Aral Sea Tour Review: Akespe & Kokaral Dam – Is it worth it?

Planning a visit to the Aral Sea? So, you might be considering the ‘From Aralsk 2 Day Aral Sea Akespe and Kokaral Dam Tour’. Very well, this is a personal, closer look at what you could anticipate. Rather, think of it as your friend telling you all about their trip before you decide to book it yourself. After all, knowledge is everything before setting off somewhere. Right?

What’s this Aral Sea Tour About?

First, this excursion typically starts in Aralsk, Kazakhstan. Yet, Aralsk itself is a settlement with quite a tale to tell. Back in the day, it was actually a thriving port city. Very much the victim of Soviet planning disasters, it’s now far, far from the water. So, you’ll venture off into what’s left of the Aral Sea. Pretty important places, that are a key interest are the Akespe cliffs and the Kokaral Dam. You, like your other fellows will probably want to know what makes this destination special. After all it is so different to where we normally tread.

Getting to Aralsk – The Starting Point

Alright, first things first, how do you actually get to Aralsk? In some respects, this involves a train from either Almaty or Nur-Sultan (Astana). Yet, I’d say be ready for a lengthy ride. Trains could be rather comfy. It’s almost like a slow introduction to the remoteness of the region you’re about to explore. Also, there’s a sense of anticipation which, frankly, builds up as the scenery gets progressively emptier. Very fitting as the location has so much mystery to unfurl. Pretty good!

The Akespe Cliffs – Nature’s Art

Anyway, Akespe is basically more or less an area with some canyons. So, expect seeing these massive, layered cliffs which rise dramatically from the flat desert floor. As a matter of fact, what is really great is that they are composed of different colored sediments. And these tell stories of ancient seas. In other words, it’s like peering into the earth’s old picture album. After all, a geological display can uncover lots of history. Just like your history books!

Kokaral Dam – Hope Restored?

Moving onto the Kokaral Dam; that’s actually more like a modern attempt at saving a part of the Aral Sea. Right? Typically, this dam separates the Northern Aral Sea from the rest. Arguably, it has led to at least a partial recovery of water levels in the north. Just a little more vegetation and wildlife started coming back. It’s definitely, without a doubt a sign that, sometimes, we can undo a few environmental wrongs, could be, if we put our minds to it! Don’t you think?

What You’ll Experience

Usually, what you’ll get out of this trip isn’t just sightseeing. Alright, it’s the feeling of seeing what man can do to mother earth. Anyway, it will certainly give you something to reflect on. I mean you’ll see desolate landscapes. It will seem just a little weird to picture fishing boats stuck in sand miles from any water. So, in my experience there’s something really impactful about witnessing this kind of destruction up close. At the end of the day you’ll understand this can become a reality. No?

Things to think about when you go

Right then, some handy tips before you go ahead and book. It’s pretty key to go at the appropriate time. So, late spring or the early autumn can actually mean dodging the most bitter and cruel heat of summer. After all, this area can become incredibly hot! Basically, I’d say that you need to pack appropriately, it’s very obvious, that sun protection, sturdy footwear, and layers for unexpected temperature swings are a good plan. Definitely don’t forget water, water, water. You probably want to consider taking medication with you to avoid the upset stomach as the change of water and food can really upset it. Be careful.

Is the Tour Worth It?

Generally speaking, that this particular trip might suit you is basically determined by what kind of traveler you are. Anyway, if you’re fascinated by environmental stories and lost destinations then this is definitely, without a doubt your cup of tea. Well, not actually a cup of tea; more a strong, hot wake-up call. Seemingly, photographers will really find this amazing as this landscape presents dramatic opportunities. However, keep in mind, this may not be a typical holiday, more of an intense learning opportunity with a bit of beautiful thrown in for good measure.

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