Hazrati Davud Cave (Saint David's)
The Hazrati Davud Cave (the sanctuary of Saint David) is one of the most interesting places in Central Asia. The cave is located at an altitude of about 1250 meters in the spurs of the Zarafshan Range near the village of Aksay (Nurabad District), roughly 40–50 km southwest of Samarkand. To get into the cave, guests climb more than 1300 stone steps to the top of the mountain to the observation deck and the mosque, and then descend 200 steps to the entrance of the rock grotto, where, according to legend, hand and foot imprints have been preserved.
Duration
180 min
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.
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