Israel Trail, Sections 62+63+64 – Southern Eilat Mountains Campus (Three Days)

Israel National Trail, Sections 62+63+64 – Southern Eilat Mountains Campus (Three Days)

On the first day, we begin at Be’er Ora, where we finished the previous Eilat Mountains Campus. We will start walking through the broad Raham Stream, passing the meeting point with Atek Stream and the water trough waiting there. From there, we will take a slight detour from the trail and climb Pu’a Hill in order to walk along the ridge and take in the spectacular view of Amram Valley. From above, we will already be able to see the Gulf of Eilat and the Edom Mountains clearly. We will continue along the ridge until descending Ma’aleh Amram toward Mount Amir, and from there to the Shkhoret night campground.

The next day, we will begin by walking through the wonderful black-and-pink Shkhoret Canyon, then climb Mount Shkhoret along the “Cassette Trail,” consisting of two different rock layers with a 500-million-year gap between them. We will descend to Roded Stream and turn toward one of the trail’s highlights—Lost Canyon. From there, we will descend to Netafim Stream and follow it upward to the spring and Mount Yehoram. We need to finish early and freshen up for the closing party…

The following morning, we will begin the final day on the trail from Mount Yoash, via the country’s most dramatic viewpoint over Gishron Stream. We will descend a very steep route through the granite cliffs to the magnificent stream, choose one of the two ladders in the stream, and take another detour to a stunning location—Tzafra Pass. From there, we will climb Ma’aleh Gishron and reach the classic viewpoint of Mount Reḥavam and Mount Shlomo. Further walking along the knife-edge ridge and Gishron Cliffs will lead us to the foot of Mount Tzfachot. One final climb—the victory photo from the mountain—and a steep but enjoyable descent toward Eilat Field School, where this marvelous journey along the Israel National Trail will end!

Duration: Three days – 38 km
Difficulty level: Challenging
Features: Boulders, entering the water, steep descent, ladders
Region: Eastern Negev
Starting point: Southern Eilat Mountains Campus
Price: 250 NIS per person per day (including a ride back to the vehicles), plus logistics costs