A trip to the Aral Sea is a trip of a lifetime. Its name roughly stands for ‘Sea of Islands’ referring to over 1,100 islands that had once dotted its waters. The Aral Sea has been shrinking since the 1960’s after the rivers that fed it were diverted by irrigation projects. Its receding southern shoreline still holds tremendous appeal for adventurous travellers. Popular among tourists is camping at a spot overlooking the sea or staying in a yurt camp.