Although the Pamirs are not the highest mountains in the world, they are nonetheless very beautiful and accessible. The Chimgan range, not far from Tashkent, is the perfect place for a short trek after visiting the historic cities of the Silk Road. Near Samarkand there is the Gisar range where Tamerlane turned the river to red with the blood of his enemies. In summer the mountain pastures are ablaze with flowers and provide rich grazing for the flocks which are moved up as the snows clear. These makeshift villages are a constant source of hospitality.