Trails, lakes, and summits — waiting outside the city.

I'd been putting off going on one of these for months because I assumed it'd be expensive or intense. It was neither — just a really good day with people who turned out to be easy to be around. Already signed up for Nefrit Ko'llari.

The scree section humbled me a little, but the guide paced the group well and nobody got left behind. Standing on the ridge at the top made the whole climb worth it.

I'd never hiked anything in my life before this. It was short, the guide checked in constantly, and watching the sunrise with tea in hand made me want to book the harder ones.

This one earns its 'challenging' label. Bring water shoes — the crossings are no joke. Genuinely felt like real wilderness for a day, ten minutes from Samarqand.

You forget how many stars there are until you're somewhere without any city light. The sunrise hike the next morning was a nice bonus, but honestly I'd have paid for the stargazing alone.

Kept assuming the photos were edited until I stood next to the actual lake. Moderate pace, shaded most of the way, and the tea break at the lake is a nice touch.