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Feel yourself swept back in time as you hike the ancient footpaths of Israel’s Judean Desert on this 5-day self-guided hiking tour. From the world-famous Masada to Israel’s well-kept secrets like the Tze'elim Canyon, this hike will immerse you in the many natural wonders of the Judean Desert.
The Judean Desert Trek is an opportunity to truly see Israel on foot. With only two vehicle transfers of less than 5 minutes each, this is a true hiker’s adventure! With a small day-pack in tow, your daily routes will lead from accommodation to accommodation while your luggage is securely transferred separately.
Beginning in Arad, this self-guided adventure will lead you through the expansive Tze'elim and Mishmar Canyons, steep you in history as you observe the ancient fortification of Masada, and ignite your senses as you take in the natural beauty of Ein Gedi Nature Reserve—known as one of Israel’s most beautiful landscapes.
Experience Israel like never before, getting up close and personal with its natural wonders and its best-kept secrets.
Judean Desert Trek
Feel yourself swept back in time as you hike the ancient footpaths of Israel’s Judean Desert on this 5-day self-guided hiking tour. From the world-famous Masada to Israel’s well-kept secrets like the Tze'elim Canyon, this hike will immerse you in the many natural wonders of the Judean Desert.
The Judean Desert Trek is an opportunity to truly see Israel on foot. With only two vehicle transfers of less than 5 minutes each, this is a true hiker’s adventure! With a small day-pack in tow, your daily routes will lead from accommodation to accommodation while your luggage is securely transferred separately.
Beginning in Arad, this self-guided adventure will lead you through the expansive Tze'elim and Mishmar Canyons, steep you in history as you observe the ancient fortification of Masada, and ignite your senses as you take in the natural beauty of Ein Gedi Nature Reserve—known as one of Israel’s most beautiful landscapes.
Experience Israel like never before, getting up close and personal with its natural wonders and its best-kept secrets.
Unlock the best views of the surrounding Judean Desert from atop the mighty Tze'elim Canyon.
Discover Israel’s famous ‘Masada’, an ancient fortification overlooking the Dead Sea.
Experience the excitement of crossing pools, climbing ladders, and hiking a narrow gorge in the grand Mishmar Canyon.
Swim beneath a hidden waterfall and hear the rushing waters of the Arugot stream as you explore the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.
Trip map
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Why book with 10 Adventures?
We know adventure
Founded by experienced travellers, active and adventure vacations are all we do.
Experience the trip of a lifetime organized by a team of travel specialists who combine knowledge and passion for adventure travel.
Self-guided specialists
With over 600 tours across 30+ countries, we specialize in self-guided tours.
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.
Packed with value
Get everything you need for your next vacation with one easy booking.
We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.
World Class support
Get unbeatable support at every step of your journey.
Whether you are planning or travelling, no matter what your question, a real human is always a call or click away.
Hassle free bookings
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change.
Explore our flexible booking, payment, and cancellation options, as well as our Lifetime Deposits program.
This self-guided trekking tour in Israel is always run as a custom tour for your group only and the price always depends on the size of your group as well as your departure day.
Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room.
Departures on Sunday, Friday and Saturday:
- Self-Guided Groups of 2: from $855USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 3: from $775USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 4-5: from $750USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 6+: from $725USD per person
Meals
4 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 4 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
A short transfer is provided for hikers on day 2 and day 4, and luggage is transferred daily from accommodation to accommodation.
Also Included
- A briefing via Zoom
- GPS mobile app
- E-book with hiking maps and detailed information
- 24/7 phone support is included
Not included
- Flights and bus transfers to get to Arad or from Ein Gedi
- Airport transfers
- Any meals not mentioned as ‘included’
Optional Extras
- Optional activities on day 4:
- Visit to Ein Gedi Botanical Garden
- Spa treatments at Ein Gedi Spa
- Visit to Dead Sea
- Extra nights in Arad or Ein Gedi before or after the tour
Accommodation for Judean Desert Trek
The tour is based in 3- star hotels and hostels with private rooms and modern amenities that make this trip more comfortable.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement ({price currency="USD" value="325"}-{price currency="USD" value="375"}, depending on your departure day) to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up where possible.
How hard is the Judean Desert Trek?
We rate this tour a 4 out of 5. You should be comfortable hiking for up to 9 hours and have some experience hiking difficult terrain.
Do I need a visa to travel to Israel?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
What should I expect when hiking in the desert?
The winter season (December-March) is the best time for this tour, as the weather is generally not too hot and makes for comfortable hiking. While the tour is possible in November and April, there is a higher risk of hot weather during these months. Proper hydration at all times and avoiding peak heat hours (generally late afternoon) is important when hiking on this tour. Additionally, always check the weather forecast for flash flood warnings. In the case of flash floods, changes to the trek route may be necessary to ensure your safety.
Are there any options for dining along the route?
Yes! While some of the villages have numerous good options to enjoy local food, some are more limited. You will be provided with a detailed itinerary with good recommendations on where to eat while on tour.
Are meals included on the Judean Desert Trek?
4 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Arad to start this tour?
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is the closest airport to your start point of Arad. The easiest and cheapest option to get to Arad would be taking a bus as Israel has a reliable public transport system.
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends in Ein Gedi. You can take a bus to the airport in Tel Aviv.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Israel?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Israel?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Israel for this tour?
The best time to travel to Judean Desert for trekking is between December and March, as the spring, summer, and fall months can be extremely hot.