Hazrat Daud Cave Tour from Samarkand

Your driver and guide meet you at your hotel in Samarkand at 09:00. The road runs about 40 km through farmland and villages to Aksay, at the foot of the mountain — about an hour's drive.

From the base at 980 m above sea level, climb the old stone stairway of 1,303 steps, lined with small stalls selling water, snacks, herbs and souvenirs. If you would rather save your legs, ride up the mountain trail on a horse or donkey instead — about 30 minutes, paid on the spot.

At 1,280 m stands a small mosque with a viewing point. On a clear day the whole Samarkand valley lies below you — fields, villages and the line of the mountains beyond.

About 200 steps down from the mosque is the cave itself. Local tradition holds that the Prophet David — Hazrat Daud — escaped his enemies here by passing through the mountain, and the rock walls deep inside are said to keep the prints of his hands and feet. Pilgrims touch them and make a wish; your guide tells the different versions of the legend as you walk the narrow passage.

Climb back to the mosque and walk down the stairway to Aksay, with time for photos and the stalls on the way. The car takes you back to Samarkand and drops you at your hotel in the early afternoon.