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The temple of one god, the capital of two nations, the holy place of three religions,
Not only that, Jerusalem is the only city that has two existences - heaven and earth.
-----Three Thousand Years of Jerusalem
The National Trail of Israel was said to have been opened by the elite Jewish Parma Unit in the last century, who were forced to scale the steep cliffs with their bare hands in order to bypass British attacks. Their epic feat earned them the nickname "Crazy Jews".
The Israel National Trail, a 1,000-kilometer route divided into 45 sections, opened in 1996. The landscapes along the way are biblical and beautiful in equal measure, ranging from the shimmering Sea of Galilee to the eternal desolation of the Negev Desert.
The trail traverses Israel, starting in the village of Dan near the border with Lebanon and heading south to Eilat on the Red Sea. It passes the baptismal Jordan River and the awe-inspiring remnants of Mount Tavor, where General Barak and 10,000 Israelis defeated the Canaanites. The trail then follows the Mediterranean Sea near Tel Aviv and climbs Mount Carmel. Other visual delights along the way include wildflower meadows, Nubian sheep, and semi-nomadic Bedouin migrating across the plains.
English name: Isral national trail
Location: Northern Israel (near the Lebanese border) to southern Eilat
Highlights: Negev region; kibbutz communities; large-scale biblical landscapes; Israeli settlements such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem; Mount Carmel; Mount Tabor
Best time for hiking: April-May
Mileage: 1,100 kilometers
If your hiking plan includes West Asian countries, the Israel National Trail should be at the top of your hiking list.
This "Epic Trail," known as the "Epic Trail," stretches from the Lebanese border in the north to the Red Sea coast in the south, taking nearly 50 days. It passes by the Sea of Galilee, Israel's largest inland freshwater lake; Mount Tabor, Mount Melan, and the Judean Mountains, offering excellent vantage points. Along the way, visitors can admire karst caves, various unusual rock formations, and magnificent natural landscapes.
In the southern part of the rugged and silent Negev region, on the world's oldest known surface, the Mahatish area will show you the magic of crustal movement and present rich marine fossils. The Ramon Crater and the surrounding area form Israel's largest national park - the Ramon Nature Reserve.
Israel's National Trails are rich in cultural heritage. This is the biblical "Land of Canaan, flowing with honey and milk," and a holy land for three religions. Here, a rich history and ongoing conflict intertwine.
When walking through any town in Israel, it's best to slow down. The sacred and solemn atmosphere of Jerusalem will constantly surround you. Whether early in the morning or late in the evening, you will follow the Jews dressed in black as they hurriedly walk through the smooth cobblestone streets to pray at the Western Wall. As their voices still echo in your ears, you may encounter groups of Christians, some of whom are even carrying huge crosses, retracing the final suffering of Jesus.
It's recommended to climb to any rooftop in the morning to overlook this unique ancient city. In contrast, Tel Aviv-Jaffa embodies Israel's diverse and modern character. Instead of the clash of civilizations of Jerusalem, it's filled with artistic passion and diversity.
You can stroll along Rothschild Boulevard, wandering among the rows of Bauhaus buildings, and go to Tel Aviv to appreciate the fashion in Neve Tzedek, a hidden and hippie art district. You can also admire the creative graffiti in the Florentin district, and walk along the romantic coastline to the old city of Jaffa at dusk.
Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport is Israel's largest airport, and all flights from China must land here first. Currently, there are direct flights to Tel Aviv from Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
Please respect religious beliefs. When visiting religious sites, conservative clothing is essential. If you visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem, be sure to remember the separation of men on the left and women on the right in the prayer area. Also, be aware of Israel's various holidays. During these periods, attractions, shops, and public transportation close early or even close altogether. For example, during the Jewish Sabbath, from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, many restaurants and shops are closed, and ATMs are also unavailable.
Reading books such as "Three Thousand Years of Jerusalem", "Why Israel", and "Israel: Light of the Holy Land" before hiking can help you better understand the hiking route.
1. Israel is relatively safe. Armed police can be seen everywhere on the streets, and security checks are carried out when entering and leaving public places (please carry your passport with you). The Israel National Trail does not enter disputed areas such as the Golan Heights, the West Bank, and Gaza.
2. The trail is marked with white, blue and orange stripes. Be sure not to deviate from the marked hiking trail.
3. Because the southern end of the trail passes through many remote areas, be sure to seek help from the over 200 trail angels who live along the trail. These volunteers, certified by the Israeli government, provide free accommodation and rescue services. Although most trail angels provide free services, please leave a tip when you leave.
4. Israel is proud of the trail, and the SPNI estimates that hundreds of thousands of Israeli and international travelers have hiked it. In addition to individual and group use, the trail often hosts competitions for various environmental or social causes, such as raising awareness for a cure for ALS, commemorating fallen soldiers, and even joint hiking gatherings organized by university students. The Israel National Trail has received international recognition. National Geographic named it one of the 20 best hiking trails, calling it an epic trail. Explaining their choice, the National Geographic judges stated that the trail blends national heritage and culture with natural history, encompassing both biblical landscapes and the daily lives of modern Israelis.
