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The Golan is a traveler’s dream destination

Golan Heights travel guide

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

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Golani Distillery - The Golan Heights Israel

Established in 2014, this family-owned and operated craft distillery is dedicated to sharing their passion for fine spirits by creating the finest whiskey, continually improving and pushing boundaries. With a blend of local and imported grains, spring and well water, and the finest casks available, Golani Distillery produces their whiskies from grain to bottle. Arak, Gin, and Absinthe are all created from beet/cane sugar alcohol and with only the best botanicals grown locally and imported, selected by a master distiller. Golani Distillery, 18 St, Qatsrin +972-533394787 +972-543843069

The Golan Geography

The Golan has two geographically distinct sections-the Hermon Range in the north and the Golan plateau in the south. The former is one of the highest mountain ranges in Israel; In the entire region, in fact. Actually, only seven percent of the range lies in Israel: the rest is divided equally between Syria and Lebanon. The total length of the range is 80 kilometers, and Its width varies between 17 and 23 kilometers. The summit of the Hermon Range, Mount Hermon in Syria, is 2,814 meters above sea level The range's second highest peak, Mitzpeh Shlagim in Israel, is 2,224 meters above sea level. The Golan plateau begins Immediately to the south of the Hermon Range. It is a startlingly large, sixty- kilometer-long, basalt-covered tableland, sliced off by deep canyons at its edges. The plateau slopes gently from north to south, descending from 1,200 meters above sea level on its northern edge to 300 meters above sea level at its southern rim. The area to the west of the Golan, however, encompassing the Hula Valley and the Sea of Galilee (the Kinneret), is 200 meters below sea level, and the dramatic disparity creates some majestic scenery along the sharp escarpment that marks the Golan's western border. On that side of the Golan, water courses down ravines and canyons to basalt waterfalls that hurl the melted snows of winter into a series of deep secluded pools. The basalt on the Golan comes from a series of now extinct volcanoes whose thumb-like contours and craters dot the Golan. serving as good scenic lookouts alongthe flat plateau. Volcanic activity on the Golan has also resulted in geological formations created by the lava that once flowed out of the volcanoes, as well as a myriad of paleornagnetic phenomena. https://www.inisrael.com/golan/geography.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.

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