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Highlights
Hike Israel’s collection of mountains and extinct volcanoes in the Golan Heights
Feel on top of the world as you descend from the summit of Israel’s highest peak, Mount Hermon.
Discover Mount Odem, the ancient dormant volcano nestled deep in a thick Mediterranean grove.
Brush up on your Israeli military history as you explore key battle sites and symbolic memorials.
Feast your eyes on a 1500-year-old quaint village perched on a hilltop overlooking a small reservoir.
Explore some of the best and most exciting sections of Israel’s Golan Trail up to its easternmost point on this exciting 70 km hiking journey across the Golan Heights region of Israel!
Journeying south from the towering peaks of mighty Mount Hermon, the 5-day Golan Trail Hiking Tour lets you experience some of Israel’s most fascinating landscapes. Your end objective is the Bedouin village of Husniya, but you’ll pass plenty of memorable sites along the way.
Encounter Israel’s rich and diverse history, as you explore ancient ruins and telling battle sites. Soak up local culture on the streets of small settlements. Experience the local charm and cuisine of the unique communities that populate this chock-full section of the Golan Trail. Book the 5-day Golan Trail Hiking Tour today!
Explore some of the best and most exciting sections of Israel’s Golan Trail up to its easternmost point on this exciting 70 km hiking journey across the Golan Heights region of Israel!
Journeying south from the towering peaks of mighty Mount Hermon, the 5-day Golan Trail Hiking Tour lets you experience some of Israel’s most fascinating landscapes. Your end objective is the Bedouin village of Husniya, but you’ll pass plenty of memorable sites along the way.
Encounter Israel’s rich and diverse history, as you explore ancient ruins and telling battle sites. Soak up local culture on the streets of small settlements. Experience the local charm and cuisine of the unique communities that populate this chock-full section of the Golan Trail. Book the 5-day Golan Trail Hiking Tour today!
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5-day Golan Trail Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Odem
Welcome to Odem! 1100 m (3608 ft) above sea level, Odem is the second-highest town in Israel.
This afternoon, you’ll have a brief one-on-one meeting where you’ll be provided with your route maps and will have the opportunity to ask questions. Rest well at your accommodations in preparation for an adventure-packed first day of hiking tomorrow!
Overnight Location: Hostel in Odem
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Volcanoes and military history
There are two hiking options today.
Option 1: 17 km hike
From Odem to Merom Golan, today’s expansive hike is full of history and stunning landscapes!
Discover Israeli military history at The Valley of Tears, the Yom Kippur War (1973) battleground site, home to the Oz 77 Memorial of Merom Golan.
Take in the spectacular views of the extinct volcano Mount Bental, with an altitude of 1166m (3825 ft), it’s known for providing some of the best viewpoints on the Golan Trail!
Your hike ends today in Merom Golan—a kibuttz that that sits at the bottom of the volcanic crater created by Mount Bental.
Option 2: 12 km hike
This option allows you to shorten your total distance covered for the day to 12 km, taking a transfer and instead beginning your hike at El Rom (not included).
Overnight Location: Guest Village in Merom Golan
Distance: option 1: 17 km, 5-6 hrs
option 2: 12 km, 4-5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Mediterranean grapes and Mountain Summits
There are two hiking options today.
Option 1: 20 km hike
On this thrilling segment of the trail, you’ll hike Mount Bental. Reaching the summit, you’ll take in panoramic views across the plains of Golan in both Israel and Syria.
The trail continues as you spot the rich purple grapes of El-Rom’s sprawling vineyards and take in one of the most picturesque settings of the entire trail.
The trail then leads you past a wind turbine farm and a stunning Mediterranean forest on the Bashanit Ridge where Mount Hozek stands.
Today’s journey will end at Alonei Habashan where you’ll reach tonight’s accommodation. Unwind and check out the local cuisine!
Option 2: 12 km hike
This option allows you to shorten your total distance covered for the day to 12 km, taking a transfer (not included) and instead beginning your hike at Ein Zivan Campsite.
Overnight Location: Guest Village in Alonei Habashan
Distance: option 1: 20 km, 6-7 hrs
option 2: 12 km, 4-5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Mount Hozek and Village Ruins
This 15km final stretch of your Golan Trail hike today is filled with sites fit for the grand finale!
Spot the ancient 1500-year-old village perched atop a hill overlooking a blue reservoir and marvel at this age-old land.
Encountering Mount Hozek for the second time on this trail, take in the sight of its towering peak. A stunning grove marks your arrival at the abandoned village ruins of Husniya where you’ll have the chance to explore.
Your last steps on the trail will take you to Keshet, your final destination on the 5-day Golan Trail Hiking Tour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Keshet
Distance: 15 km, 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Ruins and the Gamla Natural Reserve
Today you tackle another 15 km of trail beginning in Keshet, where intriguing ruins are the only traces of the 2000 Cherkess people that once lived here—look out for the remains of a guest house that dates back to the 8th century!
As you embark on one of the most scenic segments of the trail, you’ll encounter cattle fields, pastures and springs as far as the eye can see. Soon you’ll reach the highlight of the day – Rujm el-Hiri archeological site.
The end of today’s trail is only 3 km from the Gamla Natural Reserve. If you opt for this add on, you’ll have the chance to see Israel’s tallest waterfall and beautiful ancient village.
Today’s hike ends at Daliot Junction where a transfer will take you back to your accommodation in Keshet.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 16 km, 4-5 hours
Meals: None
5-day Golan Trail Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided tour in Northern Israel is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price always depends on the number of people in your group.Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room.
Departures on Friday, Saturday and Sunday:
- Solo Traveller: from USD1495 per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 2: from USD825 per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 3: from USD695 per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 4-5: from USD615 per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 6+: from USD615 per person
Accommodation on the 5-day Golan Trail Hiking Tour
This tour is based mostly in 2-3 star hostels and guest villages.
All accommodations offer private rooms. The accommodations are equipped with modern amenities to make your stay comfortable and pleasant. Rooms are double occupancy and single travellers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement (USD275–USD325, depending on your departure day) to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travellers up where possible.
What’s Included in the Short Golan Heights Trail Hiking Tour?
Meals
3 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 4 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
A short transfer is included for hikers on days 2 and 5. An optional transfer to shorten your hike on day 2 is also included. For those opting to shorten their hikes on days 3, 4 and 5, transfers may not be included. Luggage is transferred daily from accommodation to accommodation.
Also Included
- Detailed briefing meeting via Zoom
- GPS mobile app
- Hiking maps
- Hiking guidebook
- 24/7 phone support
Not included
- Flights and airport transfers to Odem or out of Alonei Habashan
- Breakfast on day 1, lunch and dinners on all days
Optional Extras
- Airport transfers
- Extra nights in Odem
- Extra nights in Alonei Habashan
- Optional activities:
- Visit to Har Odem Winery
- Visit to De Karina Boutique Chocolate Factory
- How hard is the 5-day Golan Trail Hiking Tour?
- What should I expect when hiking in the desert?
- Can I start this tour on Wednesday or Thursday?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Israel?
- Are meals included on the 5-day Golan Trail Hiking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Odem to start this tour?
- Where does the 5-day Golan Trail Hiking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Israel?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Israel?
- Can you drink from the streams or reservoirs in the Golan Heights?
- Can you swim in the streams or reservoirs in the Golan Heights?
- When is the best time to travel to Israel for this tour?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
We rate this tour 3/5. Hikers should be comfortable hiking for up to 10 hours. However, there are options to shorten hike times on certain days to lower the difficulty. Although some of the distances seem long, the terrain is easy.
The spring season (March and April) is the best time for this tour, as the weather is generally not too hot and makes for comfortable hiking.
Proper hydration at all times and is important when hiking on this tour. If hot temperatures are forecasted, consider avoiding hiking during the hottest part of the day.
Please note that starting this tour on Wednesday or Thursday means that you would be entering the religious community of Alonei Habshan during the Shabbat, when check-ins or check-outs are not possible. Alternative lodging can be arranged at Katzrin (village in the neighbourhood) for an additional cost. If possible, we recommend booking for a start on any other day.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
3 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is the closest airport to your start point in Odem. You can get from Ben Gurion Airport to Odem by bus. First, take a short taxi to the Israel Aerospace Industries Junction, and then catch a bus. This will take you approximately 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can arrange your own transportation from the airport or book airport transfers as part of your tour for an additional fee. A vehicle transfer should take approximately 2.5 hours.
The tour ends in the town of Alonei Habashan where you can take a combination of buses to reach Ben Gurion Airport Station, approximately 5 hours to reach Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). Alternatively, you can arrange your own transportation to the airport or book airport transfers as part of your tour for an additional fee, the vehicle transfer should take approximately 2.5 hours.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
No, water should not be drunk unless first treated. It’s important to equip yourself with enough water for each day’s hike based on the distance covered.
No. Swimming is illegal in all springs and reservoirs of the Golan Heights; however, you can refresh yourself by dipping your hands into the water.
The best time to travel to Israel for this trek is from March to April when the wildflowers are in bloom.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Customer Ratings
Israel by Foot is a boutique company focusing on making it easy for hiking enthusiasts on all levels to enjoy Israel’s varied terrain independently while having the secure feeling that we “got your back” at all times. Israel by Foot provides dedicated, personal service to ensure an unforgettable experience.
