day1, start to hike in the morning to wedebiye. overnight at wedebiye in the local house. will visit in the first day hike different vegetation which are common on the highland area and childa Babunes. (6 or 7 hours taff treek).

day2, will continue the hike to Mount Abune Yosef which is the 3rd highest mountain in Ethiopia (ranges 4280 m above sea level). Will visit the vegetation, birds which are common in the mountain, childa baboons, red fox and the 360 degree view from the roof of the mountain. overnight at Tigu kebele in the local house (8 hours trek).

day3, proceed the hike to Yimirehane kirstos church and will visit the church and overnight at local house (7 or 8 hours trek).

day4, back to lalibela and on the way will experience some local

activities with local people (7:30 hours trek).

Day 1 - pick from the airport of lalibela and drive to hotel on the way enjoy the mountains and valley landscapes then check in hotel. in the afternoon start to visit the first group of churches of lalibela.

Day 2 - in the morning drive to visit a church outside lalibela, it can be Yimirehnae kiristos or Nekotoleab. or it is possible to go to Asheton by mule or hike, then back to hotel for lunch. in the afternoon will visit the second group and St. George churchs of lalibela.

Lalibela is surrounded by a very escarpment landscape with great scenery and beautiful villages. In Ethiopia there are 25 mountain peaks, rising to an altitude of more than 4000 meters, allowing the country to earn the nickname of the roof of Africa and ensuring spectacular sensory for the visitor.

Ethiopia is a varied and diverse country; at its core, an age ­old culture of farmers who have been plowing their fields with ox­-drawn plows for a few thousand years. Their life is intrinsically linked to the agricultural seasons and the ancient Ethiopian Orthodox calendar with its saints’ days and festivals punctuating their life.

Local communities near Lalibela invite you to accept their hospitality during your trek through their age ­old lands. Set in the dramatic landscape of the highlands of northern Ethiopia, with
basalt cliffs, Gelada baboon and birds of prey soaring on the thermals, your visit in Lasta mountains around Lalibela will be the highlight of your trip to Ethiopia. Visit our services page to see different options of exploring this unique area.

The third highest peak in Ethiopia, Abune Yosef Massif offers visitors stunning views and wildlife viewing opportunities. During the treks and around Abune Yosef, visitors can see an impressive array of flora and faunaincluding giant Lobelia, troops of Gelada baboons, and the rare Ethiopian wolf.

Located north of Lalibela, the Afromontane environment offers a perfect complement to the cultural and historical experience of the Lalibela rock hewn churches. Treks in Abune Yosef bring visitors to over 4,300 meters and are not for the faint of heart. However, those that make the climb find the views and experience well worth it. Visit our itinerary page to arrange how many days to spend at mount Abune Yosef.

Mammals: There are 43 known species of mammals on the Abune Yosef Massif. Of the 32 species of Abyssinian endemic mammals (endemic to Ethiopia and Eritrea) seven can be found in Abune Yosef. The most spectacular of these are the Ethiopian wolf and the Gelada baboon. Other species to look out for include the Golden Jackal, Hyena, Caracal, Leopard, Rock Hyrax, Duiker, Klipspringer and Starck Hare.

Birds: Of the 860 species of birds found in Ethiopia, over 220 have been identified on the Abune Yosef Massif. The Abune Yosef area is one of the most important bird areas in the country. The Abune Yosef mountains also attract a few pairs of Golden Eagles.

"The ultimate in rock church design.... One is amazed at the technical skill, the material resources and the continuity of effort which such vast undertakings imply...I swear by God, in whose power I am, that all that is written is the truth, and there is much more than I have already written, and I have left it that they may not tax me with its being falsehood."
This is the conclusion made by the first European to visit Lalibela, ­Francisco Alvarez.

Lalibela’s churches are divided into two clusters, separated by the Jordan River- one local legend has it that the river was given this name after king Lalibela returned from Jerusalem.
The northern cluster comprises six churches: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Michael, Bet Gologota and the Selassie chapel.
The southern cluster consists of four churches: Bet Emanuel, Bet Mercurios, Bet Aba Libanos, Bet Lehem and Bet Gebriel Rafael.
The eleventh church, Bet Giorgis stands discret from the two main clusters.

The mountains around Lalibela are studded with medieval monasteries and churches, many of which are very different to their Lalibela counterparts.

Nakuta La’ab is traditionally very popular with backpackers, since it can be reached on foot without a guide, while the mule ride to Asheton Maryam and Yemerhan Kerstose also form a Straightforward day trip out of Lalibela.

Asheteon Mariam lies at an altitude of almost 4,000m on the high mountain overlookinע Lalibela. This monastery is also associated with king Nakuta La’ab who most probably founded it and who may even be buried in the chapel. The church is carved out of a cliff face, and the execution is rougher than at most other churches in and around Lalibela. Asheton Maryam houses some interesting crosses and other church treasures, but the excursion is just as remarkable for the church’s setting and the views on the way up.

The monastery of Nakuta La’ab named after its constructor, the nephew and successor of king Lalibela. One tradition has it that Nakuta La’ab ruled from this church, which he called Qoqhena, during an 18­ month break in Lalibela’s monarchy, another that he took refuge here after he was deposed. The church is built around a shallow cave in which several holy pools are fed by natural springs and it has many treasure, some of which are claimed to have belonged to Nakuta La’ab himself. This includes paintings, crosses and an illuminated leather Bible. One advantage over the churches in town is that the treasures are brought out
into the open where they can be examined in decent light.

The church was built by its namesake, Yemerehanna Kirstos, the third Zagwe ruler and a predecessor of King Lalibela, recorded as ascending to the throne in AD 1087 and ruling for about 40 years. The church is situated at an altitude of around 2,700 m and protected by an unflattering modern outer wall. It’s an old built­up church within alternating layers of wood and whitewashed marble that give it the appearance of a gigantic layered chocolate cream cake. Among many interesting architectural features are the cruciform curved windows, an etched
wood paneled roof, a coffer ceiling with inlaid hexagons, and a large dome over the sanctuary.

Date: September 27

Meskel (Finding of the True Cross), is the celebration of the finding of remnants of the actual cross on which Jesus was crucified. Theword "meskel" means "cross" in Amharic. According to Christian tradition, St. Eleni (Empress Helena) discovered the hiding place of three crosses used at the crucifixion of Jesus. In her dream, Eleni was told she should make a bonfire; the direction of the smoke would tell her the exact location of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified. She followed the directions from her dream, and the smoke landed exactly where the cross was buried.

Meskel celebrations begin the night before with large bonfires topped with a cross and decorated with meskel flowers. The bonfire preparations are blessed and burned while revelers sing and dance around the fire, locally called demera. It is believed that the direction of the smoke will predict the future for the year to come. After the demera has burnt out, the faithful mark crosses on their foreheads with the ash.

The biggest Meskel celebration is in Addis Ababa, held in the centrally­ located Meskel Square. Lalibela is also a good location to celebrate this festival. Probably the most exuberant celebrations take place in the region of the Gurage people, southwest from Addis.

Date: September 11 (September 12 in 2019)

Enkutatash, which means “Gift of Jewels” is the celebration of the Ethiopian New Year. Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar, which consists of 13 months- 12 months each with 30 days and a final month with 5 days (6 days in leap year). The Julian calendar is 7 years and 8 months behind the Gregorian calendar, which is used throughout most of the Western world. In 2007 (Gregorian calendar), Ethiopia rang in the year 2000 and the new Ethiopian Millennium with colorful celebrations throughout the country.

Enkutatash happens to come near the end of a long rainy season, coloring the green landscapes with bright yellow flowers (called the Meskel Flower, or adei abeba in Amharic) and giving great reason to celebrate the new harvest.

Torches of dry wood are burned in front of houses on New Year’s Eve. On New Year’s Day, girls dressed in new clothes go from door ­to ­door singing songs. Families and friends celebrate together with large feasts. This day also happens to coincide with the saint’s day of St. John the Baptist.

This religious ceremony can be seen at the Kostete Yohannes church in the village of Gaynt, where celebrations are carried out for three days. Just outside of Addis Ababa, on the Entoto Mountain, Raguel Church has the largest religious celebration in the country.

Date: January 7

Genna is Ethiopian Christmas, and coincides with other Orthodox Christmas celebrations around the world. The feast marks the end of the 40 days fasting period of Advent. On Christmas Eve, the faithful participate in church services through the night before celebrating with family and friends on Christmas day.

Lalibela is the most popular place to celebrate Genna, as thousands of pilgrims flock to the holy city for this celebration.

Dates: January 19 (or 20 on Leap Year)

The Ethiopian celebration of Timket (also known as Epiphany), is a symbolic reenactment of the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. For Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, it serves as a renewal of their baptismal vows.

Timket is a two-day festival, starting the day before, when the church tabot (replica of the Ark of the Covenant) is taken from the church to a nearby location, usually near a body of water. This is representative of Jesus coming to the River Jordan. The tabot spends the night in this location while the priests and other faithful hold a vigil through the night. In the morning the water is blessed and is then sprinkled on the gatherers (or they may chose to bathe in the water), renewing their baptismal vows. Long parades then carry the tabot back home to the church while the revelers sing and dance.

Lalibela is a popular place for the Epiphany festivities.

Dates: Apr 16, 2017; Apr 8, 2018; Apr 28, 2019; Apr 19, 2020;

Fasika is Ethiopian Easter and is celebrated in conjunction with Orthodox Easter celebrations around the world. Fasika is the most important holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar and follows a long 55­ day fast, where no meat or dairy products are consumed. Strict followers generally consume one meal of vegetables and lentils during this time.

Church services are attended on the eve before the holiday, where revelers participate in a colorful service lit with candles. The following day, families and friends celebrate Fasika with special feasts that mar the end of the long fast. Doro wat, a spicy chicken stew, is the most traditional food served in all households. Celebrations continue for the following week, with an unofficial "second Fasika" the following weekend.

Lalibela has a colorful procession for Palm Sunday (known as Hosanna ), the week before Fasika which is well worth a visit. Like most holidays, the celebration takes place the night before the actual holiday (Saturday night).

OWNER AND DIRECTING MANAGER

avital@techjump.co.il 

Trekking in Lalibela starts from Lalibela town until mount Abune Yosef. on the way you will see many kinds of animals such as baboons, red foxes, leopards, different kinds of birds and more.

While trekking in Lalibela, you will have the opportunity to see the lifestyle of the village people, make food with them and have traditional coffee ceremony.

Lalibela trekking can be 3-­8 days, depending on your request. The price includes guide, food and beverage, a porter who carries the bags, accommodation, transport, guide and entrance fee of sight seeing. You can experience coffee ceremony, practicing local activities with the local people, for example farming, cooking, etc. We give especial discount for a groups.

Our trekking route to the highland mountains of Lalibela are very unique. We use paths used only by local peoples. As we receive small groups of guests, you will have direct contact with local people and you have real experiences of local culture.

You will stay in basic but comfortable local cottages (tukuls) designed using local materials, set on the edge of the communities’ villages. Food will be prepared by your personal cook to suit western tastes, along with a traditional coffee ceremony. Donkeys will carry your luggage as you trek with our trained local guide from one village to the next, along escarpments and through church yards of ancient trees.

As soon you leave Lalibela you will be welcomed by the Lasta mountains. Throughout your trek, you will enjoy the panoramic chain of mountains all along the way.

Highest peak in Ethiopia. We have several trekking options to mount Abune Yosef and other trekking options in the area. Please visit our itinerary page to arrange your trip.

We have plenty of options for day trip around lalibela, walking, driving and village visits around lalibela.

Enjoy the panoramic view of Lasta mountain surrounding lalibela see the ancient world ancient monasteries and experience the real Ethiopia, see their culture, learn how they prepared their meals and how they farm with old way.

Estifanos Abera Lalibela Tours

My Name is Estifanos Abera and I am a professional tour Guide in Lalibela.

I was born and raised in Lalibela, studied in Addis Ababa for 3 years “Tour Guide” at Tourism college and I have 14 years Guiding experience in the Tourism Industry.

I will be happy to invite you to my town and guide you in Lalibela and its surroundings.

Eli  
Israel