NUMBER OF DAYS | 5 |
PRICE PER PERSON: | FROM 600 USD |
NUMBER OF DAYS: |
5 |
PRICE PER PERSON: |
FROM 600 USD |
Hike from Zin valley to Makhtesh Ramon. Visit amazing viewpoints, canyons, and magical desert springs. A real desert experience!!
Trek Metrics |
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Length: 55 -75 Km / 5 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:
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/ Start Point ➢ |
/ End Point ➢ |
Overview Map
ABOUT THIS TREK
A challenging trek that connects some of the biggest highlights of the Negev Desert. You will be hiking on secluded desert trails absorbing the desert’s unique atmosphere, and visit:
- Maktesh Ramon
- Zin Valley
- Hod Akev
- Mount Ardon
- Ramon Tooth
- Darroch Horseshoe
- Ein Akev
The best time of year for this trek is December-March’s winter months. With mostly pleasant temperatures and still a very low chance for rain. It is still possible to hike in November and April, 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 1 – Midrshet Bet Gurion
- Arrive in the afternoon at Midreshet Ben-Gurion.
- Midreshet Ben Gurion is a desert village easily reached by bus from Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem, and Ben Gurion Airport.
- Although a small village, it provides a decent supermarket and several tasty dining options.
- Preferred Lodging: A Zimmer at Midreshet Ben Gurion.
- Breakfast is not included, but the Zimmer has a small kitchen, and food can be purchased at the supermarket.
- The hike will start the next morning.
Day 2 – Daroch Horseshoe and Zin Valley
Overview:
- Distance: 15 or 21 Kilometers (7-10 Hours) / Climb: 550 m
- Starting Point: Near Merchav Am
- End Point: Midreshet Ben-Gurion
- Overnight: Midreshet Ben-Gurion
- Preferred Lodging: A Zimmer at Midreshet Ben Gurion. (same as yesterday)

Itinerary:
- Take the early morning (07:00) bus to the trailhead near the religious community of Merchav Am.
- If you want to start later, we can book a taxi for you. (Extra charge 250 NIS for up to 4 persons)
- The walk starts in the wide Hatzatz Wadi. If you are lucky and make this walk in January, you have a good chance to encounter fields of beautiful Narcissus flowers. The scenery of the flowers blooming in the middle of the desert is truly unique!
- From the ridge, at the end of the wadi, the trail descends into the Darroch canyon. The canyon features many unique rock formations, including the magnificent “Darroch Horseshoe”.
- Shortly after the horseshoe, suddenly, the view opens up on the Zin valley below.
- After a steep descent, you reach a dirt road at the bottom of the valley.
- At this point (after 15 Km), you can end the hike and travel the remaining 6 Km with a “Jeep Taxi”. (Must be prearranged at an additional cost of 300 NIS for up to 6 persons)
- Or follow the dirt road and reach on foot your accommodation at Midreshet Ben-Gurion.
Day 3 – To Ancient Avdat via Akev Spring
Overview:
- Distance:13 or 19 Km / Climb: 550 m
- Starting Point: Midreshet Ben-Gurion
- End Point: Ancient Avdat
- Overnight: Mitzpe Ramon
- Preferred Lodging: Even Derech Hotel
- Breakfast is not included, But on the hotel’s ground floor, there is a Cafe that serves breakfast and a bunch of additional restaurants.

Itinerary:
- The hike starts directly from the accommodation.
- The total walking distance is 19 km. However, you can “save” the first 6 km, which are on a dirt road with a “Jeep Taxi” (Must be pre-arranged and has an extra cost of 300 NIS for up to 6 hikers)
- The first highlight of the day is a climb to “Hod Akev” (translates to “Needle of the heel”). It is steep and, at times, technical and vertiginous ascend. Many hikers find it very exciting; others might prefer to avoid it. (For those that prefer to avoid, there is a comfortable bypass).
- The summit is a tiny flat area with cliffs on all sides and a breathtaking view of the Negev Desert.
- The easier descent to the other side takes you to another desert gem. Ein Akev spring. A magical desert spring with a deep pool and icy cold water. A fantastic swimming opportunity in the middle of the desert.
- The trail continues up the Akev wadi to the upper Akev spring. A Much smaller spring but still a great resting point.
- Another 5 km further, you reach the end of the trail and the ancient Nabatean town of Avdat. This archeological site is well worth a visit. (Closes at 16:00)
- Take the bus to Mitzpe Ramon (25 minutes ride / Bus every 30 minutes), or ask us to book for you a taxi (Extra charge of 280 NIS for up to 4 persons).
Day 4 -From Mitzpe Ramon to “Ramon tooth”
Overview:
- Distance: 13 Km (6-7 Hours) / Climb: 350 m.
- Starting Point: Makhtesh Ramon visitors center.
- End Point: Road #40, Makhtesh Ramon.
- Overnight: Mitzpe Ramon
- Preferred Lodging: Same as the previous day.
Itinerary:
- The hike starts directly from the accommodation.
- On the edge of the Ramon, Crater cliff sits the visitors center. A mandatory station before a visit to the Makhtesh area. The visit includes observation from a panoramic window. A dynamic and interactive exhibit that combines videos and a 3D model of Makhtesh. Another section is dedicated to the story of Ilan Ramon (The first Israeli astronaut). It includes films and a display of exhibits from his journey to space. It is recommended to book ahead of time (English tour). Phone: +972-8-6216859
- From the Visitors center, you descend rather steeply down to the bed of the crater.
- After several kilometers, you reach the foot of the southern wall of the crater.
- The trail now climbs to the top of the wall to the “Shen Ramon” summit (The “Tooth of Ramon”) where you get a 360° panorama of the Makhtesh and the surrounding Negev desert.
- After a steep descent to the other side of the mountain, you reach another impressive landmark: The Ammonite wall.
- From here, it’s a short distance to the main road #40 that crosses Makhtesh Ramon, where a Taxi will take you back to the accommodation in Mitzpe Ramon.
- If you still have some power go on a Star Gazing tour. A fantastic night experience.
Day 5 – Mount Saharonim and Nekraot Horseshoe
Overview:
- Distance: 12 Km (5-7 Hours) / Climb: 250 m
- Hardcore hikkers can add Mount Ardon and extended the hike to 21 Km (8-11 Hours)
- Starting Point: Road #40, Makhtesh Ramon.
- End Point: At Beerot campground.

Itinerary:
- The morning starts with a short taxi shuttle to the heart of Mitzpe Ramon (Where the previous day ended).
- After a few flat warm-up kilometers, you make a short but steep climb to Mount Saharonim. A knife-shaped ridge that is part of the crater’s wall.
- To the left, you get great views of the Ramon crater. The trail follows the ridge near the top of the “knife” and descends on the other side to Nekarot Wadi.
- The hike continues through the beautiful horseshoe-shaped Nekarot canyon with its unique colors and rock formation.
- At the end of the canyon, you have a choice to either head directly to Beerot Campground or extend the hike with a circuit to Mount Ardon. (This extension is recommended for hardcore hikers).
- Our Taxi will wait for you near the Beeron Campground and take you back to Mitspe Ramon to pick up your luggage.
- Mitspe Ramon is connected by bus service to Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem, and Ben Gurion Airport.