It is surprising that even in this fast-paced century we live in, some corners of the world have been preserved, where time has an entirely different meaning and nothing much has changed since time remembered. The same type of houses, the same farming plots, the same day-to-day cares.
One such secret realm lies just off the Silk Road, between the regions of Samarkand, Jizzak and Navoi, the gatway to which is Farish (not to be confused with Paris). A handful of mountain villages tucked away in the Nuratau range, which are currently being developed to receive visitors in search of peace and quiet, purity and a harmony with nature and the environment, which we all dream of whenever we are overwhelmed by our hectic city life. It is as though someone's mysterious hand had gathered the different landscapes that shape Central Asia, creating a miniature model in this Millenia old cultural landscape. On a comparatively small territory one finds mountains and valleys, meadows and lakes, the steppe, and even deserts side by side. Naturally, this landscape has been chosen to become the Nuratau Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve.
Let us take you through Nuratau's wonders. Far away from traffic and industry, your ears will quickly adapt to and cherish the silence. Your best travel time is spring, the area is very picturesque with blossoms in bloom, Eremurus, tulips, wall nut and fruit trees rejoice they eye. Summer temperatures provide a break from the heat in the city and delicious fruits right from the trees. The autumn leaves with their burning colours are a stunning sight.
There is wildlife in abundance and you are likely to catch sight of the black vulture, black-chinned siskin, lammergeier and golden eagle. The beautiful paradise flycatcher, bee eater and roller will make themselves loudly known.
No need to bring your tent, now selected host families will provide clean bedding and delicious food in their charming and simple home. The predominantly Tajik mountain people still live in the ways of their ancestors and hospitality is the key essence of their culture and helping each other out is an instinct well preserved. Here the 3 year old baby is kept under the watchful eye of his 5 years old brother, and their 7 year old sister is already helping her mother to bake lepioshka bread. You too may want to try your bread baking skills and will be swiftly instructed, while the Central Asian dastarkhan, a banquet feast on a low table with floor seating is laid out.
Get a taste of sumalyak, samsa with fresh mint, dried mulberries and raisins, walnuts, bitter almonds, and almond milk, the delicious and nutrious Shirak accompanied by the home baked «Khambul» mint grass lepjoshka, followed by the national dish plov, lovingly prepared over a wooden fire. You may want to chose to do just simply not much for a while, lay down under a shady tree, watch the clouds, listen to the mountain stream running by, take a nap or initiate a sign-language-chat with your hosts, they will be delighted to get to know you and thus know more about the world.
How often are you given the possibility to share in the entirely different lifestyle, the customs and traditions of people far removed from your own culture? It is part of the attraction of Nuratau. So are the crafts produced here and not available anywhere else. They all have a specific function in the local culture, be it the handwoven striped carpets, the triangle tumar amulets against the evil eye, or woodcarved household items.
Ecologically clean air, ecologically pure food, and genuine harmony with nature, these are the guarantors for the local people' health. And namely the possibilities that fresh air offers, draw visitors as well. Taking a hike up towards the peaks and over meadows, a stroll through the village, go fishing or horse back riding, all these options are right at your door step. Mapped out routes have already been established according to visitors' wishes and physical shape. And there will be plenty to see and to do on the way.
In Majeroum a colossal arbor vitae, a holy fir tree (Biota Eastern) has been drawing pilgrims for no less than 1500 years, the trunk's girth is about 24m, that of the central branch 12m. In Uhum, the amazing Bakhrom will give you a demonstration of the river mill next to his home, where locals bring their wheat for grinding. If you are lucky, further down the road apricot oil will be pressed, an excellent addition to your morning musli, a natural skin softener. The crushed seeds make for an inexpensive facial scrub.
Near Hayot village lay the boundaries of the Nuratau nature state reserve. There is no admittance to the reserve per se but for a fee and you will be shown some of the only remaining Severtzov argali sheep on the planet in a fenced enclosure but in their natural habitat. The rather small and fearful animals require absolute silence so to make the best of this photo opportunity, keep as quiet as possible as you observe them from an elevated rock in the presence of a game keeper and wildlife guard. It is fascinating to observe the last of this endangered species as they run swiftly up and down their rocky territory, always keeping close to each other. Bring your binoculars for a closer look.
Rare wildlife, cultural landscapes, old traditions, Nuratau sums it all up and assures unforgettable memories living the simple life as an interesting contrast on your travels through Uzbekistan and the rest of Central Asia.