From Menahamia to the Sea of Galilee

Service Description

This two-day trek begins in the village of Menahemia, located between Beit Shean and the Sea of Galilee, in the heart of the Jordan Valley. From the very first steps, we tackle the ascent of Wadi el Jurum: a technical climb that takes us up to the Ramat Sirin plateau. From the Elot viewpoint at the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the southern part of the lake and the surrounding valley lands. We then follow the plateau north along the Shvil Israel trail, reaching Nahal Yavneel. The path descends into a canyon dotted with numerous springs, still flowing even in summer. A stop at Ein Sani is highly recommended: it’s an ideal spot to cool off, have a coffee, or chat with Sani, our host, who also offers tents for those wishing to spend the night. The trail continues toward the Jordan River at the Alumot Dam. Walking along the river, we reach Yardenit, a renowned Christian pilgrimage site famous for baptisms. The hike then leads to the Kineret Cemetery, where the poet Rachel and singer Naomi Shemer, two iconic figures of Israeli culture, are buried. From there, we begin ascending toward the heights above the lake. A refreshing pause at the Ein Poria spring precedes the day’s end at the ANA Poriya youth hostel, our overnight stop. In the morning, after enjoying a spectacular sunrise over the lake, we resume our trek toward the forest planted by the Swiss KKL. The forest stretches over the heights, overlooking the city of Tiberias from south to north. The trail takes us to Mitzpa and then to the moshav of Kfar Hittim, where a well-earned break in nature at Café Numa is in order. The final section follows Nahal Rakat, gently descending toward the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The last kilometer runs along the water’s edge, over pebbles, between springs and grasses, until a discreet Russian Orthodox chapel appears, almost hidden, like a secret by the path. Here ends our adventure.