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The Golan Heights

Golan Heights travel guide

The Golan is one of the least visited and known regions of Israel. This Web Guide seeks to help you discover the secrets of this beautiful and serene landscape, whose hills and cliff faces are replete with natural and historical sites.

For the nature lover the Golan has much to offer. Here, in this untamed land, flora and fauna from different habitats come together in a unique and natural setting.

Here you’ll find wolves and gazelles, squirrels and coneys and much, much more.

For the history buff, the Golan is a region of endless fascination ‘ Prehistoric sites and megalithic edifices, whose purpose remains a mystery, are dotted through the hills and valleys; Hellenistic towns, Roman fortresses and Crusader castles stand guard over the roads and ancient highways of the Golan.

For the pilgrim the Golan is the place where Jesus sought his last moments of peace before embarking on his final journey to Jerusalem. Three of the disciples were born on the Golan, the miracle of the Gadarene Swine took place here as did the healing of the blind man, the second miracle of the loaves and the fishes and the transfiguration. It was here, too, that Jesus bestowed on Peter the stewardship of the kingdom of God.

Over the past few years a range of attractive accommodations have opened on the Golan, from rustic bed and breakfast facilities to exclusive guesthouses and hotels. Hiking trails, parks, picnic sites and cycle paths await the visitor, affording a range of exciting touring possibilities

We very much hope that this guide will help you plan and enjoy your trip to the Golan and look forward to hosting you here.

https://www.inisrael.com/golan/index.html

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The Golan is a traveler's dream destination

The Golan is a traveler's dream destination. Its natural landscape comprises wide-open spaces, woodlands and water-filled canyons, hot springs and ski slopes. Its wild life includes elegant leopards and wolves, bashful gazelles and timid rock rabbits, vultures and eagles, and much, much more. The history of man in the Golan dates back to prehistoric times. Many of the area's most ancient archaeological remains, such as its Stonehenge-like megalithic circles, remain undeciphered. Some ruins-such as the site of the Masada-like battle of Gamla during the Great Revolt of the Jews against the Romans ail that is left of historic moments of bravery and freedom. The Golan is clotted with the archaeological records of various periods and cultures, including those of the Greek world and early Christianity. Susita, one of many Hellenistic cities found throughout the East, Caesarea Philippi, the capital of the Golan in the time of Jesus and the site of one of the most important episodes in the New Testament, Mount Hermon, one of the traditional sites of the transfiguration, and Kursi, the site of the miracle of the swine, are all situated within minutes of ancient synagogues, churches, villages, and medieval fortresses-the historic legacy on the Golan. The residents of the Golan today are another reason to visit this area. From the Druze villagers in the northern mountains to the Jewish kibbutz and moshav farmersof the southern tableland, the people of the Golan are deeply attached to the soil. Farmers and cattlemen, apple growers and vintners, they make this region one of the most productive In Israel, as well as one of the most inviting. For a real vacation, an adventure of exploration and appreciation, the Golan is the place to spend your time during your next visit to Israel. https://www.inisrael.com/golan/destination.htm

Discover the Unique Beauty of El Al Stream: A Comprehensive Guide to Hiking in Golan's Scenic Terrain

Unraveling the Etymology of El Al Creek. The captivating El Al stream in the southern Golan winds through the narrow Wadi Dufila canyon, colloquially known as the "Haunted Bush Creek." This picturesque stream spans 20 kilometers, the trek through its alluring central section offering a sight to behold. Adorned with two grand waterfalls, each with their own unique charm and inviting water pools at their bases, Nahal El Al holds the title as the southernmost perennial stream in the Golan region. The "Black Waterfall," a beautiful basalt spectacle, cascades from an impressive height of about 8 meters. In stark contrast, the "White Waterfall" is a limestone structure that flows from an approximate elevation of 20 meters. This year-round stream and its idyllic natural pools are sightseers' delights. The pathway through this wondrous terrain can commence at Moshav Eliad and conclude at the parking lot adjacent to the waterfalls, near Moshav Avni Itan. Alternatively, the journey can be experienced in reverse order. Strollers can enjoy a route parallel to the stream, teeming with life throughout the year. Exploring the Route Embarking on this journey, you'll descend into the stream as directed by signs, following the red-marked path through an olive vineyard, between hedgerows, and into the gorge that descends from the El Al village ruins. After crossing the gorge, you'll encounter a picturesque viewpoint. It's here where the stream forms a "knee," altering its flow direction from southwest to northwest. Continuing along the red path near the olive grove, you'll descend a white chalk rock slope towards the white waterfall after about 500 meters. Once you near the waterfall, a staircase fashioned from railway sleepers diverts you to the pool at the base of the waterfall. Progressing further to the Black Waterfall, you'll resume your journey along the red-marked path, situated at the top of the white waterfall, and cross the stream. The path meanders alongside the stream, within a thicket of haunted bushes, and ascends slightly after about 500 meters. The path stays a few meters above the gorge, where the white rock gradually transitions to black basalt rocks. As you continue your trek, ensure you follow the "transparent" marking (two white stripes with no color in the middle) towards the black waterfall. This waterfall cascades onto basalt rocks, forming a small pool surrounded by dolav trees that cast a cooling shade. Finally, return to the red trail, cross the stream's shallow bed, and ascend a steep climb back to the parking lot in Moshav Avni Eitan. Geological Wonder The coexistence of a white waterfall and a black waterfall is a truly unique and fascinating spectacle. The Golan's basalt kilhos blanket thick layers of white marine sedimentary rocks. The water first creates a waterfall as it travels beneath the black basalt rock, then continues to cut deeper until it reaches the sedimentary rocks beneath the basalt, forming a second waterfall. Note: Swimming in the creek pools is undertaken at the swimmers' own risk. Given the route's length, it's recommended to arrange transport at the endpoint. You can return to the starting point via a 3.5 km boardwalk connecting Eliad and Avni Eitan. Travel and Safety Guidelines: In the Golan, adherence to the marked path is critical; crossing fences or straying off the path can lead to dangerous minefields. Never venture into areas designated for army shooting training! Always pass through cattle fences at designated points, opening and closing gates as needed. Avoid climbing or cutting fences, and exercise caution when crossing or walking on roads. Overnight stays are only permitted at designated sites, and fires should never be left unattended or lit under trees. Toilet paper should not be burned, and all trash should be taken with you to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Sea of Galilee - a picturesque lake, Israel's largest fresh water lake

Located east of Lower Galilee and west of the Golan Heights, the Sea of Galilee is a picturesque lake. Israel's largest fresh water lake, the Sea of Galilee is the largest source of water for drinking and irrigation in Israel (about 25% of its water consumption is derived from it). There are dozens of regulated bathing beaches along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, which is fed by the Jordan River and other streams. Despite the relevant law, few beaches are open to the public free of charge, and some offer challenging activities like boating, jet skiing, and water skiing. As part of the Christian faith, Jesus performed various miracles at the Sea of Galilee, such as walking on water and multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish for thousands of believers. In addition, the Sea of Galilee is a popular tourist destination for Christian pilgrims because the Jordan River exits the Sea of Galilee there where Jesus was baptized. Itineraries Jesus Trail Expanded encyclopedic entry on Wikipedia A 65-kilometer road in the Lower Galilee and in the Land of Kinneret. The path starts in Nazareth and ends in Capernaum and passes through the holy sites of Christianity. editing Kinneret Circular Trail - a trail initiated by the Society for the Protection of Nature, which allows an orderly and free walk around Lake Kinneret. The trail is marked with white-purple-white trail markings. As of 2010, approximately 30 kilometers of trails have been prepared around the lake, the total circumference of which reaches approximately 60 kilometers. Annual events and festivals Below are the most prominent annual events in the Kinneret region: Kinneret swimming event - Every year, in the autumn season, a popular swimming event called Sea of Galilee takes place in Kinneret. The name Sachiha is a little misleading, since it is a 1.5, 6, and 3.5 km long swim (up to 4.2 km, depending on the level) and not the crossing of the lake in its entirety. The Sea of Galilee is the largest popular swimming event in Israel. Kinneret Marathon - Once a year in January the Kinneret Marathon takes place. Its route from Tiberias to near Kibbutz Ein Gav and back. Once a year there is also a circumnavigation of the Sea of Galilee by bicycle.

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