Hazrati Davud Cave (Saint David's)

About

The road to the cave: a staircase of 1300 steps

The path to the cave is considered a spiritual trial and purification:

Ascent: From the foot of the mountain to the ridge crest leads an equipped concrete staircase with railings, numbering about 1303 steps (guidebooks often give a range of 1300 to 1500 steps, counting the transitions). For those who find it physically difficult to climb on foot, locals offer rides up on horses or donkeys along a separate gentle trail.

Summit: On the ridge is the active Khazrati Dovud mosque, ablution areas and observation decks with a circular panorama of the Karshi steppe and mountain gorges.

Descent into the cave: From the ridge, on the opposite side of the mountain, a descent of 200 steps leads to the very mouth of the grotto.

Inside the cave

Parameters: The cave is a narrow corridor about 30–60 metres deep, 0.5 to 4 metres wide and with vaults up to 15 metres high.

Microclimate: Inside, semi-darkness reigns all year round and a constant coolness holds (+10...+12 °C), which creates a sharp contrast with the summer heat outside.

Unique imprints: At the very end of the corridor is a stone niche with traces of palms and feet. Guests take turns placing their hands on the hollows in the rock and recite prayers.