Negev Adventure Trek - From Zin Valley To Makhtesh Ramon (5

During the day, they travel to the small desert town of Midreshet Ben Gurion at their desired time. Midreshet Ben Gurion is accessible by bus from Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem and Ben Gurion Airport.

A short bus ride will take you to the starting point of the hike near the religious community of Merchav Am. The hike starts in the wide Hatzatz Wadi. If you are lucky and do this hike in January, you have a good chance to see fields of beautiful daffodil flowers. The scenery of blooming flowers in the middle of the desert is truly unique! From the ridge at the end of the wadi, the trail descends into the Darroch Canyon. The canyon features unique rock formations, and the largest and most famous of them is nicknamed "Daroch Horseshoe". Shortly after the horseshoe, the view of the Zin Valley below suddenly opens up. After a steep descent, you will meet a gravel road at the bottom of the valley that leads to Midreshet Ben-Gurion, from where you can reach the accommodation on foot. If 21 km is too much for you, the day can be shortened to 15 km by picking you up by jeep 6 km before the end (extra charge and advance booking required). DayTourDistance: approx. 21Walking time: approx. 08:00Ascent: approx. 500Descent: approx. 400

The hike starts directly at the accommodation. The first highlight of the day is the ascent to the "Hod Akev" (translated: "needle of the heel"). It is a steep and partly technical and dizzying climb. Many hikers will find it very exciting; others may prefer to avoid it. (For those who prefer to avoid it, there is a convenient bypass.) The summit is a small flat area with cliffs on all sides and stunning views of the Negev Desert. The much easier descent on the other side brings you to another desert gem. Ein Akev Spring. A magical desert spring with a deep pool and ice cold water. A fantastic swimming opportunity in the middle of the desert, the trail continues up the Akev wadi to the upper Akev spring. A much smaller spring, but still a great resting place. After another 5 km you will reach the end of the trail at the ancient Nabataean town of Avdat. A short bus ride will take you from Avdat to the hotel in Mitzpe Ramon. Note: If 19 km is too much for you, the day can be shortened to 13 km, with a jeep dropping you off at the foot of Hod Akev (extra charge and advance booking required). DayTourDistance: about 19Walking time: about 07:00Ascent: about 550Descent: about 300