“Kalla-i-Shiron”, which means “Lion Fortress”, is the name of the tract in the Kashkadarya region, where the cave of Amir Temur, also known as Tamerlane, is located. There are many legends about it, and the most famous of them invites us to search for the treasures that are hidden in its very depths. After all, it was here, according to legend, that the only novice commander stayed for the winter with his army. He needed to collect his thoughts, because ahead of him was the conquest of Kesh (present-day Shakhrisabz), and then Samarkand. It was from this cave that Tamerlane’s great journey began.
The hard way
“The road here runs through the picturesque villages that are located along the Akdarya River (in the upper reaches – Aksu), and then goes up to the plateau. There we had incomparable views of the surrounding peaks and canyons. There will be enough impressions for a lifetime!” – photographer Roman Valiev shares his emotions from the trip.
The only way lies along a narrow path through a vertical two-hundred-meter gorge crossed by a stormy mountain river. If you are one of those brave men who decided to challenge the cave, then be sure to look at it from above, from the gorge, and you will understand why it is called majestic: it really resembles a real fortress. The stone cavity, located at an altitude of 2,550 m above the water, consists of two caves. The main one pierces through the rock, measuring 750 m, while the second one, 190 m long, crosses it. Some experts suggest that this was an entire system that was destroyed in the past.
What awaits inside?
At the very entrance to the cave, we find a stone-lined platform and a hitching post, which were presumably built as a result of Tamerlane and his army stopping here. But we are not going to stop here, and we are in a hurry to look into the cave itself. Moreover, it’s only when you get closer that you feel the incredible magnetism of this place. It runs a light chill through all the fibers of the body, and attracts travelers to look inside, to find out all the secrets that its stones hold. This cave, contrary to others, does not take away strength, but on the contrary, gives it in full, as if inviting you to explore.
However, desire is her insidious trap. Inside, we will find not only unusual ramparts, bizarrely shaped stone stalactites, but also a large landslide in the central part. And most importantly – endless narrow stone tunnels, through which, often, you can only crawl.
“After climbing into the cave, we walked along a fairly wide corridor. But at one point it ended and there was only a small hole near the ground. Of course, it’s hard for anyone who hasn’t been there to understand the incredible intrigue that has engulfed us,” Roman exclaims.
Conclusion
If you are not ready for difficult conditions, to move further and further into the dark depths of cold beauty – leave the idea of conquering this place at the stage of conception. But keep in mind that by refusing, you will lose the opportunity to see with your own eyes the lake located in the southern part of the cave, the water in which retains its temperature regime in the region of 6-8 degrees; explore the indescribable spectacle of the mysterious kingdom, which is open only to a select few.
