Negev Desert Hiking Tour

Negev Desert Hiking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Dimona

Welcome to the Negev Desert! Your starting point for this tour is in the small desert town of Midreshet Ben-Gurion, where you’ll get a feel for Israeli desert life and can enjoy some time exploring and soaking up the culture. Get a good night’s rest for your highly anticipated first day of hiking tomorrow!
Overnight Location:  Hostel in Midreshet Ben-Gurion
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Horseshoes and Valleys

This morning, a short transfer will take you from your accommodations to the trailhead near the religious community of Merchav Am.

After hiking through Wadi Hatzatz, you’ll descend into the mighty Daroch Canyon—a narrow and exciting section that also features the beautiful Daroch Horseshoe rock formation.

You’ll soon be greeted by stunning views of the Zin Valley sprawling below. Making your final descent into the valley, you can opt to take a 6 km transfer in a Jeep taxi (not included) back to your accommodation, or reach it on foot by hiking the remaining 6 km.
Overnight Location: Hostel in Midreshet Ben-Gurion
Distance: 15-21 km, 7-10 hours, 550m ascent
Meals: None

Day 3 Ancient Avdat and the Akev Springs

Today’s hike starts directly from your accommodation. The total walking distance today is 19 km, however, you can opt to take a desert Jeep transfer (not included) to bypass the first 6 km of the trail.

The first highlight of today is a steep and exhilarating climb to Hod Akev. From a flat plain on top, you’ll enjoy amazing views of the surrounding Negev Desert. Descending Hod Akev, you’ll be greeted by a magical desert surprise! The Ein Akev spring awaits, a rare deep pool in the middle of the desert with icy waters perfect for a cool-down dip!

Concluding this fantastic day of hiking, you’ll reach the ancient Nabatean town of Advat, where you’ll find intriguing churches and a bathhouse from the Byzantine period. A short transfer will take you from Avdat to your guesthouse in Mitzpe Ramon.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Mitzpe Ramon
Distance: 13-19 km, 5-7 hours, 550m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Ramon’s Tooth

Today is all about craters! On the edge of the Ramon’s Crater sits a visitor center that boasts a panoramic observation window and an interactive exhibit. Exploring the center, you’ll have a chance to learn about the history and wonders of this area.

Back on the trail, steep descent to the bed of the crater will have you walking amidst wild desert landscape until you reach the southern wall of the crater. Having reached a major highlight for today’s hike, you’ll ascend Ramon’s Tooth to the Shen Ramon summit where you’ll find astonishing views of both the big and small Makhtesh and the surrounding Negev Desert.

After your descent, a short transfer will take you back to your accommodations in Mitzpe Ramon. Tonight there is a spectacular add-on (not included) opportunity to stargaze in the desert. This is an experience that comes highly recommended!
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Mitzpe Ramon
Distance: 13 km, 6-7 hours, 350m of ascent
Meals: None

Day 5 Views From Mount Ardon

A short transfer will take you from your accommodation to the heart of Mitzpe Ramon, where yesterday’s hike ended. Your first ascent of the day will take you to Mount Saharonim, a knife-shaped ridge that is part of the crater’s wall. Here you’ll enjoy captivating views of Ramon’s Crater.

Descending into Nekarot Wadi, you’ll hike through a beautiful horseshoe-shaped canyon known for its unique colours and rare rock formations. The grand finale of the day is reaching the foot of Mount Ardon. The ascent is tough and steep, but worth every bit of effort! Finishing off this epic journey with views of the surrounding desert and craters, you’ll want to soak up these moments.

Following your descent of Mount Ardon, a transfer will take you back to Mitzpe Ramon.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 16 km, 7-8 hours, 600m of ascent
Meals: None