Your Golan Trail hike begins today with a few different hiking options for you to choose from.
Option 1: 19 km route
This morning a short transfer will take you to the trailhead at Mount Hermon. This option will have you hiking a total of 19 km today. With the summit of Mount Hermon towering 2224m (7296 ft) above you, a 4 km walk will launch you right into this adventure with a descent of 600m. From there you’ll make your way to the tiny settlement of Nimrod located on Mount Kata.
From Nimrod you’ll hike to the small Druze village of Mas’ade, where you’ll enjoy views of Lake Ram, a small lake in the crater of an extinct volcanic mountain. This segment of the journey ends at the Tel Katza’ah mound, another inactive volcano.
Continuing to the last segment of today, you’ll hike 10 km to the fairytale-like Odem Forest. This Mediterranean grove is a sight to behold, with Mount Odem (a dormant volcano) as the backdrop, you’ll hike among towering oak trees and observe a beautiful scoria rock quarry.
Today’s hike ends back in Odem where you’ll have a chance to relax and unwind with a full first day of hiking under your belt.
Option 2: 11 km route
This option allows you to shorten your total distance covered for the day to 11 km, taking a short transfer (included) and instead beginning your hike at Nimrod.
Option 3: 8 km route
This option allows you to shorten your total distance covered for the day to 8 km, taking a slightly longer transfer and instead beginning your hike at Mas’ade, hiking a total of 8 km today.