12 Day North and South Tour
Explore Ethiopia’s 12-day adventure through Erta Ale, Dallol, Gheralta churches, Axum, Lalibela, and Omo Valley tribes. Discover history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
1 Day Tigray Churches Tour
Tour Overview
Spend one extraordinary day exploring ancient Ethiopian mountain churches in Tigray region, including the dramatic Abuna Yemata Guh.
Perched high on a sheer cliff, Abune Yemata Guh rock-hewn church is more than just a church, it’s a testament to faith and endurance. Accessible only by a daring climb, this 6th-century marvel rewards visitors with breathtaking views and ancient, untouched murals that few dare to see in person.
What To Expect
1
Mekelle - Gheralta
With our one-day Tigray Churches trekking itinerary, you will visit three churches namely Abuna Yemata Guh, Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor. All of which are very different in style but stunningly beautiful in their own way.
To visit Abuna Yemata Guh, walking for about an hour to commence a steep ascent up the side of the Gheralta massif. This steep ascent soon turn into a climb using foot holds and hand holds chipped into the sandstone rock by the passage of many hands and feet. The climb and the walk along very narrow ledges with sheer drops to the side is not one for the faint hearted.
The church itself can be reached by walking out on a ledge one meter wide and with a 200m drop to the left hand side. At the entrance there is a small cave and a wooden door built into the rock.
Of the three rock-hewn churches, Maryam Korkor is the most impressive architecturally. A huge, high ceiling is supported by 12 free standing pillars. Looking at it you could not help but wonder how the architect managed to carve so high from the ground. afternoon drive back to Mekelle.
In the afternoon (after lunch), you will start trekking to the highest point of Gheralta which is 2700 above sea level which have astonishing view to all 4 corners of the remarkable Gheralta mountains. Then you will visit the church of Mariam & Danile Korkor.
Finally, you descend dawn back to Hawzen which takes nearly 1 hour on walking. Finally you will wrap up your day trekking with 40min drive back to Mekelle for overnight.
What's Included
All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
All entrance fees according to the program
Accommodation while camping (or tent).
Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
Multilingual professional guide
What's Excluded
International and local flight tickets, visa and insurance
Pay the locals for photo and video
Alcoholic drinks
Any other expenses which are not mentioned
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12 Day North and South Tour
This 12-day journey immerses you in Ethiopia’s most extraordinary natural and cultural wonders: from the fiery lava lake of Erta Ale and the surreal salt worlds of Dallol to the cliff-hewn churches of Gheralta, the ancient treasures of Axum and Lalibela, and the vibrant tribal cultures of the Omo Valley.
Blending adventure, history, and authentic encounters, this experience offers an unforgettable exploration of Ethiopia’s landscapes, heritage, and diverse communities.
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