Info about the trip

“Shvil Yisrael” is a hiking trail that crosses Israel between the southern and northern borders, traversing a wide range of landscapes, a rich variety of flora and fauna, and a diversity of cultures.

The trail stretches from the Dan Kibbutz, near the Lebanese border, to Eilat on the Gulf of Aqaba, and was named by National Geographic as one of the 20 best “epic hiking trails” in the world. The INT is approximately 1100 km (683 miles) long.

Historic and archaeological sites are spread along the trail. In desert you will pass near ruins of ancient Roman and Nabatean fortifications, originally built to defend, and provide shelter to merchants passing on the Spice Road. Some parts of the trail use ancient roads built by Romans. One section is a Roman road going down from Mount Amasa to Drejat. This road was one of the main routes from Jerusalem to the southern parts of the country.

One cannot complete a visit to Israel without bathing in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Arad is the last town before the Negev Desert if you hike from the north, or the first town after hiking in the desert south of Arad for about three weeks. This is a best place to make a couple of days stop and go to the Dead Sea by bus.

The Negev Desert: (400 km / 250 miles)

This goes from Arad to Eilat. You will hike major parts of the ancient Spice Road. It takes about three weeks, including rest days. It a unique desert trekking experience which does not involve very complex logistics.

From Dvira to Arad http://www.dianabarshaw.com/israel-trail-leg-10.php

From Arad to Ramon Crater http://www.dianabarshaw.com/israel-trail-leg-11.php