Jerusalem to Jericho Hiking Tour

via Wadi Qelt

Tour Highlights
    Ein Fawwar ( Ein Prat)
  • Scenery: Walk through one of the most scenic valleys in the world.
  • Spiritual: Visit the spiritual hide-outs of monks through the centuries.
  • Social: Learn about the social realities of the land.
  • Swimming: Swim in clean, flowing waters.
  • History: Connect to the land's incredible history and beauty.

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Tour Details

Every Wednesday
Length of Tour: 8.5 Hours
Jerusalem Departure:  8:00am - Jerusalem Hotel (map)
Tel Aviv Departure:  6:30am - Hayarkon 48 Hostel (map)
Return: 4:30pm to Jerusalem - 6:30pm to Tel Aviv
Cost: $95 including transportation & a picnic lunch
Passports needed 

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Detailed Description

Ein Fawwar ( Ein Prat)
Ein Fawwar (Ein Prat)
This Eco-tour will take you through the majestic Wadi Qlt (Ein Prat), a water-filled, green, desert oasis valley running through the heart of the Judean Desert, from Jerusalem to Jericho. The valley houses many natural caves, a variety of wildlife, as well as several aqueducts that run along the stream, the oldest dating to the Hasmonean period (2nd century BC). The valley and its surroundings were declared as Ein Prat Nature Reserve, by the Israeli Parks authority following the 1967' war and is nowadays a popular destination for Palestinian and Israeli hikers, as well as local Bedouin shepherds.

Our tour will begin with a short meeting and briefing at the Jerusalem hotel. A few minutes walk from Damascus gate. From there we will travel down the Jerusalem-Jericho highway to the entrance to the ancient town of Bethany (modern day Azaria). We will visit the lookout over the Judean desert and discuss the impact of its development on the local political, social and ecological realities.

We will buy ourselves some food for a picnic and then continue to Ein Fawar (Mabua spring) where our walking tour will begin. Here we will hear of the special “bubbling” pool  and have a chance to swim in its refreshing waters. Then we will start our descent down the valley walking along the fresh water stream, past the many caves, reeds, birds and wildlife.

Saint George Monastary
Saint George Monastary
Halfway down we will stop for lunch by the water as we continue walking down to the monastery of St. George which was founded by John of Thebes around 480 AD, and became an important spiritual center in the sixth century under Saint George of Choziba. Hermits living in caves in nearby cliffs still meet in the monastery for a weekly mass and communal meals, as well as hosting the many pilgrims who frequent the site.

We will then visit the Eco-community of EcoME on the outskirts of ancient Jericho. This ecological meeting place has been a source of inspiration for many Israelis, Palestinians and foreign visitors. You will have the option of going back to Jerusalem or staying for a vegetarian dinner.