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Israel Trek 13-21 November 2010 / Itinerary / Registration / Kit List / Rules of Entry
OUTLINE ITINERARY 'ISRAEL TREK 13TH - 21ST NOVEMBER 2010' TREK
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Overview The Negev Desert accounts for almost half of Israel's land area and although negev means "dry land" it is far from being a simple expanse of sand. Starting by the Dead Sea where the Judean Desert ends, the northern Negev is a region of low sandstone hills, steppes and fertile plains furrowed with canyons and wadis.
Moving south the central Negev is drier and more mountainous - an area of bare rocky peaks, lofty plateaux and more canyons and wadis. It is in the central Negev where this trek takes place.
The region's most outstanding features are the world's three largest craters. The biggest, Machtesh Ramon, can easily be accessed from the small town of Mitzpe Ramon which is perched on the edge of the crater.
Most of the Negev remains largely uninhabited with only a handful of towns. However the harsh environment is dotted with an increasing number of Jewish settlements, mainly kibbutzism, moshavim and Nahal military projects (military service combined with agricultural work in marginal areas). Day 1 - Saturday 13th November Overnight flight from London to Tel Aviv Day 2 - Sunday 14th November Early morning arrival in Tel Aviv followed by a transfer to our overnight camp at Moa in the Arava Valley (approx 3 hours). Moa is one of the ancient Nabatean stopping points along the Spice Route from Petra to Gaza. Day 3 - Monday 15th November Katzera, the next Nabatean stopping point en route. We pause at the ancient Roman tower which offers panoramic views over the surrounding area. From there we continue for a further 5km along Nahal Zrorot to Nahal Neqarot. It is then another 5km to the overnight camp at Metzad Neqarot (260m). We visit the Nabatean well which provided water for those who spent the night here when walking the Spice Route. Tonight we will be given the background to tomorrow's activity to get a flavour of what is to come. Day 4 - Tuesday 16th November An early start as we trek together for the first 8km to the entrance of the Ramon Crater, a huge erosion crater in the shape of an elongated heart. Continue toward the Oasis Ein Saharonim, a Caravanserai on the Spice Route. Trek to Maale Dekalim (Ascent of the Palms) and stop shortly by the "Dykes" at Nahal Ardon - an outstanding geological phenomenon. Will set off towards Mt Ardon. our overnight camp to the west of Mt Ardon (450m). Day 5 - Wednesday 17th November This is the most challenging day. We head north today still on the Spice Route. After 3km we see 3 roman mile stones. At Maale Machmal we start climbing the old Nabatean route and continue along the northern crater wall for 2km to Machmal Chan from where there is a good look out point over the crater. We head on to Hava Springs (550m), the last part is a tough descent but we will be rewarded for our exertions with a swim in the cool water (this is dependent on the water hole being filled from flood water). From here we take a challenging but very attractive route via the Wadi Hava caves to our camp. There will be an option of a less difficult 2km uphill route to the camp. Day 6 - thursday 18th November Springs. We continue from there to our overnight camp at Ein Zik (380m). There you will find springs, lush vegetation & beautiful poplar trees making this a magical setting for the night. The green surroundings of Ein Zik Oasis are a stunning contrast with the dry desert. Day 7 - Friday 19th November Our final trekking day is one of the most interesting of the week. We leave Ein Zik no later than dawn. En route we pass Shaviv Spring and Upper Akev Spring where, time permitting, there will be an opportunity to swim in the Oasis here. Our finishing point will be at the Ben Gurion Park. The park is a memorial situated in the valley of Nahal Zin, in the central Negev Mountains, adjacent to the Sde-Boker Academy. It is the grave site of David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister of the State of Israel, and his wife Paula. Transfer to the Dead Sea (2 hours approx.) before Shabbat. Day 8 - Saturday 20th November Day at leisure at the Dead Sea Day 9 - Sunday 21st November Transfer to Tel Aviv for our flight to London.
This is a complex itinerary and may be subject to change.
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