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Hazrati Dovud Cave

Mountain cave shrine linked to the prophet David, about 45–50 km from Samarkand near Oqsoy village; reached by some 1,300 steps up to about 1,270 m.

Nature

About the place

Hazrati Dovud is a cave shrine in the mountains of Nurobod district, near the village of Oqsoy, about 45–50 km or an hour's drive from Samarkand. Local tradition links the cave to the prophet David, and it is one of the best-known pilgrimage places in the region. The cave sits at about 1,270 metres.

Getting there is the experience: 1,303 steps lead up the slope, and about 200 more go down to the entrance. Inside, the cave narrows to between half a metre and four metres wide and rises to around 15 metres. Allow about three hours, take water, and go early to avoid the heat and the crowds.

Why go

  • 1,303 steps up the mountain
  • Cave linked to the prophet David
  • Views over the Nurobod hills

Nearby

  • Nature

    24 km away

    Ohalik Mountains

    Foothill valley 15–20 km south-west of Samarkand with three Ohalik villages, the 8 m Devsharshara waterfall and Kemqoton peak.

  • Panjob MosqueEnsembles

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    Panjob Mosque

    A working Shia Friday mosque of the 19th century in Samarkand's Panjob quarter, home to the city's Iranian community; one of few in Central Asia.

  • Panjob Madrasa, SamarkandEnsembles

    31 km away

    Panjob Madrasa, Samarkand

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