Jericho Atlas PDF

Jericho Atlas
topographical maps &
route descriptions
a work in progress - v1.1
Amenities
Accommodations: Hotel, hostel, guesthouse, homestay, or free “trail angel” room
Implies: Water, Bathrooms with showers, Shade, shelter
Bedouin tent accommodations: Guesthouse with sleeping arrangements in Bedouin-style tents, not buildings
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter
Campsite: An area officially designated for camping, a commercial campsite, or a well-established, often-used wild
campsite. In some natural areas, camping is only permitted in designated sites in order to protect the environment
Implies: No services unless otherwise noted
Free unless otherwise noted
Recommended campsite: An area suitable for wild camping, but not typically used for it
Implies: No services unless otherwise noted
Drinking water: A reliable source of potable water
When appearing next to a spring, well, stream or other natural water source, the water still should be purified before
drinking. The symbol will only appear next to natural water sources that have water year-round
Restaurant: Any establishment selling prepared meals
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter (possibly only for customers)
Grocery store: A store selling substantial foods and essentials (rather than simply snacks)
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter (possibly only for customers)
Bus stop: A station or stop where public transit can be taken. May be a central bus station or a roadside stop
*
Bathrooms: Western-style toilets and sinks unless otherwise noted. Does not imply showers; does imply shelter
Picnic area: An area with picnic tables and other park amenities. May be a good camp spot, if noted
Implies: Shade
Gas station: A gas (petrol) station and its accompanying facilities
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter, and a snack shop
Shade: A reliably shady spot to rest in. Only appears in stages where shade is otherwise nonexistent; sometimes
refers to the point at which a stage begins to have regular shade after having lacked it (see stage notes for details)
All Amenities: A large town or city generally has everything a hiker needs for resupply, and many shopping,
accommodation, and restaurant options; this is used to save space rather than showing all icons
Implies: Accommodations, Restaurants, Grocery Stores, Public Transportation, Bathrooms, Shade, Water, shelter
Natural Features
Spring: A natural water source emerging from the ground, or a pool. May have water only in season. Often
only visible as an area of heavy plant growth. Does not imply drinking water unless otherwise noted
Well or cistern: A man-made water source dug in the ground. May not have water; also appears to serve as a
landmark. Does not imply drinking water unless otherwise noted
Lookout: A natural or man-made viewpoint with a view in the specified direction
360-degree lookout: A lookout point in all directions; usually the summit of a hill, or a watchtower
Cave: A cave of any size; may be anything from a small nook in a cliff wall to a large cavern system
Implies: Shade and shelter (caves marked on maps are always large enough for people to fit into)
Waterfall: A wet or dry waterfall; dry ones run only seasonally or after rain. Does not imply drinking water
Trail Features and Warnings
Scrambling: A section of trail where rock scrambling (using hands) is required. Note that these are all non-technical;
no sections on the Abraham Path require the use of ropes or other climbing equipment
Ladders: A section of trail where the climbing of ladders, staples or ropes is necessary. Again, it is never necessary
to bring any special equipment on the Abraham Path; all ladders, ropes, and handholds are already installed
!
!
!
Exposed trail: A section of trail that is narrow and exposed to a long drop on one or both sides; path may be
slippery or unstable as well. Use extreme caution when crossing.
While none of these sections are inherently dangerous, people with extreme fear of heights may find these
sections impossible to pass and may wish to plan not to hike these stages
General warning: When this symbol is present, a note beside it or in the walking notes will explain why caution or
extra attention is required on that trail section
Flash flood risk area: An area, normally in a narrow or deep wadi or canyon, where dangerous flash floods (large
walls of water moving extremely quickly) can occur.
It does not have to be raining for a flash flood to occur; rain upstream of a desert canyon can cause flash
flooding in the canyon. Always check local weather forecasts before hiking in flash flood risk areas
Cultural Features
Ruins or archaeological site: Ruins of any age or size. Free admission (or non-maintained site) unless
otherwise noted
Church/Mosque or religious site: This may be either a significant site for one or more religions (tomb of a
famous figure; traditional site of a story or event; etc.) or simply one serving as a landmark
Point of interest: Generic symbol for relevant locations not covered by another symbol; see notes beside the
point for more information
Trail Indicators
Abraham Path route: Shows the route followed by the Abraham Path on a given stage
Other Abraham Path route: Shows Abraham Path routes other than the one that is the focus of a stage
map; includes previous and next stages, detours, spurs, etc.
City Walk routes: Shows City Walk routes, special spurs/alternates of the Abraham Path
Begin/End Stage: Mark the beginning and ending of a stage on stage maps
1.4
Waypoints and Distance Indicators: Waypoints mark turn-by-turn directions and navigational
landmarks along a trail stage. There may be a distance markers, indicating cumulative distance from the
beginning of the stage. Even if no distance is attached, each waypoint has a corresponding entry in the
stage’s data book which does list its distance as well as a description of the location and directions
Other Geography
Roads: Beige are larger highways, up to expressways; white are smaller roads as well as city streets.
Labelled with road number if applicable
Roads marked this way are virtually always asphalt, but in some places with very few paved roads, a wide,
smooth, easily driveable dirt road may also be marked as a white road (e.g. Harran region)
Dirt road or 4x4 track: A wide, unpaved surface generally large enough to accommodate a jeep or 4x4
vehicle. Should be assumed not to be accessible by normal car unless otherwise noted. The distinction
between these and paths (below) is a gradual one, and some trails are on the borderline between both, or
change from one to the other over a distance
Footpath: A narrow, unpaved walking surface generally too small or too rough to be driven by a 4x4
vehicle. May be wide enough for two people to walk abreast, or a narrow, faint goat path. May be very
clear and easy to follow, or faint and more intermittent.
Wadi Name
Wadi or ditch: A “wadi” is an intermittent streambed which flows with water only in the wet season or
after rain. Many of them form very large canyons, and “wadi” can refer either to the broader canyon or to
the streambed in the bottom of it
Stream/River: Waterways that flow year-round, rather than seasonally. A stream is usually small enough to
cross easily by foot, while a river is larger. Canals appear the same as streams or rivers
900
Contour Lines: Show the topography of a landscape; a line is drawn every 10m of elevation, and a thicker line
every 100m with a label showing its height. Lines closer together mean a steeper slope; further apart mean a
gradual one
Summit: A peak or local high point
Built-up area: A town, residential, commercial or industrial area
Forest: A densely wooded area
Border: Country boundaries
3
Abraham Path
Jericho Region (Palestine)
The Abraham Path is a long-distance cultural walking route following the footsteps and memory of Abraham
across the Middle East. The Abraham Path celebrates the Abrahamic values of hospitality and kindness to
strangers, provides eco-nomic benefits to local communities along the route. For more practical planning information, including downloadable companion GPS tracks and waypoints, visit www.abrahampath.org.
This map series is part of an effort by local partners and the Abraham Path Initiative to produce the first allpath online guidebook, covering over 400 km of walking trail and Abrahamic memory and heritage across
the Middle East. We invite you to take part in this project by walking the path, visiting communities along the
way, and by providing comments and suggestions for improvement. These routes are still in development, and
map feedback is especially helpful for name corrections (towns, wadis, landmarks), areas which are difficult to
navigate, and updates on current path conditions ([email protected]).
Map data © OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SA
Databook & Diagrams © Abraham Path Initiative
Disclaimer
This map may not be up to date with recent changes on the ground. By making this map available, the Abraham Path Initiative does
not assume any liability for use of the information provided or for its accuracy. All hiking and other outdoor activities have potential
hazards involving risk of injury or death. The wilderness in and of itself can be a dangerous place and there are areas in the Middle
East that can suddenly become subject to security instability.
By using this map for any use, you recognize this, assume all risks of property damage, personal injury and death, and agree to
hold the Abraham Path Initiative, its Board Directors, its staff, its partners, its contributors and authors harmless from any liability
and loss. You accept the terms and conditions set forth in this Disclaimer on the Abraham Path Initiative website by downloading,
streaming or using any map or other information or materials provided on the Abraham Path Initiative website.
Find out more at www.abrahampath.org
600
M
(5 ar S
1. ab
6k a
m
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Stage 2: 17.0km
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51.6
Stage 1
Auja
e Tahta
Auja
abrahampath.org
90
Stage 2
Jericho
1
Stage 3
Nebi Musa
Almog
Settlement
Kalya
Settlement
90
Mar Saba
Dead
Sea
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Auja al-Tahta
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Yitav Settlement
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u
Ab
a
idiy
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i
Wad
Mevo’ot Yerikho
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Na’ama
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yu
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Hisham’s
Palace
Mount of
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Wadi Nu’eima
9.9
Tel es-Sultan
11.9
Jericho
Tel es-Samarat
0
10
0
Romanian
Church
*
Sycamore Tree
13.2
0
14.3
-10
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-2
00
20
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Herod’s Palace
Wa
0
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St. George
Monastery
di Q
elt
-10
abrahampath.org
Tourist Information Office
Wa
di
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00
di
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7.0
q
qu
J o r d a n
449
V a l l e y
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2.7
Aqbat Jabr
Qe
lt
1: Auja to Jericho
Distance: 15.2km
Time: 3-5 hours
Physical Challenge: Moderate
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
(Jericho Region)
km
Walking notes
+km
11.9
Pass the entrance to Tel es-Sultan (ancient Jericho) on L,
and stay L, passing signs on R for Herod’s Palace and Tel
es-Samarat
0.2
12.1
Pass another street going L, with signs to Tel es-Sultan, Ain
es-Sultan, Hisham’s Palace. Curve R, staying on the same
street
0.4
12.5
Turn R onto a smaller street, following a sign for Tel AbuHindi
0.3
12.8
Continue past a dirt road on R with a sign for Tel AbuHindi
0.4
13.2
Turn L at the 4-way intersection just after passing the sign
for “Arjantin St.”
0.4
0.5
13.6
At the T, turn L, then immediately R, toward the church
0.3
13.9
Go L at the Y
0.4
Just after passing the end of the low cliffs on R, turn R to
leave the 4x4 and climb up the hillside, heading due S
0.5
14.3
Turn L onto the main street at the T, passing Zeitoneh Coffee Shop/Restaurant
0.1
As you reach the point where you overlook the 2 deep
wadis and the path veers R, instead go straight down into
the wadi bed ahead. Curve L around one hillside with the
streambed
0.4
14.4
Turn R at the intersection, following signs for “Sycamore
Tree” and “Tourist Information Center”
0.3
14.7
0.5
When you reach the next streambed, go up between the
two rock outcrops across from it the small streambed. Then
turn L to head around the hillside, and follow footpaths
heading generally S along the hillsides
0.5
Turn R at the T, back onto a street, past Naseem MiniMarket and Sandwiches and More. Then stay on the same
street, curving R, until the large square with the Tourist
Info Office and Municipality
15.2
END
5.3
As the footpath leads down to the next streambed, just
above where it joins with another stream, turn L down the
stream and follow it
0.4
End at the central circle, Tourist Information Office. END
STAGE
5.7
When you reach a steep dry waterfall and can no longer
follow the streambed, go L to follow a path below the cliffs.
Head down, passing a large water tank on the way, toward
the bed of the large wadi below (Wadi Maquq)
1.4
6.1
Reach the wide streambed of Wadi Maquq and follow it
downstream
0.5
No public transportation to Auja. From Jericho’s center circle,
by the Tourist Information Office, you can find minibuses
headed to other major West Bank cities, surrounding towns,
and Jerusalem.
6.6
Continue downstream along the wadi bed, passing a paved
road that crosses through it
0.2
Water and Supplies:
6.8
Just before the sharp leftward bend in the wadi, head uphill
out of it, staying straight. To the L of the olive grove above
is Ein Nu’eima. Continue past it along the canal running S
0.2
Water supply points are plentiful and should not be a concern
on this stage; however, you should still bring (and drink) plenty
7.0
Just past the orchards by the spring, turn R uphill on a
dirt road. Then turn L, still uphill, on the next dirt road
you reach; it leads to a paved road above. Turn L on this,
heading SSW
0.8
Grocery stores are found in Jericho
7.8
Stay R at the Y on the road just below the cliffs
0.6
8.6
Just after the road curves L, turn R to stay high, close to the
foot of the cliffs
0.3
8.9
Stay straight as the paved road turns to a 4x4
1.0
9.9
At the foot of the Mount of Temptations, turn L past the
two snack shops and head out toward the city on the
asphalt road
0.4
10.3
Stay L, passing a street heading R
0.6
10.9
Stay straight through the parking lot past the “Temptation
Gallery” store, then turn R onto the main road
1.0
0.0
BEGIN STAGE at Auja Tent. Head SW toward a large
bushy tree in a streambed, to L of a group of houses
0.7
0.7
From the large jujube tree in the streambed, head S
0.1
0.8
Soon after crossing a 4x4 track, come over the top of a low
ridge, into view of a water tank at the foot of the mountains. Aim slightly L of it, almost due S
1.9
2.7
Cross the Hwy. 449, and continue on your same heading of
roughly 180 degrees
0.5
3.2
Pass near a small group of ruins of small, square building
foundations. From here, aim for some low cliffs at the foot
of the mountains just aheadabove them
0.4
3.6
Reach the bottom of the low cliffs, and join a 4x4 heading S
along the foot of them
4.1
4.6
6.8
abrahampath.org
0
Visit the Mount of Temptations monastery just above the trail
at the edge of Jericho. You can walk straight up the sides of the
cliffs (a short but steep and fairly challenging walk), or you can
pay 55NIS for a cable-car trip from the station a bit further
along the trail. Opening hours for the monastery are inconsistent and you may sometimes need to wait to be let in.
1km
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
ta
ul
Jericho
al
-S
*
11.9
9.9
7.0
n
Continue on a city walk around Jericho (follow the beginning
of the next stage, and the purple city walk line) which takes you
past some of its major sites. Bicycles (often in questionable repair) can be rented cheaply from the Tourist Information Office.
Te
l
Auja
Stage Notes:
Te Mo
m un
pt t
at of
io
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Romanian
Church
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Jericho
*
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Herod’s Palace
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Tourist
Information
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1 km
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17.0
Wadi Mukalik
2: Jericho to Nebi Musa
Distance: 18.0km
Time: 4-6 hours
Physical Challenge: Moderate
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
(Jericho Region)
Walking notes
+km
BEGIN STAGE at the central circle of Jericho, go W
from the municipality building down a street with
many shade trees and a blue minaret visible above
them
0.2
Take the first L just before a car-repair garage, then
immediately turn R into a covered market. Jog L to
stay straight through it
0.2
0.4
At the intersection, jog R to follow the street with
signs for Coptic Church and Herod’s Palace. Curve
L with that street, past a street with signs for Coptic
Church and Herod’s Palace
0.9
1.3
Just after the road curves R, turn L, past the monastery of St. Zacchoeus and St. Andrew, and following
a sign for Herod’s Palace
1.0
2.3
Turn L at the sign for Herod’s Palace, onto dirt road.
To continue city tour turn R following the sign for
Tel es-Samarat
0.5
2.8
Turn R at Herod’s Palace and head down a footpath
to the wadi bed
0.2
3.0
Stay straight in wadi bottom, walking on stream
stones
0.5
3.5
Join marked red trail, follow path up around point
on higher hillside on R of wadi
2.5
With a water stop at St. George Monastery about a third of
the way through the stage, you have adequate water supplies;
however, walking in the shade-free, low-elevation desert calls
for plenty of hydration. Count on drinking five liters per person
throughout the day.
6.0
Reach T with paved road to monastery, turn R to
visit monastery, turn L for trail to Nebi Musa
0.3
Grocery stores are only found in Jericho
6.3
Cross over aqueduct
0.2
Stage Notes:
6.5
Continue straight up, very steep from exit gate
0.3
6.8
Turn R on paved road, bus/car parking area, donkey
rides down, drinks, souvenirs, triple arches with
cross (path up to R to viewpoint), dirt road to L goes
to Jericho
0.6
7.4
Stay straight, pass water station on L
0.2
7.6
Turn L just after section of old aqueduct down into
wadi, then quick R turn following wadi uphill towards jeep track up on hill in front (parking area for
viewpoint to R from turn)
0.1
7.7
Turn R to walk up along wadi bed
0.4
8.1
Turn L on black marked jeep 4x4 up, steep ascent
0.3
8.4
Stay straight on black marked 4x4 trail at pass and
high point, Intercontinental Hotel visible below
1.7
10.1
Stay straight on black trail, pass water tank, fence on
L near Vered Yerikho settlement
2.3
12.4
Stay straight to L, junction as another 4x4 joins from
R
0.9
13.3
Pass vacant cement building shells, used in military
training exercises
0.6
13.9
View of Rt. 1, 4x4 bends L along power lines
1.4
km
0.1
15.4
Turn L along Rt. 1 for 50m
0.1
15.5
Turn R, follow signs on paved road to Nebi Musa
1.5
17.0
Turn L to Nebi Musa. END STAGE
END
Transportation:
From Jericho’s center circle, by the Tourist Information Office,
you can find minibuses headed to other major West Bank cities,
surrounding towns, and Jerusalem.
At Nebi Musa Junction, you can catch buses to Jerusalem or
points south along the Dead Sea (not on Friday night through
Saturday evening).
Water and Supplies:
Continue on a city walk around Jericho (follow the end of the
prior stage, and the purple city walk line) which takes you past
some of its major sites. Bicycles (often in questionable repair)
can be rented cheaply from the Tourist Information Office. Jericho’s many sights are also worth about a full day to visit.
St. George Monastery, unlike many Greek Orthodox monasteries in the region, is open to both male and female visitors. It
may be closed occasionally for prayers or special events, as well
as during a mid-day lunch break.
The verdant valley outside the monastery is the last shade on
the stage - prepare to walk the next 11km under the sun.
Nebi Musa has a snack shop out front and all visitors are
welcome to rest outside and inside the complex. There are no
accommodation options at this time, but a possible travelers’
hostel may be in the works.
Jericho
*
0
2.8
1km
2
6.0
3
4
5
15.5
abrahampath.org
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7
8
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Ne
bi
(H Mu
w sa
y.
1) Jct
.
’s
Pa
l
ac
e
S
M t. G
on eo
as rg
te e
ry
Nebi Musa
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0
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ro
d
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Turn R at paved road close to Rt. 1, black trail markings end
He
0.0
15.3
9
10
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13
14
15
16
17
9
Kidron S
tream
1 km
300
40
0
400
Mar Saba
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0
30
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ron
Kid
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200
16.7
0
40
400
0
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0
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13.9
r
att
a
Stream
0
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15.1
-Q
14.8
i al
0
Wa
d
200
20
Mt. Muntar
510m
200
Hyrcania
(Khirbet
al-Mird)
12.6
100
0
Keidar
Settlement
300
300
100
V
100
a
Ma’ale Adumim
Settlement
100
0
20
N
200
i
b
a
100
M
100
a
s
u
200
0
9.7
0
0
0
!
Military Firing Zone
See notes in atlas
Military Base
0
0
-10
7.1
5.9
4.5
i
Wad
0
0.0
-100
2.1
alik
Muk
Nebi Musa
-20
0
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0
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Wad
i
Ras Fashkha
-80m
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0
10
0
y
l l
e
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-200
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0
Kalia
Settlement
Almog
Settlement
Dead Sea
-427m
abrahampath.org
Qu
mr
an
Qumran ($)
0
0
Mishor Adumim
Settlement
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1
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50
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3: Nebi Musa to Mar Saba
Distance: 19.4km
Time: 4-7 hours
Physical Challenge: Difficult
Trail Difficulty: Difficult
(Jericho Region)
km
Walking notes
+km
0.0
BEGIN STAGE on the road in front of Nebi Musa. Head S, parallel
to the road on the Nebi Musa side, along a small streambed which
gradually grows bigger (Wadi Daber)
0.8
0.8
Soon after the wadi curves L to head E and becomes less confined,
continue along a ridge to R of the streambed, above a much larger
wadi on R
1.2
1.2
Reaching the end of the ridge above where the wadis join, head
down to R into Wadi Mukalik
0.3
1.5
Cross the wadi bed head downstream and, just before it curves
to R, climb up to R out of it on a small footpath. Head E across a
small plateau, then continue climbing on a wider footpath
0.3
1.8
At the top of the second climb, where you can just see E to the
Jordan Valley if it’s clear, turn hard R to head SSW on another
footpath
0.3
Curve R, joining a 4x4, heading SW and gradually uphill. Continue S and SW with this 4x4, which dips in and out of a parallel
streambed several times
2.4
4.5
At the point where two wadis branch to form the one you've been
hiking in, go R, continuing SW, past a small dry waterfall, then S
0.3
4.8
Continue straight S, roughly following the smaller streambed
0.5
5.3
Reach a 4x4 running NW-SE. To R, water tanks are visible. Continue SSW, soon crossing another dirt road leading to a military
base at R, then head S above a wadi below to L, which joins with a
much larger wadi bed just ahead
0.3
5.6
Cross a dirt road leading to a military base to R. Stay straight (no
path) to S
3.3
5.9
Stay straight, crossing a 4x4. Keep on crossing the wide valley,
coming up onto a stony ridge at L above a deep wadi. Stay straight
along the ridge
0.8
6.7
Continue on the ridge, on footpath, past a stone heap on R. To L,
the wadi widens and joins ahead with a one heading to L (east).
Follow a footpath down the ridge into the wadi bed at R
0.4
No private transport to Mar Saba. Hyrcania and the rest of the
stage are accessible only by 4x4 vehicle or by foot.
7.1
Head down into the wide streambed ahead and go SW along/
above it
0.2
Water and Supplies:
7.3
100m before the 4x4 reaches a wadi bed to meet another 4x4, turn
R, following faint footpaths curving R above that wadi, to a well
0.1
7.4
Just above the streambed is a well, Beer Abu Dhem. Head due SW
(230 degrees)
0.3
No water stops between the beginning and end of the stage.
Bring plenty of water (five liters per person) for the long, shadeless hike under the desert sun.
7.7
Cross a 4x4, where you may see blue and white trail blazes. Continue due SW along a small wadi
2.0
9.7
Cross the asphalt road and continue straight on the same heading
toward Hyrcania
2.9
12.6
As you near the base of the Hyrcania mountain, turn L down to
cross the streambed just below it (Wadi al-Qattar) and then aim
for the L side of Hyrcania - unmistakeable as a very steep-sided hill
with many faint footpaths on its side, just to L of the wadi mouth
0.8
13.4
After coming around to the far side of the mountain, turn R and
head up a steep path that goes up the L side of the mountain
0.4
13.8
Curve R to come into view of ancient walls, joining a greenmarked trail
0.1
13.9
Where the green trail turns L, continue folowing it parallel to an
ancient wall, and then along the hillside above the deep gorge
(Wadi al-Qattar) on R
OPTION: To visit Hyrcania’s ruins and lookout, turn R and climb
up to the hilltop
0.7
14.6
Merge R onto a 4x4, still with the green trail
0.2
0.3
15.1
Cross a dirt road running across a ridgetop, then continue generally W and very slightly S, winding back and forth as necessary to
stay above the several streambeds you cross
1.6
16.7
When you reach the top of a low hill with several 4x4s ahead (to
W) and where the hill slopes down to a deeper wadi to W, head
S down the bottom of the valley headed that direction, until you
reach a 4x4; then continue S with it
1.1
17.8
At the junction of dirt roads, keep SSW on the rocky 4x4 branching away from them
0.2
18.0
Keep straight on the 4x4, past another one veering R toward the
wadi (Kidron Valley). From the junction of the 4x4’s, you can see
the top of Mar Saba monastery
0.8
18.8
The 4x4 track ends at lookout spot to Mar Saba. Turn R down a
steep footpath in the direction of the monastery, to cross the valley
0.3
19.1
Cross the bridge and continue R to go up the footpath/stairs
0.2
19.3
Where the stairs continue up to L, stay straight on a footpaths
along the hillside toward the lower parking lot
0.1
19.4
Rejoin with stairs, then curve R to the lower parking lot and monastery entrance. STAGE END
At Nebi Musa Junction a few km north of Nebi Musa, you can
catch buses to Jerusalem or points south along the Dead Sea
(not on Friday night through Saturday evening).
Stage Notes:
Nebi Musa has a snack shop out front and all visitors are
welcome to rest outside and inside the complex. There are no
accommodation options at this time, but a possible travelers’
hostel may be in the works.
There is virtually no shade on the stage until Mar Saba; combined with the long distance and the low-elevation desert heat,
this hike should only be undertaken by strong hikers with
plenty of water and good navigational skills, as the route is also
difficult to discern at times. Hiring a local guide is also a good
way to ensure safety in the desert.
See the explanation of the “firing zone” caution symbol on page
(xx)
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When the 4x4 becomes very rocky and curves up R (steep uphill),
go L away from it, leaving the green blazes, and head W
As
p
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abrahampath.org
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Abraham Path
Jericho Region (Palestine)
The tranquility, space and heritage of Jericho offers a true oasis to all walkers. After crossing the plains and
cliffs of the Jordan Valley from Auja, or climbing the wadis of the desert towards the shrine of Nebi Musa and
the Mar Saba Monastery, one can refresh and take it easy in one of the world’s oldest cities, where spacious
streets and houses surrounded by lush gardens provide a soothing atmosphere, and where the cool nights
encourage locals to stay out late year round.
Jericho’s desert surroundings, have also attracted people looking for something other than pleasure: monks
during the early years of Christianity retreated to desert monasteries to find holiness in isolation, and Jesus’
forty days of trial and battle against temptation were spent, according to tradition, on the sheer cliffs of the
“Mount of Temptations” above Jericho.
The Jericho region begins at a small village; through-hikers continuing from the Nablus region will have had
a chance to resupply a day prior, and will have another in Jericho at the end of Stage 1. After Jericho, the next
resupply point will be Beit Sahour/Bethlehem, after a walk of 3 days. Water stops appear at least once per day,
though (see “Water”).
Accommodation:
Auja Bedouin Tent: Along the trail at the mouth of Wadi Auja. Contact Ali Abu Kharbesh, 059-7427434
Auja Guesthouse, Auja al-Tahta: [email protected], or http://aujaecocenter.org/index.php/stay-in-auja/
guesthouse
Jericho: Jericho has numerous hotels; find information and book online.
Sami Youth Hostel, Aqbat Jabr: Double 150NIS. 02-232-4220
Nebi Musa and Mar Saba both lack accommodation options; however, near Mar Saba in the Bethlehem
region is the Bedouin tent at Tel al-Qamar, which can provide pickup. Contact Ahmad Abu Haniya, 054-2052914
Water and Supplies:
Between Auja, Jericho, and Wadi Qelt, water supplies are easy to come by. St. George Monastery in Wadi Qelt
is the last water stop until Nebi Musa.
From Nebi Musa to Mar Saba, there is no water, and the hike is long, uphill, and lacks shade or road access
points. Therefore, carry at least five liters of water per person for the day, and in case of extreme heat, be prepared to alter or postpone your hiking plans.
Special Note on Firing Zones:
The area between Wadi Mukalik and Hyrcania (the Nebi Musa Valley or Hyrcania Valley) is designated as a
firing zone by the Israeli military. This means it may sometimes be used for military exercises and training,
including live fire. The valley is not frequently used for these activities, and if staying near the road running
north-south through it (as you will be if following the Abraham Path route), you are unlikely to encounter
any danger. However, the safest way to hike here is to employ a local guide; the Bedouin who live in the area
generally know when military exercises will be taking place and can alter the route accordingly. Also, firing
zones are safe for hiking on Fridays, Saturdays, and major Jewish holidays.
Abraham Path
Jericho Region (Palestine)
Transportation to the Jericho region:
The closest airport to access the West Bank is Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv (Israel). There are no direct
public transport options from Ben Gurion to the West Bank, so we suggest traveling first to Jerusalem via
the Nesher airport shuttle (which leaves when full, 24/7, from outside the airport, and drops you off at a
requested address). Car rentals are also available at the airport (though these cars will not be insured to drive
into Areas A and B of the Palestinian Territory), and private taxis can also take you to Jerusalem (cost about
300NIS, higher rates nights and weekends).
An alternative option is to fly into Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, and cross to Israel/Palestine
via Allenby Bridge. From the crossing, you can take a shuttle to Jerusalem or a taxi directly to Jericho.
Transportation within the Jericho region:
Buses to Palestinian cities do not depart from the West Jerusalem Central Bus Station but rather from two
bus stations near Damascus Gate in East Jerusalem. Buses depart regularly but do not have a formal schedule.
Buses normally run from about 6am to 7pm.
From Jerusalem to Jericho, depart from the bus station next to the light rail stop called “Damascus Gate” a
short way west of Damascus Gate. Local minibuses from Jericho also reach the villages of Dyuk and Auja alTahta, on and near the trail respectively.
Nebi Musa and Mar Saba cannot be reached by public transit, although Nebi Musa Junction along Highway
1 near Nebi Musa does have a bus stop with buses to Jerusalem and points south along the Dead Sea (not on
Friday night through Saturday evening).
St. George Monastery can be reached by private car; you can park or be dropped off at a lot on the cliffs above
the wadi and walk (or hire a donkey) for the steep road down and back up.
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