Hazrat Dovud Cave
A pilgrimage cave in the Nuratau hills, associated with the prophet David.
Updated 3 September 2026
A cave high in the Nuratau hills is associated in local tradition with the prophet David, who is said to have pressed his hand into the rock while fleeing, opening the cave, and pilgrims come to touch the handprint inside. The approach is a stairway of well over a thousand steps up the hillside, with shelters at intervals. The cave itself is narrow and low, and there is a bathhouse and pilgrim accommodation at the bottom.
Highlights
- The stairway - well over a thousand steps up the hillside to the cave.
- The cave - the narrow low chamber pilgrims enter at the top.
- The handprint - the mark in the rock the tradition attaches to.
- The pilgrim facilities - the shelters, bathhouse and accommodation at the base.
When to go
April to June and September to October are the comfortable months. Summer heat makes the climb dangerous. Fridays and holidays bring the most pilgrims.
Things to know
The climb is long and steep and hard in heat. The cave interior is cramped and crowded with pilgrims. This is a religious site, not a tourist attraction, and behaviour matters.
Nearby
Nurata is northeast, and Sentob is east.
What to pack for Hazrat Dovud Cave
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Head torch + spare batteries - Hands-free light is essential; caves are truly dark. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. Find on Amazon
- Grippy closed shoes - Cave floors are wet, muddy and slick with formations. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
