Hike Itineraries
Southern Israel Trip 2019
All routes are subject to change
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Everyone will meet at either the pick-up point in Jerusalem or at Ben Gurion Airport and head south by bus. On the way to Mashabei Sadeh (our lodging for the first two nights), we will visit Tel Lachish, the archeological site of the ancient biblical city. The site, which has undergone recent renovations, tells the story of the Assyrian campaign against the Israelites in the days of King Hezekiah. After a brief tour of the area, we will hold our opening ceremony to officially begin the 2019 Ramah Israel Bike Ride and Hiking Trip. We will stop for lunch along the way and then head to Mashabei Sadeh for our orientation meetings and dinner.
Overnight
Sollelim and Tzofim
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Our adventure begins at the Hatira Canyon just outside the Yerucham Crater. Today’s trail offers magnificent vistas as we explore the Yorkeam Spring and hike through the wadi to the Palmach Ascent. At the Palmach Ascent, we will split into three groups for the remainder of the day. There is an option for our most advanced hikers to continue trekking further into the wadi on a challenging trail. The other groups will continue climbing up the wadi. We’ll conclude our day at the Yamin Water Hole with a picnic lunch. On the way back to the hotel, we’ll stop for well deserved coffee and refreshments.
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Our hike today will take us to the region of Sde Boker and the ancient city of Avdat. Both the Sollelim and Tzofim groups will hike through the Avdat Spring and arrive at the Nabatean Trading Post for a fascinating tour. We’ll enjoy a Bedouin style lunch before transferring to our hotel in Mitzpe Ramon.
Friday, April 5, 2019
Our pre-Shabbat hike will follow the Ramon Crater along the edge of the large basin. Our Sollelim and Tzofim groups will start at different points along this magnificent trail as we all make our way to Mizpeh Ramon in time for lunch.
Saturday, April 6, 2019
Shabbat Menucha!
Overnight
Sunday, April 7, 2019
After a beautiful Shabbat, we’ll be energized to hit the trail again. Today we head toward the basin of the Ramon Crater and Wadi Gvanim. Our Sollelim and Tzofim groups will start at two different points on the trail and follow the Wadi Gvanim path. We’ll join together at the Saharonim ruins in time for a picnic lunch. We’ll board our bus and stop for a short coffee break at Neot Smadar before heading to Eilat.
Monday, April 8, 2019
Our final hike will take us to the magnificent red sand valley of Timna. Both groups will follow trails connecting the beautiful Solomon Pillars while enjoying the stunning and colorful landscape. We’ll join our bikers at the Eilat Coral Beach for lunch and celebration.