Jerusalem to Jericho Hiking Tour (via Wadi Qelt) 

This eco-tour will take you through the majestic Wadi Qlt (Ein Prat), a water-filled, green, desert oasis valley running through the heart of the Judean Desert, from Jerusalem to Jericho. The valley houses many natural caves, a variety of wildlife, as well as several aqueducts that run along the stream, the oldest dating to the Hasmonean period (2nd century BC). The valley and its surroundings were declared as Ein Prat Nature Reserve, by the Israeli Parks authority following the 1967 war and is nowadays a popular destination for Palestinian and Israeli hikers, as well as local Bedouin shepherds.

Our tour will begin with a short meeting and briefing at the Jerusalem Hotel, a short walk from Damascus Gate. From there, we will travel down the Jerusalem-Jericho highway to the entrance to the ancient town of Bethany (modern day Azaria). We will climb to a hill and lookout over the Judean Desert and the Israeli settlement of Ma'ale Adumim, discussing the impact of its development on the local political, social and ecological realities.

We will then head to the local market together to buy fresh food for a picnic, then continue to the site of St. George monastery where we will look over the monastery and towards Jericho, one of the oldest human settlements. We will then descend to the monastery of St. George where our walking tour will begin. The site was founded by John of Thebes around 480 AD and has become an important spiritual center for Orthodox Christians.

Then, we will make our way towards Ein Qlt (by foot or car, depending on fitness of group), the site of ancient Bedouin dwellings and a beautiful fresh water stream filled with ancient caves, reeds, birds and wildlife.

We will picnic by the majestic pools, and have the chance to swim in the clear water. Then we will hike to our transportation, ascending back up the mountain and then heading back to Jerusalem.