Nabataean Water

Hello everyone!

Are you ready to travel to the land of the Nabataeans, walk through one of Israel’s most colorful deserts, and see two amazing oases hidden among its cliffs?

On Saturday, November 7, we will meet at Midreshet Ben-Gurion, near Kibbutz Sde Boker. First, we will visit the burial place of David and Paula Ben-Gurion, talk about Israel’s first prime minister, and try to understand what attracted him so strongly to the desert. I think it will not be difficult to find the answer. It will be enough simply to look at the Nahal Zin Valley and the Ramat Avdat Plateau visible from here.

After that, we will begin descending into the Nahal Zin Valley, cross a dry riverbed, and climb Ma’ale Divshon to the Ramat Divshon Plateau.

Crazy desert views, a huge dry horseshoe-shaped waterfall, and another picturesque waterfall with palm trees growing at its foot await us ahead. We will definitely stop here and take some great photos. These are places that can only be reached on foot.

After walking across the plateau, we will descend to our first oasis, Lower Ein Avdat. A year-round spring forms a deep natural pool with cool water.

There we will take a long break, prepare delicious Sinai tea and coffee, and, of course, try our traditional homemade cake. Those who wish will be able to swim if conditions are safe.

During the break, we will hold our mini-seminar on the topic of “Fears.” We will talk about when fear protects us and when it prevents us from taking the next step.

After resting, we will continue along Nahal Avdat and reach the second oasis, Upper Ein Avdat. This is a small spring hidden among dense reeds.

From there, we will climb out of the riverbed and head toward the ancient Nabataean city of Avdat. Along the way, we will see traces of ancient agriculture, and we will finish the route at our vehicles, which will be waiting for us near Avdat National Park.

The route is linear.

Distance: approximately 16.5 kilometers.

Elevation gain: approximately 370 meters.

Duration: 7–8 hours.

Difficulty level: moderate.

Most of the route is exposed to the sun, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is required.

Those who wish will have the opportunity to arrive on Friday evening, November 6, and spend the night with us near the beginning of the route. Details about the overnight stay and the necessary equipment will be sent to registered participants.

HIKING TRIP

By a hiking trip, we mean a journey by an organized group through the wilderness, using our own resources and the efforts of the team. It is an adventure with a little extreme challenge, beautiful landscapes, lively communication, and an opportunity to learn something new about the country and about ourselves.

BRING WITH YOU:

• At least 3 liters of water per person
• A mug
• Snacks for the entire day
• Comfortable clothing
• Closed trekking shoes
• Head covering
• Sunscreen
• Medication for chronic conditions
• Swimwear and a towel, if desired
• A warm sweater or windbreaker
• A flashlight or headlamp

HIKING RULES:

Alcohol and drugs are prohibited.

Safety regulations must be followed, as well as the organizers’ instructions.

It is forbidden to overtake the leader or fall behind the person bringing up the rear.

Littering and harming nature are prohibited.

Only confident swimmers may swim. The Ein Avdat pool is deep, and there is no lifeguard on site. Jumping from the cliffs into the water is prohibited.

The route may be changed or canceled due to weather conditions, flood threats, trail closures, or other circumstances related to the group’s safety.

Personal insurance is not included in the price.

Registering for the hike means agreeing to the rules.

PARTICIPATION COST:

Regular price: 120 ₪

Soldiers and teenagers aged 12–18: 90 ₪

Children under 12: free

Cleanliness discount: 20 ₪

Registration is open until Thursday, November 5, inclusive.

Registration by phone or WhatsApp:

0539527992, Zhenya

The exact meeting time and location will be sent to registered participants.

Places are limited!