Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGUyK9MB6Ik
In the Taragay Mountain of Chirakchi District, Kashkadarya Region, Lies Amir Timur’s Cave
According to legend, Amir Taragay ordered his servants to sell 400 sheep at the market on the Samarkand Pass and transfer the money through six-year-old Amir Timur. However, young Timur distributed the money to orphans begging at the market. When it was time to return, he feared his father’s anger and fled to Taragay Mountain. A shepherd found the young Timur in this cave and brought him back. Since then, locals have called this cave Taragay or Amir Timur’s Cave.
We organized an expedition to locate the cave and study the legends surrounding it.
The Journey to Taragay Mountain
Our journey began at 5:00 a.m. from Samarkand, accompanied by Samarkand journalists Anvar Mustafakulov and Askar Barotov.
After picking up all expedition members, we reached the outskirts of Samarkand by around 6:00 a.m. Here, we stopped to try the famous Kokand samsa. The preparation process of this delicacy is as fascinating as its long-lasting taste.
To reach the Kashkadarya Region, we first traveled through the Samarkand District and then the Urgut District. After covering a considerable distance and losing our way a couple of times, we arrived at the village of Gavkhana in the Chirakchi District of Kashkadarya Region by 11:30 a.m. Our guide was a 67-year-old local named Toji Muminov. At his insistence, we took a short rest at his home before starting our climb. This break also allowed us to learn more about the lifestyle of the residents of Gavkhana.
The village is surrounded by numerous trees, making the air cool and refreshing. The atmosphere is particularly pleasant for those weary of urban chaos.
The villagers here are as serene and open-hearted as the mountains that surround them. Guests are received with great respect. During our expedition, everyone we approached eagerly helped us, even if it meant postponing their own work. In short, noble people live here.
The Ascent to the Cave
The climb to the mountain with the cave began from the village of Taragay, located two settlements past Gavkhana. We started our ascent at 1:20 p.m.
Our guide, Toji-bobo, shared stories about how Amir Timur spent his youth and underwent military training in this region. Among these stones and cliffs, he prepared his warriors. It is said that the cave we were heading to was used as a shelter, where weapons and other military equipment might have been stored—possibly still preserved to this day. According to another legend, even during Amir Timur’s lifetime, stories circulated about the cave, prompting the ruler to personally inspect it.
It is said that the cave entrance once resembled a dome-shaped structure. However, due to visitors taking stones from the site, the entrance is now in a less appealing condition. Locals mention that treasure hunters frequently visited the cave. Yet, there is no confirmed information about anything being discovered or anyone reaching the end of the cave.
Without a guide, it would have been nearly impossible for us to find the cave on our own. This became evident as we navigated winding trails and detours, where it was easy to lose our way. Our companions mentioned that both local and foreign tourists often come to see the cave. However, not all of them reach their destination. Some underestimate the need for a guide, while others are unprepared for the challenges of climbing the mountain.
As time pressed on, we quickened our pace, aiming to reach the cave before nightfall. Yet, it was hard to resist stopping every 50–100 meters to admire the breathtaking natural beauty and vast landscapes stretching below us.
The Challenges of the Climb
The real difficulties began once we reached an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level. From there, the path became steeper, slowing our progress. We carefully followed the instructions of our guides. Standing atop the cliffs was dangerous, but the mesmerizing beauty of the landscape was indescribable.
We reached the summit at 4:47 p.m., only to face another challenge. The cave entrance is located on the edge of a cliff, requiring us to descend to access it. We secured ourselves with ropes—nerve-wracking, but there was no alternative. Giving up at this point would have rendered the entire expedition futile.
Using ropes, we descended to the entrance of the cave. There was enough space here to catch our breath, look around, and plan our next steps.
The cave entrance is very narrow. Once you pass through, the sunlight disappears, and you enter a new world untouched by daylight. After the first section, the corridor became significantly wider. There were signs of previous excavations, indicating that someone had indeed searched for treasure here. The deeper you go, the cooler and more humid the air becomes. Water droplets, dripping from above over the years, had formed intricate patterns on the rocks.
We navigated another narrow part of the cave, where the path split in two. Our guide told us to take the right fork, as the left path led to a dead end. Moving to the right, we encountered a passage so tight that only one person could squeeze through at a time. Once we passed it, we emerged into another spacious area. Here, there were many bats. The darkness and cool air of the cave made it an ideal habitat for these creatures.
After navigating a few more challenging passages, we managed to venture about 300 meters into the cave. However, to go further, we would have had to descend a slope. Unfortunately, we had no more ropes or climbing equipment, and we were exhausted, so we decided to turn back.
It turns out that even the locals have not explored the entire cave. Thus, the mysteries hidden within remain unsolved to this day.
According to legend, several fugitive soldiers once traversed the entire cave and emerged in the village of Mirankul in the Nurabad District of Samarkand Region. However, this cannot be verified, as no one in modern times has reached the end of the cave. There is an interesting detail: it is said that Mirankul has another cave leading in the opposite direction, with no known end. Today, both caves attract tourists.
Indeed, our country is rich in unique places, many of which are still unexplored. This makes them all the more fascinating.
Returning from Kashkadarya with wonderful impressions, we decided to continue embarking on similar journeys and organizing exciting expeditions to various corners of our homeland.
Thank you very much for your attention.
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