Masada at sunrise, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea

About this experience

This is the early, active version of the day. The listing includes air-conditioned transport and the Dead Sea beach entry fee, and that is it. Masada National Park (37 NIS) and Ein Gedi (31 NIS) are paid by you at the gates, which makes 68 NIS on top of the price. Food, drinks and a towel are extra too. It is self-guided, but guests name the driver, Shmuel or Samuel, and say he knows an incredible amount about the area.

The climb is the point. The Snake Path zigzags up the east face of Masada and opens one hour before sunrise. Most people take 40 minutes to an hour to climb it. The listing has you going up and down the Snake Path, in the cool before dawn, and then exploring the summit on your own. Masada is the fortress King Herod built on a desert mesa about 400 m above the Dead Sea. The Romans besieged it in 73/74 CE, and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. After Masada comes the walk at Ein Gedi. Ein Gedi is a spring-fed nature reserve on the shore between Masada and the northern beaches. The short trail up Nahal David, David's stream, passes pools to David's waterfall in about an hour there and back, and ibex and rock hyraxes often wander close to the path. The day ends on a Dead Sea beach with the entry paid.

The listing has 4.5 stars from 251 reviews, with 4.6 for transport. It asks for a moderate level of fitness, and it is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. Guests call the climb challenging but worth it, and say there was plenty of time at each stop. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

• Sunrise over the Judean Desert and the mountains of Jordan
• Up and down Masada on the Snake Path
• A walk through the Ein Gedi oasis
• Dead Sea beach entry included
• Time to explore each stop at your own pace
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

How the day runs

1. Before dawnAbraham Hostel

   Meet at Abraham Jerusalem, HaNevi'im St 67, in the dark, and rent a towel for 15 NIS if you need one.

2. Night driveDown to Masada

   About 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours down Route 1 and Route 90 to the foot of the fortress.

3. First lightThe Snake Path

   Climb in the cool darkness with a torch; the path opens one hour before sunrise.

4. SunriseThe summit of Masada

   Watch the sun come up over the sea, then explore the ruins at your own pace.

5. Late morningEin Gedi

   Walk the reserve's springs and waterfalls; entry is 31 NIS on the day.

6. AfternoonFloat, then home

   Beach time at the Dead Sea with entry paid, then back to Jerusalem.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Bring a head torch. The first part of the climb is in full darkness.
• Carry cash in shekels. You pay 37 NIS at Masada and 31 NIS at Ein Gedi yourself.
• Wear hiking shoes and bring flip-flops for later. The listing asks for both, plus water and sunscreen.
• Check the sunrise time for your date. Our Masada sunrise times post lists them by month.
• Bring your passport; the listing accepts a copy. The road down from Jerusalem, Route 1 east and then Route 90 south along the shore, crosses the West Bank, so carry your passport.

Read next:

• Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea
• Is the Dead Sea worth it?

Frequently asked questions

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