Published on Sep, 2023
(Unable to recollect our fantastic tour guide's name - he speaks excellent American English and moved to Israel as an 8 year old from the US. We did this on August 31, 2023)
This was the best expeience that we had in Israel as it combined pretty much everything that Israel is known for - stories from biblical times, history and King Herod, archaeology, the rebellion, deserts and oasis, challenging hikes and of course...the Dead Sea!
Make no mistake, this hike isn't for the faint hearted. For someone really fit, it's a good kind of challenge, for the mid to average it's quite a challenge and if unfit in any way...please just take the cable car! I almost gave up but thankfully there were a few supportive families on the hike who egged me on. And I am glad I persisted ...the reward of the sunrise is too beautiful to describe. Photos don't really do justice. Exploring the masada with our guide was an eye opening exercise...he was supremely knowledgeable and a wonderful storyteller. For those of you wondering on the climb back down, you will have the option to take the cable car down...which we opted for as the walk down is pretty steep and we didn't want to risk injury. The descent will also be under a blazing sun so you have to factor that in. It was a good decision as it left us fit and happy to do the next hike - Ein Gedi...this is an absolute must do in my opinion if you like me enjoy walking in water (yed almost 80% of the hike is in water) clambering over rocks and small waterfalls till you reach a lovely waterfall. Its an oasis in the desert. Needs moderate stamina but excellent knees and mobility.
Finally the dead sea, it's surreal when one actually floats! Make sure to not get any water in your eyes as the sting can be really really bad...loads of sunscreen and drinking water.
Have fun!
