The Judaean Desert is a fascinating place. And there are many things to do in the Judaean Desert. Trust me, I am a private tour guide in Israel! But seriously what can you do when touring what is officially the smallest desert in the world. So first there are a few famous national parks you can visit. One of them of course is Qumran National Park. Yes, this is the place where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Another important site is naturally Masada. This amazing winter palace that Herod built is seen from the distance, and skipping it would be a shame.
But after all that you still have many things to do in the Judaean Desert. For example what about Ein Gedi? This natural oasis. In the hot summers not going there would be a huge mistake. But if you chose to go there I would recommend going to Wadi Arugot where there are fewer people.
Things To Do in the Judaean Desert: Canyoning
The Judaean Desert is an array of ridges and canyons; hanging from the heights of around 1,000 meters in the Judean Mountains is quite a thrill trust me! On its eastern edge, the Judaean Desert dramatically drops into the Dead Sea in cliffs of up to 500 meters, and waterfalls in the dry canyons fall in heights of 50-330 meters. So let’s go for a rappelling journey in the Judean Desert and descend the beautiful dry waterfalls of its canyons.
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Now there are a few options for that: First. Qumran Canyon: Like I’ve mentioned properly in this post. Wadi Qumran is a very important spot in Israel’s history. It holds lots of mysteries and archeological discoveries – the major of them are the Dead Sea Scrolls which were found by mistake when Beduins were herding their sheep and goats in the area. Hidden inside a small cave he found ancient scrolls written in ancient Hebrew text.
Another option is Tamar Canyon: Tamar Canyon in the southeast of the Judean Desert canyons which is done by rappelling, though this one has also ladders on the way to make the canyoning trip even easier. This canyon is very easy to do and fits also families with young kids or grown-ups who don’t want to rappel a lot. Nevertheless, this canyon is very beautiful as its walls climb higher and higher while you walk through the amazing canyon’s trail.
Things To Do in the Judaean Desert: Malcham Cave
The longest salt cave in the world. located in Mount Sodom, by the Dead Sea, Israel. In March 2019 it has been revealed, by an international team, led by Israeli geologist professor Amos Frumkin, after a second measurement that its length is almost two times longer than was measured back in the 1980s. The cave was measured over a period of two years and has a length of over 10 km (6.2 mi) that will continue to increase as more salt dissolves. Unlike limestone caves, where stalactites and stalagmites form into nearly shapeless cones, the salt crystals of this cave grow into beautiful and extraordinary shapes sparkling with different colors in the beam of your headlamps. Happy Spelunking!
Things To Do in the Judaean Desert: The Dead Sea
Well last but certainly not least is the Dead Sea. If you haven’t tried floating in the Dead Sea till now. So my friends this is a must. It’s kind of strange I must admit the feeling. Kind of Oily due to the fact that the high concentration of salt is filling the pores of your body; which gives this oily sensation when you get it to the water. But still is just so cool to float for a bit and read the current events meanwhile.
