Desert Trek - April 2015 - The Israel National Trail Experience

Contents
1 Conclusion
2 General Info
3 Security
4 Hike Path
5 Schedule
6 Equipment
7 Costs
8 Pictures

Conclusion

The trek was a success! We had a great time having the guys here in our beautiful desert. We hope to host the next hike soon!

Check out the pictures from the trek in our Facebook page or our gallery here.

General Info

This 5 days desert trek (April 6th – 12th), organized by Trek Heads and The INT Experience, is a great opportunity to experience the power of the desert as well as to get to know the unique israeli culture.

The trek will take place during Passover, a jewish holiday, when it’s forbidden to eat any kind of bread (it’s good for the diet hah?!) and as well is the holiday that represent the start of the spring, what makes it the perfect time for a hike!

Security

The security situation in Israel is stable these days. The southern border has been quiet since August and it’s expected to stay that way and the northern border, has been quiet since 2006.
In any case, our hiking path is located away from any danger – in the middle of the desert.
In case that the situation deteriorates, you will be informed ASAP and we’ll consider whether to cancel the hike or not.

As for personal security, there is nothing to worry about. All the trek’s path is well marked and well known by the locals. It’s covered almost completely by cell reception and the local organizers could call for help at any time in case of an emergency.

Hike Path

Our hike will go alongside the Israel National Trail in sections 35-38 hiking from south to north.
Our starting point will be a small town called Mitzpe Ramon, that is located right on top of the cliff of the Ramon Crater (Maktesh). We’ll climb down the cliff and start hiking for 2 days inside this amazing crater. After a completing a circular trail inside the crater we’ll climb back up and camp next to Mitzpe Ramon, where we started. The next day we’ll start hiking towards Sde Boker, which is a Kibbutz where the first PM of Israel is buried. This hike will take us 3 more days, camping one night in Wadi Hava and the last night in Ein Akev (spring). In this section of our trek we’ll pass by several springs and water holes, a great phenomenon and a must see for any desert experience.
Arriving to Sde Boker in the last day, we’ll enjoy an amazing view of Wadi Zin and take the bus back to civilization.

For specific info about the sections we’ll hike, read: Section 38, Section 37, Section 36, Section 35.

Schedule

	6/4	7/4	8/4	9/4	10/4	11/4	12/4
Day	Flights arrive	Hiking the Ramon Crater	Hiking the Ramon Crater	Hiking from Mitzpe to Wadi Hava	Hiking from Wadi Hava to Ein Akev	Hiking from Akev to Sde Boker	Flights depart
Night	Sleeping @ Mitzpe Ramon	Camping @ Saharonim	Camping @ Mitzpe Ramon	Camping @ Wadi Hava	Camping @ Akev	Sleeping in Tel Aviv

As for the last night, you should choose whether to sleep the night in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, depends on your flight hours and which city you’d rather visit.

Recommended hostel in Tel Aviv is Hayarkon 48 and in Jerusalem is Abraham Hostel.

Equipment

Equipment should be light-weight, minimal and according to your personal needs.
Note that things like toothpaste/soap can be shared between 2 people or more. plan it in advance.

For hiking

Backpack 60-65 liters (+10).
A pair of hiking poles (recommended)
Hiking shoes
Sandals / crocs.
Hat (wide edges – recommended)
Sunglasses
containers of water – 6 liter (1.60gl) or more (divided by comfort into bottles or drinking bags)

For cooking

Knife, Fork, Spoon (Plastic).
Can opener
Cookware (lightweight).
gas container (for cooking)
Plastic plate & cup.
coffee/tea kit
basic spices

Clothing

Bandanna(optional)
1-2 Pair of hiking pants
1 Pair of shorts (optional-can be used as swimsuit).
Bathing suit (optional)
2 Shirts. Long sleeves are recommended for sun protection. (dry-fit/breathing material)
2-3 Pairs of socks (Smartwool).
2-3 Pairs of underwear
Fleece jacket.

Hygiene & first aid