Mountain Trekking Around Lalibela — 8 Days

    This trip is the perfect introduction to Ethiopia’s incredible diversity of lesser-known and lesser-visited ancient civilizations, culture, and nature. Here, the incomparable scenery of the Abune Yosef Mountains contrasts with some of the most beautiful scenery of the low lands of Bilbala and Wag Yimra. This trip is truly off the beaten track!

    This trek offers a unique and unrivalled combination of history, culture, and spectacular scenery. We wind our way from the Abune Yosef Mountains to the Afro-Alpine forest, through small remote villages and farm lands, as we  explore ancient cave churches and rock-hewn churches that date back to the 6th and 12th centuries.

    Trip Highlights

    • Be amazed at the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
    • See Abune Yosef Mountain, the third-highest peak in Ethiopia.
    • Explore cave churches, castles, and waterfalls.
    • Enjoy mountain trekking in the beautiful Lasta Mountain Range.

    Itinerary

    Day 1: Addis Ababa

    Arrive in Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, take a city tour of Addis Ababa that includes the National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, and the Mercato.

    Overnight: Hotel

    Day 2: Addis Abab, Lalibela (2500m)

    In the morning, fly to Lalibela. For the rest of the day, visit the first group of rock-hewn churches dating from 1200 AD.

    Overnight: Hotel

    Day 3: Lalibela, Merebarbu (3500m)

    In the morning, visit the second group of rock-hewn churches. In the afternoon, trek to Merebarbu enroute visitng Asheten Mariam Monastery dating from the 13th century.

    Overnight: Camping at Merebarbu

    Day 4: Merebarbu, Wedebye (3700m)

    Start the 4-hour trekking from Merebarbu to Wedebye (3600m to 3800m).

    Overnight: Camping at Wedebye

    Day 5: Wedebye, Abune Yosef (3900m)

    Continue the trek for approximately 4 hours to Abune Yosef (4130m). Enroute, enjoy the stunning views of Afro-Alpine vegetation as you spot endemic mammals like the Gelada Baboon and the Simen Fox.

    Overnight: Hotel

    Day 6: Abune Yosef, Degosach, Yimrhane Kirstos

    From Abune Yosef, the third-highest pick in Ethiopia, we will trek on the plateau of Degosach enroute visiting different villages. At Yimrhane Kirstos, you will visit the 12th-century cave church that is famous for its unique style of architecture, construction, and interior decor.

    Overnight: Hotel

    Day 7: Yimrha, Arbatu Ensesa, Lalibela

    In the morning, walk downhill to visit Arbatu Ensesa, a rock-hewn church from the 4th century AD. Then meet your driver for the drive to Lalibela enroute visiting Bilbala Cherkos.

    Overnight: Hotel

    Day 8: Lalibela, Addis Ababa, Departure

    Fly back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, take a city tour of Addis Ababa and prepare for the flight back home. End of tour.

    Additional Info

    • Trip Type: Trekking
    • TourCode: GHET-0132
    • JourneyType: Private Journey
    • TourDuration: 8 Days
    • Activities/Description: Explore Ethiopia's natural beauty as cultural treasures in this private tour.
    Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours has been operating responsible travel activity and adventure holidays in Ethiopia for more than a decade.Travel to Ethiopia with Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours and discover amazing Ethiopia. We have a wide selection of holiday tour packages including the following: cultural tours for groups and individuals, family holiday options, varied adventure tours and travel packages, photo expeditions, trekking adventure holidays, cultural explorations in the Omo Valley, and photo tours in Ethiopia. We are the local travel specialists and the leading Ethiopian tour operator based in Addis Ababa. Contact us for your holiday in Ethiopia.
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