Muynoq used to be an important fishing port on the Aral Sea, but since rivers flowing into the lake were diverted to provide water for irrigation projects, the Aral Sea's water levels started falling. The receding lake has caused Muynoq to be some 40 km (25 miles) from the water nowadays. The remains of the town's fishing fleet lie rusting on the sand, next to several depressions that were dug by the people in an effort to keep channels open to the lake. The water receded much further than the people could dig and all efforts proved futil.
Since Muynoq is not on the Aral Sea anymore, its climate has changed. Summers have become hotter and winters colder because the moderating effect of the water has disappeared. The area around town is frequently plagued by debilitating sand, salt and dust storms, effecting the remaining 2000 peoples health.
The same happened to the former fishing town of Akkala, 45 km to the east.
There is some accommodation in Muynoq. You can get to the town by taxi from Nukus, 155 km to the south. Nukus has train and bus connections with Tashkent.
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