Hebron Atlas

topographical maps &

route descriptions
a work in progress - v1.1

Amenities
Accommodations: Hotel, hostel, guesthouse, homestay, or free trail angel room
Implies: Water, Bathrooms with showers, Shade, shelter
Bedouin tent accommodations: Guesthouse with sleeping arrangements in Bedouin-style tents, not buildings
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter
Campsite: An area officially designated for camping, a commercial campsite, or a well-established, often-used wild
campsite. In some natural areas, camping is only permitted in designated sites in order to protect the environment
Implies: No services unless otherwise noted
Free unless otherwise noted
Recommended campsite: An area suitable for wild camping, but not typically used for it
Implies: No services unless otherwise noted
Drinking water: A reliable source of potable water
When appearing next to a spring, well, stream or other natural water source, the water still should be purified before
drinking. The symbol will only appear next to natural water sources that have water year-round
Restaurant: Any establishment selling prepared meals
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter (possibly only for customers)
Grocery store: A store selling substantial foods and essentials (rather than simply snacks)
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter (possibly only for customers)
Bus stop: A station or stop where public transit can be taken. May be a central bus station or a roadside stop

Bathrooms: Western-style toilets and sinks unless otherwise noted. Does not imply showers; does imply shelter
Picnic area: An area with picnic tables and other park amenities. May be a good camp spot, if noted
Implies: Shade
Gas station: A gas (petrol) station and its accompanying facilities
Implies: Water, Bathrooms, Shade, shelter, and a snack shop
Shade: A reliably shady spot to rest in. Only appears in stages where shade is otherwise nonexistent; sometimes
refers to the point at which a stage begins to have regular shade after having lacked it (see stage notes for details)
All Amenities: A large town or city generally has everything a hiker needs for resupply, and many shopping,
accommodation, and restaurant options; this is used to save space rather than showing all icons
Implies: Accommodations, Restaurants, Grocery Stores, Public Transportation, Bathrooms, Shade, Water, shelter

Natural Features
Spring: A natural water source emerging from the ground, or a pool. May have water only in season. Often
only visible as an area of heavy plant growth. Does not imply drinking water unless otherwise noted
Well or cistern: A man-made water source dug in the ground. May not have water; also appears to serve as a
landmark. Does not imply drinking water unless otherwise noted
Lookout: A natural or man-made viewpoint with a view in the specified direction
360-degree lookout: A lookout point in all directions; usually the summit of a hill, or a watchtower
Cave: A cave of any size; may be anything from a small nook in a cliff wall to a large cavern system
Implies: Shade and shelter (caves marked on maps are always large enough for people to fit into)
Waterfall: A wet or dry waterfall; dry ones run only seasonally or after rain. Does not imply drinking water

Trail Features and Warnings

Scrambling: A section of trail where rock scrambling (using hands) is required. Note that these are all non-technical;
no sections on the Abraham Path require the use of ropes or other climbing equipment
Ladders: A section of trail where the climbing of ladders, staples or ropes is necessary. Again, it is never necessary
to bring any special equipment on the Abraham Path; all ladders, ropes, and handholds are already installed
!

!
!

Exposed trail: A section of trail that is narrow and exposed to a long drop on one or both sides; path may be
slippery or unstable as well. Use extreme caution when crossing.
While none of these sections are inherently dangerous, people with extreme fear of heights may find these
sections impossible to pass and may wish to plan not to hike these stages
General warning: When this symbol is present, a note beside it or in the walking notes will explain why caution or
extra attention is required on that trail section
Flash flood risk area: An area, normally in a narrow or deep wadi or canyon, where dangerous flash floods (large
walls of water moving extremely quickly) can occur.
It does not have to be raining for a flash flood to occur; rain upstream of a desert canyon can cause flash
flooding in the canyon. Always check local weather forecasts before hiking in flash flood risk areas

Cultural Features
Ruins or archaeological site: Ruins of any age or size. Free admission (or non-maintained site) unless
otherwise noted
Church/Mosque or religious site: This may be either a significant site for one or more religions (tomb of a
famous figure; traditional site of a story or event; etc.) or simply one serving as a landmark
Point of interest: Generic symbol for relevant locations not covered by another symbol; see notes beside the
point for more information

Trail Indicators
Abraham Path route: Shows the route followed by the Abraham Path on a given stage
Other Abraham Path route: Shows Abraham Path routes other than the one that is the focus of a stage
map; includes previous and next stages, detours, spurs, etc.
City Walk routes: Shows City Walk routes, special spurs/alternates of the Abraham Path
Begin/End Stage: Mark the beginning and ending of a stage on stage maps
1.4

Waypoints and Distance Indicators: Waypoints mark turn-by-turn directions and navigational
landmarks along a trail stage. There may be a distance markers, indicating cumulative distance from the
beginning of the stage. Even if no distance is attached, each waypoint has a corresponding entry in the
stages data book which does list its distance as well as a description of the location and directions

Other Geography
Roads: Beige are larger highways, up to expressways; white are smaller roads as well as city streets.
Labelled with road number if applicable
Roads marked this way are virtually always asphalt, but in some places with very few paved roads, a wide,
smooth, easily driveable dirt road may also be marked as a white road (e.g. Harran region)
Dirt road or 4x4 track: A wide, unpaved surface generally large enough to accommodate a jeep or 4x4
vehicle. Should be assumed not to be accessible by normal car unless otherwise noted. The distinction
between these and paths (below) is a gradual one, and some trails are on the borderline between both, or
change from one to the other over a distance
Footpath: A narrow, unpaved walking surface generally too small or too rough to be driven by a 4x4
vehicle. May be wide enough for two people to walk abreast, or a narrow, faint goat path. May be very
clear and easy to follow, or faint and more intermittent.
Wadi Name

Wadi or ditch: A wadi is an intermittent streambed which flows with water only in the wet season or
after rain. Many of them form very large canyons, and wadi can refer either to the broader canyon or to
the streambed in the bottom of it
Stream/River: Waterways that flow year-round, rather than seasonally. A stream is usually small enough to
cross easily by foot, while a river is larger. Canals appear the same as streams or rivers

900

Contour Lines: Show the topography of a landscape; a line is drawn every 10m of elevation, and a thicker line
every 100m with a label showing its height. Lines closer together mean a steeper slope; further apart mean a
gradual one
Summit: A peak or local high point
Built-up area: A town, residential, commercial or industrial area
Forest: A densely wooded area
Border: Country boundaries

Abraham Path (Masar Ibrahim)

Hebron Region (Palestine)

The Abraham Path is a long-distance cultural walking route following the footsteps and memory of Abraham
across the Middle East. The Abraham Path celebrates the Abrahamic values of hospitality and kindness to
strangers, provides eco-nomic benefits to local communities along the route. For more practical planning information, including downloadable companion GPS tracks and waypoints, visit www.abrahampath.org.
This map series is part of an effort by local partners and the Abraham Path Initiative to produce the first allpath online guidebook, covering over 400 km of walking trail and Abrahamic memory and heritage across
the Middle East. We invite you to take part in this project by walking the path, visiting communities along the
way, and by providing comments and suggestions for improvement. These routes are still in development, and
map feedback is especially helpful for name corrections (towns, wadis, landmarks), areas which are difficult to
navigate, and updates on current path conditions (feedback@abrahampath.org).
Map data OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SA
Databook & Diagrams Abraham Path Initiative
Disclaimer
This map may not be up to date with recent changes on the ground. By making this map available, the Abraham Path Initiative does
not assume any liability for use of the information provided or for its accuracy. All hiking and other outdoor activities have potential
hazards involving risk of injury or death. The wilderness in and of itself can be a dangerous place and there are areas in the Middle
East that can suddenly become subject to security instability.
By using this map for any use, you recognize this, assume all risks of property damage, personal injury and death, and agree to
hold the Abraham Path Initiative, its Board Directors, its staff, its partners, its contributors and authors harmless from any liability
and loss. You accept the terms and conditions set forth in this Disclaimer on the Abraham Path Initiative website by downloading,
streaming or using any map or other information or materials provided on the Abraham Path Initiative website.
Find out more at www.abrahampath.org

1000

800

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(2 ayd
5. a
8k Te
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) t

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H
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Stage 2: 22.0km

Stage 1: 25.8km

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50

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54.6

Jerusalem
60

Bethlehem

Stage 1

Tequa

Tekoa
Settlement

60

35

Stage 2
60

Hebron

Reshayda
Beni
Naim

Stage 3

5 km

abrahampath.org

Zaatara
356

600

Maale Rehavam
Settlement
0

Nokdim
Settlement

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Tequa
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700

1.5

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60

W
ad

iT
eq

2.3 Khirbet Abu Salem

Tel Tequa

400

Kfar Eldad
Settlement

Tekoa
Settlement

0.0

400

600

Harmala

3157

500

Herodion ($)

400

ua

800

40

Minya

0
400

3.4

chabara

0
50

600

700

700

3698

80

5.4

400

4.3

700

Quarry

800

300

300

356

Wadi Jahar

50

Ibei haNahal
Settlement
Maale Amos
Settlement

30

0
30

chabara

50

12.3

300

400

Metzad
Settlement

600

600

Penei Kedem
Settlement

20

0
70

800

900

60

9.9

700

20

16.8

15.8

18.1

50
0

600

80

500

400

900

30

Reshayda

cave dwellings

19.1

700

800

60

400

20.1
0

50

ar
Wadi Jah

40

Kaabna

21.9

23.1

24.2

25.6

800

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400

Reshayda Tent

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300

50

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abrahampath.org

1 km

1: Tequa to Reshayda Tent

Distance: 25.6 km
Time: 5-9 hours
Physical Challenge: difficult
Trail Difficulty: moderate

(Hebron Region)
km

Walking notes

+km

20.8

From the hilltop, head ESE downward to the streambed in the valley

0.2

0.0

BEGIN STAGE at home of Um Ghasan family. Head W toward the

bigger highway, then go L uphill at the T. Soon the road turns to
dirt. When it does, go R away from it and go S across the hillside

0.6

21.0

Cross the streambed and continue along it on your L, curving

slowly R with the footpath

0.3

21.3

Stay SE merging with another footpath from L

0.1

0.6

Cross a paved road, and continue S past a huge mansion to L, and

through the olive groves. Then continue following the edge of town
on L, still heading S. Two mosques visible - blue domed one near
edge of town, another to L of the tel, visible ahead

0.9

21.4

Stay straight past a faint 4x4 going up R, and remains of stone

fences on L, along faint paths parallel to the streambed heading SE

0.5

21.9

At top of hill, turn L on a 4x4 running along the ridge

1.1

1.5

Join a smooth dirt road heading SE

0.4

23.0

0.1

1.9

Turn R onto the paved road, at the municipality

0.2

Cross a streambed and head up the wadi; when it ends, stay on

same heading (SE) and continue across the hillsides until you reach
a 4x4

2.1

Turn L uphill onto a dirt road, toward the tel

0.2

23.1

At top of the climb, with the tel on R and another dirt road heading
L, go SSE over the hill and down the other side toward a small
group of houses where a highway branches SW down a wadi. Option: Go L on the dirt road for a few dozen meters to a viewpoint
and the exact site of Khirbet abu Salem

0.8

Cross the old asphalt road and continue SSE uphill onto a 4x4. Pass
another 4x4 to R, leading into the wadi

0.3

2.3

23.4

Just after passing a well on L, with a strip of cement running away

from it, turn off the dirt road and head SE for a small wadi across a
narrow valley. Turn is soon after passing a 4x4 going down to L

0.2

3.1

Pass Minya (the small group of houses - considered a neighborhood

of Tequa) and go downhill on the road by it; follow it down to the
junction in the valley

0.3

23.6

Cross two 4x4's and stay straight for the small wadi to SE. Cross a
streambed and head up the wadi; when it ends, stay on same heading (SE) and maintain across the hillsides until you reach a 4x4

0.6

3.4

Junction of 3698, 3670, and 356. Signs for Sair, Jerusalem, Route 60.
Go L on 3670, downhill into Wadi Sa'ir

0.7

24.2

Go R on a distinct 4x4, heading SE

0.7

24.9

Turn L onto dirt road leading into Wadi Jihar

0.1

In a valley bottom, continue uphill on the 4x4, crossing another

running diagonal/perpendicular

0.5

4.3
4.4

Bear R onto 4x4 to wadi base with olive trees, pass water station on
L, pass Bedouin tents

1.0

25.4

Cross another 4x4 - the access road to Reshayda tent is on L

0.2

5.4

Stay straight, pass "chabara" stone oven making plaster

4.5

25.6

Meet a dirt road on R, just after passing some tents on L. STAGE

END. To go to Reshayda Tent, head E on the large dirt road, then L
on the dirt driveway after 50m

9.9

Stay straight in wadi, pass another "chabara"

2.4

12.3

Stay straight, town of Reshayda visible straight ahead on hilltop,

wadi joins from R, large caves uphill on L

2.8

15.1

Stay straight, pass Bedouin tent and water coming in small pipes
from town above on L

0.6

15.7

Stay straight, valley widens, cave dwellings near trail to R

0.1

15.8

Turn L out of main wadi, just before 4x4 track visible ahead, follow
footpath with town and trees visible above, and head up toward
town. Head N through Reshayda and make for Hwy. 3698, the road
E of it

1.0

16.8

Turn R to walk SW along Hwy. 3698

1.3

18.1

Head L onto a 4x4 to a hilltop just to L of where the road begins to

weave

0.1

18.2

From the small hilltop, head across the valley to S, toward a few
buildings on the next, higher hilltop

0.7

18.9

Pass a metal hut on L, then begin following a footpath that appears,

heading SE toward another group of houses

0.2

19.1

As you pass a small group of houses and sheep pens, curve around
it, staying above the valley to L, then resume the same 4x4

0.2

19.3

Go L on a 4x4 just after passing a small group of houses

0.4

19.7

Stay straight at the crossroads, continue as the 4x4 becomes gradually fainter

0.3

20.0

Stay straight across the saddle, following the faint 4x4 up and over
the next hilltop with a few heaps of stones on it

0.1

20.1

4x4 curves L; stay straight on a fainter one up to the hilltop

0.1

20.2

From the hilltop with a stone heap and a view back to Reshayda,
head downhill to E. Cross a 4x4 and stay downhill onto a much
rougher 4x4

0.2

20.4

From the saddle with the 4x4 running across it turn R on the 4x4,
and head ESE along the ridgetop until the ridge ends

0.4

Transportation:
Tequa is accessible by minibus from a bus station just south and
downhill of Manger Square in Bethlehem (fare about 5NIS).
The Reshayda Tent is only accesible by 4x4 vehicle.

Water:
Water available in Tequa; its possible to ask for or possibly buy
water in Reshayda village. No reliable water available at the
Reshayda tent; if no guests are staying that night, there may not
be a functioning water tank. If hiking to Hebron and not staying
at Reshayda Tent, bring enough water from Reshayda to last 22
more km (including a long uphill push) to Al-Ain on Stage 2.

Stage Notes:
There are inconsistent 4x4 tracks to follow throughout the stage;
be careful to maintain the right heading (especially after passing
Reshayda) rather than following 4x4 tracks, which may turn off
in the wrong direction

2.3

15.8

sh

Reshayda
Tent

Re

Ca
ve

Tequa

Dw
el
lin
ay gs
da

Te
lT
ab Khi equ
u rbe a/
Sa t
le
m

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16.8

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2km

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END

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25.6

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317

1 km

0
80

20.7

Maale Hever
Settlement

Nebi Yakin
Shrine

22.7

19.6

Beni Naim
0

700

80

Khirbet al-Qasr

17.6
0
60

15.0

Masafer Beni Naim

60

600

700

15.8

13.5

Al-Ain

10.6

600

12.4

6.1

40

0
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700

80

9.3

8.2

500

400

50

Khirbet al-Deir
5.9

400

40

50

Makhtal al-Badawi

50

400
40

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Kaabna

300

2.8

700

60

500

800

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Wa
d

ha

i Ja

2.1
30

Reshayda
Tent

abrahampath.org

0.6

Lot Mosque

80

200

Reshayda

30

400

30

90

30

ar
Wadi Jah

40
0

400

500

2: Reshayda Tent to Beni Naim

Distance: 22.0 km
Time: 5-8 hours
Physical Challenge: difficult
Trail Difficulty: moderate

(Hebron Region)
km

Walking notes

+km

12.8

Stay straight past a 4x4 joining from L. Well just

ahead and down on L

0.1

0.0

From the road just W of the Reshayda tent, with several other tents on a hilltop just to N, head W along
the large dirt road

0.1

12.9

At the next junction, go L past the well

0.6

0.1

Just before the large dirt road curves slightly R, head

L, going SW on a fainter 4x4

0.5

13.5

Continue on the dirt road, entering the outskirts of

the village

0.1

0.6

Turn L on the large dirt road

1.5

13.6

Stay straight, dirt road goes R

0.3

2.1

As the dirt road approaches the wadi bed, turn R

away from it to walk NW, upstream

0.7

13.9

Turn R on at the T, mosque at the beginning of

paved road just to R. Stay straight past mosque and
other dirt road going R. Way to L of turn is blocked
by fences

1.1

2.8

Turn R to walk NW along the wadi bed

3.1

5.9

Turn L out of wadi at a small wadi coming from L, at

old stone wall, toward Khirbet al-Deir

0.1

15.0

Turn L off paved road onto dirt 4x4, as the paved

road curves hard R

0.8

6.0

Stay straight, pass collecting deep well on L

0.1

15.8

0.2

6.1

Stay straight, pass Khirbet al-Deir on R

0.1

Turn R on 4x4 after nice house on L, follow power

lines, dry stream bed on L

6.2

Stay straight on R side of wadi, pass water cistern

0.1

16.0

1.0

6.3

Turn R out small streambed/wadi up onto hillside on

R, jeep track soon visible on L

0.5

Stay R at Y along barbed-wire fence, toward buildings above area called al-Harab, uphill on 4x4

17.0

Stay L at junction with well

0.6

6.8

Turn R on dirt road/4x4 uphill

0.2

17.6

0.4

7.0

Stay straight, wadi visible down to R

1.2

Stay straight, Khirbet al-Qasr on L (after passing 4x4

to L over small wadi)

8.2

Pass Islamic era well "Makhtal el-Badawi"

0.7

18.0

Turn L at T on 4x4, junction called Muthalth alQasr, head downhill, then uphill

1.4

8.9

Stay straight S past a dirt road heading R

0.4

19.4

Stay straight, pass old abandoned stone house on L

0.2

9.3

At the T of dirt roads, go R, along a wadi bed to L

0.2

19.6

50m before the dirt road curves R, past a single

Bedouin tent on L, go L off it to cross the wadi bed,
and head S uphill. Then curve R to go W along the
spine of the hilltop

0.6

Turn R at T (junction called "Muthalath Jurun alButma"), follow green-marked dirt road uphill

0.3

9.5

19.9

Stay straight, road becomes asphalt

0.8

20.7

1.1

At the top of the hill, where a dirt road begins, continue on it along the mountaintop. In valley below
to SW are Masafer Beni Naim and Al-Ein village where the teal-domed mosque is. To R on mountaintops is Beni Naim

0.4

Stay straight, former Israeli military watchtower on

hilltop to R

21.8

Head uphill to "Maqam al-Yaqin" visible on hillside

ahead at roadblock and junction (road goes to R to
Beni Naim)

0.2

22.0

END STAGE at Maqam an-Nabi Yaqin/Yatin

10.6

Turn L onto a dirt road heading downhill

0.6

11.2

Curve R past another dirt road joining from L, then

turn L onto a smaller 4x4 away from the main dirt
road

0.3

Curve L with the 4x4 through plowed fields. Continue with it along the edge of the hill, above a deep
valley on L, and down along that hillside toward the
valley that that one feeds into

0.6

12.1

Reach lower valley bed, and turn L to walk along

the side of it on R. Soon join a 4x4 track, staying
straight, and stay with it as it crosses the wadi

0.3

12.4

Curve R with the 4x4 past two others to L and a

fainter one on R leading to a house

0.1

12.5

Continue uphill, going R at the T, onto a dirt road

0.2

12.7

Go slight at the junction (not hard L or straight)

0.1

END

Transportation:
Beni Naim is accessible by bus from Hebron.

Water:
Reshayda Tent doesnt have reliable water if you are not staying
there; if no guests are booked at a given time, there will likely be
no one at the tent. If not staying there, bring enough water from
Reshayda on the previous stage to last you until Al-Ain.

Stage Notes:
Be prepared for a long uphill walk, and bring plenty of water;
the first opportunity to refill water is 13.5km into the stage.

6.1

abrahampath.org

2km

K
al hirb
-Q e
as t
r

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al
8.2

M
Be as
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im

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-A
yn

l-D

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ak
-B h
ad ta
aw l
i

Beni Naim
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et
a

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Kh
ir b

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17.6

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14

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Tourist
Information

abrahampath.org

Tel Rumeida

Jdeida Spring

Al-Manara Square

7.0

Hebron
*

Hebron
Museum

Old City

6.3

6.6

90

5.9

Abrahams Tomb

80

Kiryat Arba
Settlement

60

5.2
4.6

60

3.7

317

crossing
! busy road

old stone
buildings

2.3

Beni Naim Homestay

900

1.1

Nebi Yakin
Shrine
900

1 km

0.0

Beni Naim

Lot Mosque

3: Beni Naim to Hebron

Distance: 7.0 km
Time: 2-3 hours
Physical Challenge: easy
Trail Difficulty: easy

(Hebron Region)

+km

6.1

Turn L at T, continue downhill

0.2

Begin at Maqam an-Nabi Yakin

0.1

6.3

0.3

0.1

Turn L after water station to main road in direction

of Hebron across field (avoid military tower on L)

0.2

Turn R at circle, pass markets, mosque "Tarik ibn

Zayyid" and UN school on L

6.6

Turn L after passing through Israeli checkpoint

0.2

0.3

Turn L on paved road toward main road after water

station

0.2

6.8

Turn R toward Abraham's Tomb

0.1

0.5

Turn R on dirt road, just before main paved road

with area C barrier

0.5

6.9

Turn R here if entering Abraham's Tomb on synagogue side

0.05

Turn L at Y (not taking R up to village), which will

turn around and down into valley)

0.1

6.95

Turn R here if entering Abraham's Tomb on

mosque side

0.05

1.1

Turn R on 4x4 down into valley

0.6

Entrance to Abraham's Tomb (pass through security checkpoint) STAGE END

END

1.7

Stay straight, cross to other side of wadi, olive and

fig trees, nice shady rest spot

0.6

2.3

Stay straight, pass qasr and old stone buildings on R

0.3

2.6

Turn R on dirt 4x4 at 4-way junction before main

road, slightly uphill on N

0.3

Beni Naim is accessible by bus from Hebron.

2.9

Turn L towards main road, pass trashed dairy farm

on R

0.2

Hebrons central circle has buses to many surrounding towns,

and to major cities.

3.1

Stay straight, pass through stone wall (not L to main

road)

0.2

Water:

3.3

Turn L on footpath at large cistern to stay parallel to

Hwy. 60, on footpath, which then turns down into
valley toward Hwy. 60

0.1

Fill up in Beni Naim; this will easily last you for the short walk
into Hebron

3.4

Keep N on R side of fields/vineyards, near valley

floor

0.2

Stage Notes:

3.6

Turn L and cross valley floor, straight towards Hwy.

60

0.1

3.7

Cross Hwy. 60 (busy!), jump guardrail and continue

straight between old stone houses on footpath

0.2

This short stage leaves time for exploring the city of Hebron follow the city walk route also shown on this map, and explore
the Old City on your own.

3.9

Turn R on dirt road, passing livestock shelter on L

0.2

4.1

Turn L on dirt road near large stone blocks, passing

cattle sheds on R and heading into the valley below
to the L

0.2

4.3

Stay straight (dirt road joins from L)

0.3

4.6

Stay straight on main dirt road, cross valley floor

and continue in same direction on other side

0.6

5.2

Stay straight on paved road (not road to R)

0.1

5.3

Stay straight to R (road on L) at Y, enter area "Jebel

Johar"

0.1

5.4

Stay straight (road joins from L)

0.3

5.7

Stay straight (road joins from R)

0.1

5.8

Turn L at the T (mosque just ahead on L and Israeli

military watch tower nearby)

0.1

5.9

Turn R at "Mosque Johar" just before military tower,

go downhill on steep road

0.2

Transportation:

Note that while both sides of the tomb complex are open to
visitors, Muslims and Jews are permitted only into the mosque
and synagogue sections of the building, respectively. All visitors
must also pass security checks before entering, and must dress
modestly (including head coverings for women entering the
mosque). At times, access to one or both sides may be limited.

Beni Naim

1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100

Hebron

y.
6

Hw

Walking notes

km

1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100

3.7
abrahampath.org

1km

11

Abraham Path
Hebron Region (Palestine)

From the ancient village of Tequa, walkers to Hebron make their way into the desert and can spend a night
sleeping under the stars, before reaching Beni Naim, with a grave and shrine dedicated to the prophet Lot,
nephew of Abraham. The route continues from Beni Naim to Hebron, the traditional burial place of Abraham and his family, where a large complex houses symbolic tombs, above the caves where the family are said
to have been laid to rest.
The Abraham Path in the Hebron region comprises three walking stages, from Tequa village to the city of Hebron. Along the way are plentiful ancient ruins - the tel of Tequa; cave dwellings and stone ovens; abandoned
monasteries. The city of Hebron marked the end of Abrahams journey - it is here that Abraham and Sarah,
Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob and Leah (as well as Joseph, in Muslim tradition) are thought to have been buried in a family tomb, which has made this site one of the holiest in the Abrahamic faiths.
From the ancient village of Tequa, walkers to Hebron make their way into the desert and can spend a night
sleeping under the stars, before turning east to climb past a series of crumbling monasteries along one of the
ancient ascents up to the mountains. In the high country overlooking the Rift Valley to the east is Beni Naim,
with a grave and shrine dedicated to the prophet Lot, nephew of Abraham.
The region continues to echo with the memory of Abraham, from the pastoral setting of the country hills on
the edge of the desert, to the climax of the route: in the center of Hebron, a huge shrine houses the symbolic
tombs of Abraham and his family, built atop the cave where tradition says they were all laid to rest.
Accommodation:
Tequa homestay: Abu and Um Ghassan family. $40/peron. Includes dinner/breakfast. Book through Siraj
Center, 02-2755273
Reshayda Tent (Hassassa) Bedouin Camp: $40/person. Includes dinner/breakfast. Offers jeep tours. Contact
Abu Ismail, 059-7430969
Beni Naim homestay: Alia Mansara & family; $40/person, includes dinner and breakfast. 059-745-4335
Hebron has a number of hotels; find information and booking through online search. There are also several
Hebron families offering homestays, which can be arranged through the Siraj Center (www.sirajcenter.org).
Water and Supplies:
If not sleeping at the Reshayda Tent, youll need to either carry water from Reshayda all the way to Al-Ain
village (22km), or arrange for water to be brough to you in the desert. Aside from this gap, youll be within a
few kilometers walk of populated areas.
From Tequa, youll have two days until the next grocery store in Beni Naim.

Abraham Path
Hebron Region (Palestine)
Transportation to the Hebron region:
The closest airport to access the West Bank is Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv (Israel). There are no direct
public transport options from Ben Gurion to the West Bank, so we suggest traveling first to Jerusalem via
the Nesher airport shuttle (which leaves when full, 24/7, from outside the airport, and drops you off at a
requested address). Car rentals are also available at the airport (though these cars will not be insured to drive
into Areas A and B of the Palestinian Territory), and private taxis can also take you to Jerusalem (cost about
300NIS, higher rates nights and weekends).
An alternative option is to fly into Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, and cross to Israel/Palestine
via Allenby Bridge.
From Jerusalem to West Bank cities:
Buses to Palestinian cities do not depart from the West Jerusalem Central Bus Station but rather from two
bus stations near Damascus Gate in East Jerusalem. Buses depart regularly but do not have a formal schedule.
Buses normally run from about 6am to 7pm.
From Jerusalem, Hebron is accessed via Bethlehem. Depart from the bus station next to the light rail stop
called Damascus Gate a short way west of Damascus Gate. Blue bus #24 goes regularly to the main checkpoint into Bethlehem, after which youll need to take a taxi (10-15NIS) or walk (30 min.) into Bethlehem. A
faster option is bus #21 (8NIS) which goes directly into Bethlehem; the last stop is a few minutes walk from
Old City Bethlehem.
To continue to Hebron, you can catch a shared taxi from Bethlehem, either at the Central Bus Station near
Manger Square or from the Bab az-Zqaq intersection on Hebron Road. If you are coming from Jerusalem,
take bus #21 from Damascus Gate to Bethlehem, and it will drop you off across the street from the taxi stand
at Bab az-Zqaq where you can catch a shared taxi to Hebron. At the time of writing, shared taxis were 9 NIS.
Stay in the taxi until the last stop and then ask directions to the Old City, which is a few blocks away. The
taxis stop running around 6 pm in the winter and 7 pm in the summer, so plan accordingly.

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