Desert trekking in Judea

Day 1: Arrival at Arad
Day 2: Zeelim Canyon, 10 mi. (16.5 km) or 9 mi. (14 km) on much easier terrain
Day 3: Masada, 10 mi. (16.5 km) or 9 mi. (14 km) on much easier terrain
Day 4: Mishmar Canyon, 7.5 mi. (12 km) or 12.5 mi. (20 km)
Day 5: Ein Gedi Reserve, The Grand Circuit, flexible distance from 3.1 mi. (5 km) to  7.5 mi. (12 km)

Day 1: Arrival at Arad
Individual arrival to the small desert town of Arad.

About a week before your tour, our local representative will reach out via zoom to go over all the details of your tour. On the evening of your arrival in Arad, he will touch base once again to insure all questions have been answered. 

Preferred accommodation: 
Inbar Hotel

Day 2: Zeelim Canyon, 10 mi. (16.5 km) or 9 mi. (14 km) on much easier terrain
In the morning a taxi will transfer you to the trailhead for an exhilarating day. (If you are a solo traveler and book the economy version, you will need to call a taxi at your own expense.) After a few easy warm-up kilometers, you reach the cliff-top of the mighty Zeelim Canyon, one of the biggest and most beautiful canyons in the Judean desert. This is a good location for a short break before the descent into the gorge. The descent is via an ancient desert footpath. At the bottom, you will find the Naama pool, whose depth can be 1-2 meters depending on the rainfall in previous weeks.

The walk along the canyon between the steep walls is a great experience. After about 2 kilometers, you reach Ein Namer (the “Leopard” spring). The name reminds us that this rare water source was used by the local desert leopards that once inhabited the Judean desert in the past. They are now nearly extinct. Recent studies claim that there are only a couple of leopards still living in the Judean desert. What follows is called the “Shiny valley”. It is a deep narrow gorge made of shiny white rocks. You climb out of the canyon on another ancient path and as you climb, the Dead Sea suddenly comes into view. The trail ends at the base of Masada and your accommodation.

Elevation:

Difficult: 300 m
Moderate: 200 m

Preferred accommodation:
Masada Hostel

The hostel is the only accommodation option at the foot of the Masada mountain. Therefore it is in very high demand! If at the time of your booking, there are no rooms, you will be offered a hotel in Ein Bokek. It is important to note:

1. EIn Bokek is a 10-15 minutes drive south of Masada.
2. You will need to use the public bus to get to/from the trailhead to the hotel. (There is a bus every 30 minutes)
3. There are about 15 hotels in an extensive price range at Ein-Bokek, yet the cheapest one could be more expensive than Masada Hostel.
4. If Masada Hostel is fully booked, you will be offered two options:
   Option 1: The cheapest option at Ein-Bokek will be offered. It will usually cost approximately an additional ₪150 per person. (₪700 per person in the economy version for solo hikers).
   Option 2: You can book for yourself any hotel you choose at Ein Bokek. ₪500 will be discounted from the tour price (₪300 for the economy version for solo hikers). We recommend Booking.com.

Day 3: Masada, 10 mi. (16.5 km) or 9 mi. (14 km) on much easier terrain
This day features the trail on the Mountains surrounding Masada with unique views from different angles on this legendary fortress. You can combine this hike with a tour of the Masada site. The entrance is from the back of Masada, at mid point in your hike. You must buy the entry ticket at the main entrance before you start the hike!

Elevation: 350 m

Preferred accommodation:
Masada Hostel 

Day 4: Wadi Mishmar - Kibbutz Ein Gedi, the Mishmar canyon, 12.5 mi. (20 km) or 7.5 mi. (12 km) 
A short taxi ride will take you a few kilometers north to the entrance of wadi Mishmar, another famous Judean desert canyon. An exciting and challenging hike up the narrow gorge will bring you to a dry horseshoe waterfall and desert spring (Ein Mishmar). This will entail crossing pools, getting wet, and climbing a few metal ladders so bring extra shoes and clothes.

An alternative would be to hike a trail above the gorge.

From Ein Mishar, there are two options.

1.  A steep climb to the canyon's north side follows the desert plateau and the route descends to Kibbutz Ein Gedi to your accommodation.

2. The easier option entails utilizing a transfer midway that will bring you to your accommodation. Please note that there is a supplement for the transfer service. (₪350)

Elevation: 350 km

Preferred accommodation:
 Ein Gedi Hotel

Day 5: Ein Gedi Reserve, The Grand Circuit, flexible distance from 3.1 mi. (5 km) to  7.5 mi. (12 km)
What a way to end your tour! Your circuit will entail the famous Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Ein Gedi’s importance dates back to the old testament as one of the six cities bequeathed to the Tribe of Judah, as noted in the Book of Joshua. King David hid in the surrounding mountains when he fled King Saul and could be where he wrote several of his Psalms. 

The day starts with the iconic view of the Dead Sea, peaking through the "Window" Waterfall. A tough ascent follows on the ancient and beautifully built Ein Gedi pass with more views on the Dead Sea from high above. The last part of the day is along the gushing water of the Arugot Stream with its refreshing pools and cascades. Don't forget your bathing suit!

This is a relatively short day and you can use the extra time to enjoy some other activities in and around Ein Gedi.

• Float in the Dead Sea
• Visit the Ein Gedi Botanical Garden
• Spoil yourself in the Ein Gedi Spa

Elevation: 500 km

Accommodation:
The accommodation for this last evening is not included in your tour price but since you will want to spend an entire day here, it is highly recommended to book an extra night. We can request an extra night for you at the Ein Gedi Hotel or you can book accommodation for yourself.

On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred overnight accommodation. Please note that it is very important that you book early as hotel accommodations are very limited and fill up early.