Meeting Time:06:30
Completion Time: 18:00
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Trip Type:Hiking
Join Finjan for a unique journey into the most remote and isolated areas of the Negev Desert. This epic, multi-day trek that will take us to Jebel Arif and the Karkom Ridge which some scholars identify as the biblical Mt. Sinai. Mount Karkom has the largest concentration of petroglyphs in the world and captures the history civilizations vying for control of the region.
This special area, south of Mitzpe Ramon is closed off to civilians and is an active military zone that is only open during certain holidays. Special permission is needed to hike in this area. The trip culminates with a beautiful drive along the Egyptian border on Route 10 with gorgeous views over the Sinai Peninsula
Between Mitzpe Ramon and the Egyptian Border are some of the Negev’s most impressive landscapes, highest peaks and remains of lost civilizations. Our multi-day trek will take us on a nomadic adventure, traversing these vast pastures. The final day will be spent exploring Mount Karkom, the site some biblical scholars identify as Mount Sinai where Moses received the Torah.
This is the ideal adventure for those looking to get off the grid during the week of Hannukah.
Day 1 (December 17th): We will head out early in our all-terrain vehicles from Mitzpe Ramon with all our gear loaded for a 2-hour journey to the Oded Watering Holes. This will be our drop point and the beginning of the hike. From here we will start making our way to Jabal Arif, one of the highest points with the BEST views across the Negev, towards the Egyptian border and across the Dead Sea transform to Jordan.
This day will be about 15KM total and will get us ready for Day 2 which is more intense. To relax at the end of the day, Finjan will provide some Arak and Wine…you are also welcome to donate to the cause!
Day 2 (December 18th) : This will be the toughest day of the trek – 23KM towards the flint peaks of the Karkom Ridge. We will wend our way through military firing zones that are usually closed to the public via some of the areas most impressive, desert ridge lines and a series of remote desert mountains.
Upon arrival at our campsite, we will sip a bit more Arak and wine and rest for the evening!
Day 3 (December 19th): This day is dedicated to exploring Mt. Karkom and trying to understand how some scholars have come to identify the site with the biblical Mt. Sinai. You will get to see the world’s largest concentration of petroglyphs – crazy rock art!! This is a half day of hiking around the Karkom peaks.
From here we will head back to Mitzpe Ramon with a jeep ride via the Egyptian border, surrounded by breathtaking views into the Sinai Desert and towards Mount Saggi and Mount Harif.
*** This part will finish on the Egyptian border in which we will have a military escort on Route 10 which is normally closed to civilian passage.
*** We will have the jeeps to transport all of our gear; all you need is a day pack for your water and daily food supplies
Total cost: 1150 NIS
The trip’s total cost is 1150 NIS (roughly 325 USD) for the full 3-days. This includes:
Jeep rides to the drop point and back to Mitzpe Ramon
All terrain vehicle escorting us throughout the trek, getting us our gear, fresh drinking water, and wood for bonfire at the evening.
Water resupply (you provide for Day 1)
Licensed Guides.
Coffee, perks and surprises 🙂
Lunches for 3 days
Dinner for 2 nights
Breakfasts for 3 days
Gear (you can request extra gear from us if needed)
Lunches for 3 days
Dinner for 2 nights
Breakfasts for 3 days
Gear (you can request extra gear from us if needed)
Please note: due to the higher cost of the trip, you can contact us about a payment plan!
1) We will meet in Mitzpe Ramon no later than 06:30AM on Thursday, December 17th.
2) You will only carry a day pack and we will be resupplied with water in the evenings. All your other gear will go on to the jeep. Bring water for the first day and enough items for lunch for 3 days.
3) We will jeep in to the launch point and jeep out from the end of the trail (this is all included in the price)
4) You will take many photos and upload them to Facebook!
Gear: A tent is not mandatory. If you have a good sleeping bag/pad you can manage without a tent. Either way, all the gear will be on the jeep.
Day backpack for water and food (must)
Sturdy shoes (must)
Flashlight (recommended)
Tent (optional)
Sleeping bag or blankets (it gets cold at night)
Sleeping pad
Camera
4 litres of water (Day 1)
Food for lunches, dinners and breakfasts
* Please note: This trip is a challenge in terms of the daily distances covered and is not for those without any hiking experience. Proper footwear is required.
REFUND, CANCELATION & TRIP-ADJUSTMENT POLICY
*** Full refunds are available up to 5 days prior to the scheduled start time.
*** Partial refunds will be issued no later than 3 days prior to the trip
*** No refunds will be issued within 72 hours of the scheduled trip
*** Should a participant cancel his or her ticket, he or she can inquire about moving the ticket to another Finjan event at the same cost.
*** Should a participant request a refund within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time, a full refund can be specially issued if that ticket will be purchased by another participant or someone on the Finjan waiting list.
*** Full refund will be issued should the trip be cancelled or postponed for any reason at the discretion of the trek leader(s).
*** The trek leader(s) has the right to change the location of the trip prior to or throughout the trip based on weather conditions without issuing a refund to participants.
*** The trek leader(s) have full discretion in not allowing a participant to fulfil the trek based on certain health considerations and or lack of proper footwear/water.
This trip is part of the Hiking in Israel community. https://www.facebook.com/groups/HikingInIsrael/
