| HIKING DAYS | 4 |
| PRICE PER PERSON: | FROM 600 USD |
| HIKING DAYS: |
| 4 |
| PRICE PER PERSON: |
| FROM 600 USD |
This is a challenging and very rewarding true Desert Trek. Secluded desert paths, Deep Dramatic Canyons, Desert Springs, Amazing views of Masada, and the Dead sea. All of this combined with our “user-friendly” Inn to Inn program.
| Trek Metrics | |
|---|---|
| Days | 4 |
| Distance | 55 Km |
| Level | Difficult |
| Best | Dec - Mar |
| Possible | Nov - Apr |
| Price From: | 000 USD / Person Based on: Group Size of 4. Two hikers in a room. Trek on Weekdays. |
| LowCost: | Optional LowCost version for Single hikers in shared dormitories. (From 000 $ for one hiker) |
| Price Includes: |
|
| Accommodation Class: | Hotels, Hostels and Desert Inns. Lodging options are very limited. Please book well in advance! |
| / Start Point |  |
| / End Point | |
| Trek Metrics |
|---|
| Length: 55 Km / 4 Days |
| Level: Difficult |
| Best: Dec - Mar |
| Possible: Nov - Apr |
| Price From: 000 USD / Person. (Based on: Group Size of 4 / Two hikers sharing a room / Trek on Weekdays) Optional LowCost version For Single hikers in shared Dormitories. Price From: 000 USD for one person. |
Price Includes:
|
| / Start Point |
| / End Point |
Overview Map
Click Map to Enlarge
ABOUT THIS TREK
A very “natural” Inn to Inn program with almost no vehicle transfers. (Two 5 minutes drives on the 1st & 3rd days!). During the trek, you will visit two very well known spots. Masada and Ein Gedi. However, you will visit them in a unique way. Avoiding the crowds and boosting the experience to a much higher level. Most of the trails are secluded, and you are likely to meet only a handful of hikers during this 4-6 days hike. The last evening is at the Ein Gedi hotel and SPA. A great place to treat yourself after several tough days in the outdoors.
The best time of year for this trek are the winter months December-March. With mostly pleasant temperatures and still a low chance for rain. In November and April, it is still possible to hike, but with a higher risk of “suffering” hot weather.
Pay attention to the weather forecast regarding the risk of flash floods. In case of such a threat, we will guide you with the necessary changes in the route to stay safe.
The best time of year for this trek are the winter months December-March. With mostly pleasant temperatures and still a low chance for rain. In November and April, it is still possible to hike, but with a higher risk of “suffering” hot weather.
Pay attention to the weather forecast regarding the risk of flash floods. In case of such a threat, we will guide you with the necessary changes in the route to stay safe.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 0 – Arad
- We will meet in the afternoon/evening for a detailed briefing meeting to discuss all aspects of the trek, and make sure that the GPS app function properly.
- Preferred Lodging:
Regular version: Inbar Hotel, Arad
LowCost Version: Salt Sea Lodge (Shared Dorms) - The next morning a taxi will take you to the trailhead.
Day 1 – The Grand Zeelim Canyon
Zeelim Canyon from Above
Overview:
- Distance: 16.5 Km (7-9 Hours) / Climb: 300 m
- Starting Point: Road #3199
- End Point: Masada
- Overnight: Masada
- Preferred Lodging: Masada Hostel
Regular Version: Private room with bathroom.
Lowcost Version: Shared Droms.
Itinerary:
- A very exciting day is ahead of us! We start with a short taxi shuttle to our trail-head. (LowCost version hikers need to hitchhike or call a taxi).
- After a few easy warm-up kilometers, we reach the cliff-top of the mighty Zeelim Canyon. It is one of the biggest and most beautiful canyons in the Judean desert. A good stop for a short break before we descend into the gorge.
- The descend is via an ancient desert footpath. At the bottom, we arrive at the Naama pool. The depth of the water can be 1-2 meters depending on the rainfall in previous weeks.
- The walk down the canyon between the tall walls is a great experience. After about 2 Kilometers, we reach Ein Namer (The “Leopard” spring). Another attraction that calls for a break.
- The name reminds us that in the past, this rare water source was used by the local desert leopards that once inhabited the Judean desert. They are now nearly extinct. (Recent studies claim that there are 1-2 leopards still living in the Judean desert)
- The next section is called the “Shiny valley”. It is a deep narrow gorge made of shiny white rocks.
- You climb ut of the canyon on another ancient path. At some point in the climb after a curve, the Dead Sea suddenly comes into your view.
- The trail ends at the base of Masada and our accommodation, the Masada Hostel.
Day 2 -Meet Masada in an unexpected and unique way!
Light and Shade around Masada
Overview:
- Distance: 8-10 Km (3-6 Hours) / Climb: 350 m.
- Starting Point: Masada.
- End Point: Masada.
- Overnight: Masada.
- Preferred Lodging: Masada Hostel
Regular Version: Private room with bathroom.
Lowcost Version: Shared Droms.
Itinerary:
- An amazing hike! We circle around Masada on the mountains surrounding it and get unique views from different angles on this legendary fortress.
- Plus, we have the option to visit Masada in the middle of the hike.
- For full details, check our Masada Hike page.
Day 3 – Mishmar Canyon
The narrow gorge section
Overview:
- Distance: 20 Km (9-11 Hours) / Climb: 800 m
- Short alternative: A round trip in Wadi Mishmar (12 Km / Climb 350 m – Extra charge 350 NIS)
- Starting Point: Wadi Mishmar
- End Point: Kibbutz Ein Gedi
- Overnight: Kibbutz Ein Gedi
- Preferred Lodging:
Regular Version: Ein Gedi Hotel
LowCost Version: Ein Gedi Camp Lodge (Shared Dorms)
Itinerary:
- A short taxi ride will take us a few kilometers north to the entrance to wadi Mishmar.
- Another grand Judean desert canyon. An exciting and challenging hike up the narrow gorge will bring us to a dry horseshoe waterfall and another desert spring, Ein Mishmar.
- It is an exciting section that involves crossing pools, getting wet, and climbing a few metal ladders. (Bring extra dry shoes and cloth)
- If this genre is not for you, you can easily bypass it with a trail that follows above the gorge.
- An excellent spot for an extended break.
- From here, we have two choices:
- The more extended version climbs steeply to the north side of the canyon and follows the desert plateau and down to Kibbutz Ein Gedi, reaching our accommodation on foot. (Total of 20 km).
- If this is too much for you, return along the trails that go above the canyon back to the starting point. And from there, with a taxi shuttle, a 10 minutes drive to the accommodation. (Extra charge 350 NIS)
Day 4 – Ein Gedi Reserve – The grand circuit
The "Hidden" waterfall
Overview:
- Distance: 8-12 Km (3-6 Hours)
- Climb: 500
- Start / End Point: Kibbutz Ein Gedi
Itinerary:
- A delightful dessert to end a great trek with a hike in the famous Ein Gedi natural reserve.
- 95% of the visitors to the reserve will walk up and down the Arugot or David stream and settle with that.
- We will, of course, take a different approach and make a real desert hike.
- Starting with a tough ascend on the ancient and beautifully built Ein Gedi pass. Enjoy great views on the Dead sea from high above and finish for dessert with the gushing water of the Arugot stream.
- The basic circuit is 8 Km long. We recommend two extensions side-trips: The “Window” waterfall and the Essenes Pools. (Each side trip adds 2 Km)
- Don’t forget your bathing suit and enjoy a swim at the pool beneath the hidden waterfall!
It a relatively short day, and you can use the extra time to enjoy some other activities in and around Ein Gedi.
- Float on the Dead Sea.
- Smear yourself with Dead Sea mud.
- Visit the Ein Gedi Botanical garden
- Spoil yourself in the Ein Gedi Spa