Shaitan Zhiga Plateau ("Devil's Helmet")

Shaitan Zhiga Plateau ("Devil's Helmet")

Just thirty kilometers from Samarkand, behind the mountain spurs and valleys, lies one of the most mysterious places in the region — the Shaitan Zhiga plateau, also known as the "Devil's Helmet". This place is shrouded in mysteries and legends, and its unusual stone formations amaze even sophisticated travelers.

The plateau is a collection of bizarre rocks and boulders scattered over a large area. Numerous stone blocks, weathered and polished by time, have acquired the most incredible shapes — they resemble figures of people, animals, demons and ancient idols. It is because of these "frozen" stone creatures that locals have nicknamed this place the "Jiga of Shaitan" — the "Plateau of Demons".

The landscape here is harsh and mysterious: sparse vegetation, dry winds and deep silence create the impression that time has stopped. In spring, wild grasses color the valley, but most of the year ochre-gray tones prevail, enhancing the mystical atmosphere.

According to local legends, the rocks are ancient spirits and demons petrified for their disobedience. According to another version, ancient nomads once passed through here, and under the influence of wind and sun, their sacred stones took on the appearance of fantastic creatures.

Today, Shaitan Zhiga attracts adventurers, photographers and fans of mystical stories. Majestic views of the Samarkand valley open from the height of the plateau, and in the sunset rays the stone giants seem to come to life, casting long shadows. This is one of those places where you can feel the breath of antiquity and touch the primordial force of nature.

Despite its wildness and silence, the plateau is easily accessible from Samarkand — it is enough to head towards the Karatepe reservoir and the village of Beshkon, beyond which the ascent to the stone "gates" of Shaitan begins.