Hiking the Golan Trail

in #israel6 years ago

The Golan height are an elevated area in northeastern Israel along its border with Syria. It is one of the most rural and beautiful regions of the country and a hiker's paradise.

 The Golan trail is a Hiking route about 120 Km long that runs from Mount Hermon at the North of the Golan at an elevation of about 1500 m ASL all the way to the south at about 200 m ASL near the sea of Galilee. It can be tackled from North to South or opposite. The full trail takes between 5 and 10 days depending of the traveler's ability and character. You can backpack and sleep rural, sleep at organized campsites, or in hostels and B&B in villages along the way.

 The trail is divided into 15 segments. At the beginning of each segment there is an information board with a map and elevation chart. The whole trail is very well waymarked with a "White/Green/White" 3 stripes marking. (More information of the 15 segment of the Golan Trail).

Some of the main attraction you will pass along the way:

  •  Mount Bental: Amazing views of Mount Hermon, The Golan and Syria. Ram Pool: A small lake in an extinct volcano crater.
  • Rugum El Hiri: An ancient circular ritual site nicknamed sometimes as Israel's Stonehenge.
  • Ein Keshatot: An ancient synagogue from the Talmudic period. 
  • Mevo Hama Cliffs: Cliffs overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

The Trail can be walked all year.

  •  Best period is March-May: Chances for rain are smaller and the land is Green, Fresh and full of wildflowers. (May could be already too hot)
  • December-February: Temperatures are very good for hiking, but you should be ready also for some rain. 
  • October-November: Pleasant to a bit hot temperature and almost no rain. But the land is dry and dusty from the long summer.
  • June-September: Very hot and dry. Not recommended. But can be done if it's your only option.