach the camel camps directly. )