wadi qelt tour

Wadi Qelt (Ein Prat) – Full GuideBook

Our guidebook to wadi qelt (ein prat) will take you to all the springs, pools, and monasteries along the canyon. the guide is accompanied by detailed maps and a full day hike section..

Table of content

• Full-Day Self-Guided Hike (With a Detailed Hiking Map)
• Two Days Trek from Jericho to Jerusalem along Wadi Qelt
• Wadi Qelt Guided Tours
• Full Guidebook (With Maps)
• St. George Monastery . (With Map)
• Lodging options In Wadi Qelt .
• Aqueducts .
• Faran Monastery .
• Ein Maboa . (With Map)
• Ein Qelt . (With Map)
• The Good Samaritan Inn Mosaic Museum .
• FAQ’s

FULL-DAY HIKE

Hike description:.

Get the Hiking Map and GPS file for just 5$

• Important Note:  Most of the hike is on rocky terrain . There are some exposed sections equipped with metal handles.
• Starting point –  parking area at Ein Prat Natural Reserve   (1) . (entrance fee required)
• Follow the  ‡Blue‡  marker upstream on the road for 200 m to reach Ein Prat (Spring). (2)

• Hanging  Up on the southern cliffs high above the valley, you can see the  Faran monastery.

• Retrace to the starting point and continue with the  ‡Red‡  markers downstream for about 700 m until the junction with the   ‡Blue‡  marker.  (3)
• Keep right on the  ‡Blue‡  marker into the canyon.
• Stay with the  ‡Blue‡   markers for about 3.5 Km along the stream until the junction with the  ‡Red‡  markers. (4).
• For the short version, walk as long as you feel like along the canyon and retrace your steps.
• It is the most exciting part of the route. The canyon becomes deeper, with many small waterfalls and pools.
• From time to time, you should notice the ruins of ancient aqueducts that carried the water of Ein Prat to Jericho in ancient times.
• At point (4) The  ‡Red‡   markers continue downstream all the way to St. George monastery. A distance of about About 12 Km.

On this guided day tour of Judea and Samaria we will take you to three of the highlights of the region – Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah. With thorough information provided by a local guide.

Price from: 400 NIS

Details & Booking

• However, we turn left on the  ‡Red‡   markers. Cross the stream and climb up on the north ridge of the canyon.
• This trail is much less crowded and offers a fantastic Birds-Eye view over the Canyon you just walked!!

• Follow this trail for 3.5 Km back to point  (3).
• Continue an additional 700 m to reach your car. (1)
• Complement the day with the classic view of St. George Monastery from cliffs on the opposite side of the Canyon.

• Check out the full details in our GuideBook .
• Use the extra maps of the viewpoint area that are supplied together with the detailed hiking map to find your way easily.

Get this Hike's eBook for just 5$ !

Inside the PDF: ( Just 5$ )

• Quality Hiking Maps
• GPS Navigation App
• Zoom Maps for critical areas
• Hike Description
• All in English!
• Offline use
• Optimized for Mobiles

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BACKPACKING FROM JERICHO TO JERUSALEM ALONG WADI QELT

Click Map to Enlarge

Our proposed itinerary:

Day 1 – 13 kilometers: .

• Start at St. George Monastery (Or Jericho).
• Walk to Ein Qelt and Ein Maboa .
• Spend the night at Kfar adomim. There are several B&B’ s in the village.

Day 2:  – 11 Kilometers:

• Go back to Ein Maboa.
• Walk to Ein Prat and Faran Monastery .
• Finish the day at Almon. where you can catch a bus to Jerusalem.

Inside the PDF: ( Price 20$ )

• Overview Map + 4 Area maps

After you download the eBook you can also get:

• Phone/Skype consultation about all aspects of the trek: 50$
• Phone/Skype consultation + “One on one” briefing meeting before the start of the trek: 150$

Or check out our fully organized offer…

Wadi qelt trek ebook price:  20$ sample ebook.

• Hiking Maps (5 Maps)
• Mobile Phones Optimized.

Download Sample eBook

• Phone/Skype consultation: 50$

GUIDED TOURS IN WADI QELT

• We will meet you in the morning in Jerusalem .
• Drive to Wadi Qelt and go on a 5 – 15 Km hike in Wadi Qelt . (Length depends on you)
• Our recommended route is the 9 Km circular hike starting at Ein Prat as described above .
• After or Before the hike we will drive to the iconic viewpoint on St. George monastery .
• Visit St. George monastery.
• Drive back to Jerusalem.
• Price: 1,500-2,100 NIS (For 1-4 persons, depending on the exact program, 2600 NIS for 5-8 people).
• Price does not include entrance fees.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR TOURING WADI QELT. A DETAILED GUIDEBOOK FOR VISITING ALL THE MAIN LANDMARKS IN WADI QELT

Attractions reviewed.

• St. George Monastery . (With Maps)

About half an hour’s drive from the busy and noisy center of Jerusalem hides Wadi Qelt. There you’ll find serene desert silence, disturbed only by the sound of water rushing through a gorge. Wadi Qelt is a stream that runs from the northwestern slopes of the Judaean Desert just outside Jerusalem and down to the city of Jericho. It’s one of the biggest and only sources of running water in the Judean Desert. The area has a long human history . Look around, and you’ll be able to spot the ruins of the ancient aqueducts that once delivered precious water to Jericho. The area attracted monks from the early days of Christianity. The monasteries are built hanging from the cliffs of the canyon, creating an overwhelming sight. There are many springs, pools, and waterfalls along the stream that provide great spots for picnicking and swimming.

However, if you are up to it, our top recommendation for experiencing Wadi Qelt is by going on a Full Day Hike .

Accommodations near wadi Qelt are very sparse, however, with our guide you will be able to sleep within walking distance to the natural pools in the canyon.

Kfar Adomim and Nofey Prat:

These two villages are the only places within walking distance to the wadi that have accommodations.  There is even a 1.5 Km marked hiking trail (Black color) that connects the northern edge of the villages to the main hiking trails of Wadi Qelt. You can either join our hike just after point 3, or go down into the canyon and relax in the pools. There are three friendly apartments you can choose from.

If you want to sleep in Jerusalem with good and fast access to Wadi Qelt (Ein Prat), you can stay in the Pisgat Zeev neighborhood , which is only 10 Kilometers away from the natural reserve entrance. There two apartments there that get a score of 9+ .

• Avrooms boutique apartments – From 119$
• Jerusalem highest apartments – From 134$

Geva Binyamin (Adam):

Another interesting option is Oro Shel Adam dormitory in the nearby village Geva Binyamin (11 Km from Ein Prat). This a budget men-only dormitory with a unique Jewish religious atmosphere, suitable for those who are looking for a different and somewhat spiritual experience.

FARAN MONASTERY

Visiting inside the monastery is possible only in coordination with the local monk. Phone: +972-52-5399075. Access the same as for Ein Prat.

AQUEDUCTS ALONG THE WADI

• Parking: GPS 31.838297, 35.352349
• Price: Free
• Opening Hours: Winter 08:00-16:00, Summer 08:00-18:00

The spring water flows into a rectangular stone pool, and the surroundings are regulated with sitting areas. It’s a very popular picnic spot that sometimes gets very crowded.

Don’t miss a stop at “ Orit Lookout ” for a fantastic view of the surrounding desert. The lookout was built in memory of Orit Segel from the nearby village Alon, that died at a young age.

• Parking: GPS 31.825883, 35.387598
• Opening Hours: 24 Hours

MONASTERY OF ST. GEORGE OF CHOZIBA

The Monastery of St. George of Choziba is the most famous landmark in Wadi Qelt and justly so. The cliff-hanging complex, first established around AD 500 , with its ancient chapel and gardens, is active and inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks to this day. It was destroyed by the Persians in AD 614, rebuilt in the 12th century during the Crusader period, abandoned after their defeat, and rebuilt again by Greek monks starting at the end of the 19th century.

Visiting the Monastery: Access is via a very narrow and winding road near the village of Mitzpe Yericho GPS  31.843310, 35.414901 (Marked with “P” on the map) From this point there is a steep one km road (With no car access) that goes down to the Monastery. Go first to the Iconic view-point where all the famous pictures of the complex are taken . The view-point is a few minute’s walk from the parking on an easy but unmarked path that starts to the left of the junction. To visit the monastery, you can either walk down the road or ride a donkey (for a negotiable fee). The monastery is open daily except on Sundays and certain holidays, between 9 am and 1 pm.  There is a strict dress code . No shorts for men; no trousers of any sort for women. Women must wear a long skirt and a modest top.

THE GOOD SAMARITAN INN MOSAIC MUSEUM

The museum is not inside Wadi Qelt. But if you are here, don’t miss this Amazing Museum showing a collection of Mosaic floors found in ruins across the West Bank and Gaza. The museum is located in a restored in from the Ottoman period. However, the location situated on the main road from Jerusalem to Jericho was an active inn since ancient times and  According to the tradition, it was the location of the E vent of the Good Samaritan ( Luke 10  30-35). (GPS  31.816159, 35.359228 )

Written by Erez Speiser

Wadi qelt faq’s, how long is the hike in wadi qelt.

The complete length of Wadi Qelt if you walk from Ein Prat to Jericho is about 25 Kilometers. However, there are many variations that span from 3 to 10 kilometers. The most recommended one is an  8 Kilometers circular hike  that starts at Ein Prat.

How long does it take to reach Wadi Qelt from Jerusalem?

Wadi Qelt is located about 15 Kilometers from Jerusalem city center. The drive takes about 30-45 minutes depending on the traffic.

Can I reach Wadi Qelt with public transportation?

You cat go until the settlement Almon by Bus. From there, it is about a 2 Kilometers walk to Ein Prat Natural reserve.

Is wadi Qelt mentioned in the bible?

Many believe that the “valley of the shadow of death” from Psalm 23 in the old testament is Wadi Qelt, but there is no actual proof to it. It is also believed to be part of en route of the parable of the Good Samaritan from the new testament Luke 10:29.

Is it possible to swim in Wadi Qelt?

Sure!! There are several amazing pools along the stream that invites you for a swim.

What is the best season to hike in Wadi Qelt?

November-April is the best for a real hike. During the summer it is ok to visit for a short hike and a swim

PALESTINE - ISRAEL - JORDAN - SINAI

Off the beaten track tours • Visit sites • Meet locals • Discuss Human Rights & Politics

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Hiking in Wadi Qelt

 In addition to offering a variety of hiking routes, there is a great depth of religious history to be found in the Wadi (valley). The route passes one of the oldest synagogues in the world, and St. George’s Monastery, one of the oldest continuously active Greek Orthodox monestaries. There are also ancient aqueducts and ruins along the valley, with some dating from the 2nd century BC, during the Hasmonean period.

Wadi Qelt is located in Area C, which is controlled entirely by the Israeli military. After the Oslo Accords in 1994, the West Bank was divided into three areas, with the view to concede all land to the Palestinian Authority (PA) after five years. Area A, constitutes the main cities (Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarem, and Jenin), and is controlled entirely by the PA. Area B, which constitutes the areas surrounding the cities is controlled by both the Israeli military and the Palestinian Authority; civilian matters are controlled by the PA, while security issues are under the jurisdiction of the Israeli’s. Together, area A and B make up only 38% of the West Bank. This leaves the remaining 62% of the West Bank under complete Israeli military control1

Palestinians are able to travel throughout the West Bank, though they are forbidden from entering Israeli settlements. However, driving from Jerusalem to Wadi Qelt, you pass a number of checkpoints, some permanent and some temporary; checkpoints that exist for maybe only half an hour and are then moved. Checkpoints seriously inhibit Palestinians movement around areas B and C of the West Bank; many Palestinians are often forbidden from passing checkpoints, and are interrogated or delayed, making movement around the West Bank increasingly difficult.

Although today both Israelis and Palestinians frequent the trails in Wadi Qelt with few incidents, historically it was a place of violence. In 1968, an Israeli lieutenant was killed in action while pursuing Arabs who had crossed from Jordan. In the years following the 1993 Declaration of Principles, several attacks were made on Israeli hikers for political reasons.

Many Palestinian Bedouins live in the caves located in the steep rock faces of the valley, and regularly herd their sheep and goats through the valley. Together with Israeli settlers, international tourists come to enjoy the waterfalls and swimming spots along the way, and although there is almost always water in Wadi Qelt, the situation in other parts of the Jordan Valley is very different.

Most of the communities living in the Jordan Valley suffer from a lack of water, needed for both themselves and for their animals, due to Israeli control of water resources. Palestinians are permitted to use only approximately 40% of the water located in the Jordan Valley. Settlers use about six and half times more water than the 56’000 Palestinian residents. Furthermore, Palestinian communities are often forced to use contaminated water that has run off from nearby settlements and Israeli owned factories.

There is also ample flora and fauna, as well as pomegranate trees and fresh spearmint growing. Wadi Qelt is for adventurous hikers who can handle terrain of medium difficulty. You will be climbing over boulders and wading through water, and while the hike isn’t more than three hours long, you will need to have a degree of flexibility to get through cracks and over the boulders.

Bring lots of water, a picnic, your swimming stuff, and make sure you have good sturdy shoes for a great day out all year round.

References: 1 http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/59AE27FDECB034BD85257793004D5541 2 http://www.jordanvalleysolidarity.org/index.php/info-maps-2/water-rights 3 http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/en/docs/English_Jordan_Valley_Fact_Sheet_and_Citations.pdf

Route: From Jerusalem, go to Azza Street (near Jerusalem Theatre), and take bus number 19 towards Hebrew University Mount Scopus. From here take bus number 216 towards Dvir/Reserve blocks. Get off the bus at Up Ariel (on Ma’ale Ari’el St.), from here it is a 1⁄2 hour walk to the beginning of the valley. Buses are fairly regular, coming twice an hour.

From Ramallah , take a service towards Jericho, asking the driver to drop you off at the entrance to Wadi Qelt. You’ll have to cross the road, where on the right there will be the entrance to a settlement and on your left a gas station. Take the left (there is a sign saying Wadi Qelt) and keep walking towards the valley, it’s about a ten minute walk. You then start walking down a dirt road and eventually get to the monastery. Take the road and stairs to the left of the monastery, and then path becomes clear. You will then get to a body of water – take off your shoes and go to the end. Here is where it looks momentarily like there is no path. Spend the next ten minutes scrambling over the rocks and you will find the marked path again, continue along it for the next two hours, there are lots of spots along the way to take a rest. You will know you are at the end when you get to a shop with 3 flags. From here you can get a lift back to Ramallah.

Find more routes in Wadi Qelt, as well as around the West Bank, in Walking Palestine, by Stefan Szepesi.

Hannah Barkan is an intern journalist living in Ramallah, Palestine. She has had her work published on Palestine Monitor and Europe Café. When not interning or writing, she can be found exploring the great outdoors of Palestine and looking for niche swimming spots.

Privacy Overview

Nahal Prat (Wadi Qelt) Tour

Nahal prat (ein prat) tour, binyamin tours.

Ein Prat or by its another name, Wadi Qelt is one of the most beautiful nature pearls in the Jerusalem area.

it is a spring of gushing water, rising in a spectacularly beautiful desert canyon.

The stream flows all year round between Anatot, which is 5 minutes from Jerusalem all the way to Jericho.

Clear water and the flow of the current ensure an amazing natural experience for everyone who comes to visit.

When you visit the stream, except for jumping into the water together with your children, you can get to know the many stories that have taken place here.

The spies sent by Joshua Bin-Nun hid here. Jeremiah the prophet hid his belt here. A system of water from the time of the Second Temple built by King Herod, caves of Byzantine monks all of which left a historical imprint on the stream in ancient times.

During World War II, the creek was a hiding place for a unit of German-Arab terrorists. After the Six-Day War, the area was called the Land of Pursuit.

Today it is a beautiful nature reserve 15 minutes’ drive from Jerusalem.

You are welcome to visit this gem of nature together with Jewish Israel tours as part of the best of Benyamin tour.

The Nahal Prat trip is one of many sites that will take part in a full Tour of the Binyamin tour.

Click for the full tour

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Wadi Qelt: a perfect desert water walk for the israeli summer

Ein Perth, also known by its Arabic name, Wadi Qelt, is one of the most attractive desert water trips Israel has to offer throughout the year.

The options for the trip here are very varied: you can choose a trip on a circular route that requires one car or a route that requires two cars at the start and end of the route. It is also fun to have a picnic in the trees while wading your feet in the Perth River. The combination of the desert landscape with the greenery around the creek and the animals around it makes the visit here a super fun experience.

Ein Perth is a declared nature reserve and entrance fee is paid. As of June 2020 due to the Corona crisis (Covid-19) and Ministry of Health guidelines, entry requires pre-registration on the Nature and Parks Authority website and there is a restriction on the number of visitors.

Circular or landline trip

Up to 6 miles, 1-6 walking hours, suitable for families.

Starting point: Ein Prat Nature Reserve

The entrance to the reserve is near the Almon settlement, a few miles from Ma’aleh Adumim. After the gate of the entrance to the reserve, the road descends to a wide car park, in front of which there are picnic tables and a flowing stream that can be set on foot and hence start hiking.

If you are planning to make a landline trip between Ein Perth and Ein Ma-bo-a, you need to put one car at the entrance to the reserve and another car in the Ein Ma-bo-a car park which is a short distance from the pool.

Possible hikes in wadi Qelt

The length of the Perth River is 28 KM, and it has three sections for the trip. The most classic of the reserve is the walk between Ein Perth and Ein Mabu, 7 kilometers long.

The second section is between Ein Ma-bo-a and Ein Qelt and the third section from Ein Qelt to St George’s Monastery . These two routes require arriving in an organized group due to their proximity to military territory

I recommend trying to get here early in the morning and if possible even on weekends, then the site is full of visitors. As far as hiking gear is required, you should also bring waterproof sandals in addition to hiking shoes because parts of the route can be worn inside the creek.

Paran Monastery

From the cars in the entrance to the reserve there is a road uphill to the ancient Paran Monastery. It is the first Christian monastery established in the Judean Desert during the Byzantine period and is still active today. Below the monastery is Ein Perth spring.

Wadi Qelt pools

From the car park look for the path marked red, very quickly it will turn into a blue path that will be adjacent all the way to the creek. In some of the creek you can actually walk in the water with root sandals or wet your shoes. We quickly changed into swimsuits and stopped for a while to swim and swim. The earlier you start walking, the less likely you are to be able to see frogs, crabs, dragonflies and masses of fish better.

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St. George's Monastery, Wadi Qelt

• Description
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About this place

If you’re lucky enough to tour the deep narrow gorge of Wadi Qelt, Israel, 4 km west of Jericho , then you can see one of the most spectacular sights in the Holy Land, Saint George’s Monastery. The location is close to the ancient road that Jesus would have walked on between Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley and where He set his parable of the Good Samaritan. The Greek Orthodox monastery was built in the 4th century clinging to the steep cliffs overlooking Wadi Qelt . At the time it was common for monks to abandon worldly distractions and travel into the Judean Desert where they would live in isolation in the caves of Wadi Qelt. In fact, the word “monastery” comes from the Greek meaning, “dwell alone.”  The monastery is one of five monasteries in the Judean Desert but none as breathtaking as the Judean Desert Monastery of St. George. The History of St. George’s Monastery, Wadi Qelt

Saint George’s Monastery was established in the 5th century by the Egyptian monk John of Thebes (St. John of Choziba) together with five Syrian hermits that were living in caves overlooking Wadi Qelt. They chose the site because of its proximity to the cave where tradition holds that the Prophet Elijah was fed by ravens. Years after the original monks had settled in Wadi Qelt, Persian invaders rampaged through the gorge, destroying the monastery and killing the 14 monks that lived there. When the Crusaders arrived in 1179, they attempted to restore the abandoned monastery but their time in the Holy Land was over before they could complete their work. In 1878, more than a thousand years since the destruction of the monastery by the Persians, a Greek monk called Kalinikos devoted himself to restoring the monastery which was completed in 1901. Later, in the 1950s a bell tower was added.

A Biblical Location

The location has religious significance as Wadi Qelt is thought to be the Biblical Valley of the Shadow (Psalm 23) and it lies parallel to the old Roman road to Jericho where the parable of the Good Samaritan was set (Luke 10:29-37). The monastery is thought to be close to the cave where Elijah was fed by ravens (Kings I 17:5-6). St. Joachim (Mary’s father) is said to have stopped in a cave nearby to grieve over the barrenness of his wife St. Anne. An angel came to him in the cave to tell him that they would soon have a child. Who Was Saint George of Koziba?

The monastery is named after its most famous monk, Saint George of Koziba (or Choziba). He was a Cypriot who left his home country as a teenager after both his parents were killed and traveled to the Holy Land to devote himself to God. Saint George of Choziba died in c.620. The Magnificent Monastery of St. George

On a trip to the monastery, you should dress modestly and act with respect as it is still a place of worship. A dusty road leads up to the monastery and you can either walk or ride on a donkey-taxi to the monastery gate. The gateway opens onto the middle level of the structure which has been built into the rockface. You will see a Greek flag flying as the remaining residents are Greek Orthodox monks. The monastery is a welcoming and inviting place; like an oasis in the desert. The resident monks will make you feel at home. Unlike many monasteries, female visitors are welcome thanks to the precedent set by a Byzantine woman who arrived at the monastery wanting to be healed and claiming that the Virgin Mary had directed her there. The monastery is built on three levels with two churches within the complex – the Church of the Holy Virgin and the Church of St. George and St. John. Both churches are rich with religious paintings, icons, and mosaics. The Church of the Holy Virgin has a magnificent Byzantine mosaic featuring a double-headed eagle in black, red, and white. There are 12th-century doors in the church’s iconostasis. The Church of St. John and St. George has a 6th-century mosaic floor and in the reliquary, there are the bones of the monks massacred by the Persians in 614AD and the tomb of St. George. The crypt also holds the remains of the original five Syrian hermits who established the monastery with John of Thebes. You can follow the stairs from the inner courtyard down to the Cave Church of St. Elijah. There is a basket on a rope that is used to hoist supplies up to the cave. The cave has a tunnel that acted as an escape route to the top of the mountain. There is a balcony on the inner courtyard where you can see the monastery’s lush irrigated gardens and look down on Roman aqueducts on the other side of the valley. How to get to Saint George’s Monastery in Wadi Qelt

If you want to explore the Wadi on your visit to the monastery then follow highway #1 from Jerusalem and take left at Mitzpe Jericho then left again and left at the T-junction. Here you can stop for views of the Wadi and follow a path down to the valley bed to see the remains of the aqueduct bridge. About 450 meters further on is a wooden bridge that crosses Nahal Prat with the Ein Qelt pool on your left. From here you can hike west along the stream to a series of pools in Lower Nahal Prat or go east following the red trail for 2km until you get to the St. George Monastery. Alternatively, the monastery is not far from the Jerusalem-Dead Sea highway and from there you can reach the monastery entrance gate. From the gate, it is about a 15-minute walk to the buildings. The monastery welcomes guests from Monday to Saturday 9 am to 1 pm and is free to enter. It is safe to travel to the monastery but probably better to take a  private tour ,  rather than traveling solo – just in case you get lost in the wilderness!

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Hike the Lower Wadi Qelt to Jericho

Jerusalem, Israel

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Bryan Young

Hike into history as you descend into Lower Wadi Qelt and discover St. George’s Monastery, walk parallel to Rome’s aqueduct of King Herod and trek below sea level into the historic town of Jericho.

Wadi Qelt is a word that stands for valley or stream. The Lower Wadi Qelt trail begins on top of what can be described as a canyon and brings you down to the stream that passes by St. George’s Monastery.

Starting from the parking lot trailhead, you will follow a steep and roughly paved road down into the Lower Wadi Qelt. Just remember, what goes down, must come up! As you follow this you will get your first glimpse at St. George’s Monastery hidden down in the Wadi Qelt.

Upon arriving at the bottom you can tour the monastery and view the ancient skulls of the monks martyred there by the Persians in 614 CE. St. George’s Monastery was founded in the 4th century by monks that were trying to experience what the ancient prophets had experienced. When you decide to go be sure to check the hours, as they are limited, because the monastery is still in use today.

From the monastery you will follow the trail west, downstream, heading toward Jericho. You will know you are going in the right direction because the trail will be descending the entire time. In fact the trail will be bringing you below sea level. When you reach Jericho you will be 846 ft (226 m) below sea level!

Near the end of the trail the Wadi Qelt will open up and you will get your first glimpses of Jericho and in the distance also the Dead Sea and the mountains of Jordan.

From here you can either turn around and hike back to the car, or you can continue walking into Jericho until you find a taxi on the main road to drive you back to the trailhead if you wish to avoid the gradual uphill back to St. George’s Monastery and the big climb back to your vehicle.

Another option is to drive to Jericho and then take a taxi to the trailhead so when you finish the hike you can head straight to your vehicle.

Some More History:The Wadi Qelt is a historic trail that begins at a spring near Jerusalem and heads westward across the Judean Desert toward the historic town of Jericho. For centuries monks, armies and smugglers have used the path as a remote, and sometimes secret, passage between the two cities. Today it is a wonderful hike.

The Wadi Qelt has 3 main entrance points, all with different features, and further up there are pools and springs in which to swim if you have the time. The Lower Qadi Welt allows visitors to see just St. George’s Monastery and also hike the final 1.5 (2 km) of the trail that brings you to Jericho.

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Hiking Wadi Qelt – St George Monastery

Hiking Wadi Qelt is best in the early morning on the way down to the Dead Sea , a great place to experience the Judean desert and for photographs of the desert landscape.

From Jerusalem on highway <1> take the left at Mizpe Yericho, left again and left at the T. Park the car here for a great view of Wadi Qelt/Nahal Prat . Follow the black trail down to the stream bed. Here you will see the remains of the stone arches of the bridge of the aquaduct.

Continuing another 450 meters you’ll come to a wooden bridge that crosses Nahal Prat and to your left is the Ein Qelt pool. There are two possibilities from here: hike west along the streambed to a string of pools in Lower Nahal Prat or east along the red trail which will take you after about 2 kilometers to the monastery of St George of Koziba perched on the northern cliff.

From the monastery you can climb up to the road where you drive back to the highway or continue to the ruins of Herod’s fortress at Cypros .

Christian monks began to settle in the Judean Desert in the early 4th century identifying with Moses, Elijah, Jesus and others who spent time in the desert, as a respite from the secular world. By the fifth to seventh centuries, there were some 65 monasteries in the area: St. George, Martyrius, Euthymius, Deir Hijla, Mar Saba can be visited to this day.

Originally founded as a laura , a cluster of cells or caves for hermits about 420 CE, a small chapel was added later and about 480CE St. John of Thebes transformed the site into a monastery. In the 6th century it became known as St. George under the leadership of Gorgias of Koziba, born in Cyprus about 550 CE. The Persians destroyed it in 614 and it was rebuilt during the Crusader period but abandoned when the Crusaders were defeated and was reported in ruins by a pilgrim who visited in 1483. In 1878 a Greek monk, Kalinikos, settled here and restored the monastery, completing it in 1901.

5  So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD; for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan. 6  And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook. I Kings 17

There is also the story that Joachim, father of the Virgin Mary, hid here for forty days bewailing the barrenness of his wife Anne, whereupon an angel came to him to announce that Anne was pregnant with a daughter.

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$ 450.00

St. George’s Monastery, Wadi Qelt, Mar Saba Monastery, and Bethlehem Private Day Tour

Enjoy a comprehensive overview of historic Bethlehem and around on this 8-hour private tour. You’ll visit religious monuments, including St. George’s Monastery, Mar Saba Monastery, the Church of the Nativity, the Church of St. Catherine, the Milk Grotto Shrine, the Cave of St. Jerome, and Shepherd’s Field, where the angel appeared to the shepherds. Along the way, enjoy a falafel lunch and see some of Banksy’s graffiti art.

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Duration:  8 hours (Approx.)     |      Offered in: English

Tour Itinerary

Instructions before entering Saint George Monastery

Meet your guide at Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint if you are coming from Jerusalem: Checkpoint 300 is about 30 minutes from Damascus Gate by bus.

Women should dress modestly and bring a scarf to ensure admission to St. George Monastery.

Relax in air-conditioned comfort as you drive for around 45 minutes to St. George’s Monastery in Wadi Qelt. Along the way, you’ll pass by various religious sites: St. Theodosius’ Monastery, where some believe the wise men hid from Herod the Great after they visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem , and al-Eizariya, which many believe to be Lazarus’ Bethany village.

Stroll a short way down Qelt Valley to reach the monastery, which dates back to the fourth century, when monks first settled in the desert. They believed the site was where ravens fed the Prophet Elijah. We will explore the complex before driving a few minutes towards Bethlehem to Mar Saba.

The largest monastery in the Jerusalem Wilderness, Mar Saba Monastery, dates back to the fifth century AD and perches amid the southern cliffs of the Kidron Creek. Founded by Saint Sabas (Mar Saba in Arabic), it’s been extensively expanded and fortified over the years. Please note: women are not allowed to enter the monastery. Everyone will enjoy a panoramic view of the site, but only men can go inside and tour the monastery.

Your next stop is Beit Sahour, considered the city of the shepherds. Visit the Shepherd’s Field, where the angel appeared to the shepherds and told them about Jesus’ birth, then drive to a local restaurant for a classic falafel lunch.

From here, it’s not far to Bethlehem proper, where you’ll start at the famous Church of the Nativity , a  UNESCO world heritage site  that was built on the spot where many believe Jesus was born: it’s the world’s oldest church in regular daily use. You’ll also visit the Cave of St. Jerome, below the church, where many believe he translated the bible.

Finally, you’ll visit the Church of St. Catherine and the Milk Grotto Church and see Banksy’s graffiti, before you drive back to Checkpoint 300 or your Bethlehem hotel, where your tour will finish around 4 or 5 pm.

End of the day.

What's Included

✓ Private driver-guide

✓ Professional guide

✓ Private tour

✓ Pickup and drop off from Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint or from your hotel if you are staying in the city of Bethlehem

✗ Hotel pick up and drop off outside of Bethlehem

✗ Entrance fees

✗ Gratuities (optional)

Departure & Return

Departure Point

• If you are coming from Jerusalem, you will meet your guide at Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint (known also a Rachels’ Tomb Crossing). It’s about 30 minutes drive from Damascus Gate by bus.
• Your guide will meet you after you cross to Bethlehem side.
• If you are staying in Bethlehem then a hotel pick-up is available.

Check How to get from Jerusalem to Bethlehem (Click here to look up the location on google maps)

Departure Time

Return Details

Returns to the original departure point.

Additional Info

• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.
• Saint Saba Monastery closed on Wednesdays and Fridays
• Women are not allowed inside Saint Saba Monastery
• Modest clothing is required
• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
• Not wheelchair accessible

Cancellation Policy

• If you cancel your tour within (10 days) prior to the date of the tour, the deposit amount is non-refundable.
• If you cancel your tour before (11 days or more) prior to the date of the tour, a full refund of the deposit will apply.
• If you cancel a requested multi-day tour at any time, the deposit amount will be non-refundable.
• If you cancel a requested customized tour that requires arranging/booking any non-recoverable out-of-pocket costs incurred on your behalf such as booking a separate driver, car rentals, admissions, hotel reservations, tickets etc. in less than (10 days) prior to the date of the tour, the amount for any non-recoverable out-of-pocket costs will be non-refundable in addition to the deposit amount.

1 review for St. George's Monastery, Wadi Qelt, Mar Saba Monastery, and Bethlehem Private Day Tour

Anna Kristen (verified owner) – June 6, 2022

Michael was a gem! Professional and personable, flexible with the itinerary, and a perfect guide for a custom tour of some highlights of Jericho and Bethlehem. (The monasteries, Hisham’s palace, the church of the Nativity were among my favorites of the… dozen or so stops.) We covered a lot of ground at my request, and Michael was full of knowledge about the historical sites, related theology and geology, and the realities of life in Palestine.

Not only did he take a chance on a one- person tour (I find most operators have a 2 person minimum), he went above and beyond to ensure I had a fantastic day. Would highly recommend, and would definitely travel with Michael again.

Michael Jackaman – June 22, 2022

Thank you Anna for your amazing feedback. I am always happy to hear how much my guests enjoyed their tours. Wish you all the best and I hope to see you again.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

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• Wadi Qelt Reserve Trail

The trail starts from the Ottoman House in west Jericho through Wadi Qelt and ends at the Monastery of Saint George.

Tour through the trail:

The trail starts from the Ottoman House area, west of Jericho, at a distance of  About 8 km to the south-west of the city centre, the starting point of this trail is distinguished by the presence of the Ottoman building with arcs and ornaments, and near it there is the Turkish bridge, which is topped by a water channel over the Wadi al-Qelt corridor. The valley is known as one of the tributaries of the Jordan river and flows at its end at a shallow place known among the local people as the Hojla Stepping-stone, which was formed as a result of soil erosion by torrential rains. To feed this valley, gathered in a torrent called Swinnet, it meets the water collected through the mountains of Al-Ram and Anata and passing through Ain Fawar, the meeting of the previous two streams passes through Ain Fara and connected it to Maran at Ain al-Qelt and then to Wadi al-Qelt, the amount of water in the valley is around 3 million cubic meters annually.

A holy journey that ends with the waters in which Jesus Christ - peace upon him is held in the Jordan River. The visitor is here at nearly or slightly below sea level, can walk officially alongside historical monuments, built in the Roman period; For the winter palace of King Herod (located in Tulul Abu Alaiq) with water, and its populations drank from the water of the three springs that the fresh water is adjacent throughout the year, and the visitor rises adjacent to the water channel that flows into the valley, to the heights of the northern valley, to begin a journey characterized by the interlinking with nature, and history, in harmony and beauty of the valley. During the visitor’s journey, the valley is located to his right to the east, as water flows through it, producing a green oasis of various types of floras and faunas. Several birds inhabit the place, to the left of artificial caves and ancient caves. Christians have inhabited it since the beginning of the religion, sheltering from dangers, and secluded the bustling life of worship and prayer. The visitor continues in the eastern direction, taking the narrow corridors overlooking the valley, covered with gravels of different sizes, about eight kilometres, looking forward to the remaining monasteries and churches that were destroyed and reconstructed several times throughout history, and what remains today found in the  the eastern summit of the valley as it is located at an altitude of 120 m below ground level, and is considered a Christian religious landmark, and a masterpiece of architecture visited by thousands every year.

Their remains are still a destination for visits and pilgrims, and the visitor inclines to the monastery through a carved rocky staircase, following the steps of the first Christians, and hallowed by the steps of Jesus - peace be upon him.

The Canaanites are nearly two thousand years old, and their name is derived from the root Semitic, go or go, and means moon in the Canaanite language. Its origin is Tel Al-Sultan, next to the spring that named after him, which is the lowest point on earth, and is characterized by the fertility of its soil and the abundance of its waters.

There are many Christian monasteries and monuments in and around the city of Jericho. The Qarnot summit called (El-tagrobah mountain) is one of its attractive evidences to visit and evoke history. In it, Jesus - peace be upon him - spent about 40 days and nights, resisting the temptations of Satan to leave humanity an immortal message that (not with bread alone). Long live the human being), this is in addition to the Roman Monastery.

And the bath, the spilled and the Copt, and others. There are distinguished Islamic monuments in Jericho among its counterparts in adjacent countries, including Hisham's Palace, located in the northern part of the city, which contains one of the largest mosaic panels in the world, with an area of ​​827 square meters. Which dates back to the Mamluk -Ayyubid period, and was renewed and restored, the last of which was in 2018 AD, and Herodos, one of the most important kings of the Romans, left many castles in Jericho, such as: Torus or Beit Jabr Al-Tahtani, Qobroess in Tel aqaeb, and Trax or Beit Geer Al-foqane.

Biodiversity:

The area flourishes with all forms of life, including eagles, short -toed eagles, king fishers and others, the area is inhabited by Rock Hyrax, and Gazelle s , and fish live in its waters. Dragonflies, frogs, lizards and snakes live among the rocks and crevices, and from plants date palms, sage , and chamomiles.

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• Departing from Jericho
• Donkey-Tours
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Ride the donkeys between Jericho’s  banana and date farms, along the series of the Mount of Temptation, and reach Wadi Qelt. Stop to visit the ancient ruins of Herod’s winter palace and cross the Wadi to stop for a light snack at a local Bedouin tent and enjoy the view over Jericho.

Donkey Tours | Palestine is a new community-based ecotourism initiative of a group of Palestinian students from the village of Sebastia. With a special appreciation for donkeys, the members have teamed up many of the village’s donkeys to become the visitors’ reliable travel companions for the duration of their visit to Sebastia and Jericho, and an awesome way to explore the area’s nature and historical sites.

If you book this tour for less than the required minimum number of participants, your booking will be pending for other interested participants on the same date. Alternatively, you may upgrade your order to the minimum number of participants to ensure the availability and confirm the tour.

Additional information

• Duration: 3 Hours
• Starting / return point: Auberg-Inn Guesthouse, Dyuk, Jericho

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