OREANDA-NEWS. April 18, 2012. A special attention in the Aral Sea region is given to the development of international and domestic tourism, opening up new routes.

Three tourist routes along the ancient historic castles of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and other sights were put. In particular, trips to the state biosphere reserve Kuyi Amudarya, pastures of Ustyurt, the lake of Sudyoche and conserved water area of the Aral Sea were also organized under the projects of “Historical and cultural tourism”, “Ecotourism” and “Travel”.

About ten travel agencies are organizing trips along these routes. Especially agencies of “Ayazkala Tour”, “Janbaskala Tour”, “Okhunjon-Shohsanam” and “Ayim Tour” are working effectively.

Currently, tours along seven routes are offered to every tourist arriving in Karakalpakstan. Foreign guests with great pleasure choosing the routes of “Echoes of the past in the desert”, “Journey to the Aral Sea”, “Wishing Well”, “Miracle of silk thread” and “The ancient castles of Karakalpakstan”.

Extensive exposition of Nukus Arts Museum named after Igor Savitsky with more than 90,000 exhibits tell about the rich history and cultural monuments of our region. Works of applied art of the Karakalpak people, costumes and embroidery products draw visitors’ attention.

New projects taking into account the climatic conditions of the Aral Sea are being developed. For example, guests can enjoy fishing and hunting for ducks on the rivers and lakes in the region. Ecotours organized to the ancient monuments of Mizdakkhon kala, Tuprokkala, Ayozkala, Chilpik on the banks of Amudarya.

One of the largest projects of the Fund “Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan” jointly with the UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan, festival of traditional culture “Asrlar sadosi” (Echo of Centuries) will be held here on 5-6 May.

The main activities of the festival will be held at the Arts Museum named after Igor Savitsky and on the territory of Tuprokkala monument in Ellikkala district.

Unique culture of our people, rich historical heritage, nature and ancient monuments will, no doubt, attract the attention of foreign visitors of the festival.

The festival will include the contests of folklore groups, an exhibition of national costumes, traditional folk games, ulak-kupkari and competition of riders.

Exhibition-fair of art works and items of craftsmen, masters of pottery, wood carving and ganch, miniatures and embroidery will be held, too.