When I learned of the Uzbek couple, (Viola & Andre) that take Westerners to the mountains of Uzbekistan on hiking trips, I didn't know what to expect. However, possessing an adventurous spirit and believing that life is too short to pass on unique opportunities, I decided to take a chance.
I was richly rewarded for making the decision that I did. Viola and Andre are the most gracious hosts. They went out of their way to ensure that I had the most fulfilling experience possible. Viola was constantly pointing out locations of interest not just on our mountain trip but also in Tashkent, where they reside.
As for the mountains, although Andre's photos are wonderful, they can hardly do justice to the wide open beauty of nature up there. J am an urbanite so just being out away from a single solitary building with nothing but the birds, your companions and the horse that you are riding to keep you company was exhilarating. I experienced such a feeling of freedom.
I also imagined that the pioneers in the US must have felt similar feelings when they first explored our great country.
When Andre pointed towards Tashkent and drew my attention to the smog that covered the city, it made me appreciate the fresh air even more. Even though the day was quite mild, the snow-caps on the mountains reminded me of how high above that city of smog I was. Our guide explained that we were at least 1mile above sea level at that point.
Our guide and his family were wonderful. They fed us and catered to us as honored guests. They live a very rustic and simple existence. They have one wood-burning stove which heats their entire farm-house in winter. (One of their young daughters was chopping fire-wood as we departed).
This was a once in a lifetime experience and I enjoyed every minute of it.