At first, there are only gentle hills, but then the mountain range of the Nuratau State Reserve finally rises on the horizon—a relief for the eyes and heart after what feels like endless flatland. The area has been under nature protection since 1975, as many of the animal and plant species living here are endemic, including six species of tulips. People also live in these mountains. The village of Hayat, located at 1,000 meters above sea level, was already inhabited in the 4th century BCE. Today, numerous ruins and abandoned houses point to the forced resettlements of the 1950s, during which most of the Tajik families from the region disappeared. However, the region is now experiencing a revival—thanks in part to hiking tourists.