Dead Sea | Judean Desert | Negev Mountain

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Arugot Stream

The Arugot Stream offers an exceptional combination of springs, waterfalls, freshwater pools and breathtaking desert moonscapes.

Arugot is a perennial stream in which water flows all year round, and is one of the largest streams in the 46-kilometer-long Judean Desert.

Photo by Efi Babila.

Ein Gedi Reserve

Ein Gedi, the largest oasis of its kind in Israel, offers visitors spectacular views of springs, waterfalls, cliffs and animal life – ibexes and rock hyraxes.

The temple at the site is a remnant of the Chalcolithic period (more than 5,000 years ago) and has become a magnet drawing believers in the area.

Photo by Sivan Zamir.

The Ancient Synagogue

The remains of the ancient synagogue in Ein Gedi are located near the Ein Gedi Reserve.

The Bible mentions a settlement located at that spot, but the remains of the synagogue itself are from the 3rd century CE.

At that time, in wake of the destruction following the Bar Kochba rebellion, the settlement underwent a renewal process that lasted until the 6th century CE, when it was again destroyed and with it the synagogue.

Photo by E.O.Interactive Inc.

Masada

Masada is located on a stark cliff 450 meters high in the heart of the Judean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea and the breathtaking vistas of the Judean Desert. During the Great Revolt (66–73 CE), the Romans besieged the rebels entrenched in the mountaintop stronghold, and the rebels turned the battle into a symbol of the struggle for freedom.

Thanks to these historical events and major archeological findings, UNESCO has declared the Masada National Park a World Heritage Site.

Masada Marls

Looking for a short desert hike? Come to the Masada Marls – a large white surface of Marl rock on the tongue between the Masada cliff and the Dead Sea.

The surface is embellished with crevices, cracks and hills shaped by the water and the wind.

For an even more exciting experience, we recommend hiking at the site by the light of a full moon.

Ein Bokek

Ein Bokek is a tourism and recreation complex at the Dead Sea, located within the Tamar Regional Council and named after the Ein Bokek Springs in the Bokek Stream.

The stream created a large waterfall in the rift valley cliffs, and a deep canyon created an oasis, where animals and plants in need of fresh water live.

The water is also used by birds and by other mammals.

Tel Arad

Tel Arad is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country, where the remains of a fortified CANA23anite city and strongholds from the days of the kings of Judea have been discovered.

Excavations at the strongholds have revealed the remains of a Judahite temple and unique waterworks dated to the period of the kings of Judea.

Photo by Shaula Hytner, PikiWiki website.

Kidod Stream and Moav Observation Point

The Kidod Stream offers a trail that is a hikers’ favorite: The trail dips down from the eastern edge of Arad towards the desert, to the canyon channel of the Kidod Stream with a number of small waterfalls.

Once you leave the channel, you can climb up to the Moav Observation Point, which features an especially spectacular panorama of the Dead Sea and mountains of Moav.

Yatir Forest

The forest named after the Levite city of the Bible covers an area of about 30 square kilometers.

The remains of the city are located in the forest, which contains about four million trees of various kinds, a true “green lung.”

The forest offers hiking trails, archeological sites and disabled-accessible picnic areas.

Photo by Dr. Avishy Tyher, PikiWiki website.

Camel Mountain

The Camel Mountain observation point in Mitzpe Ramon got its name from the hump-like shape of the dome upon which it is situated.

The path that climbs up to the dome will lead you to a narrow staircase from which you will emerge to a terrace that offers a breathtaking view of the crater.

Photo by Ofir Maman.

Mitzpe Ramon Visitors Center

The Ramon Crater Visitors Center offers a unique experience combining the life story of Col. Ilan Ramon – the first Israeli astronaut – with the largest crater of its kind in the world and the many other natural phenomena unique to that site.

Photo by Ofir Maman.

Nekarot Stream

The Nekarot (Crevice) Stream that flows into the Arava River received its name from the many niches and crevices etched into the canyon walls by the floodwaters that flow through it. Next to the river bank is a Nabatean structure and a Roman stronghold that served as a rest stop for the many pilgrims that traveled along the Nabatean trail.

Photo by Dror Fytelton, PikiWiki website.