The western region of Uzbekistan is as desolate as any place can get, and it is hard to imagine that this region was once Central Asia’s agricultural powerhouse. Years of excessive irrigation depleted the Aral Sea, the main water source for the area, and threw the region into distress.
For a glimpse on the effects of unplanned agriculture (and a grim warning of the perils of environmental degradation), head to Moynaq – a former flourishing fishing village where now only rusting ships remain. The Aral Sea can’t be even seen on the horizon anymore and will probably fully disappear in a few years.
It is still possible to visit the Aral Sea, but one must be prepared for a long ride from Moynaq to reach its bank (at least 3 days each way!).
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