Search
Close this search box.

Mount Jonah

Israel National Trail

Mount Jonah is the 9th section of the Israel National Trail and yet another amazing section of our National Trail. We’ll start the day in the Har Yona neighborhood; there we will need to get to the end of the road that leads to the village of Ein Mahil, a Muslim Town.

The 9th Section of the Israel Natinal Trail: Mount Jonah

At the junction, cross the road at a right turn and continue walking along the road on Ma’ale Yitzhak Boulevard in the Har Yona neighborhood in Nof Hagalil (Nazarat Ilit). On the way, you pass a split of trails with the blue marking; where you continue with the marking of the Israel Trail, and after about 2.2 km from the junction, you reach another split of two trails.

Tzippori (Sepphoris) National Park

Turn left at the Israel Trail marking and descend from Ma’ale Yitzhak Boulevard in a steep descent towards Mashhad. After a descent of about 430 meters, you’ll reach Route 754; cross it very carefully, and turn right. Continue along the road for a few tens of meters and reach the junction and the entrance to the village of Mashhad.

Israel National Trail Mount Jonah

So the Arab little town of Mashhad was built on the ruins of the biblical city of Gath-Hepher; which according to what is mentioned in the Book of Kings was the city of the prophet Jonah. Ultimately Gath-Hepher was destroyed after the Second Temple period. In the 18th century, Muslim Arabs settled there. The tomb of the prophet Jonah is currently located in the compound of the a-Nabi Younes Mosque.


Sepphoris National Park is a Stop You Should Consider on Doing While Doing This Section of the Israel Trail

Furthermore, the tomb of the Prophet Jonah was registered in historical sources since the 4th century. Moreover, in the Middle Ages, many Jews visited it and prostrated themselves on its grave. The traveler Rabbi Petahya from Regensburg visited the place in 1180.

In addition, Jerome in Roman Times (Commentary on Jonah) describes the town ‘as an inconsiderable village’ and tells that the tomb of Jonah was nearby. Similarly, the medieval geographer Benjamin of Tudela also relates the tomb of Jonah in his travels to the area.

arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Israel National Trail, Kinneret

RELATED POSTS

The Small Crater

HaMakhtesh HaKatan (Small Crater) is a geological erosional crater in the Negev Desert. A cool site to hike when touring Israel

Best Things to Do in Jezreel Valley

So my guests usually ask about the best things to do in Jezreel Valley. So I decided to compile this short list of activities you ...

Masada Sunrise Tour

Enjoy Masada the best way possible by taking the Masada Sunrise Tour. A real experience that will leave an impression of a lifetime!

Israel National Trail Nahal Hawwa

Nahal Hawwa is one of the most beautiful sections of the trail. It is section number 35 of the trail. Israel National Trail Nahal Hawwa ...

Israel National Trail

The Israel National Trail is a hiking path that was inaugurated in 1995. The trail crosses the entire country of Israel. For more click here!

Great Family Fun in Judea

If you're looking for some fun things to do with your kids while touring Israel. You're expected great family fun in Judea!

Cool Things to Do in the Negev

So this post is about cool things to do in the Negev after you've seen and done it all. Where can you do a nice ...

Hiking at Agamon HaHula

Around Agamon Hahula there are great hiking trails you can do. But Hiking at Agamon Hahula should commence in the very early morning. Around dawn! ...

Israel National Trail Beit Guvrin

This 25th section of the Israel National Trail Beit Guvrin is a real gem. Starting from the Elah Valley. A beautiful hike passing through the ...

Hiking Nahal El Al

Nahal El Al is the southernmost stream in the Golan Heights. The canyon part of the stream is super fun and even have little waterfalls!

Need help?

Skip to content