Israel Trail #49–50: Masada to Neve Zohar (2 days)

Sunday–Monday, November 29–30: Our Israel Trail heads into the desert! Join Hiking the Holyland and our expert guide as we pick up right where we left off, at Masada, for the first overnight trip of the desert season. We’ll start the day riding the cable car up Masada, crossing the top of Herod’s mountain fortress and walking down the Roman ramp to rejoin the trail. From there we hike across the desert plateau, with sweeping views over the Dead Sea, before the big moment of the day: the long, dramatic descent down Ma’ale Mor to the shore (about 15 km). We’ll end the day at our hotel in Ein Bokek, with dinner, breakfast and a well-earned float in the Dead Sea. On Monday we head into the canyons. We’ll hike through Nahal Rom, Nahal Yizrah and the Zohar canyon, scrambling over boulders and rock steps on a shorter 9.5 km day, and finish near Neve Zohar. Good to know

• Distances: Day 1: 15 km, about 200 m up and 570 m down. Day 2: 9.5 km, about 200 m up and 200 m down.
• For fit, experienced hikers only. Long desert days, a steep 570 m descent, rocky terrain and very little shade. Not sure? Ask me before signing up. You can also finish Day 1 early at Road 90, about 10 km in.
• Meeting point: Masada entrance, Sunday at 8:00, for the first cable car. Driving? Park at the hotel in Ein Bokek and we’ll take you to Masada. Rides back to your car at the end of the trip are included too.
• Price: 750 NIS, or included in the Desert Season Pass. Includes guiding and rides to and from the trail. Not included: the hotel (we’re finalizing a group rate, and you book directly), Masada entrance and cable car tickets, and the minibus from Tel Aviv (extra fee, split among riders).
• Sign up by November 8. The trip goes ahead once 10 people sign up. Full refund until then. After that, you can give your spot to someone else.

The packing list and all the details come by email when you sign up.