The opening of the 2008 hiking season
We went on our first out of town hike with our student hiking group last Saturday. It was a nice change from our weeks of in-town walks through the snow and ice.
We had a great day in the sun and thanks to Camila’s coordination/advice we took the local train from the Vokzal to Xojakent at the end of the line. The 2 hour 15 minute trip cost UZs 550 with tickets bought on board for each way. It was good to get on the train by about 8:00 as the seats filled up and there was standing room only by the time we pulled out of town. It left here at 8:20 am and returned from Xojakent at 4:30 pm giving us a good 6 hours in the mountains. Xojakent is at the end of the line before getting to the Chorvak Reservoir and Dam.
In Xojakent most of the crowd on the train was also there to enjoy the mountains and we were not so happy about sharing the mountain with so many (unfortunately a few loud and obnoxious) others. A quick change in course away from the herd helped to alleviate our concerns and we soon out walked the others and had a beautiful spring day with the higher and more beautiful reaches of the mountains to ourselves. The wild flowers and tree blossoms are out in abundance as you can see from the pictures and it is a great time of year to get out and enjoy them.
This is the best time of year to get up in to the mountains and I encourage you to do so. This trip was an easy and cheap one for anyone as you can simply take off up the side of the mountain from the train station or along the river for as far as you like and descend back down again to the road and train. Please do not pick the flowers (tulips, crocuses and other large ones)…too many others are already doing the same and several of these endemic species are listed as endangered- mostly due to habitat loss, but also in part do to over harvesting by hikers (as evidenced by the fast wilting flowers clutched by people on the train when returning) and people selling them at this time of year. Take along your own picnic supplies and plenty of water (2-3 liters each) as there is only one small store at the train station and don’t forget sun protection and as always I suggest long trousers for leg sticker/thorn protection.
I am happy to answer questions if anyone is interested in knowing more. In the meantime, enjoy our pictures by following the link below:
http://www.tashschool.org/hiking/gallery
File Server - Photo Gallery 2007-2008 - Hiking - Xojakent Hike
Tim Getter
